AbstractChoose your favorite vehicle from the EPISODE I era, then battle it out with the computer or a few friends. Five multiplayer modes allow you to enjoy a variety of battles online or off, while high AI makes for staggeringly difficult one-player modes and missions. The Xbox version boats a number of hidden vehicles that don't appear on other platforms, making this the most comprehensive installment. You don't have to be a STAR WARS junkie to get major miles out of this title.
ESRB rating
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Violence |
Full descriptionGraphical enhancements and added two-player modes aside, Star Wars: Starfighter Special Edition is essentially a port of the PlayStation 2 original. Based around the exploits of three pilots: Rhys Dallows, Vana Sage, and Nym, the game weaves a narrative that, while concurrent with the events of Episode I, is totally unique to the game. Throughout the title's 19 missions, of which five are exclusive to this edition, players will helm three completely different fighters, each of which is unique to their owner. Rhys' Naboo Starfighter is extremely quick with a modicum of firepower, while Nym's Havoc is slow, but armed to the teeth with energy bombs, triple laser cannons and more. Falling somewhere in between is Vana's Ship, the Guardian Mantis. It's highly maneuverable, but lacks the speed or power of the other two.
The missions themselves run the gamut from standard seek-and-destroy excursions to massive space battles, with five bonus missions making their way into this edition. Certain missions even allow the player to command wing mates, ordering them to defend or attack specific structures and enemies. CG cut-scenes perform the necessary task of setting the stage for upcoming missions, as well as providing some insight into the various characters you're forced to control. LucasArts saw fit to include an additional three multi-player modes in the title, bringing the grand total to five.
Hunter pits two players against each other, one being the requisite hunter, while the other his prey. Capture the Flag and Dogfight are exactly what they sound like, and staples in many a multi-player mode, regardless of genre. Tag and Detonator Drop round out the selection. Detonator Drop is much the same as CTF, but now there's only one flag (a bomb in this case) that everyone must recover. Once retrieved it must be dropped off at an opponent's base before time runs out. Tag requires the designated person to keep an enemy under a beam for ten seconds to score.
Visually, Star Wars: Starfighter Special Edition proves the most accomplished, sporting sharp textures and a smooth frame rate.
Star Wars Starfighter: Special Edition combines intense air combat in a fast-paced action adventure game. Fly as three different pilots, each with their own craft. The game includes 14+ missions to protect Naboo and drive back the Trade Federation forces in an epic original story. The extras include five new bonus missions, new and expanded two player modes.
Editorial reviewSource:
AmazonThis Xbox shooter set in George Lucas's famous far, far away galaxy is actually a port of the fun PlayStation2 game from a long time ago. The
Special Edition tag means it's not quite a straight port; Xbox gamers are treated to a few visual and gameplay enhancements to the original
Starfighter.
Taking place parallel to the events of Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace, Starfighter lets you control the destiny of Naboo pilot Rhys Dallows, mercenary Vana Sage, and pirate Nym as they wage war against the dreaded Trade Federation.
Starfighter delivers everything that a console game named Starfighter should: shiny ships, big guns, and lots of targets. The gameplay is of course just as good and solid as the PS2 original. While the core game can be finished quite quickly, there's a host of extra missions and ships that can be unlocked by successfully completing secondary tasks within individual missions.
Every object in this special edition of Starfighter is more detailed and shows a bit more flare and flash than the already great-looking PS2 version. And unlike the PS2 game, there's almost zero slowdown when the action is at its most frantic. Besides improved graphics, Starfighter SE features expanded (and instantly accessible) multiplayer games. These games are mildly amusing at best.
So, while the extras aren't fabulously exciting, the game delivers what it promises: Starfighter optimized for Xbox. If you're in the mood for a fun, mostly mindless, space shoot-'em-up game, you'll be well satisfied with this one. --Mark Brooks
Pros:
- One of the best Star Wars games made for consoles
- Enhanced visuals over the original PS2 version
- Multiplayer options that do not need to be unlocked, unlike the PS2 version
Cons: - If you've beaten the PS2 version, there's no need to bother with this one
- A particularly deep game it's not
Expanded 2-player capture-the-flag arenas
Pilot extraordinary 3D craft, including the Naboo N-1
Help three starfighter pilots save Naboo from the corrupt Trade Federation
- Portions of content provided by Rovi Data Solutions, Inc. and IGN Entertainment, Inc.