How do I say this without destroying my reputation? I have always been a fan of the Star Wars series, but I was never a die-hard fan. I always liked it, but it was never my life and blood like some fans. However, Lucas Arts has made me come very close, thanks to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. I have played Star Wars games before, (thanks Rinjo for all those old Star Wars PC games growing up), but this is by far my favorite.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is unlike most Star Wars games to date. On one end, you have the Rogue Leader series, which is a combat-flight simulation, and on the other end, you have the Knights of the Old Republic series, which are role-playing adventure games. The Force Unleashed strays from both of them and is its own action-adventure game with a little platforming and RPG elements thrown in. Don’t take those elements as just fluff to expand it but as something that fully helps complete it as a great single-player experience.

For the gameplay mechanics, you can expect the tried-and-true adventure formula. You start the game in what is essentially the training level. This time, you play as Darth Vader, where you get a chance to feel the power of your “Dark” Force Powers like Force Lightning, Force Push and Saber Throw. Just when you are getting used to all of that, though, you get stripped of everything as you are thrown into the story of the main character, Codename: Starkiller. (“Starkiller” was originally Luke Skywalker’s last name, but George Lucas finally decided it was too aggressive.) From that point on, you have to build your Force Power repertoire by putting your earned points into different skills in the level tree. As for the controls, they’re difficult to learn. The controls are very smooth, comfortably mapped and feel right at home.

Although this may not be a Star Wars game like many of the others, it is still a Star Wars game, and therefore, you are going to see a lot of references to the franchise. At one point, you will be fighting jawas, and in another, you are fighting hordes of wookies. And let’s not forget the terrifying rancors that storm about, trying to rip Starkiller limb from limb. Fear not, though, as your trusty, customizable lightsaber will shred them limb from limb.

The animations look great, and really, what would you expect from Lucas Arts? From the great Force battles between you and other characters, to seeing your ship fly around in space, or space stations crashing down to the planet’s surface, it all blends together so well and smoothly together. Even the quick time events will have you in awe as you are trying to quickly kill or fend off whatever monstrosity is currently trying to impede your advancement in the game.

Of course, as in any game, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed does have its flaws. Mostly, I ran across collision issues, which only pulled me out of the game experience when they caused some errors on screen that were unavoidable. First was my Force Powers and jump ability not working as they should. Second was when I broke through a locked door and got sent into no-man’s land. And lastly was when an object got caught on a ledge, slowing the frame-rate. Ultimately though, even with the collision issues, I was able to make it through the game.

Like many action-adventure games, the camera is set in a third-person viewpoint and follows behind you, and honestly in a game like this, it is exactly what you need, as it works perfectly. Only on small occasions would you enter a problem in which the camera would get stuck against a wall and cause you to lose the ability to pan around to a better position.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashedwas a lot of fun and so far my favorite Star Wars game to date. I loved the fact that you could decide which side you wanted to end the game on, between the Dark and Light sides. It was a great way to end it and a great way to ensure replay value. Lucas Arts did a great job on the game as well as incorporating Starkiller’s story into the Star Wars canon. With Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II announced not too long ago, I can’t wait to jump right back in and see exactly how they pull it off. Until then, I will just have to do another playthrough of this gem. I highly recommend playing it if you haven’t already.