Recent reviews by The_Rofldog

The Star Wars film that never was.

Released in late 1996 for N64 and late 1997 for PC with accompanying toy line, soundtrack, novelisation and comic book - along with additions to the 1997 Special Edition Trilogy. A strategy which was partially employed again over a decade later with the release of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi - You play as Dash Rendar; a Han Solo stand in. Pilot of the Outrider, smuggler and rebel sympathiser.

The game consists of only 10 levels, there is no tutorial level. The game play ranges from: first/3rd person shooter with some platforming elements, rail shooter and piloting a small amount of craft.
You can complete the game in less than 2 hours if you don't stop to search for any of the Challenge Points (pickups hidden throughout the levels).

As the game is now 20+ years old it has dated considerably. The models are very low detail, the texture resolution is minimal and the controls are basic at best. It also has several bugs and unusual level design elements (prepare to have enemy units shoot you in the back as you take the various turbo lifts scattered throughout the game). The music, however, has aged very well and sets the appropriate moods.

You'll find yourself walking off of edges and frequently missing shots (it implements an auto aim system that is about as good as Greedo). Be sure to check your key bindings for necessities like "fire tow cable" and "switch weapon". And prepare yourself for battles with enemy bullet sponges.

I found an issue with starting the game (the black screen issue). Disabling my second monitor and setting the game to run in compatibility mode for Windows 95 solved this for me. Running the game at higher resolutions will cause the pre-rendered cut scenes to display at a minimised size. I can't comment on controller support, but judging by other comments it's not great.

Replay value is low. You can collect all the challenge points and complete on harder difficulties, but beyond that, it's a one and done kind of game.

While the game hasn't aged overly well, and the play time is short, it is nevertheless an enjoyable experience to play through. Even if only for the now non-canon storyline and the ability to explore the distinct Star Wars setting.

Though, perhaps that's just my nostalgia speaking.