Star Wars Battlefront II

Star Wars Battlefront II improves upon the blockbuster multiplayer original with new space combat, playable Jedi, and never-before-seen environments straight out of final Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith film. The game features an all-new single-player experience that takes players through an epic, story-based saga where every action the player takes impacts the battlefront and, ultimately, the fate of the Star Wars galaxy. The sequel features improved flight control, complex space combat that allows players to board enemy capital ships and battle to take over flying command posts or sabotage the ship to be used against the other faction, increased total online player numbers, and memorable multiplayer encounters in 12 new locations. Online multiplayer action for up to 64 players on PC Windows (plus AI units). ESRB Rated T for Teen.

George Lucas Sucks. the Guy writes three of the worst scripts ever, completely destroys my favorite childhood mythos, and makes me swear that I won't get fooled again. And then his company releases Star Wars Battlefront II.and damn if I don't start whistling "The Imperial March" all over again.

Stay on Target
Unlike the prequel trilogy, Battlefront II improves upon its predecessor in virtually every way. Not only does it sport slicker graphics, improved bot A.I., and larger player limits, but it also brings home more new features than Cher after a visit to the plastic surgeon. First among these: the film-inspired single-player campaign, which follows Star Wars Episodes II through V from the perspective of a clone soldier. Want the stormtrooper's-eye view of Princess Leia's capture above Tatooine? How about flying a TIE bomber to take down General Grievous' flagship? Battlefront II has you covered. And if you earn enough points (for accomplishing mission objectives or just good ol' killin'), you can even take control of legendary Star Wars luminaries like Han Solo or Darth Maul.

And yes, I did just say "flying a TIE bomber." Battlefront II's fully fledged space combat mode might be the coolest new addition--though you may want to pick up a quality joystick or gamepad to get the most out of it. We're talking dozens of TIEs, X-wings, and other classic Star Wars spacecraft whizzing in and out among massive star destroyers and Corellian Corvettes; beam cannons illuminating the inky vacuum of space; and fevered cries of "I can't shake him!" issued from your wussy-ass wingmen. It may be a sad commentary, but Battlefront II stands as one of this year's best PC space sims.and it's an FPS.

EXECUTE ORDER 66!
And a damned good FPS, at that. The Force is strong here, supporting up to 64 players in a variety of game modes including capture the flag, conquest (think Battlefield 1942), the aforementioned space combat mode, and a revamped Galactic Conquest mode that overlays a board game-like strategic element onto the action. Even the modes rehashed from the first Battlefront come packed with bantha-loads of new weapons, classes, and vehicles.

The dark side rears its ugly head in only a few minor technical areas: Some of the maps, particularly the lush Yavin 4 and Felucia, suffer from heavy lag, and the game occasionally locks up or crashes outright during bigger confrontations. But overall, as a thrice-burned Star Wars fan, I'm pleasantly surprised by this game's quality. Ironically, it debuted on the same day as the Episode III DVD; by comparison, Battlefront II makes you wish Mr. Lucas had let the game designers have a crack at his screenplays, too.

Always Two, There Are
What's up with Star Wars and the number 2? Many fans recognize The Empire Strikes Back (the second film of the original trilogy) as the best in the series--but Star Wars-based games also seem to improve uncannily the second time around.

* Battlefront [3.5 stars, CGW #246] vs. Battlefront II [4 stars, CGW #258]
* Dark Forces [4 stars, CGW #130] vs. Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II [4.5 stars, CGW #161]
* Rogue Squadron [8/10, EGM #115] vs. Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader [9/10, EGM #149]
* X-Wing [predates CGW's rating system] vs. TIE Fighter [5 stars, CGW #123]
* Knights of the Old Republic [5 stars, CGW #235] vs. Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords [4.5 stars, CGW #250] (OK, so there's always one exception)
By : Eric Neigher