Star Wars The Force Unleashed

[Sourz]

Title: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Publisher: LucasArts
Developer: LucasArts (PS3, X360), Krome Studios (PS2, PSP, Wii), n-Space (DS)
Genre: Action
Platforms: PS3, X360, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS
Release Date: Q2 2008

• Official Website
• Teaser Trailer

THE PLOT
The next chapter in the Star Wars saga, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed tells the story of Darth Vader's Secret Apprentice, a mysterious figure who has been trained by the menacing Sith Lord to hunt down the last of the Jedi. Set in the dark times between Episodes III and IV, the story is both a continuation of the prequel trilogy - exploring the aftermath of Order 66 and focusing on the continued evolution of Darth Vader - and a direct bridge to the Classic trilogy. The Force Unleashed will forever change the Star Wars galaxy and lead directly to events in Star Wars: A New Hope. Developed under the direction of George Lucas, the storyline for The Force Unleashed remains a closely-guarded secret. However, it has been revealed that the Secret Apprentice's journey takes him across the galaxy -- from the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk to the junkyard planet of Raxus Prime and the mushroom-covered Felucia. He will be aided in his dangerous missions by a loyal sidekick PROXY - a prototype holodroid with amazing abilities -- and a beautiful Imperial pilot named Juno Eclipse. The Apprentice will clash with powerful force wielders, including the spirited Zabrak warrior Maris Brood, and General Rahm Kota, a hard-boiled Jedi soldier who senses that the Apprentice is destined to become something far greater than just Darth Vader's Servant.

Concept Art

 

[Superninjabreadman]

Yeah. its totaly gonna be awesome. I didnt know it was coming out for the wii though. most definately best starwars game to date.

 

[Crimson King]

I can't wait for this game.

The only thing with the Wii versions, notice it's made by a different company, meaning the mechanics will not be like the PS3/360 version. Take Spider-Man 3 the Movie. The game was decent on PS3 and 360 but the PS2 and Wii version was awful due to it's lack of open-endedness. Also the fact the the company making that version is ALSO doing the PSP version, meaning it'll have the same treatment as Manhunt 2, is cause for some distress.

Just be warned. But, I have no fears, I have a PS3 and this game looks AMAZING.

 

[Cashed]

The physics in this game are outstanding, I hope everyone's seen the video where they have Jar Jar Binks carbonite'D and apply the different properties to him, my favorite being gel, it made the entire thing stretch vertically because of the weight.

But yeah, the game should be pretty great, it has the potential to play like a true Star Wars game should, but you never know, it may turn out to be average like the other Star Wars games.

 

[adaptor17]

this game does look godly.thank god im getting a 360 4 xmas.the wii version is gonna suck,haha.well,unless they implement the gc controller or something.i think that youll be able to turn good @ some point in the game.@ least,i hope.double green lightsaber here i come.

 

[Sourz]

Thanx for letting me know about that CK, i'll keep that in mind.

 

[AltF4]

Lol, am I the only one who can't get past the fact that the game's initials is: STFU. rofl

 

[adaptor17]

hahahaahahahaha,dude thats ****in hilarious.i never even noticed that.

 

[Crimson King]

Lol, am I the only one who can't get past the fact that the game's initials is: STFU. rofl

SWTFU?

Close, I guess.

 

[AltF4]

Yea, I consider Star Wars one word for the purpose of the acronym. It's just not funny otherwise.

 

[Sourz]

Lol, am I the only one who can't get past the fact that the game's initials is: STFU. rofl

heh, so much for saying this game's initials anywhere around the forum.

 

[Cashed]

And this gets a bump for the impending release.

 

[Black Waltz]

I'm pretty excited for this game. I hope they actually make the Wiimote usable for lightsaber swings.

 

[Darkslash]

I for one cannot wait for this game. I was waiting for a Game like this to come along and now its here.

One awesome thing i saw on the 360 version of SWTFU.

You own a At-St in HALF. So that answers 2 questions.

Is the apprentice bad ***?
Yes

What the heck does a AT-ST look like inside?
Well now you know.

 

[SkylerOcon]

I'm not sure on which version I want. The Wii version will, of course, implement motion controls, but the graphics of the PS3 will make it look amazing.

I'm going to wait for reviews until I pick this one up. That will hopefully help me decide which console I should buy it for.

 

[Sad Panda323]

The Wii version will suck, I'm calling it right now. They'll probably make you randomly trip.

 

[derek.haines]

http://wii.ign.com/articles/899/899517p1.html

If IGN's preview is to be believed, it doesn't. It's actually got alot going for it to make up for the lack of a fancy physics engine. I'm actually contemplating (loosely) buying both the PS3 and Wii versions just because they do seem so different.

...okay, I don't have that sort of bankroll and I'm nowhere near that big of a Star Wars fan, but I still will have to choose between versions, and that choice is actually looking like it might be a difficult one.

 

[Seventh Sword]

Doesn't the Wii version retain the same physics engine, just toned down a little? Besides, like Derek said, if the previews are to be believed, it hardly impacts the game experience. Let's not forget that the Wii version also gets 5 extra levels and Duel Mode.

 

[Spire]

After all, Knights of the Old Republic was a beautiful game, but honestly, it had a terrible physics engine. This game will be great on the Wii and I will buy it. Yes, I do not own a 360 or PS3, but I'm not going to go blow several hundred bucks on a new system that I don't even want. The Wii version looks great, will be a great addition to the [dull] Wii library, and hip scrot krimble blot, yippie i-oh!

 

[Cashed]

This game will show off Euphoria much better than GTA IV was able to. I'm going to be renting the 360 version (you expect me to buy a game that's going to have zero replay value?), and I really can't wait to see how it is. The recent string of trailers they've released look crazy good, and surprisingly enough, the story actually looks like it won't be something that was pulled out of George Lucas's ***.

 

[Red Exodus]

I was thinking about getting this but then I considered the fact that the Wii version won't be as good as the 360/PS3 version [I only have one wiimote so no duel mode] and I'm a big physics ***** so that's a big loss to me. Judging from the videos of the Wii version I figure I might as well pass, it just doesn't look like the same game. The motion sensing doesn't make it stand out for me, I'm not a fan of the interaction thing.

I'm hoping they port it to PC later, I'm getting the parts for new PC tomorrow so it'd be nice if I could play this on that instead of having to get it for the Wii or wait till I play a PS3 version.

 

[Thrillhouse-vh.]

When this was first announced, I was going to get the Wii version. Now...

I'm sure it'll be an awesome game.

 

[derek.haines]

I was thinking about getting this but then I considered the fact that the Wii version won't be as good as the 360/PS3 version [I only have one wiimote so no duel mode] and I'm a big physics ***** so that's a big loss to me. Judging from the videos of the Wii version I figure I might as well pass, it just doesn't look like the same game. The motion sensing doesn't make it stand out for me, I'm not a fan of the interaction thing.

I'm hoping they port it to PC later, I'm getting the parts for new PC tomorrow so it'd be nice if I could play this on that instead of having to get it for the Wii or wait till I play a PS3 version.

Too bad the mouse and keyboard would totally blow for it. Just like pretty much every ported console game. Games not made with the PC in mind generally don't provide quite the experience that they do otherwise.


I'm really glad the Wii version got it's own team this time around, it's going to show that companies are starting to care about the Wii experience a little bit more. And the game shows it--checking out screenshots, it really looks more than decent, and it would look even more solid in motion. Add that to the immersion provided by the solid motion controls, and it's looking like a totally non-gimped experience.

...that said, unless you've really got a jonesing for the Duel mode or the bonus content, there really doesn't seem to be much of a reason to choose it over the PS3 or XBOX 360 versions. If you've only got a Wii though, game on!

 

[Darkslash]

I can finnally pull of my LightSaber fantasies now

I'm gonna have to get my self checked for Laughing maniacally at the T.V. when i take down a AT-ST. Last time i did that when i went on a rampage with a Rhino in GTA Liberty Stories.

But i think the duel Mode is gonna be abused with the force powers in my opinion

 

[AltF4]

It's been almost a year since I heard about this game, now...

...and I still can't over the fact that the initials spell out STFU.

 

[Cashed]

Demo came out today on Xbox Live and PSN. It's a very short demo, but it's a lot of fun. I had a ton of fun with the physics. God I love Euphoria. Using Force push to bend doors open, using Force grab to grab poles and bend them every which way, rip pieces of the corridors off and throw them at enemies... Grabbing a TIE Fighter and throwing it at a group of Storm Troopers... all too much fun.

 

[derek.haines]

Demo came out today on Xbox Live and PSN. It's a very short demo, but it's a lot of fun. I had a ton of fun with the physics. God I love Euphoria. Using Force push to bend doors open, using Force grab to grab poles and bend them every which way, rip pieces of the corridors off and throw them at enemies... Grabbing a TIE Fighter and throwing it at a group of Storm Troopers... all too much fun.

Lordy, I did not know that. Will be downloading momentarily.

 

[Crimson King]

What's the official release date?

I cannot wait to play this demo!

 

[Cashed]

It'll be in stores on September 17th.

 

[Darkslash]

It'll be in stores on September 17th.

Hopefully i get enough money from my B-Day and get this game on launch day.

 

[Red Exodus]

Too bad the mouse and keyboard would totally blow for it. Just like pretty much every ported console game. Games not made with the PC in mind generally don't provide quite the experience that they do otherwise.

There are several controllers available for PC, from Xbox 360, to PS3, to Wiimote, to PS2 and gamecube, they can all be used with PCs so as long as you do a little digging you'll get the control you prefer.

I'm really glad the Wii version got it's own team this time around, it's going to show that companies are starting to care about the Wii experience a little bit more. And the game shows it--checking out screenshots, it really looks more than decent, and it would look even more solid in motion. Add that to the immersion provided by the solid motion controls, and it's looking like a totally non-gimped experience.

I'm still skeptical about Wii getting a different team for 3rd parties. It always feels to me as if the Wii gets the short end of the stick. This never used to happen with Gamecube so the fact that it's happening now is very disheartening to me.

...that said, unless you've really got a jonesing for the Duel mode or the bonus content, there really doesn't seem to be much of a reason to choose it over the PS3 or XBOX 360 versions. If you've only got a Wii though, game on!

That's the best thing I can see coming from this, the fact that the Wii still gets the game. Most companies just ignore the Wii for these sort of releases.

 

[derek.haines]

I'm still skeptical about Wii getting a different team for 3rd parties. It always feels to me as if the Wii gets the short end of the stick. This never used to happen with Gamecube so the fact that it's happening now is very disheartening to me.

Back in the days of the Gamecube it was much the same situation as exists now with the PS3 and the 360--all major consoles were capable of more or less the same the same experiences, making multiplatform ports feasible for a single team. It would be built from the ground up for one console, then tweaked slightly to better fit the others. That's how it still works these days for the PS3 and the 360, but the Wii is an entirely different animal. It's less-capable graphically, making straight ports difficult and time-consuming because of the immense level of tweaking necessary for a decent experience. Factor in the time required to troubleshoot and tweak the motion controls, and you're potentially adding months to a development time and perhaps lowering the quality of all the products across the board.

Having a designated Wii development team allows for that single team to focus in on all of the elements necessary to make a good Wii game. They can take the time to tone down the graphics while still creating a quality product (as opposed to simply using a software solution with questionable results) and do all of the number-crunching necessary for motion controls to work successfully.

 

[xX Boezy Xx]

Well, The Force Unleashed Demo is now up on the Xbox Live marketplace. I myself haven't played it, but I've heard great things about it already, and I plan on playing it the second I fire up my Xbox.

EDIT: I've played the demo, and I've gotta say, the game is very fun. The only thing I can really liken it to is God of War, but the Force powers and The Apprentice's various Jedi skills (such as his dash and double jump) give the game a very unique feel. It's a riot when you throw Stormtroopers into explosive containers, or clear a room with a charged up Force push. And that's only the demo. I can't wait to play the full game!

 

[Sad Panda323]

Bump for impending release?

 

[derek.haines]

IGN reviews are out.

PS3/360 - 7.3
Wii - 7.8

That and the apparently pretty awesome control scheme sealed the deal for me on what version to get.

 

[Deception]

IGN reviews are out.

PS3/360 - 7.3
Wii - 7.8

That and the apparently pretty awesome control scheme sealed the deal for me on what version to get.

Heh, is it time to rub the truth in the faces of those who thought the Wii version was inferior yet?

 

[Darkslash]

Hmm looks like i know what game i'm getting at Christmas.

Surprisingly the Wii version got some of the highest ratings in both reader reviews and IGN scores. BUT alot of IGN memebers still say the 360/Ps3 versions are the superior ones...I haven't have the faintest idea..

 

[Sad Panda323]

Here's the Gamespot reviews:

Wii - 6.0
360/PS3 - 7.5

Hm....

 

[Darkslash]

I really don't trust Gamestop. Seeing as they are really biased against the wii and even members of their forums question the credibility. In all seriousness i just trust IGN and Metacritic.

 

[Thrillhouse-vh.]

It's pretty good. At least an eight.