Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is a game that captivated me in more ways than I can count. I think Lucas Arts did a fantastic job putting together The Force Unleashed II. Being the fanboy I am of Lucas Arts (game division mind you), I was VERY eager to get this game. I packed my car at 10 p.m. EST and headed for the nearest game store. I was honestly the only one there for the midnight release of The Force Unleashed II. I was expecting a line of some sorts, but no, I was the only one there.

The Force Unleashed II takes off from the beginning, from where the last one left off. You are a “clone” of the original, although throughout the game, you begin to wonder... is this the real guy, or am I REALLY a clone? If you think that, don’t be alarmed, the character thinks it, too. You try to find the love of your life — also a character from the original — and get her back. Basically, without spoiling the entire game for you, you finally have the chance to make a choice on whether or not to kill Darth Vader. I know most of the true fanboys are grinning at their teeth at the thought of killing Vader... but hey, it is only a videogame. This part of story honestly drew me in even more than I already was. I have always wanted the chance to chop the head off Vader, whether or not it happens, I will leave for you to decide.

Once I popped in this game, I was drawn in from the greatly simple controls. Everything was laid out perfectly, and the controls were a perfect blend of a tight movement and a loose camera control. Fighting was a breeze, and you could incorporate it to any playing style. If you are a “use force now, ask questions later” type of person, then the game is just as balanced as if you were to go through it with just a light saber. The AI was smart, too; even the newer blend of enemies were smart. However, the AI was not smart enough — at least not the Imperial Guards. They hide behind an overly flimsy box and expect you to not use Force Grab or Push? Come on; give me a little bit of credit. That is the only issue — sometimes the game is TOO easy. Say a guard goes behind the said box, well use your Force Push, and there they both go ... no longer to be seen again, as if a box was not in the way.

In all honesty, my eyes are still burning from viewing the awesomeness that was the graphics. Since the majority of the game seems to take place at night, every little detail is enhanced, and you will be inspired. I sat there just at the title screen crying, on my knees; thanking Lucas Arts for inspiring me to get on my knees and whimper. I may have exacerbated a bit, but nonetheless, the game is beyond beautiful. Everything about it is amazing, down to the smallest detail in the intricacy of the saber. I could have sworn when I blew through a big door with my maxed-out Force Push that when a Imperial Guard ran away, it looked like he did a no-no in his pants. Yeah, it is that detailed.

In conclusion, if you want a great five hours of story (yeah, I know) and an endless amount of entertainment, I recommend this game. It has some great gameplay, a mediocre story and inspiring graphics. If you are a Star Wars fan, then go right ahead and get it; there is nothing to lose. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed IIis going to be a soon-to-be Game of the Year contender.