VIDEO GAME REVIEW: Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes

A long time ago, in a galaxy very familiar to gamers …

STORY:
We’ve gotten to the point where dedicated gamers need a separate shelf just to hold all of the “Star Wars” titles that have been released over the years. Each installment in George Lucas’ two trilogies has its own game (if not more than one) spread across various platforms. Other games focus on “Star Wars” ships, squadrons, Rebel assaults and clone wars.

Most impressively, almost every age range has been catered to by game developers over the years. The LEGO series is perfect for young kids, while longtime Jedi masters seemed to dig last year’s “The Force Unleashed,” which introduced an evil disciple of uber-villain Darth Vader.

The latest, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes,” creates virtual adventures for kids who are currently devouring the animated “Clone Wars” television series. Developed by LucasArts Singapore and Krome Studios and published by LucasArts, the game weaves an original storyline that falls between seasons one and two of the series. Two players playing simultaneously can engage in more than 30 different missions as either Jedi warriors or clone troopers. You face off against bounty hunters Cad Bane and Skakoan Kul Teska, as well as General Grievous and Count Dooku.

GAME PLAY:
The graphics for “Republic Heroes” are far more basic than, say, “Force Unleashed,” but they mirror the look and feel of the “Clone Wars” animated series. Characters looks like they’ve been carved from wood, but it’s hard to fault LucasArts because they clearly striving for continuity with the substandard animated show.

Jedi fighters can choose light sabers or The Force to eliminate waves of enemies. Larger obstacles require clever plotting, though flow of the game is constantly interrupted by the annoying Yoda. The Jedi master is supposed to be giving you tips, but the game is basic enough that you can figure it out without the help. Too bad there’s no way to turn Yoda off – and his disruptions continue late into the game, when you’ve more than figured out what you are doing.

As you work your way through “Republic Heroes,” you’ll notice how repetitive levels and missions are. Cool techniques such as hopping atop battle droids and putting them to use is fine at first, but tiresome after awhile. Strategy puzzles needed to unlock certain doors or hatches are original but too easy. And “Republic Heroes” doesn’t think outside of the box in ay way by having you earn points to unlock upgrades or improve the overall game situations. It’s basic, even by “Star Wars” standards.

CONCLUSION:
Unless you are a die-hard fan of the animated “Clone Wars” series, there are far better “Star Wars” titles waiting for you out there.

OVERALL GRADE: C-

EM Review by
Sean O’Connell
Originally Posted 10.30.09