by Mark Amison

Created on: September 21, 2008   Last Updated: February 01, 2012

The Force Unleashed: Xbox 360 comprehensive review.

It is difficult for me to be impartial whilst talking of The Force Unleashed, myself being an avid star wars fan, this game is something I have been long looking forward to not only on the premise that it is a new Star Wars game, but for the very fact that it is new, official canon for the series. Approved by George Lucas himself, The Force Unleashed fills in the gaps between episodes 3 and 4, the gaps between the two trilogies, and something like this is incredibly exciting for a fan of the movies. Thankfully, the story is one of the games biggest strengths, it manages to evolve the character of Darth Vader after his rather sudden fall to the dark side in episode 3, and also encompasses the rise of the empire, and the founding of the rebellion. We see familiar faces like Bail Organa and Princess Leia, and also lesser-known characters like Jedi master Shaak Ti and Rebel Alliance leader Mon Mothma.

The story unfolds through the eyes of Starkiller, Darth Vader's secret apprentice who "brings Darth Vader's enemies to justice". This is the point when non tar wars fans can start paying attention, as I am going to talk about the actual game, and not it's lore.

Controlling the apprentice is simple and intuitive, using a now rather standard button layout where each button is mapped to one specific action. X controls your lightsabre, Y controls lightening, and B controls push, these different actions can be combined in different ways; tapping X giving you standard sabre combos, and inserting Y or B will add lightening or push elements respectively. A will make your Sith jump, tapping it again will make you double jump, you also have a quick dash move, useful for evading fire, and dashing at your enemies. The left trigger is your block button, and also opens up a fable-esque menu of other force powers, These sabre combos and force powers can be upgraded in a basic, but deep level up system, allowing you to tailor your Sith to either a sabre using tank, or a powerful force wielder made of paper. However, aside of all this, it is the right trigger that you will grow to love, as it opens up a whole new form of gameplay.

The right trigger activates force grip, allowing you to pick up anything you target, be it an object, person or pipe you rip from the wall. It is here that the game opens up a wealth of gameplay possibilities, as the Euphoria engine in the game makes your enemies react to what you are doing with your hold

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