“A Jedi!? I thought those were extinct!”

“Watch out for this one – he’s dangerous.”

“Did you see that? How are we supposed to go up against that?”

Aaaah.

Music to the ears of the “Star Wars” fanatic, especially when uttered from the stoic, bumbling form of the armor-clad Stormtrooper. That had to have been the single most amusing aspect of “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” for the Playstation 2.

But these perks, although highly impressive, are not restricted to those that come with this epic, long-awaited video game.

With a story line led by Starkiller, a Jedi lovechild-turned-secret Sith apprentice of the infamous Darth Vader, “The Force Unleashed” pays homage to the icons of yesteryear with pivotal cameo appearances made by characters from both trilogies – one of whom makes a surprising return from a supposed death in “Revenge of the Sith.”

Exciting new heroes and villains have been added, as well as the recreation of the famed Jedi Trials.
Staying true to the spirit of the franchise, “Unleashed” is loaded with aesthetically impressive visuals and non-stop, Force-wielding, lightsaber-swingin’ action.

Like the various Marvel action adventure games that have come out in recent years, “The Force Unleashed” allows the player to unlock new Force abilities as he increases the notches on his lightsaber – additional colors and crystals for which can be attained, as well.

And there’s seemingly nothing more fun than a smooth Force repulse followed by some sizzling lightning.
The game features an array of unlockable costumes, lightsaber focus crystals and concept art, all of which can be accessed through coveted Jedi Holocrons hidden throughout.

Its internal database aboard the Rogue Shadow, Starkiller’s ship, is also full of information about various characters, events and ideas. Cheaters are given the option to bypass certain obstacles here, as well, though considering “The Force Unleashed’s” size, that particular option is hardly necessary.

This brings us to the subject of the game’s difficulty, which is virtually nonexistent.

As a rebellious and often bad child, I had my video games taken away so often, that I only fully experienced console gaming in my early 20s, after I purchased my own system. Suffice to say, I’m not exactly one with the button-mashing prowess.

In spite of this, I only seemed to die in the beginning. The entire game was beaten in 12 hours. Vader didn’t put up much of a fight and the Emperor was a joke.

This is all easily salvaged, however, by the game’s intricate storyline. Starkiller’s emotional turmoil is surprisingly well-developed for a character outside of the Role Playing Game sphere and the aforementioned cameo appearances are tied into the overall story line so well that one would readily vie for this game’s inclusion in “Star Wars’” canon.

The infamous Darth Vader is portrayed so vilely in the game that I often found myself thinking, “Ani, how could you? What happened to that sweet, little boy who loved his mommy so very much?”

Then again, I’ve always been a little too emotional where those kriffin’ Jedi are concerned.

In accordance to “Star Wars” games past, “The Force Unleashed” gives its player the option of two alternate endings – the Light and Dark side of the Force, respectively.

Overall, it’s a remarkably fun experience, if short-lived. Once beaten, however, the gamer is given the option to begin the story line anew, with earned powers and costumes readily in place.

While not entirely worth the excessive wait associated with its release, the size of the world within “The Force Unleashed” slides it into the rental category, though the thrills it entices are nothing short of wizard.

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