Pseudo- RPG elements:
I call these pseudo RPG elements because they're sort of there, but not really followed through with. Each time you level up in game, you gain 3 ranking spheres. One for force combo, one for force powers, and one for force talents. You can also find ranking spheres in jedi holocrons, or gain them by completing a side objective. Combos are your light saber attacks, powers upgrades the power of your force powers, and force talents are your passive abilities, like faster force regeneration, or more health. You can upgrade your powers and talents as you wish, creating a character that suits your play style better, and purchase the combos you find more appealing. However, by the time I beat the game, I had a lot of force powers not upgraded to max, and talents were missing left and right, while combos had been finished a long time ago (I'll take this time to mention none of the aerial combos were clear on how to initiate, so I gave up trying).
Also, there wasn't any real indication of when you'd level up (at least none I could find), so it was more like a random treat I was getting, as opposed to something I was working really hard for and was waiting a long time. Also, I never knew what level I was, how much experienced I had, and there weren't any stats like strength or speed that could be upgraded. I appreciated the ability to mold my character to my play style, but the combos really didn't do that at all, and most of the force power upgrades were kind of lame. I think it would've been better if the game had just upgraded your powers as you progressed, or give you certain points you could align with your powers after missions (as per Jedi knight 2 and Jedi Academy, respectively).
Presentation:
Graphics:
I'm going to start off by saying TFU looks fantastic. Whether in game or a cut scene, the game looks stellar, especially thanks to many of the assets implemented in the game. DMM really adds realism to your affect on the world. Being able to bend blast doors open with your powers really looks amazing, but the engine is absent from most of the games objects. This is understandable because it would put quite a toll on your system if applied to everything, but it's still disappointing. Euphoria also adds a nice touch, especially when your gripped enemies hold on to each other. Also, the use of this special camera system I don't know what it's called, that captures the voice actors face really helps lip synching. The lip movement in TFU is really good, especially for Starkiller.
Sound:
Again, spectacular. Whether the sound effects from in game, the sound track used ( which is obviously awesome because it's star wars ) or the voice acting, there are no flaws. In particular, I was extremely impressed with Sam Witwer in the role of the secret apprentice (Starkiller). I found he was really good at getting the tone and emotion across, especially when he was angry or in pain.
Plot:
Another one of the big points of TFU was it's plot. Lucasarts had already said that Starkiller's role in the galaxy was pivotal, but I had my doubts, especially because George Lucas was directing it. BUT FEAR NOT! The plot was fantastic. I'm pretty sure the game leaves a lot out that maybe the book or comic books expand upon, but the parts you see are generally good. Also, Starkiller did play a pivotal role, while I expected it to just be something small made out to be big by lucasarts. Still, there are a few things that are questionable. The use of two different plots was kind of strange. The light side ending was obviously the canon for the history of star wars, which makes you wonder what the dark side ending served, other than to give you that costume (you get a costume for each ending once completed). However, they set up the dual ending very nicely. Dialogue was written carefully throughout the game, so Starkiller's words could be seen in both lights, until you ultimately decide which way to go. I was particularly impressed with the plot, and am relieved to know that George Lucas can still create some good ideas. Sometimes...
Design:
Almost everything is amazing. Concept art, costumes, enemies, everything is insanely cool. However, level designed is quite repetitive, and not all that creative, and the SPOILER ALERT way you drag the star destroyer down just got annoying. Seriously needs some rethinking if they try to do the same thing in the inevitable sequel. Also, there are the same types of enemies, but with different skins over them that appear on several different levels. Not a big deal, but I thought it was kind of lazy of the designers.
Overall:
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is by no means a bad game. It delivers on solid gameplay (albeit a few too many bugs, whether minor or game stopping) , and coupled with excellent presentation, this game is really good. However, when compared to Jedi Knight 2, Jedi Outcast, arguably one of the best star wars games ever, the gameplay falters in a few aspects, giving it more of an arcadey feel to the game. As it's own game, I give it a solid 7.8 out of 10, thanks to excellent presentation, and some interesting gameplay aspects, but when compared to Jedi Knight 2 Jedi Outcast (and this is my biased opinion) the game drops down to a 7.2. Even if it means not being able to combine force powers, shatter glass like glass, or look at jaw dropping visuals, the gameplay wins me over on Jedi Knight 2 Jedi Outcast. Remember, that's completely biased of me, and shouldn't stop you from trying this game out. I would suggest a rental though, as no multiplayer and a short 6-8 hour play through time make it not quite worth the 60 bucks you'd pay for it.
