Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II Review for Xbox 360

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II box art

System: X360, PS3, Wii, PC	Review Rating Legend
Dev: LucasArts	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: LucasArts	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: October 26, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The only issue I see here is that the game is a single-note affair, and after you finish its six to eight-hour story mode, there isn't much to bring you back into the fold except some unlockable costumes, an "unleashed" difficulty level, and the promise of some DLC in the near future. For some, that could be an issue, as a $60 pricetag on an experience that can be completed with a single day seems a little steep. Still, if you were a fan of the first and don't mind the more ridiculous elements of the plot, this one does a good job of earning your $60, especially if you crave single-player focused experiences.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II screenshot

Dispatching enemies is ridiculously easy, and on the game's normal difficulty settings, it is easy to blast through each level using your powers. The game is full of enemies that are weak to one of your powers but can be devastated by another, so often combat is mindless. However, this isn't a bad thing, as the massive scale of carnage you are able to cause is both exciting and delightful, and I was never bored with the action in the game.

Likewise, the game doesn't disappoint on a technical level. Although the level design is strictly linear in most instances, the different planets and locales are rendered in excellent detail, and the game does a great job capturing the feel of the Star Wars universe. The audio in the game is equally impressive, with a sweeping original score and some outstanding performances from the voice cast.

The Force Unleased II is a good game. However, I would be hesitant to call it a good Star Wars game. The original Force Unleashed did a good job building on Star Wars' mythos in a way that was interesting but non-intrusive. It presented a simple story that featured plenty of thematic elements seen in both the original and prequel trilogy. However, the follow-up just doesn't capture the original's spirit, and that is what ultimately holds this title back from being something great. The action may have been amped up, the cameos may be even more surprising, but the clone-focused plotline just doesn't do enough to live up to its predecessor's legacy. Sure, the game is fun. But it could have been meaningful too.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.4

Graphics
The Star Wars universe is lovingly rendered in great detail.

4.6

Control
Combat is amazingly fluid, and combos are easily executed with both lightsabers and force powers.

4.1

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Original score sounds great, and the voice work is expertly executed.

3.7

Play Value
The game's six to eight-hour story mode is satisfying enough, but the poor story and lack of meaningful unlockable content make this a journey you'll only take once.

4.0

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

The Star Wars Saga continues with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, the highly anticipated sequel to the fastest-selling Star Wars game ever created, which has sold more than seven million copies worldwide.

In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, the world was introduced to Darth Vader’s now fugitive apprentice, Starkiller—the unlikely hero who would ignite the flames of rebellion in a galaxy so desperately in need of a champion. In the sequel, Starkiller returns with over-the-top Force powers and embarks on a journey to discover his own identity and to reunite with his one true love, Juno Eclipse.

In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, Starkiller is once again the pawn of Darth Vader—but instead of training his protégée as a ruthless assassin, the dark lord is attempting to clone his former apprentice in an attempt to create the Ultimate Sith warrior. The chase is on – Starkiller is in pursuit of Juno and Darth Vader is hunting for Starkiller.

With all-new devastating Force powers and the ability to dual-wield lightsabers, Starkiller cuts a swath through deadly new enemies across exciting worlds from the Star Wars films - all in his desperate search for answers to his past..