Mousedroid.com was lucky enough to get an early release of the long awaited Lucasarts titleStar Wars: The Force Unleashed game on X360. I won't go into explicit detail on the storyline nor approach any gameplay spoilers, but I will start by saying that having read various US based reviews (IGN, Gamespot, etc) I am finding it hard to justify their explosive negativity towards this game, and cannot help thinking they are either very 'hardcore gamers' that want a totally unique/perfect experience with every new game, or that they have been so caught up by their own media hype that they have built up some extremely high standards for this title. Having said that, the game does miss some targets so let's get into the review. Oh, and if you did not win our Force Unleashed Contest, read the review to help you decide if it is a...

STORYLINE (score 8.5)
The next chapter in the Star Wars saga, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, tells the story of Darth Vader's Secret Apprentice, a mysterious figure trained by the menacing Sith Lord, to hunt down the last of the Jedi. Set in the dark times between Episodes III and IV, the story is both a continuation of the prequel trilogy - exploring the aftermath of Order 66, and a direct bridge to the Original Trilogy. The Force Unleashed will forever change the fate of the Galaxy and explain key plot points that directly lead into events in Star Wars: A New Hope.

The Secret Apprentice's journey takes him across the Galaxy-from the Wookiee home world of Kashyyyk to the junkyard planet Raxus Prime, the mushroom-covered planet, Felucia, as well as several Imperial facilities.He is aided in his dangerous missions by a loyal sidekick PROXY - a prototype holodroid with amazing abilities, and an alluring Imperial pilot named Juno Eclipse. The Apprentice will clash with powerful enemies, including the spirited Zabrak warrior Maris Brood, Jedi Master Shaak Ti, and General Rahm Kota, a hard-boiled Jedi soldier who senses that the Apprentice is destined to become something far greater than just Darth Vader's servant.

Ok, I won't give away any surprises but by the end of the game you will have to give the script writers a round of applause for creativity for how they have integrated into already established Star Wars canon. And with multiple endings as well!!!

VERDICT: A compelling storyline that pays homage to several key themes and star wars lore leading up to A New Hope.

GRAPHICS (score 8.0)
In short, Amazing. Having been spoilt with screenshots and movies of this over the past 18 months the SURPRISE factor has had its shine diminished but it still does not lessen the impact of the eye candy when you actually play the game. He difference between the clean air forests of Kashyyyk to the misty swamp-like undergrowth of Felcuia, or the clean industrial lines of Imperial bases to the rusting, chaotic junkyard planet of Raxus Prime are all beautifully translated from design artwork to interactive environments into which you are drawn.

Add to this the breaking technology of Digital Molecular Matter, by Pixelux Entertainment, and euphoria by NaturalMotion, you get a very captivating world to bend to your will. These technologies imbue objects and enemies with the ability to react with incredible realism, bringing depth and richness to the Star Wars galaxy. Glas shatters, metal warps, wood splinters and the enemy fly around like puppets to your force powers. It is good to be a Sith.

VERDICT: Graphics are great but there are some elements that look liek they were rushed. Environments are well presented with great lighting and effects. The new physics engines are something else.

SOUND (score 8.5)
Lucas has said that Star Wars could deliver it message with just vision and John Williams musical score and The Force unleashed has been instilled with all of his stirring themes to underpin the entire experience. Layered on top of that is an impressive sampling of authentic sounds fans can quickly identify with the known Star Wars Universe. The Snap*Hiss* of a lightsaber igniting gets the heart racing, Jawa babble just before you fry them in the crackling of sith lightning, and the ear splitting roar of wild jungle Rancors just scream at you that this is Star Wars.

VERDICT: : It could not be called a Star Wars product if it did not envelope the gamer in authentic sounds..and TFU does this with bells on.

GAMPLAY (score 7.0)
And finally we come to the all important Gameplay. Where so many people have approached reviews of this title is that they expect The Force Unleashed to be a cutting edge FPS/RPG that they point and shoot. It isn't so before we go any further, let's remember what this game is not..it is NOT a first person shooter, it is NOT the next Dark Forces or Jedi Academy game. What it is a story driven fighting game with super powers. Pure and simple... it is a Fighting game. As such, your path thru the game is linear as you are lead from one fight to the next until your showdown with a Boss, or even several Boss characters and creatures. I'll break down gameplay into three areas; Combat, Controls and Customisation.

'Combat' in The Force Unleashed is a combination of the Secret Apprentices finesse with the light saber and his dynamic displays of Unleashing the Force (funny that!!). It is putting your skills at adapting your understanding and use of your growing force powers in combination with saber strikes against ever increase difficult enemies. (side note: If you are finding the game too easy..then you need to adjust the difficulty level up a notch or two). Whereas a few saber strikes and a push works ok early on in the game, you will need to tweak your strategy and combo moves to beat harder opponents that will wipe the floor if you try the same sissy move on them. Force Powers are another matter and whilst fun to use are a bit trick and at time frustrating to target when you're in the thick of things. As other reviews have pointed out, targeting is the weak link in the chain for this game and unfortunately it shows, usually at the most critical of times.

'Controls' have also been a bit of a hit and miss in the ratings reviews for this game. Whilst the button/trigger controls for attacks are fairly simple, it is the camera view interface that players need to get familiar with. It is a shame that there is no auto camera control setting, yet having said that it is also a blessing as some games are totally unplayable due to poor implementation of camera tracking. The short of it is, along with the targeting system, camera control is another major weak point.

'Customisation' of your character is the hidden redeeming feature of The Force Unleashed. Many people overlook the saber and force power customisation in the game, or regard it as simply no in the equation. Personally, I feel that to get the most out of the game, you only have to play with your combat customisations and continually try different tactics and combo moves to 'unlock' a new level of enjoyment. First person shooters do this by giving gamers a new gun or ammo type. Here you need to play with how you combine your saber attacks with both movement and force power. Combo moves are the key to enjoying your role as Vader's Secret Apprentice.

VERDICT: Some solid gameplay with great combo moves and force attacks, but it is let down by poor controls for targeting and camera angles.