Bond
04-02-2002, 01:11 PM
Here is IGN's review of Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast:
April 01, 2002 - Things have changed somewhat since I wrote my first impressions. I've finally finished the game and while I still think Jedi Outcast has some minor shortcomings, the overall experience makes this one of the best games I've played so far this year. If you're even remotely interested in this one, you should go buy it and play it. In case that's not enough of a review for you, maybe the following explanation will help convince you...
For those of you who are just joining us (or like Dan are just a bit slow), Jedi Outcast is the latest in a series of action games focusing on Kyle Katarn, an ex-jedi turned mercenary. Kyle gave up on the whole Force thing after he was tempted by the Dark Side in the last game. You'll lead Kyle back to the jedi path through dozens of missions in his quest for...well, that gives too much away. Lets just say that what begins as a simple mission for Mon Mothma soon turns into an intergalactic tale of love and revenge that involves the future of the jedi. While that would be a bold claim for any game, Jedi Outcast pulls it off wonderfully.
Everything is tied together with a tightly written, mature plot. Kyle's motivations and the progression of the story are all handled with a touch that is at once both subtle and unrelenting. Each section of the story is set off by some really fantastic cutscenes. There's a nice balance and sense of pace here. Too many cutscenes in games are either unnecessary or overly long. While the cutscenes in Jedi Knight II are pretty beefy, there's always enough action going on to keep you interested.
Presentation
It's a great use of the license and a really fantastic story. Too bad the single and multiplayer are two separate .exes. 9.0
Graphics
The beautiful levels are almost as great as the character models. Effects are nice but lighting could be improved. 8.5
Sound
Professional voices bring the story to life. High-quality effects and music are taken straight from the films. 9.0
Gameplay
Combining the lightsaber with the Force powers is great. The puzzles can seem a little tiresome and pointless. 9.0
Lasting Appeal
A meaty single player campaign and lots of multiplayer options give it a long life. 8.5
OVERALL SCORE (not an average) 9.0
April 01, 2002 - Things have changed somewhat since I wrote my first impressions. I've finally finished the game and while I still think Jedi Outcast has some minor shortcomings, the overall experience makes this one of the best games I've played so far this year. If you're even remotely interested in this one, you should go buy it and play it. In case that's not enough of a review for you, maybe the following explanation will help convince you...
For those of you who are just joining us (or like Dan are just a bit slow), Jedi Outcast is the latest in a series of action games focusing on Kyle Katarn, an ex-jedi turned mercenary. Kyle gave up on the whole Force thing after he was tempted by the Dark Side in the last game. You'll lead Kyle back to the jedi path through dozens of missions in his quest for...well, that gives too much away. Lets just say that what begins as a simple mission for Mon Mothma soon turns into an intergalactic tale of love and revenge that involves the future of the jedi. While that would be a bold claim for any game, Jedi Outcast pulls it off wonderfully.
Everything is tied together with a tightly written, mature plot. Kyle's motivations and the progression of the story are all handled with a touch that is at once both subtle and unrelenting. Each section of the story is set off by some really fantastic cutscenes. There's a nice balance and sense of pace here. Too many cutscenes in games are either unnecessary or overly long. While the cutscenes in Jedi Knight II are pretty beefy, there's always enough action going on to keep you interested.
Presentation
It's a great use of the license and a really fantastic story. Too bad the single and multiplayer are two separate .exes. 9.0
Graphics
The beautiful levels are almost as great as the character models. Effects are nice but lighting could be improved. 8.5
Sound
Professional voices bring the story to life. High-quality effects and music are taken straight from the films. 9.0
Gameplay
Combining the lightsaber with the Force powers is great. The puzzles can seem a little tiresome and pointless. 9.0
Lasting Appeal
A meaty single player campaign and lots of multiplayer options give it a long life. 8.5
OVERALL SCORE (not an average) 9.0