Star Wars: Rogue Squadron 2 Review
I’ll be frank. I’m not much of a galactic shooter fan, except for Star Fox 64. I’m also not much of fan of Star Wars games, although they are the best movie-to-game series there is available these days. This game just rules though, and it does a fantastic job of making you Luke Skywalker as you blast away at those TIE fighters.
Graphics. They are superb. The GameCube’s functionality allows for up to 6 different texture layers on flat plains, so colors are vibrant and really stand out. The textures are also meticulously detailed, so you could spend a long time just viewing everything without shooting anyone. Zoom in for a cockpit view, and you’ll find everything in 3D, not some blur with two dots that we’re so used to seeing these days. When you blow up an object, they explosions are very real, as is the explosion of the Death Star at the end of the first level [it was taken from the DVD and overlayed onto the graphics for maximum effect.
The levels are fabulous, and feature an extensive objectives list complemented by a huge terrain to explore and accomplish. The models for all the ships are fantastic (real models were used), and are very detailed as well.
The sound, although wonderfully composed by John Williams, didn’t seem to fit the game for some reason. It’s a staple for Star Wars to use, but they could have used some faster paced music to heighten the atmosphere. It seemed dull in a way, but then again I’m not much of a classical music fan. However, Factor 5 encoded the game in Pro Logic II Surround Sound, so if you have 5 speakers you can definitely hear the tunes being pumped out.
The replay is what really stands out. You earn different medals for each level depending on how well you complete it, and earning a gold medal is often difficult. to accomplish. There are a ton of features to open up and new craft to gain, such as the Millennium Falcon. The new craft you gain and the features you open up are very rewarding.
As for originality, nothing new or groundbreaking is being done here. It’s basically the same as RS only with a major facelift. This game is basically catered to the Star Wars junkie who wants the extras and the cool movies. I mean, how many times are you going to wrap the cable around the AT-AT’s legs?
Overall, Rogue Squadron 2 is still an extremely fun and challenging game to play, and there is a lot to see and do for everyone. There’s endless things to do and experience, and it’s sure to keep your Star Wars heart content at least for a little while. May the Force be with you.
Visuals: 9
Sound: 8
Originality: 7
Replay: 9
Overall: 9