Metascore
81 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 34
  2. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. The largest improvement in the game, the one that I’m sure without even checking that all the forums are buzzing about, is that halfway or so through the game you get to customize your light saber.
  2. The amount of control you have over your character in Jedi Academy is one of those things we all asked for while we were playing "Jedi Outcast."
  3. A title that has insane quality, engrossing gameplay with a ton of replay value and not to mention a program that is very stable.
  4. A quality action game in the Jedi Knight series from Lucasarts with the rare ability to maintain the excitement from start to finish.
  5. If you've dreamed of becoming a Jedi Knight endowed with the powers of the Force and equipped with a lightsaber or two, you're going to think you've died and gone to Tatoonie.
  6. As a first person shooter, Jedi Academy excels. It is a Star Wars action title with an engrossing single player experience, even holding true to the expanded Star Wars universe.
  7. 88
    I thoroughly enjoyed Jedi Academy. Still, I couldn't quite shake the feeling that "Jedi Outcast" was more satisfying in terms of my involvement with the story. Jedi Academy dishes out more action sooner but fails to put it in as solid a context as the previous game.
  8. Successfully builds upon the gameplay in "Jedi Outcast," offering a variety of new features, an involving and masterfully presented plotline, on top of many new planets to explore throughout the far regions of the galaxy.
  9. While this in-game training certainly gets the action moving in a hurry, more of the actual Force-progression elements should have been set in the Academy. [Dec 2003, p.112]
  10. Jedi Academy is an evolution of Jedi Knight gameplay with more customizability, cool new sabers, and plenty of fun to be had.
  11. For all my complaining, there is one thing about this game that does rule, and that is the combat. It is still amazingly fun to slice and dice as a Jedi. It just feels good on so many levels. [Nov 2003, p.173]
  12. Raven has done a fantastic job honing in on the strengths of Jedi Outcast and eliminating its weaknesses. Shoddy, confusing, and dull level design has been dropped for a succession of catchy, focused missions that carry you along for hours.
  13. A nonstop action ride that starts out on a high point and manages to remain there for the entire game. Gameplay elements that can be tedious, such as jumping puzzles, are limited, while the use of Force powers is accentuated.
  14. All of the sound effects are top notch. My only gripe is with the voice acting. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is, but it definitely leaves something to be desired.
  15. Lots of running around and beating guys senseless with my trusty lightsaber and smacking people around with the power of the Force.
  16. It's a simple, short thing, but the truly masterful handling of the lightsaber(s) this time around means it's also perhaps the most genuinely Star Warsy game in a long, long time.
  17. Can be a bit too formulaic, but Star Wars fans will be able to ignore the standard gameplay of JKJA and completely get engrossed exploring and adventuring throughout the Star Wars galaxy.
  18. LucasArts has once again pulled off an amazing title that could only hold up to the name "Star Wars". The graphics, interaction, story, authentic sound effects, and the overall concept of going from a pee-on student to a full-blown Jedi Knight have been fully realized by Jedi Academy.
  19. This is the last title that can come out using the old engine before significant reworking is needed, but Jedi Academy still places a performance that deserves a purpose.
  20. 80
    A "Jedi Outcast" follow-up that feels more like an expansion pack than a whole new game... [It] won't bake your noodle or drop your jaw, but it's certainly a fine answer for those of you looking for more Jedi Knight.
  21. 80
    A substantial leap was made in multiplayer support. The classic Free For All and Duel matches are back, but the new star of the online show is the objective-based Siege mode, which pits Rebel and Imperial forces against each other in re-creations of several classic "Star Wars" battles.
  22. Despite the graphical flaws, poor mission design, and lack of a compelling story I still have to admit I had "fun" playing this game. Sure it was easy, sure I finished it in record time, and no, I probably won’t be going back and playing it again anytime soon.
  23. 75
    If you're looking for a true sequel, you likely find yourself a bit disappointed -- it's clearly the weakest entry in the series to date.
  24. Making better use of lightsaber combat and offering a lot more of it, this game does a better job of making the player feel like a Jedi Knight. The extra acrobatic and combat manuevers give veterans something new to learn, whilst adding to the already impressive arsenal of available skills for newbies to get busy with.
  25. With the exception of battling other Jedi, you'll be slicing your way through this game in no time. [Dec 2003, p.80]
  26. There's much work to be done before LucasArts can boast it has created the ultimate Star Wars FPS. Sure, it's the best one yet, but with some often laughable AI and creaking tech underpinning it, the flaws are there for all to see.
  27. Taking out several Stormtroopers with one sweeping flash of neon is a gratifying sight, but the fun really starts as more and more Saber-wielding Dark Jedi are introduced into the fray and the scene becomes awash with multiple blades. [Nov 2003, p.116]
  28. As a distraction it's fine, but as a game it's distinctly lacking in challenge and structure. [PC Gamer UK]
  29. 70
    No matter how much fun I had while playing through Academy, I could never shake the feeling that I was playing an expansion pack to Outcast rather than a full-fledged sequel.
  30. If running around slicing the arms off enemies and toying around with Force powers is your idea of fun, you have found your game. But then, you probably already found that game many years ago when the series first began.
  31. The least inspired "Jedi Knight" game yet still has some thrills. [Nov 2003, p.100]
  32. The new dual-saber and double-bladed staff make for one hell of a lightshow, but they don't have the strategy and finesse of Jedi Outcast's simpler sabers. [Nov 2003, p.94]
  33. 67
    The levels often feel flat and uninspired. [Nov 2003, p.62]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 128 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. This is a great game you can play for hours if you simply love light sabres. I passed on the sp part and went right for multiplayer and was happily slicing and slashing in free for all deathmatch servers. Use one lightsabre or two, customize your character and saber all you want and spend hours figuring out new moves and combos. I never bothered learning the game but it was by far the best non-restrictive free for all fps game I had played in a long time. Full Review »
  2. ShawnW
    10
    The best game I've ever played, multiplayer is the best. Using the saber alone without force powers is tough enough I've been playing the game now for five years a half hour a night (recently) and it still has me hooked. Someday I hope they make an mmo with sword technique. Full Review »
  3. Reminds us of when Star Wars games were made simply for people to enjoy. It had an amazing campaign(even if the AI is sometimes stupid) and an awesome multi-player that should be an example of what online jedi battles should be; fun! The customization is fantastic as well.(for the time at least.) And, to be honest, had better controls than the force unleashed. This game made you feel like you were a Jedi, not some Kratos clone with a lightsaber. Raven Software, do the right thing. Make another sequel. Use the necronomicon on the cancelled project if you have to. Make it happen! Full Review »