Star Wars: Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast

The Good
It's an improvement from the last sequel in almost every sense, more specifically in the technical aspects. The game engine is better; the graphics are more realistic and nice looking; the gameplay is more sophisticated and challenging; the AI and dynamics of the characters is sometimes incredible; the puzzles are interesting and creative; the level design is often clever and with a strong Star Wars feeling into them; the sound effects are very sharp and effective... I also found the the rhythm of the game to be fast and engaging: it is very addictive. There are nice cameos of Lando and Luke and some other familiar faces.

The Bad
The story is not so good, it's formulaic; and it didn't really hooked me, it doesn't have an epic feeling. The main villain is an overgrown lizard like grumpy dinosaur, a tad lame and pathetic. The levels are a little anemic and the missions are not very distinctive. The game can be ridiculously and annoyingly hard with some enemies and in some places, which frustrates the player. There are some odd bugs and gameplay inconsistencies too.

The Bottom Line
Overall, a worthy sequel if you liked the previous Dark Forces games.

The Good
Following the decent "Jedi Knight" and its expansion, "Jedi Outcast" returns the "Dark Forces" line (if it is indeed part of it- it is referred to as a sequel to "Jedi Knight" instead of "Dark Forces") to greatness! The graphics in this game blew me away (when they are turned up to maximum). The shadows are exceptional, and the fluidity and life-like motion of the character models is amazing. The storyline is top-notch and kept me enthralled throughout the entire thing. The level design was truly exceptional with a "Star Wars" feel that surpasses even "Dark Forces". The world feels alive and used, and new in other places. The cinematics, rendered in-game, are excellent with this engine, and the voice talent is all top-notch. Modelling the principles- Kyle Katarn and Mara Jade, after the actors who played them in the FMV cinematics of "Jedi Knight" was a welcome touch. Finally- the lightsaber battles in this game are beyond anything accomplished in any game. The original "Jedi Knight" or even "Die by the Sword" have nothing on the excitement and cinematic thrill that comes with each and every lightsaber battle in this game.

The Bad
There are still no speeder levels, walking AT-ATs, or other "massive" vehicles or monsters. Granted, "speeder" missions are generally restricted to other Star Wars games, but a level or two of it would have been nice. I really thought that Kyle should have the ability to hold onto ledges as well- like "Tomb Raider" and other games. I say this because of the extensive use of that tactic we have seen in Star Wars movies- like Luke Skywalker's ledge-grab and rebound over the Sarlacc Pit in "Return of the Jedi", or Obi-Wan Kenobi's lifesaving grab and Force-jump & flip up to defeat Darth Maul in "The Phantom Menace". Although FULL of "nice little touches", this is one little touch I would have particularly loved.

The Bottom Line
A must-have for Star Wars fans, or anyone interested in the best combination of cinematics and first-person "you are there"-type gaming. The world is alive, and the threats are breathtaking.

The Good
STORMTROOPERS NEVER LOOKED SO REAL