Overall, a great game...but..

[NMcC]

I've just finished the game. I bought it against my better judgement despite the middling reviews, and probably partly because my expectations had been dampened I ended up really loving the game. I just wanted to say that I think the devs did a really great job with so many aspects of the game.

 

The graphics are really incredible (I have the 360 version), I love the physics and the DMM etc. The force moves are great fun. The storyline, as everyone says, is brilliant - actually genuinely changes canon for the Star Wars universe. It's great that George Lucas now sees games as a legitimate medium to do this, alongside the movies. And the game's score is INCREDIBLE. Features all those familiar SW themes, mixed with great new stuff and blended all together perfectly. Marching through Kashykk as Vader with the Imperial March pumping and legions of Star Destroyers overhead really is up there with my all time best gaming moments

 

There are certain things about the game, though, that I consider a missed opportunity, though. Thought I'd share those thoughts with the wider community, see what you all think In no particular order:

 

1. The levels based in organic environments are not as "Star Wars evoking" as those based in well-known and loved locations. Felucia just didn't feel too Star Wars to me. It's also a question of level design - linearity works better in artificial environments - it feels more peculiar to be hemmed in to one path in an outdoor environment. Personally I'd have loved it to have every level set in some kind of imperial setting! Can't get enough of Stormtrooper slaying

 

2. Although I loved the look of Raxus Prime, I found it slightly difficult to make out the bad guys against the backdrop. Something about the colour scheme. Minor quibble, but again, killing junkyard droids is not that Star Wars...

 

3. As has been stated in other reviews, your growing power is offset largely by the growing power of the enemies you face in each level. That's great from a game balance point of view, but one of my most fervent hopes for this game was the ability to march through some imperial installation dispatching LEGIONS of stormtroopers with consumate Jedi/Sith ease. That doesn't really ever happen, with the possible exception of the Tie shipyard level. That's not to say I didn't enjoy what WAS on offer, but it would have been nice to have more weak enemies thrown at you in later levels to remind you of how powerful you'd become.

 

4. Lightsabre combat. While on the whole I liked the combo system, my personal opinion on the subject is that anything that comes near a lightsaber should be dismembered, or at least killed pretty instantly . Too many enemies are either sabre resistant or force resistant. I'm of the opinion that game balance is a secondary consideration to game experience, others I'm sure disagree. I understand the commercial reasons for not having sabre dismemberment, it's still disappointing

 

5. QTEs. These are fine. Once in a while, but it's a shame that I have no idea what those cool scripted sequences where Starkiller dispatches a Jedi look like, because I was too busy staring intently at the bottom section of the screen. QTEs are too fashionable in action games now, they need to be reigned in a bit

 

 

Overall though, I'm really glad I bought the game, currently on my second play through, if anything it's MORE fun than the first time. One thing I desperately wish the game had, though, is a Spartan: Total Warrior style arena challenge mode - sort of like a beefed-up training room. You could face off against waves of increasingly powerful enemies and see how long you could last. Or there could be a simple arena sandbox where enemies are continually spawned and you could test out your creative killing skills to your hearts content Maybe you could do it in a DLC. Hell, I'd buy it

[Rabish Bini]

I agree with your last sentence, they should've given 360 users a survival mode.

I don't mind the QTE's, cos you don't have to concentrate too hard.

Lightsaber combat is fine for me

I don't care about the power of the force been balanced out with stronger enemies.

Raxus Prime is great, I see fine

The first one I whole-heartedly agree with.

 

As you can see, I'm with you on only 2 of those, just my opinion though

[Darca Lar]

The game's story is what I liked most, although it lacked in some areas; which is why I am currently reading the book and it is pretty awesome. It fills in so many gaps that it almost boosts the game's renown a little bit. I strongly suggest giving this a read if you've played the game.

[Rinku]

I liked it, but it stinks that one has to totally replay the game just to get to certain level.

 

I heard that in the Wii version you can get a Sith Lord level if beat the game 100%, but I have beaten the game twice and cannot get everything.

 

I saw the book at the library but did not get it because I was reading something else, I might get it.

[LordOfTheFish]

I haven't even considered replaying it. I have not desire to say I beat TFU on Sith Lord difficulty.

[Henz]

I am very surprised by the replayability of the game. I've completed it several times already, which is very unusual for me.

 

I would also have liked some form of enemy spawning challenge mode. I can see replaying levels getting dull, especially as you can't skip cutscenes.

[Da_Man_2423]

This should have been a rent for me. I don't think I've touched it since I beat it. It's a fun game, but the story is hardly memorable for me, and I don't see what's so amazing about replaying the same exact levels with different clothes on.

[Jeff]

This should have been a rent for me. I don't think I've touched it since I beat it. It's a fun game, but the story is hardly memorable for me, and I don't see what's so amazing about replaying the same exact levels with different clothes on.

Yeah, I've been thinking about trading it in for in-store credit or something. Even with the Wii's duel mode, I have only played that once.

[Commander Obi-Wan]

Yeah, I'd have to agree with you both. I played it a lot when it came out, but I've played it once or twice since. I tried playing it today, but I was bored after playing for a little while.

[SW01]

Yeah, I'd have to agree with you both. I played it a lot when it came out, but I've played it once or twice since. I tried playing it today, but I was bored after playing for a little while.

 

I've had the same experience recently...

 

I'm attributing it to an initial expectation that wasn't completely fulfilled (speaking as a PS3 user), coupled with an anticipation of DLC that hasn't really delivered.

 

Also, a minor thing but a little off-putting for me, was irritation at the cut-scenes, in that regrdless of how you dress or what colour your sabre is, the cut-scene is always the clothing for that planet and a constant colour. Sounds incredibly picky, but that sort of thing gets to me.

[Rev7]

The game's story is what I liked most, although it lacked in some areas...

QFT

Yeah, I'd have to agree with you both. I played it a lot when it came out, but I've played it once or twice since. I tried playing it today, but I was bored after playing for a little while.

Yeah, same here. After beating it on the DS and LS endings it gets a little bit boring. Not a whole lot of re-playability to be frank with you.

[Rinku]

^ Yep. I am thinking of trading it for something a bit more fun, but I don't know if my bro will let me because he likes playing multiplayer on it.

[Rev7]

I tried playing it today too, I even started a new game on Sith Lord difficulty, but after the first level and a half, I really got bored with it.

 

I honestly have to say, now, that my hopes were a little bit too high with this game. Don't get me wrong, it is a great game, just not what I thought that it would be...

[SW01]

I honestly have to say, now, that my hopes were a little bit too high with this game. Don't get me wrong, it is a great game, just not what I thought that it would be...

 

Yeah, me too. I think we overhyped it a little - I certainly was expecting something as good as KotOR and JK (though not, of course, the same setup), but unfortunately it didn't quite deliver. Without that expectation, it would still have been a highly enjoyable game. As it was, it was good but a little disappointing in some respects, mainly story and customisation.