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Ubisoft’s famed Montreal studio tries their hand at portable GBA gaming. Released alongside the DVD release of the films, Star Wars Trilogy: Apprentice of the Force brings together the plot for all three films and adds it to a rather simple side-scroller around it.
A bulk of the game’s gameplay involves controlling Luke through countless levels as he slashes or shoots away at enemies like stormtroopers. Along the way, you’ll be occasionally mugged by countless enemies or be forced to pull off a tricky jump but for the most part, it is simple, side-scrolling gameplay. Thankfully, not all of the game is like this and there are much more interesting missions. In a particular mission, you’ll need to protect Princess Leia, another has you fighting in an X-Wing, and yet another throws you in a speeder bike in which you’ll need to outmaneuver Imperial forces and keep in control. And of course, what kind of game would this be without at least one Hoth-based level? Not a Star Wars game, that’s for sure. Thankfully, Star Wars Trilogy: Apprentice of the Force has that covered.
Combat, which is used so often in the game, continually upgrades itself as Luke learns moves as he progresses through the game. It’s nothing too noteworthy but does add a bit a depth to the experience.
While the game has many missions, over fifty actually, you can finish the game in one large sitting if you were inclined. The game only takes around six hours to get through in the first run. In a very smart move, Ubisoft Montreal lets you revisit any level you want after you finish the game so you can relive the Hoth level as many times as you want. Additionally, the game has a simple X-Wing multiplayer mode which thankfully only requires one cartridge. Lastly, Star Wars fanatics will like that you can unlock galleries with photos.
The game’s visuals are pretty good. The environments are quite detailed and do a convincing job of showing you the many locations. The character models are nothing spectacular but in typical Ubisoft Montreal fashion, you’ll find flawless and otherwise spot-on animation.
The game’s audio is equally impressive with much music, sound effects and voice overs taken directly from the movie. Of course, this is the GBA we’re talking about so these samples had to be reduced in size (and quality) quite a bit but they still sound good enough to add to the Star Wars atmosphere.
All in all, without the license, Star Wars Trilogy: Apprentice of the Force would be an average side-scroller for the GBA. Thankfully, the Star Wars license does add to the game, particularly its presentation, and makes for a better game as a result. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Oct 5, 2004
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