| Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Dark Forces II | LucasArts | 1997 | |
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Essentially a first-person shooter made to
compete with the likes of Quake 2, JK tries to separate itself from
the pack early on by capitalizing on the Star Wars theme. Utilizing
FMV (Full-Motion Video) cut scenes in between gameplay, complete with
live actors on digital backgrounds, JK includes something most Doom
clones forget, an actual plot! Stages coincide with the plot accordingly
and revolve heavily around the objectives which is refreshing from the
usual find the keys and exit theme. Players journey through the stages
in the role of Kyle Katarn (think Han Solo wanna-be with sprinkles of
Luke Skywalker), who must learn the ways of the force and frag all enemies
along the way. Unlike the first game, this one includes a multiplayer mode,
and after level three the player has the use of a lightsaber, along with
The Force. The lightsaber blocks weapons fire, is an effective weapon and
provides light in dark areas. There are three types of Force powers: Light
Force powers provide non violent advantages such as being able to restore
health or persuade enemies to ignore the player, Dark Force powers are
violent and give the ability to throw objects or choke enemies, Neutral
powers enhance athletic abilities such as being able to jump higher or run
faster. There are twelve powers in total, four of each type. Between
levels, the player can choose which Force powers to enhance. There are a
variety of hostile and non-hostile non-player characters (NPCs) within
each level that the player can interact with. Other enemies include
monsters and vehicles. Throw in all the elements like 3D accelerated graphics,
Star Wars setting, John Williams composed soundtrack, and refreshing
plot-oriented missions and you get a sure-fire winner, right? Close,
but JK fumbles a little along the journey to being a true master. It's
not that the game's execution is poor, but it isn't really that revolutionary
either. Take for example, the stage designs. While the sci-fi look is
there and the environments seem natural at first, but after prolonged
play, stages drag on way too long and it's clear that the level designers
start to draw out the stages with too many obstacles and puzzles for
the sake of play-life. It's a shame because the game is most effective
when you can lose yourself in the fantasy environments that are convincingly
realistic. Once you start getting frustrated by the lengthy design,
it breaks that suspension of disbelief and you're all too aware of the
contrived stage.
See also: #Jedi Knight MP: Mysteries Of The Sith, #Dark Forces 2 Unreal Engine Remake |
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