Star Wars

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood, Violence

Star Wars is without a doubt one of the most popular and powerful franchises in Hollywood history, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn't at least heard of it. It's nothing less than a cultural juggernaut, and along with that comes the expectations of the legions of fans that have supported it for decades.

If Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast is "a beacon of light" as Keith calls it, I don't want to follow. This game should change its subtitle from "Jedi Outcast" to "Faces of Death" because it isn't so much an interactive adventure set in the Star Wars universe as it is the most elaborate and punishing three-dimensional mousetrap ever conceived.

Before the hate mail starts coming in for giving it an eight, let me say that Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic is a good videogame. It's doubly good on the Xbox, since it's the only substantial role-playing game for Microsoft's machine outside of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Metal Dungeon, and possibly Pirates Of The Caribbean, though it's safe to say that they all stray from what one usually expects of a console RPG. However, would I call it a great game? I guess that would depend on your love of the Star Wars license.

There have been plenty of times when I've wished my life was structured similarly to the existential glee found in certain videogames, games like Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic. Like a scene straight out of Mike Judge's first film Office Space, my editors often hunt me down to say, "I'm gonna have to ask you to come in on Saturday."

Game Description: Long before the Galactic Civil War, an epic drama begins. Engage in this saga set in the Golden Age of the Republic—over 4,000 years before the first Star Wars film, when both Jedi and Sith number in the thousands. With the Galaxy reeling from a recent conflict with the Dark Lords, the ongoing battle between the Jedi and the Sith rages on. Your actions determine the outcome of this colossal galactic war—and your destiny as a Jedi.

I can recall back to my childhood watching the Star Wars Trilogy. I have rather fond memories of the movies and even dreams that have never been able to manifest themselves in any other media other than my imagination. It's rather disappointing when I think about it, especially considering the multitude of opportunities LucasArts has had to capture the experiences of the movies. Don't get me wrong, they have produced gems like Star Wars: X-Wing and The Super Star Wars games, but on the same note, they're also credited with flops such as Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer and Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter. In fact, it seems all of their recent attempts have been lackluster at best.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Violence

Game Description: In the tradition of the multi-award-winning Star Wars: Jedi Knight, Star Wars: Jedi Knight II, Jedi Outcast features rebel agent Kyle Katarn in exhilarating first-person action. Players assume the role of Kyle as they employ a unique mix of weapons, Force powers, and the lightsaber in both single- and multiplayer modes. Jedi Outcast features expanded and enhanced use of the lightsaber, with new attack and defense moves. Tap into the powers of the Force, including jump, push, and Jedi mind tricks. Employ combat or stealth, depending on the situation. When a fight is necessary, be at the ready with an arsenal of weapons: stun baton, Bryar blast pistol, and blaster rifle to name but a few. Explore breathtaking Star Wars locales such as Cloud City, the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, Nar Shaddaa, the smugglers' moon--plus some never-before-seen locations. Multiplayer options include capture the flag, free for all, team FFA, duel, weapons only, and Jedi master.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Violence