Star Wars Battlefront (PC Games, 2004)

Finally ... Star Wars Battlefront has everything that most 1st Person Shooters have , and a whole lot more. Unexpectedly , you can enjoy the excitement of the Star Wars movie fame - in a well made PC Game.

Like alot of gamers I suppose - I was very disappointed with the 1 other Star Wars game I bought years ago - which was primarily what appeared to be only on 1 screen throughout , and based on a cockpit style format - which you never leave. Needless to say - that game didn't get much play.

Suddenly - there is Battlefront - the original. Without expecting much I installed the game to see what the 3-Disk Set consisted of. While the requirements stated on the CD-case say that a 1ghz Intel P3 or AMD Athlon 1ghz computer is recommended - it may play on other computers as well. Further - with only 256mb of ram required and a list of 64mb video cards that this game will run on , the game plays in the 1.5ghz - 2ghz ballpark as far as quality goes.

The HUD or main screen that is always present while you play most games , has been very well thought out , consisting of a map layout - which shows your team members and the locations of your enemies - along with the usual weapons and options inclusions. Best of all the main option screens are like they are in the game (Conflict - Global Terror , blue & yellow) , and you can HOST an online game through Gamespy right from the multiplayer option.

With nothing left out as far as I can see - you are suddenly playing Star Wars like you have never seen. The game consists of all the characters in the original movie and all of the vehicles - which are easily accessible. The graphics are clear and very adequate - while they are also lifelike. With clean lines and spacious mapping the game also includes original video clips in between levels to coincide with the storyline - adding to the reality.

The weaponry is authentic and includes tracer tracks from fired weapons with explosions. There is a stark difference that laser weaponry provides in both video and audio that is unmatched with authentic voice & sound recordings , that only belong to Star Wars.

You can choose to switch from 1st Person to 3rd Person views , depending on your preferences and there are no issues with gun reloading or switching weapons at all. The gameplay is very fast while it requires you to play as a team , to reach your goals throughout.

Added to the game are some options which are not in all other video games -such as : strafe rolling / laying down / double sniper scope magnification / enemy reaction strafe rolling / enemy jumping from upper areas / enemies hiding / rouge enemy attacks / all surface mounted guns are usable / automatic & semi automatic firing on same button if held / and amunition & health replenishing stations.

You couldn't ask for much more in any video game - but in Star Wars costumes & environments - the game is probably the most fun you will ever have playing any of your favorites. If you like Star Wars - then this is the game you have been waiting to buy and play.

On a scale of 1-10 , I give this game a 9 - because of it's implementation alone. It has been worked into a classic video game for all time - that it's creators can be proud of.