JEDI KNIGHT: DARK FORCES II
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Fighting the Dark side

By JAMES ANTHONY


Ever since the first Star Wars movie I have wanted to have a light sabre. Not sure if it was the extreme amount of destruction it could do, or the nifty green light, or just the fact it went fwzzzzz, fwzzzz, fwzzzz as you waved it about. I just wanted one.

Some time on (about 20 years actually) I finally got my hands on something that gave the feeling of being a Jedi Knight with that marvellous sword in hand.

It was Lucas Arts' Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II and if you are a tad tired of 1st person shoot-em-ups, then this little beauty will have you eager for the fray once more.

It follows the mercenary Kyle Katarn as he searches for his Dad's killer and while you do have laser weapons and blasters to indulge in, the really fun bits come after he gets hold of a light sabre. Fwzzzz, fwzzzz, fwzzzz (sorry, just practising).

You can setup a camera to automatically change to third-person perspective when you draw your sabre, or else F1 will achieve the same result. It really is worthwhile because the graphics are great.

Kyle's quest takes him through a host of towns, space vessels and palaces and, of course, he can pick up new weapons, ammo, or get healed along the way.

The sound is first rate and is necessary as you often get a clue about an imminent ambush by hearing your rather-stupid foes whispering to each other.

You can link with seven other people for a light sabre battle that sounds as if it could be one heck of a way to party.

Dark Forces II is not easy, but is sensational.

ORIGINALITY 85%
SOUND/GRAPHICS 85%
PLAYABILITY 85%
ADDICTION 90%
ENJOYMENT 90%