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How Metascores Are Calculated
75
Age of Booty
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed casts players as Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The expansive story, created under direction from George Lucas, is set during the largely unexplored era between "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith" and "Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope." In it, players assist the iconic villain in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi - and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny. Unleash and upgrade the Secret Apprentice's four core Force powers - Force push, grip, repulse and lightning - throughout the course of the game, and combine them for ultra-destructive, never-before-seen combos. The Secret Apprentice doesn't just Force push enemies into walls - he Force pushes enemies through walls. The Secret Apprentice doesn't just Force grip foes to throw them aside - he Force grips them in midair, zapping them with lightning, then dropping them to the ground to explode like a bomb. In addition to new adversaries created just for the game, such as fugitive Jedi and Force-sensitive Felucians, players also confront and associate with familiar faces from the Star Wars films, including Darth Vader. Visit locations such as Episode III's Wookiee homeworld Kashyyyk and the floral Felucia, the junk planet Raxus Prime, plus an Imperial TIE fighter construction facility. Decisions made by players throughout the game determine the path of the story, including multiple endings that will rock Star Wars continuity as they know it. [LucasArts]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 91
The Onion (A.V. Club)
The Force Unleashed is simply the best thing to happen to the Star Wars franchise in decades.
 90
Da Gameboyz
Star Wars: Force Unleashed was very much an enjoyable game. The hack and slash gameplay was pleasant and the graphics are the best I’ve seen from a Star Wars title to date.
90
Console Monster
It is great to see the franchise is back on form once again.
90
Variety
Inconsistent, occasionally maddening level design may turn off hardcore gamers, but this potent mix of vicarious thrills and a compelling drama that bridges the third and fourth films is exactly the videogame Star Wars fans have been looking for.
90
Gaming Target
For Star Wars fans, The Force Unleashed is required playing to continue your membership in the Star Wars geekdom.
88
Game Informer
The gameplay is electric and fun, and the plethora of awesome new enemy types will make Star Wars action figure collectors salivate.
87
XboxAddict
Overall, SWFU is a great concept and does belong in your Xbox 360 collection, especially if you are a Star Wars fan.
87
Planet Xbox 360
This is one of those games that doesn’t meet all the technical makeup’s of a great game but at the end of the day is one hell of a good time to play through, specifically for fans of the Star Wars saga.
87
AtomicGamer
Unleashed offers the best Star Wars yarn that involves the original characters since the first trilogy.
86
Cheat Code Central
For Star Wars fans, there is a lot here to love. The game looks great, controls well, is fun to play, and has a great storyline that you won’t want to miss.
85
Pelit (Finland)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed takes the use of the force to a new level. Sometimes all the overpowering abilities can make the game feel a bit too easy, but luckily the balance is usually well preserved. It would've been fun to see a bit more lightsaber action, but Force Unleashed is still entertainingly fast and furious ride where you finally get to do something real with force. Throwing stormtroopers to chasms with force grip just never gets old. [Sept 2008]
85
WonderwallWeb
Force Unleashed is one of the finest Star Wars games to hit consoles yet. A must buy for Star Wars fans the world over.
85
ZTGameDomain
The unlockables and amazing force powers offer plenty of replay value, and the story is top notch. Anyone who calls themselves a Star Wars fan needs to experience this game, if only for the narrative which really adds a lot to the main canon.
84
Console Gameworld
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a great Star Wars action game, with an interesting story and a lot of potential for fun, so long as as you can look past some moderately annoying issues.
80
MEGamers
For gamers who have never gotten into Star Wars, this game warrants a look, if not for the Star Wars franchise, then at least for the great gameplay!
80
GamingExcellence
Overall, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a pretty good game. If you are a Star Wars fan, you owe it to yourself to add this to your collection.
80
Games Master UK
Not much cop as an action game, but as a Sith simulator this is dreamy fan service. [Nov 2008, p.68]
80
PTGamers
The playability should have been better, considering the technology behind it all, but it still manages to offer some hours of unadulterated entertainment.
80
DailyGame
As a Star Wars video game, The Force Unleashed just takes too many missteps to be a masterpiece. But as Star Wars canon, The Force Unleashed does very little wrong.
80
GamingTrend
While the Force Unleashed might not completely live up to the incredible hype befitting a Star Wars title, it is still a worthy entry into the Universe.
80
Official Xbox Magazine UK
This isn't just another franchise game: it's the closest thing that you'll ever get to a sequel to the movies. It's not the cleverest game ever made, but there's certainly enough excitement, intrigue and massive explosions to keep you interested. [Oct 2008, p.74]
80
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
Embracing the Dark Side of the Force, this is a game plenty of action, memorable locations e a few surprises in the Star Wars world. It has some technical issues and an incoherent difficulty, but it’s still an experience that no fan should miss, also deserving the attention of the action gamers. [Sept 2008]
79
3DJuegos
Despite of being repetitive, The Force Unleashed is a really interesting action title. The AI defects and the reiterative form of resolving combats are aspects which should not distract us from the fact that the videogame is attractive, ambitious and full of action.
79
Computer Games Online RO
Although Force Unleashed does deserve your money to a certain extent, be aware that your patience for technical and design issues will be tested.
77
Team Xbox
The disappointment from playing Force Unleashed comes from some really high expectations, ones that the game sets up itself in the early going. The storyline is so good, the graphics simply amazing, the whole thing just so classic Star Wars that it almost hurts when I think about how much the game pissed me off.
76
Gamer 2.0
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is an enjoyable game with plenty of action and mementos to keep fans happy for quite some time.
76
IGN AU
Some overlong levels, repetitive enemies and the inconsistent effect of your powers stop this from being great. As it is, it's a lot of fun but once you've played through it a few times it's hard to imagine dusting it off years or even months down the track.
76
Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
The Force Unleashed is more of a highly impressive tech demo with a great narrative tagged on, with any actual game present inserted only as an afterthought.
75
GameSpot
When the game caters to its strengths, it soars; when it deviates, it flounders. Regardless, it's still a more than worthy entry in a long line of licensed Star Wars games, and a good action game in its own right.
75
Official Xbox Magazine
With its non-branching storyline and no multiplayer, Force Unleashed is certainly less ambitious than the classic "Jedi Knight" games - and ultimately, its design makes it feel more videogame-y and less of an all-engrossing Star Wars experience than Xbox entries like "Jedi Knight II" or "Jedi Academy." But when the game is on, it's on. [Oct 2008, p.70]
75
MS Xbox World
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a decent enough effort and will be more appreciated by the fans of the saga.
75
Ferrago
Both an enjoyable flash in the pan, and a memorable and officially approved Star Wars story. The general cinematic quality of the game is very high, and for enthusiasts it is a must just for that.
75
Gameplanet
A solid game with fantastic sound and visuals. However, unpolished aspects of gameplay will cause frustration. Ultimately, Force Unleashed is unlikely to be remembered for anything other than its excellent story.
75
NZGamer
This is a Star Wars game that reminds you how brilliant Mr. Lucas’ creations can be. But I can’t stress this enough – there are plenty of frustrations to be encountered amongst the brilliance too.
75
PALGN
With excellent presentation, entertaining gameplay and a classic story, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is the lightsaber-wielding adventure we've long been waiting for.
75
Xbox360Achievements
The audio is fantastic, and the graphics will impress more often than not. The fun combat system and epic story are moderately spoiled by a poor targeting system, bad enemy AI, and some glitches.
75
Game Over Online
What you wind up with when all is said and done is a neat little chunk of Star Wars fiction wrapped up in a mediocre action game package.
75
GameShark
As good as the game is - aside from the targeting issues and the falling to your death over and over - the story that unfolds is the definite high point.
74
ActionTrip
It's a decent game, although not nearly as groundbreaking as we hoped. Once you complete it, I'm afraid there won't be much to lure you back.
73
Destructoid
Without a doubt, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a masterpiece of storytelling and fits magnificently into the Star Wars universe. Unfortunately, as a video game, the gameplay issues in The Force Unleashed are extremely noticeable and hinder a lot of the enjoyment that is derived from the narrative.
73
IGN
Uninspired level design and some tedious enemy battles mar an experience that gives you power over the Force like we've never really seen before. While it's far from perfect, Star Wars fans will find that it's worth playing through simply for its story and the ability to use the Force in fairly awesome ways.
72
Talk Xbox
If you want to play an average Star Wars experience, The Force Unleashed is par for the course. Those of you looking to have an engaging video game experience, may want to invest time looking elsewhere, or rather, replay God of War, since this is practically the same game.
70
Gamervision
For anyone who considers themselves a fan of the series I would recommend a purchase, there is definite replay value in repeating earlier levels with newly gained abilities, and many of the game’s flaws fade into the background when your character is powerful enough to dominate a level.
70
360 Gamer Magazine UK
The more you appreciate Star Wars in general the more you’ll get from this occasionally inspiring run-and-slasher. True, the touted technology is never really used to do more than put on a fine electric show, but what a show it is. But as for Anti-Force Fields? Well, they’re one way of making Jedi and Sith characters somewhat redundant, and just one example of how Force Unleashed goes against 30 years of lore in order to shoehorn a game together.
70
AceGamez
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is flawed, cursed with anti-climaxes and a sprinkling of disappointment. It's not the game we all hoped it was going to be, it doesn't reinvent anything, it's certainly not original and the main tenant upon which its sold - that you can 'kick ass with the force' - is often forgotten in favour of tedium and annoyance.
70
VideoGamer
If you like the idea of messing with some storm troopers to the extent that it verges on Force-fuelled torture we recommend you give The Force Unleashed a look.
70
Thunderbolt
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is an entertaining romp through the Star Wars universe; just don't expect something of The Empire Strikes Back brilliance.
70
Xbox World Australia
As long as you're prepared for that you'll enjoy a great Star Wars story with incredible graphics and a bunch of ultra powerful Force Powers at your disposal.
70
Kombo
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a good game that could have been great.
70
DarkZero
An essential play for any fan of George Lucas’ creation. Unfortunately, the gameplay feels a tad repetitive, un-ambitious and never quite lives up to the superb storytelling.
70
GamePro
Make no mistake: you can have a lot of fun with The Force Unleashed. [Oct 2008, p.88]
70
games(TM)
By even allowing the choice between simple hack-and-slash gameplay and the more complex mix-up combos, LucusArrts has ensured that many will never view the title’s full potential. [Oct 2008, p.104]
70
EuroGamer
As a fan you will want to experience what The Force Unleashed has to offer. It's just a shame that while there are occasional moments of brilliance when everything falls into place, they're not quite enough to back up the game's delusions of grandeur.
70
Total Video Games
A seriously surprising entry into Star Wars canon, the storylines is largely strong, and whilst there are several issues with the gameplay, The Force Unleashed is not the Phantom Menace we thought it would be.
70
X360 Magazine UK
The combat is fun and visually rewarding, if a little glitchy, but at the end of the day it's Star Wars, you probably already know if you're going to enjoy this game. [Issue#37, p.80]
70
GameDaily
The fancy technology powering the experience is impressive, as is the performance by actors who lent their voices and likenesses to the game's pivotal characters. That's mixed with rote game mechanics -- hack, slash, fight big boss, level ends -- that can easily grow tiresome, and a leveling up system that's more distraction than a way to create a customized character.
69
GameTrailers
It initially delivers on its promise, but it erodes over time due to the monotony and meager difficulty that discourages exploring the combat’s complexity.
65
Meristation
Lucas Arts can't fill the high expectations for his awaited game, presenting a product that contains the great idea of incarnate Darth Vader's secret apprentice and a fantastic visual representation of the use of The Force, but that fails victim of a repetitive level structure, plenty of bugs and a lack of real incentives to play it again when the player completes the 6 hours of insatisfied entertainment that it offers. Only recommended to the Star Wars fans for the script and the events included on it, despite all of the new characters cant compete with the Jedi and Sith introduced in the movies.
65
Worth Playing
There's no feeling of being "unleashed," and the actual implementation of Force powers is drastically inferior to older games like Jedi Outcast.
60
Kikizo
It's not what I wanted, it's not what I expected and it's fundamentally broken in many different ways. It's a callous cheat of a game, it's shallow, short and has a man doing a crap Darth Vader impression.
60
Gamestyle
A great game if you can stomach the bugs, but that’d be like trying to ignore somebody choking you from across the room.
60
D+PAD Magazine
Being let loose with the Force and given some spectacular scenarios to work with makes for an excellent game in premise, but LucasArts just haven't nailed the basics. Disappointment
of the year? Quite possibly.
60
Giant Bomb
The story is the main thing that I'll remember about The Force Unleashed--I found it to be more satisfying than the last three movies combined. Though you go in sort of knowing how it has to end, since it has to lead into Star Wars, there are plenty of significant events occurring throughout. It's enjoyable to watch it all unfold. That said, it's unfortunate that the game isn't a bit more even, because the constant flips from too easy to too hard really drag things down and prevent The Force Unleashed from being great.
60
GameSpy
Awkward controls and handling largely dilute the fun of "kicking ass with the Force," especially during a few big moments toward the end. The Force Unleashed spins an entertaining yarn, but its gameplay prevents it from becoming a rich contributor to "Star Wars'" interactive tapestry.
58
Game Revolution
Unfortunately, though beating the crap out of Rancor is cool, it's quite flawed, thanks to the wonky camera and targeting system.
56
Electronic Gaming Monthly
An ambitious--yet ultimately dissatisfying--effort. [Oct 2008, p.82]
50
1UP
A more appropriate name would've been "Star Wars: The Force Mildly Contained" -- rarely does the Force truly feel like the ultimate weapon, something that separates you (Darth Vader's not-so-secret apprentice) from the rabble of stormtroopers, Rodians, and Felucians.
50
Wired
It's all the more disappointing because you can see, mired in the boring levels and bad cameras, glimpses of fun ideas.
50
Boomtown
Front end presentation is pretty dreadful. The menu system, which you'll see plenty of as it is also used for levelling up, is a shoddy mess. It looks like something from ten years ago or placeholder graphics that the developer didn't have time to replace.
50
Edge Magazine
If you take a player to the extremes of in-game power, giving them the equivalent of a god mode against standard enemies, how can that be turned into something more engaging than a temporary plaything? [Nov 2008, p.90]
40
G4 TV
The concepts are solid, the story is excellent, and the characters sustain. Aesthetically it is a beautiful piece of work. It's just not all that much fun to play, especially when bugs have left parts of the game incomplete.
Kaminator gave it a2: eeganrac gave it a2: Colin C. gave it an8: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
