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GAME PLAY
Academy is an excellent sequel, as it keeps a successful combat system while adding plenty of new content to keep things interesting. The main implementations are two additions related to combat, some aesthetic options, character advancement options and a level progression change to make the game more non-linear.
This time around, instead of following a storyline through several levels you are given a list of incredibly varied missions to complete in any order you wish. After finishing each mission you are able to unlock and upgrade either Dark or Light side force powers. When all but one missions are finished, the storyline advances somewhat before a new list is presented to you. To help ease the universe's unrest, you'll be taken to dozens of familiar and more obscure planets to stave off encroaching tusken raiders, put a stop to the plans of local terrorists, shut down the Imperial Remnant's operations and much more.
To complete these missions, a variety of new force powers and weapons are put at your disposal. Along with the usual array of abilities a total of seven new force powers are available; one neutral, three Light and three Dark. The neutral power is Force Sense, which highlights objectives, health packs, weapons and shield recharging stations through walls. More defensive players may lean towards unlocking the Light side force powers, which features Force Absorb which absorbs Dark force attacks, Force Heal to restore health and Mind Trick to gain a temporary ally. For those who prefer to torment their foes the Dark side offers abilities like Force Drain which allows you to siphon health from enemies, Force Grip to choke the life out of those who oppose you and Force Lightning to shoot powerful arcs of electricity from your fingertips. If brute strength sounds more appealing, the Stouker Concussion Rifle is for you. This beast of a weapon fires a powerful energy beam which explodes on impact and is even capable of firing straight through multiple enemies.
One of the best features of Jedi Academy is the option to customize the protagonist. At the start of the game you can choose from a few different races, like the Rodians or Twi'Leks, your gender, and even the hilt and colour of your lightsaber. Later on in the game you are presented with the choice of wielding dual lightsabers, making it easier to relentlessly assault cultists or the more defensive double-bladed lightsaber, similar to the one Darth Maul used.
The story revolves around a young force adept named Jaden, who travels to the Massassi temple to become a Jedi apprentice. While en route s/he meets another aspiring student named Rosh; following the introduction, the shuttle they're in is shot down and crashes in the swamps near the temple. This area serves as a tutorial with Rosh guiding you through the environment and informing you how to use your lightsaber. After reaching the temple you stumble upon a group of mysterious people aiming a laser from a sceptre at the ancient structures; unfortunately, they notice Jaden and proceed to knock him/her unconscious before disappearing. Later, you awake to see two familiar faces, Luke Skywalker and Kyle Katarn, who is now an instructor at the temple. After a trip to the infirmary, it's time for the new pupils to be assigned to a master, but there aren't enough teachers, so Jaden and his new friend both study under Kyle. After completing a tutorial focused on the use of force powers, you are left to continue the Jedi training and investigate the activities of a mysterious cult.
DIFFICULTY
Academy is more combat based than its predecessor, with the number of puzzles being drastically reduced. Normally I'm opposed to making games easier, but shifting the focus away from puzzles which are less about testing your wits and more about exhausting every possibility is definitely an improvement. With the addition of mounted and vehicular combat, new mission types (such as dodge the rancor) and reflex-testing challenges, Jedi Academy feels much more fast-paced and generally more entertaining than Outcast.
AUDIO
Jedi Academy has excellent auditory elements; unfortunately, it still suffers from issues that were present in the previous game. The main issue is with volume, sound effects are either too loud or too quiet. Explosions are still quiet, laser fire can be incredibly noisy, sometimes voices are barely even audible and your character has the same booming voice no matter which race you choose. There isn't really any music to speak of, if there were any musical scores I was having too much fun saving the universe to notice.
GRAPHICS
The graphical quality hasn‘t changed much since the previous game; however, there is a surprisingly large number of new models in Jedi Academy. Nearly all of the levels are original and are populated with new enemies, such as the snow troopers, Taun Tauns and wompas on Hoth, a relentless sandworm and more menacing looking cultists.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Takes everything that made Jedi Outcast great and vastly improves upon it.
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THE GOOD |
- Wider variety of environments
- Lots of customization opportunities
- New weapons and force powers
- Multiple endings
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THE BAD |
- Jumping controls are still problematic
- Issues with audio volume
- Lightsaber dismemberment toned down
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THE RAD |
- Option to use dual sabers or a double-bladed saber
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SCREENSHOTS
Click on the thumbnail
images below to see a larger version of them.
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