First Impressions: Star Wars Force Unleashed Demo

So leading up to the show we recorded this week, Ryan and myself were frantically checking Xbox live for the new Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo. Unfortunately, the demo didn't go live in time for us to play it before we recorded. I have since downloaded the demo and played through it multiple times. First off, I have one large complaint with the demo... It's too short. I know it's only a demo, but I still would have liked just a little more. Maybe give us at the very least two levels so we can explore the powers and how they grow during the length of the game. It actually took me two play throughs to finally get the idea of combining the powers and get the hang of the force grip.


So now that I brought it up, lets talk about the force grip. Force Grip is basically your Force telekinesis. It allows you to pick up crates, grenades that are thrown at you or even whole people then manipulate them in space and eventually just throw them. This results into some fun little ragdoll effects with Stormtroopers flying about and flailing their arms as they take their last flight. The thrill of this might fade and this segment of the gameplay might grow into feeling a little bit like a gimmick, but as of yet it has not. I feel also as that power increases and the combinations that are possible with other force powers in the game will keep the Force Grip fresh.


Overall, the action is rather fast but never to the point that it is a frenzied blur that leaves you wondering what just happened or at least in a bad way. One nice thing about the physics of this game is that you can often times just throw one barrel and trigger a chain reaction of near Rube Goldberg proportions. The Lightsaber action isn't too shabby, but I think you will find yourself fiddling with The Force more than anything else in this title.

Overall, I think I have to say I am looking forward to this game. I'm not sure if it will be a buy on day one, but it might be something I pick up before Christmas. It will be hard for me justify it though with games like Rock Band 2, Fallout 3 and Fable 2 all coming out this year though.


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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed releases multi-platform on September 16th, 2008 in North America
All pictures are Property of LucasArts