Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

10 Hours or Less

The Bottom Line:

"Just plain fun"

Let's get something out of the way, you don't need to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy Republic Commando. The game barely features most of the enigmatic elements of the films (light-sabers, Jedis, etc.) and the story doesn't require any previous knowledge to be enjoyed. What the game does feature is a well paced and exciting campaign that's enhanced by the ability to command a small squad of clone soldiers via simple but very fun to use commands. Overall, Republic Commando is highly recommended to any action fanatic.

So you're in control of a squad of clones you say? Yes, but this are clones with a personality. During the introduction sequence you're told about the abilities of your team and how you're an inseparable unit, where success isn't measured individually but collectively. Though each member of your squad is known only by a number (07, 40, 62, and squad leader 38) they all manage to carve their own niche and distinguish from each other. As you advance through the campaign you'll constantly hear them talk to each other, sometimes issuing commands, calling for help, or mocking each other (62 and 07 seem have established a healthy rivalry). The interaction between your squad-mates is always enjoyable and a great alternative to what a lone wolf scenario would've presented.

Controlling the squad is fairly simple. You don't have to babysit them because they know how to defend themselves. But you can set them to follow you, guard a sector, or go on the offensive by themselves. There are also several places where you can set them to strategically attack the enemy, be it by sniping, launching explosives, make use of nearby turrets, etc. Objectives like breaching doors or hacking a console can be done by yourself or any other squad-mate, so you always have the option to mix up the action. Each squad member can also assist any member that has fallen in battle, including yourself. The tactical element of Republic Command might not be very deep, but it's a lot of fun and helps in differentiating the game from standard FPS fare.

The weapons in Republic Commando may be skinned to fit the Star Wars universe but for the most part they are equivalent to the typical arsenal of most shooters. You have a pistol with unlimited ammunition, which is useful when things get hot and you're out of ammo, as well as a blaster rifle that can be modified as an assault rifle, a sniper rifle, or a grenade launcher. Any other weapons you may pick will be the ones dropped by the enemy, which include shotguns, smgs, machine guns, rocket launchers, etc. There are also four different types of grenades and making smart use of them in different situations can be the difference between life and death.

Aside from being a highly entertaining shooter, Republic Commando is also a technically sound game. The graphics engine is obviously dated by now, but it still manages to look good and is backed by some solid art direction. Each of the three chapter presents a different setting so you'll get a nice sense of variety in the environments. The game's sound is also top notch, thanks to an imposing soundtrack that conveys an epic feel as well as some solid voice acting from your squad-mates.

Republic Commando does a great job at setting its own market amongst the shooter crowd as well as making good use of its source material. Whether you're a Star Wars fan looking for an interesting side adventure or just a plain shooter fan looking for some solid fun, you'll find it in Republic Commando.