StarWars Republic Commando Review

Republic Commando is a first person shooter that lets you take control of a squad of elite clone troopers. Similar to other shooters you have a health bar, a separate gauge for shields and a fancy HUD, but running and gunning won't get you very far in this game. The focus is on using tactics to lead your squad to victory using the D-pad to give your troops commands to follow as you battle.

 Taking place during the battle at the end of Episode II, you play Delta-1138, a clone commando bred and raised in the clone factories of Kamino. You are put in charge of Delta squad which consists of three other squadmates. Each one respectively has his own personality, which makes for interesting dialogue at times. The voice acting is good and the opening visuals really put you in the game.
 The beginning of the game puts you in battle on Geonosis and from there you travel to a ship called "The Prosecutor", and then to Kashyyyk. You'll slaughter the poor droids, Geonosians, Trandoshans, and anyone else who lacks the common sense to get out of your way.The blood of your fallen enemies will actually stick to your helmet blocking your view until this convenient windshield wiper cleans it up for you. You and your squadmates will also rely on bacta stations to regain health, but even if your health drops to zero it is not the end. You can command squadmates to revive you, so the game technically doesn't end until your entire squad is incapacitated. You also have to hack computers, and breach doors to get through the levels. Your squadmates are trained specifically for each of these tasks on top of others, but there's nothing they can do that you can't do yourself, which makes them expendable if the computer decides to play dumb. And it pays to pay attention when your squad needs cover, otherwise you may find yourself swamped by enemies.
 Your enemies are not the smartest, but it's very easy to get pinned down in a firefight in later levels.

 The campaign is only a few hours long, but about halfway through, I got bored with punching the same enemies in the face. If it wasn't droids, it was Trandoshan blood all over my face. Eventually the game reaches the point where one level looks just like the next, and since the game is very linear there's not much exploring to do. So basically you end up running down corridors, blowing through doors, killing enemies, wash, rinse, and repeat. Not very exciting.
 The game starts out strong, but by the end I was far from thrilled. Multiplayer is decent but nothing to brag about either.

 The game is far from terrible, but unless you really like being a clone and shooting super battledroids with bowcasters, you should find something else to play.

Republic Commando: 3/5

-Cj Hackett

Starwars lego I & II Review

Lego Star Wars Review

What game combines your love of Star Wars and brightly colored plastic pieces?

Lego Star Wars!

Spanning the original trilogy as well as the prequel, fans of all ages should be able to find something to enjoy in this game. Let's start with the first game. Lego Star Wars I covers Anakin's pre-pubescent years and his descent toward the dark side. Game play consists of a third person camera view as you traverse famous scenes from the films. The combat isn't very complex and the puzzles are far from difficult, which makes the game accessible to children, but mature players may find themselves bored with pushing blocks and killing battle droids repeatedly.

Besides the main plot, players are encouraged to explore the levels for lego studs and minikits.
Some of which are unattainable until unlocking new characters, which increases the games replay value. Not to mention that you can obliterate Jar-Jar Binks as many times as you desire.
A.I. in the game is simple as well. Which means the boss fights are never very difficult. At times they may not be straightforward, but they're not much of a challenge. The friendly A.I. is lacking as well. Don't expect your computer teammates to watch your back when you're solving a puzzle or pulling a lever. It's a slight disappointment that makes playing with your friends very welcome.

That covers the basics of the first game. Lego Star Wars II takes much of the same gameplay, but adds in a few much needed changes. The combat and puzzles have been stepped up slightly and are still pretty simple, but reliving classic moments from the movies is a blast. New to the game is the option to create and customize your own characters, so if you have some weird fetish and want to see Darth Vader in a golden bikini, your prayers have been answered. The levels have a more in depth feel to them and the game seems alot more involving in this sequel. Especially the levels that have you piloting spacecraft. And if the main game isn't challenging enough for you, there are bonus levels to keep you busy. One of which puts you in the role of a bounty hunter and has you tracking down important "rebellion" members.

All of this comes together to make an entertaining game whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the Star Wars universe. Play it alone or with others. Friends or family. It's a good time for all. Just keep the pieces out of your mouth.

Lego Star Wars I : 3/5
Lego Star Wars II : 4/5

-Cj Hackett

Dark forces II review

Ever wanted to push a Storm Trooper off the side of a ledge?
Or maybe you've wondered what it would be like to light saber duel
a blind Dark Jedi... or maybe just see a floating upper body? Well
you’re about to get your chance in this review of the classic game
Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight.

Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight is a very fun FPS classic for Windows 95
that details the events preceding the game Dark Forces. One year after
the events of "Return of the Jedi", Mercenary Kyle Katarn finds out the
identity of his father’s murder, which turns out to be a Dark Jedi named Jerec.
So Throughout the game you follow Kyle on his quest to avenge his father and
halt Jerecs evil Dark Jedi Plans... Didn't see that one coming did you?
Well basically the game is a fine combination of a First Person Shooter,
Third Person Shooter, and Roll Playing Game. In the game you receive a
large arsenal of guns which make interesting ways to kill...
well what can only be described as armies of aliens and Storm Troopers.
Later in the game you receive a light saber which is where the Third Person
game play comes in. That with a combination of useful force Powers makes
this game a awesome classic Jedi Experience, even if the light saber
combat mirrors that of a rousing game of Piñata at a children’s party.
That being said what can you expect of a game that’s even older than
the Prequel Trilogy its self. The Story line is compelling to say the least
and should keep your attention quite well, especially since the
cut scenes are far more interesting than the normal computer animated
crap most games today use, don't get me wrong I have a list of the
most awesome cut scenes ever from games, BUT seeing actual actors
is refreshing and a pinch more cinematic. Altogether even though
some might prefer the sequels to Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight
because of their better saber combat, Force Powers, and graphics...
Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight is an amazing classic that’s fun to
go back and play.
Dark Forces gets a 4/5 stars on my list. ****

-Chris Hanna