Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, a Jedi-themed shooter with light RPG elements, is one of the better games to use the Star Wars license.   

The player assumes the role of young Jaden Korr (gender and species user-defined). Korr is a protégé of Kyle Katarn (protagonist of the earlier Jedi Knight games) at Luke Skywalker's newly reopen Jedi Academy on Yavin IV. 

In a Harry Potter-sque twist, as soon as Korr arrives as a student he is thrust into a life-and-death adventure as dark Jedi (sith) attack the academy as part of their plan to absorb force energy. With little training, Korr is sent out into the field with Katarn to uncover the truth. 

The gameplay is fun and engaging. First, the game offers the option of first-person or third-person action - first-person for conventional weapons and third-person for light sabers. Honestly, most players will prefer the excitement of eradicating storm troopers with their saber but it's always nice to have a rocket launcher in reserve. 

Second, the game offers some depth and customization. While obviously not offering Knights of the Old Republic-style complexity, players can choose to put skill points after every mission into 4 light (healing, mind trick, etc.) or 4 dark powers (choke, lightening, etc.). Eventually, your Jedi will also decide on a permanent sword fighting style (single sword with three stances, double swords, or double-ended saber staff). 

Third, missions are well-constructed to avoid boredom. Creative! If every level involved a Jedi blitzing past legions of storm troopers - the novelty would die fast. Instead Jaden Korr is called upon to: mount rescue missions, survive a starship crash, stop a hijacked monorail, infiltrate Darth Vader's abandoned castle, escape an imperial prison, capture a mutated Rancor, and the list goes on.   

Fourth, the story is fun but light and full of Star Wars style cliché. Players will revisit several worlds from the movies and expanded universe. Jaden Korr will meet several old friends (and Wookies). Expect a final level with dozens of siths and jedis dueling it out. Players can also choose from two possible endings: light and dark (like you're gonna pick the dark!)

In closing, this game is a nostalgic, entertaining romp that might have less visual thrills than last year's The Force Unleashed but has more soul. Definitely a buy now that it's available at back catalogue prices on Steam and direct2drive.