Doesn't deserve the bad reviews.

User Rating: 7 | Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes X360
The critics have been bashing this game to pieces, but it's really not all that bad. Don't get me wrong, it's not perfect either; it's simple, it's easy, the controls can be a bit unresponsive at times, and the camera is pretty bad. Still, the problems aren't as consistent as some reviews would have you believe. The controls and the camera specifically are problematic on occasion, but not at every turn of the game. And yes, this game is tailored to a younger audience, but I'm 18 and I still enjoy it. Aside from the simplicity and easy difficulty of the game, it never feels overly kiddy or cartoonish.

So on to the good stuff. If you like the Clone Wars TV series, you will probably like this game. It uses all of the same artwork, character models and voice actors from the show. Everything looks and sounds good, and it really feels like you are playing in that same universe. The story also feels like it fits right in with other stories from the show (I believe one of the writers for the series did this game).

The gameplay is simple, but it's pretty fun. You won't find any deep combo systems like in the Force Unleashed; you just mash the attack button and your Jedi carves through the battle droids, although you can also use jump attacks and Force pushes. Then there is the "droid-jaking" technique where you take over enemy droids and use them to either clear obstacles or blast other droids. It's a neat concept and adds some variety to the combat.

In between fights, the game consists of simple platforming. It's nothing particularly exciting, but it never gets too boring since the levels are pretty short, and more battle droids to fight are never far away.

The clone gameplay is pretty interesting, since you aim and fire with the right thumbstick. It's sometimes hard to be accurate, but you usually don't need to be. The droids come at you in groups, you toss an EMP grenade and blast away at them, and any left standing you can take out with a melee attack. Not the most intuitive control scheme, but it works.

Whether or not you like this game really comes down to how you feel about the source material. Without the Star Wars license, this game would just be a dull action-adventure title. It's the Star Wars characters and locations, and the game's story and likeness to the Clone Wars TV series that make it worthwhile. If you're looking for a deep story and complex gameplay like TFU, this isn't for you, but if you like the Clone Wars animated series and want a fun romp through that universe, give this game a shot.