Difficulty:

Easy

Time Spent:

10 to 20 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Just plain fun"

The Force Unleashed is a game set in the Star Wars era between the 'unknown time', between the 3rd movie (revenge of the Sith) and the 4th movie (A New Hope). You are Starkiller, Darth Vader's secret apprentice who is set out to eliminate the remaining jedi scattered throughout the galaxy. As the title implies, you have seemingly unlimited force powers at your disposal, along with a jedi's favorite weapon, a lightsaber, to destroy any resistance you encounter on your journey.

Gameplay: The game is very enjoyable, as by swinging you wii-mote allows you to cut up any enemy in your path, with the nunchuck controlling the way you move and several force powers. While the game is criticised for it's short story (taking no longer than 8-10 hours), it is a very enjoyable story with a deep plot which is agrued to be better than some of the star wars movies! Due to this, the game is rather addictive as you want to continue the story, or just continue wreaking havoc on a new planet.

Controls: The controls for this game have both positives and negatives. The wii-mote controls the lightsaber movements, and the nunchuck walking/running options and a few force powers. Together with a combination of button pressing more force powers are open to the user. The swing on the lightsaber is deemed more sensitive than the sword options in 'Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess', meaning it is responsive and different depending on your movements with the wii-mote. The nunchuck is found with a few users to cause some troubles. While usually very responsive, sometimes very light movements may cause you to do an unwanted force push attack - no biggie, but still can annoy users. Also, at the end of the game during a 'force lock' where the nunchuck has to be moved into a certain position and thrusted upwards can also be broken and have the user screaming that they performed the action, but was unread by the console.

Graphics: In my opinion this game looks like one of the better games i have seen played on the wii. While there are some odd corridors which are pitch black and are left jumping like crazy trying to get out of, the colours are suitable. The physics are performed fluently and the game doesnt have to stop for a moment to 'catch up' with your actions.

Sound: This game offers some differing sounds, which to me havent gotten repeditive or annoying in my hours of gameplay. While you do hear some of the well-known star wars themes, they are often played quietly, often drowned out by the sound of a clone trooper calling for back-up, or you destroying a statue of some form with the force. The crunching sound made by picking up some objects can get a little annoying, but nothing you will pull your hair out for.
The voices of the characters is also very well done in my opinion and are generally fluent with the characters mouth movement which is nice.

Value: While this game's story gives you an 8 or so hour 'fix', it may not offer too much replayability, as after beating the game you are given the option of starting the game again with all the force powers you currently have. The only positive of replaying the game is finding hidden Jedi Holocrons (pictures), lightsaber hilts and crystals to alter your lightsaber to suit your interests, and finally because of the two alternate endings.
While the Wii does have the option of multiplayer, the camera angles may get on peoples nerves and is usually over quite quickly. It may interest some players for the characters on offer (and there is a lot), but all characters are reasonably even, so multiplayer may get bring - fast.

All in all: For me I have enjoyed the game, i like the idea of cutting up wookies and the like with my lightsaber, choking enemies, screaming 'UNLIMITED POWER!' like Sidious when i cast a double-handed force lightning and throwing huge boulders at clone troopers. While it may not always keep you coming back as it could be seen as rather repeative, it is a fun game in my opinion, worth playing at the least.

Despite the short story, sometimes a frustrating, unchangable camera angle I do reccomend this game, particularly to people who enjoy star wars. However, those looking for a game where they can cut the s**t out of a walking carpet may also find themselves having lots of fun

The Good: Deep plot line, usually good controls, many force powers and combonations at your disposal which can be executed with relative ease.
The Bad: Sometimes frustrating camera angle which automatically adjusts may bother some players, repeditive gameplay, and the inability to chose which level you want to play once the game is beaten - must replay the entire game again.