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Gaming, In My Opinion
The greatest space-simulation shoot-em-up on the N64? Chances are that anyone you ask will answer the classic Star Wars Rogue Squadron. The first game to use the expansion pak was amazing, and drew Star Wars fans straight into the Star Wars Universe like no other game could. So it seems only fitting that the Gamecube should be blessed with Rogue Squadron's true sequel (since Battle for Naboo was more of a prequel).
The first thing you'll notice is the visuals. The graphics on RL are by far and away the greatest seen in a home console computer game and are impossibly similar to the look of the movies. As you play, you will actually feel that you really are in the Star Wars Universe, fighting the evil empire. And it all runs smoothly without a hint of slowdown. But graphics aren't all that the game has to offer. The sounds, too, are identical to the movie. John Williams' phenomenal score can be heard in all its glory. There's more voice acting in this than in its N64-bound prequel, and quite a bit of it is ripped straight from the films. There's even the real voice of Dennis Lawson (the voice of Wedge Antilles in the movies) all the way through. Unfortuantely some of the voice acting is, to put it politely, CRAP; most notably the 'Lando Calrissian' and 'Admiral Ackbar'. The sound effects are also seemingly ripped straight from the movies. The lasers blasts and torpedos have never sounded better, and the explosions are the meatiest ever. This is the one game that you NEED to play with headphones or surround sound. But the sound and visuals don't create the experience; they enhance it. Playing RL is a sheer joy. The original's game engine is here in full force and, whether you're a veteran or a newbie, you be able to just pick up and play. And the game starts off on a high note too. The first mission provides the thrill that every Star Wars fan craves; taking on the first Death Star. From the moment the classic logo soars towards the stars, to the Battle of Endor (a level that has to be seen to be believed), RL is virtually identical to the movies in every way. However, RS fans will notice that there are nowhere near as many mission as there were in the last one. There are eleven standard missions and five secret missions... that's it. Even with the four or five craft that can be unlocked, die-hard Star Wars fans will feel slightly cheated at the lack of missions. That still won't stop you from coming back though... VISUALS: 'Look at the size of that thing!'. Just look at the game for yourself...nuff sed! 10/10 SOUND: Ear-bleeding. Every fan will jump for joy at every laser blast, explosion and music piece. 10/10 PLAYABILITY: RS players will feel right at home, and even novices will be able to pick it up quickly. 8/10 LIFESPAN: If you are a true fan of the movies and games, this will last you forever. If, on the other hand, you aren't then you may feel disappointed with the lack of missions. You will be back though... 7/10 VERDICT: Fans will lap it up, non-fans will too. With visuals, sound and AI that squeeze the Cube for everything it's got, this is a must-have launch title. 87% |