Customer Reviews

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The Force Unleashed is a fun game that suffers from a variety of technical problems and programming short cuts that obviously indicate that the game was pushed out the door.


Pros:
+ The Graphics are great for a PSP game.
+ The game is fairly long and has a lot of replay value with the main story, Force Duels, Order 66 (survival mode), and Historical missions.
+ Lots of unlockables. Unlockable characters/costumes for both Force Duel and Main story, arenas, upgradable force powers, lightsaber colors and hilts, and art galleries.
+ 1 on 1, 1 on 2, and 1 on 3 battles with Jedi are awesome. Probably the best part of the game.
+ Force powers are fun to use.

Cons:
- Programming short cuts appear throughout the game. To mention a couple, some menus you can use both the analog and d-pad while others you can only use the analog stick. Another was that you can unlock various characters to use in story mode but all cutscenes are unviewable if you choose to use them. 2 issues with this. One, cutscene are rendered real-time so to put these characters into the cutscene it only requires a couple of lines of code to switch the character image. Two, at least they could have defaulted back to the apprentice instead of killing the cutscenes altogether.
- Camera is bad. You cannot move the camera at all and it is slow to readjust to your movements.
- Lightsaber combat is a little weak. Limited Hack and slash similar to Core Crisis. Force powers make up for this but it would have been nice for a little deeper lightsaber combat.
- The game freezes A LOT during both gameplay and cutscenes. This is either due to amateur programmers or a lack of QC. It is really unforgivable to produce a game for a console that freezes this often. While it doesn't kill the gameplay, it can get really annoying at times. The worst is that it lags during the opening when the Title appears on the screne (I have a PSP SLIM).

Overall, when it works it is great. While the camera problems and the constant freezing to load (it really does get bad) hurt the game, it never really kills to fun. If you can get by that it is really an enjoyable game. Hopefully Krome/LA will release a patch to at least take care of the freezing problem.

A great epic adventure more on par with movies IV though VI. A God of War inspired Star Wars expansion to the movie franchise, That is every bit as good a game as GoW:Chains of Olympus, and while this may not be the system seller GoW was, because of multiplatform availablity, it is a definite must own for anyone who games with the psp. This version of TFU rivals that of the more powerful consols with regards to fun and in many ways it surpasses those versions, throw in a slew of PSP exclusive game modes and this may just be the one to own.

If you outright do not like Sci-fi or Star Wars specifically, you'd probably still enjoy this well put together, beautiful nonstop action adventure title, sure some of the appeal of being a lightsaber wielding jedi knight/sith and how eloquently this ties the two trilogies together may be lost if you're not a fan but it's still a intense action/adventure with great gameplay. You do not have to be a rabid Star Wars fan to think this game is great fun, for example I enjoy the movies but I do not own a single one.

I have played some of the xbox360 version and it is visually superior in every way but for pure gameplay adrenaline I prefer this version. The cut scenes have suffered some due to the limitations of the technology but a fully functional and complete version of the story is here, just not with the lavishly detailed movie quality of the ps3 and xbox360 versions.

The level designs for this version are unique, while the settings are the same as it's big brothers what is found here isn't a shortened experience but a completely individual take on the environments. Another additional psp exclusive is the Jedi Temple levels. (some of these exclusives may appear in the other versions of the game created by Krome Studio for the wii and ps2 but it's my understanding most of them do not.)

This is an excellent package and a great game, nearly everything that's in the other versions is here plus more, 10 different hilts, 16 color crystals, and 7 power crystals for your lightsaber, 10 different outfits a total of 280 hidden extras scattered throughout the main game to discover only adds to the replayablity of a game already possessing a higher replayablity than most games in the genre. There is also the ability to increase your force powers 4x each throughout the game making you much more powerful and deadly, and with 20 powers including throwing your lightsaber like a boomerang and shooting lightning from your fingers you'll feel like a total bada$$ whether you're choosing to use the force to crush the throat of stormtroopers or toss a Wookie off a cliff.

There are three bonus single player modes on the psp version including Historic missions where you get to play 2 famous scenes from Return of the Jedi and 2 from Revenge of the Sith. Another psp exclusive bonus feature is getting to play the Order 66 event that prequels The Force Unleashed. The third extra can be played single or multi and it's a battle mode called Force Out where you can choose form a multitude of Unlockable Jedi and Sith characters from both trilogies and TFU. There are also numerous unlockable arenas and other specials available.

In addition to the force out battle mode there are two other multiplayer modes I haven't had a chance to play as of writing this.

An amazing campaign and a ton of bonus features should make this superbly made game a candidate for psp game of the year.

Graphics: A (cut scenes B)

Sound: A+

Control: B (I only experienced significant camera difficulties during 1 boss battle in one of the bonus History Missions, not part of the main game.)

Fun and Enjoyment: A

Overall: A-

All I can say is that reviewer from 1UP is completely off his rocker to give this game such low marks. I jumped from the Nintendo DS to the PSP because of this game. IT ROCKS!

Yes its not going to be as good as the XBOX 360 or PS3 version BUT it is 100 times better than the DS version. Not to say the DS version was bad either, but when I compared the graphics on the DS version (which I originally owned) I decided to go out and by a PSP and get this game. The controls were fun on the DS, and the 3D rendering was good compared to some other DS games but still it looked pretty bland overall but when you see that the PSP graphics rival the graphics on the PS2 I had no choice and make the jump and I"m glad I did. I have played the story game over 4 times. I have no problem with cutscenes. I thought they were great actually. Once again its not XBOX 360 but it is worlds better than what the DS had for their cut scenes. Plus the PSP had an exclusive DUEL mode and Historic missions mode where you could play Luke Skywalker, Count Doku, Mace Windu, Darth Vader, and the Emperor. You don't have that on the XBOX 360 versions.

I'm sure I love this game more than others because I'm a Star Wars fans, but I can't stand it when these elitist frauds called video game critics trash a good game just because they claim camera issues or lack of originality or some other BS. I had no problems with the camera nor did I get bored of using the force powers or the lightsaber.

Bottom line. If you love Star Wars, love a good adventure game, and own a PSP its a no brainer.

The eagerly anticipated Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is finally here, and Star Wars fans will find plenty to admire and enjoy here. Others however may find a certain degree of disappointment to be found with Force Unleashed thanks to some noticeable flaws and glitches, but if one overlooks these, a good time is to be had. Featuring one of the best and most compelling stories you may ever find in a video game period, Force Unleashed also features some thrilling and jaw dropping moments that will make even the smallest Star Wars fan squeal with joy. You play as Starkiller, the secret apprentice to Darth Vader, and you are charged with eliminating the last remaining Jedi in the universe. Interacting with your pilot Juno Eclipse and a droid named PROXY, Force Unleashed also features some compelling and inventive characters to boot; so much so that you'll actually be caring about what happens to them as the game progresses. As said before, Force Unleashed is loaded with thrilling moments, but a good amount of these moments are few and far between, and some technical and gameplay glitches really hurt the game as well. Including times when the camera seems to want to work against you, the targeting system is frustrating in in every sense of the word. Force Unleashed also comes off at times as being too epic in scope to fit the final product of what you're playing; it just feels as if something is missing here that shouldn't. Still though, the game looks pretty good on the PSP, the music is superb, and the art design is simply spectacular. All in all, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed isn't a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but despite it's flaws, the game delivers the goods that Star Wars fans will be looking for, and it is definitely worth your time and attention.

The PSP 3000 is my only dedicated game system, and I got it mostly for entertainment on travel, including movies. I bought SW:FU because I love the original franchise, and wanted a game whose story line was at least familiar to me. This puts me into the 'casual gamer' niche, though I have logged amazing numbers of hours on PC games until a few years ago. So, take my review in context :)

First, the graphics on SW:FU were very nice, though some of the models and cloth physics are not up to the level of higher-powered systems. There are several things that will collide or fail to flex properly (the developers should have just left these out, imho). But the actual effects and physics are very nice. The visuals appear to have at least some randomness in them so you aren't looking at the same action or sequence every single time.

The game play itself is actually very good in that it certainly progresses over time, and there is flexibility in how you use various force powers or moves to get through each situation. While some elements take longer than I'd like (mostly due to repetitive attack sequences that require you to simply bash away while avoiding incoming attacks), it it enjoyable trying to find the right combinations and weaknesses to exploit in the myriad enemies. As for the force powers themselves, it seems like they are not uniformly useful across different situations. For example, you'd expect a light saber plunged into an enemy's chest to have some lasting effects, but this is not always the case.

Story is kind of important to me when dealing with a game whose affiliation is so well known. This game does pretty well at moving the story forward, and has enough twists to keep it interesting. Of course, it isn't quite to the level of a good puzzle game like the Myst series where your choices depend on previous knowledge, but it's still entertaining.

As for the cut scenes, there are some glitches here and there, but I've never experienced severe hangs that weren't due to user error (hitting the power button by mistake) or low battery. During game play there can be a few hiccups, and they can interrupt the flow, but these are infrequent and after a few moments, they're forgotten.

Overall, I really enjoyed this game for the PSP, almost enough to make me go get a larger dedicated console just to try it out on a big screen. It's great for casual gamers (though learning some of the combinations takes time and practice - and you'll have to refer back if you put it down for a week or two), and the replay is a lot of fun with the duels and unlocked characters. Between this and God Of War, I've been well entertained.

When I first saw that this game was going to come out I really didn't know what to think. All the star wars games in the past that I have played were really crapy. You had to go to this spot and couldn't go ane were else, and not to mention that they were all very controled (violence wise.) This one broke the ice!!! You can throw the guys across the map and watch them fall like ragdolls, or electricute them like there is no tomorow. Aneways, I'll start talking about the campaign. The campain is, well, in the middle. Not long but not that short. It is REALLY easy though, the reason being is that you are SSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo unleashed in it. There are 2 alternite endings. You can chose to eather fight the emperor or darth vader. There are about 10 different types of suits you can have, 12 different shades and light saber colors, and there about 15 mabey 20 special characters you can be. The way to unlock them is going in extras, and lokking at the holocrons you have colected and look at the top right of the holocron and there you get your cheat code to enter. so, all in all the campain is actually very awesome.

Some other modes in the game is historic mode wich you can play as your favorite characters in sircumstances in the star wars movies, And there is survival mode wich you see how long you can survive.

All in all this is one of the best games I have for the psp and the best star wars game I have ever played.

I think this game is the best psp game i have ever played. this game is a good game and story because it fills the stange gap between the 3rd and 4th stories and makes you happy to no the it wasnt just darth vader going planet to planet killing jedi for no reason. This game has many glitches and stalls, especially the first second you go to the title screen. The game makes up by having a good open world expeiriense and being on both sides(The Rebelion, and The Dark side or Empire). When you are playing you cant help but notice you are a total BAD@$$ and a unstopable killing machine, and force powers are leathel. Lightsaber gameplay is okay andlimited, force push is the main force power and sends the enemy flying, You also get the lighting ability witch is good for many targets. You have many custabizable options that include clothes lightsaber color and ability( witch you have to find threwout the story mode). Another fun fact is all of the hundreds of lives you will be taking, you kill Felucian, stormtroopers, jedi, sith, bounty hunters and wookies.

Overall this game is a very good action adventure and is totally worth it!

I've had this game for a couple of months, and still I'm addicted to it. There are so many ways to kill a storm trooper, its like a drug. If you're feeling like doing it the simple (boring) way, you can use your lightsaber a few times to slash through their armor. Or, as the game implies, you can "unleash" your force powers. You can strike your foe with a barrage of lighting, pick him up and choke him to death, use repulse to knock over your opponents nearby, throw your lightsaber, or simply pick up one foe and push him into another, killing both.

Although I feel as if I'm missing something by not owning the console version, such as more powerful graphics and more explanation of the story line, this game still has a powerful tale. Although many reviews mention slow loading times (and trust me, there are), I find that it doesn't take away from the overall experience. So what if there's a wait? Its fun all the same to pick up enemies on certain levels, tilt the joystick in the right direction, and then release them while they fall to their death.

While the game is challenging, neither is it impossible. The hardest part about killing the bosses at the end of each level is the time it takes. They have just as much health as you, if not more.

So, if you're looking for some portable entertainment, I would definitely recommend this game.

The Force Unleased is memorable. It really offers a different style of the force never before seen in the Star Wars frachise. To tell you the truth I have played most Star Wars games. But this one is different.

Sure, its not as phenomenal as the Knights of The Old Republic but it has a unique aspect to it that will grab the attention of those interested in Star Wars games. But its not as bad as the disgracful Obi-Wan Kenobi game. The Storyline is not RPG style as it was in Knights of the Old Republic and for the PSP(i am not sure about other consoles) you follow a linear path to completing the game. The Story catches your attention by allowing you to be Darth Vader in the first level. But the story ends a little quick; it took me about 4-5 days to beat them. Ultimately, the storyline will prove to be memorable and has a major twist that will leave you stunned.

There is not much you can expect from the PSP, but this game had stellar graphics. I beleive that might've been the reason why the game would stall for a sec or two at some parts so all in all it was worth the second wait. The game offers rewards and unlockable characters as incentives to completing the mini games it has to offer. In relation, The mini games get easier to accomplish when you gradually upgrade your force powers. And upgrading force powers requires beating the story mode a number of times in order to gain the force points needed to upgrade and eventually the attributes carry on to make you stronger for mini games and in repeated story mode missions. Great Incentives allow for high replayability.

The Mini games are plety: including historic missions and deuls as well as surviving the waves of enemies carrying out the emperor's order 66. The Gameplay has matured. There are a number of unique and different force powers never yet discovered in other Star Wars games. For those of you that have played Mortal Kombat, you might have heard of Fatalities. Likewise, those of you into wrestling games might have heard of finishers. For those of you who haven't: they are brutal ways to finish off your enemies once youve pretty much defeated them. The fatality/finisher system is incorporated into the Star Wars game. When the enemy's life is low a button will appear on the screen to push(you can choose to complete this fatality or just finish the job your self); a combination of buttons will follow and you must press them at the right times in order to complete the fatal finisher. What makes it even more fun is that each enemy has a unique way of being finished off. Light saber locks and force locks are still present to nourish the hunger for battle urge. ( they occur when you and the enemy attack with either the force or a lightsaber at the same time.)

In Conclusion, i think this game is best suited for a Star Wars fan. Other wise, if you seek to realease the force inside you and electricute the living day ligths out of all foolish enought to stand in your way: it should be bought used or atleast a rental. <<<MasterMind>>>

Wasn't sure if I would like it for the PSP, but I was travelling and wanted to play it. Couldn't put it down. Controls we decent. Graphics were good. And gameplay was great. One of my favorite games for PSP.