Nintendo Switch Review Code Provided by Aspyr Media
One of the games I played over and over during my adolescence was LucasArts’ Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. It offered Jedi/Sith combat that was mind-bending to my young mind. The story, though no longer part of the canon, expanded the universe a bit more and introduced us to who was technically the father of the Rebel Alliance as we know it; Starkiller.
No one has been more loving of the Star Wars games of old as has Aspyr Media, and now TFU has finally made its way onto yet another console because of them. Released today on the Nintendo Switch, this version of the game is a rerelease of the original Wii version, complete with motion controls to boot. Having beaten the game for the umpteenth time, I am more than satisfied with having this game with me, always.
Gameplay
Jumping right back into this game was like jumping back onto a back after not having rid it for a while, it was like no time had passed. I was also very pleased with just how well the controls and combat have actually aged. This title truly still holds up against others currently released. Though it may not be as finely tuned as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, this is the perfect game for the folks that just want to feel like a god among men.
Starkiller is by far one of the coolest and most impressive characters when you look at his sheer power. Taking control of him truly feels like you are in control of a relentless war machine. There are numerous different skills to upgrade, a few force abilities, and even lightsaber enhancements that can amplify the amount of damage you can deal.
Though the gameplay loop is a pretty simple concept, you won’t be getting bored because of the different collectibles to search for and the great amount of enemy variety that the game throws at you. There are very many bosses in this game, each with their own unique way of combat that too makes things feel fresh. It isn’t as much like a Soulslike title as Fallen Order was but it is definitely still epic.
Audio and Visuals
Personally, I think the game looks pretty great for its age. Sure, the models do look a bit stiff during cutscenes but on the Switch it still likes great. I don’t think these screenshots give it justice. Though, I would’ve really liked to have seen the Xbox 360 or PS3 version make their way onto the Switch because of how much more detailed they look overall.
The audio aspect is impeccable as well with the actors giving it their all. Darth Vader and Darth Sidious especially steal the show whenever they’re in a scene. Lightsabers sound beautiful and hearing the dialogue amongst enemies like Stormtroopers is pretty fun. The game’s score has its fair share of original tracks for the game but I was pleased to hear so many of the tracks I grew up with from the films themselves.
Replayability
Since the game’s original release in 2008, I have played this game so many times. The story, gameplay, collectibles, and the world make this a title you want to come back to over and over again. You also have the added fact that the game has two endings, there’s what is essentially a New Game+ mode after you beat the story, and there’s the included Duel Mode that allows you to battle your friends locally in lightsaber fights.
What It Could Have Done Better
As I said, I wish that a better-looking version of the game could’ve been ported over. If that is possible at all though is a mystery. When it comes to the Duel mode, you have to be playing with a friend to even get it started. Playing against the CPU would’ve been a great inclusion so that even a single person could enjoy it.
While playing the campaign, I did notice a few glitches or bugs though not one of them impacted my gameplay at all. It was mostly limited to enemies being frozen in place after death or enemies wandering off in their own direction away from me.
Verdict
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed has, at least to me, been one of the finest games in the franchise ever released. Having it on my Switch and being able to experience it yet again, now as an adult, is an amazing trip of nostalgia. Whether you loved this game as much as I have on other platforms and want to try it on Switch or are simply wanting to experience it for the first time yourself, you will not be disappointed by picking this up.
