Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Xbox 360, PS3)

Use the Force

While most force powers are initialized by pressing a single button on the controller, the force grip is activated using a partnership between the right trigger (RT) button on the 360 controller (L2 on the Sixaxis) and both analog sticks. As you progress through each level of the game, active objects or enemies are marked in blue. Once you've got your sights on what you wish to pick up, you pull the right trigger causing that object or enemy to be immediately suspended above the ground. At this point, the right analog stick is used to raise and lower your grip's intensity, and the left analog stick can be used to move your grip forward and backward. Once players have this scheme down, the symphony of destruction begins by letting go of the trigger while the object is in motion to throw it in the direction it's moving.

Force powers may also be combined with one another during combat. For instance, while suspending an enemy with the force grip, sending a jolt of force lightening his way doubles the damage, and by extension, the player's pleasure. Force powers are also used as elements of lightsaber attack combos. For example, players may choose to deal a quick one-two with the saber, followed by a quick force push to finish them off.

In addition to dealing with your attackers, force powers allow you to manipulate the environment to solve the game's puzzles. In order to advance in certain areas, the force push might be used to open doors, while the force grip can be used to extend catwalks. The situation may also call for players to electrocute an object for throwing, which takes advantage of multiple powers at once. Players will also use power combos to defeat the game's bosses. However, strategic power usage quickly turns to strategic button mashing as no boss goes down without a tedious mini-game sequence.

With all these objects flying about in the game, one would expect some impressive physics. Fortunately, the game meets and often exceeds those expectations with gusto. Trees fall, walls crumble, and objects bounce around as you would expect in "real" life. Even so, the physics are exaggerated to a great degree. For instance, enemies thrown using the force grip will often sail through the air with no hope of returning to solid ground. This, of course, adds to the pleasure principal rather than subtracts from it. Knowing this, the developers incorporated an action camera that, when activated, follows enemies along their aerial paths to doomsday. Overall, the physics work really well in the game and can make for some great fun indeed.

The environments in The Force Unleashed are beautiful and are reminiscent of those one would expect to see in the Star Wars movies. Outdoor settings are cleverly crafted, often with multiple tiers in which to engage the enemy. Indoor environments are also laid out nicely with plenty of signature Star Wars eye-candy in every area. Environments in the game are also destructible and take damage on a scale that matches the current battle. To escalate the experience even further, Lucas Arts adds an enticing musical score composed by Mark Griskey, whose video game accolades include music for Knights of the Old Republic 2. These tunes, along with the original themes from John Williams, make The Force Unleashed a truly authentic Star Wars experience.