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Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

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8.7 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 34 critic reviews
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Based on 38 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: LucasArts

Developer: Raven Software

Genre(s): Third-Person Action

Players: 32

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: September 16, 2003

Summary

As a new student of Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy, follow an ancient tradition and learn the powers - and dangers - of the Force. The Force is a powerful ally; use it wisely. Immerse yourself in the classic Star Wars universe as you take on the role of a student eager to learn the ways of the Force from Master Luke Skywalker. Interact with famous classic Star Wars locations and characters while facing the ultimate choice: fight for good and freedom in the light side or follow the path of power and evil to the dark side. Create your own characters by defining various characteristics, such as species, gender, clothing and physical attributes allowing for a more personal experience before entering the academy to learn the powers - and dangers - of the Force. Construct your own lightsaber from handle to blade color. Utilize two if you prefer or try the ultimate dual-bladed lightsaber made famous by Darth Maul. Unique tiered level selection allows you to choose you adventure and the missions you take based on the skills you need to become the ultimate Jedi Knight. [LucasArts]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central Game Revolution GameSpot Guide IGN Insider Guide

Also On The Web: ActionTrip Preview GameSpy Preview Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Game Over Online

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.

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Gaming Age

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."

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Cheat Code Central

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.

GameZone

A title that has insane quality, engrossing gameplay with a ton of replay value and not to mention a program that is very stable.

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PC Arena

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.

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PC Gameworld

A quality action game in the Jedi Knight series from Lucasarts with the rare ability to maintain the excitement from start to finish.

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IGN

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.

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ActionTrip

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.

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AtomicGamer

Jedi Academy is an evolution of Jedi Knight gameplay with more customizability, cool new sabers, and plenty of fun to be had.

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PC Gamer

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]

Game Informer

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]

FiringSquad

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.

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GameSpot

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.

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Next Level Gaming

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.

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Game Revolution

Lots of running around and beating guys senseless with my trusty lightsaber and smacking people around with the power of the Force.

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PC Format

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.

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Armchair Empire

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.

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GameShark

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.

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Gamenikki

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.

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G4 TV

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.

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GamePro

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.

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Game Chronicles

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.

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GameSpy

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.

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VIA Gamers Arena

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.

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Eurogamer

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.

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Computer Gaming World

The least inspired "Jedi Knight" game yet still has some thrills. [Nov 2003, p.100]

Yahoo! Games

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.

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2404.org

Graphics could be better.

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netjak

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.

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GMR Magazine

With the exception of battling other Jedi, you'll be slicing your way through this game in no time. [Dec 2003, p.80]

games(TM)

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]

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Computer Games Magazine

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]

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

As a distraction it's fine, but as a game it's distinctly lacking in challenge and structure. [PC Gamer UK]

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GameNow

The levels often feel flat and uninspired. [Nov 2003, p.62]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.7 (out of 10) based on 38 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Shawn W gave it a10:
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.

[anonymous] gave it a10:
jedi outcast gets an 89 but this gets an 81? thats a joke jedi academy was so much better for a number of reasons. 1: complete customization of your character make your lightsaber how you want it pick what force powers you want and choose how you want to look. 2: you got different endings depending on your choices 3: you have battles with tons of jedi at a time where in outcast you would at most have 2-3 enemies i had at one point 6 jedi coming to kill me 4: More multiplayer modes this game was overall much better then jedi outcast buy it play it and then decide if u want to go back and play a game that wasnt as good

GUARD!AN gave it a10:
My favorite game of all time (And I've tried a hell of a lot of them) Siege gametype in multiplayer is one of the most unique gameplay experiences I have ever had (mostly due to the inclusion of lightsaber combat)

Zedo M. gave it a9:
This was a really good game, I haven't played Single Player yet, as I am currently playing other games, but the MP was awesome on this game! You can create your own character in Multilayer (MP) or choose from one of the default ones, or if you don't like those, you can download more for you game. An awesome game I love playing anytime I get the chance!

Anastasiu A. gave it a10:
This is one of my favourite games for multyplaying.

Chris C. gave it a9:
This game is awesome. I'm a Star Wars fan and anyone who has ever dreamed of being a Jedi and using a lightsaber and force powers to slice and dice your enemies this game is for you. It is very fun to play and the interface is perfect. Although technically it is a first person shooter game, you really can forget your guns and just go through the game with your lightsaber and force powers (as any real Jedi should). Since this is the only game in the Jedi Knight/Dark Forces series that I have played I can't comment on how it relates to those games; however, this game really stands well on its own. Some also might comment on the fact that it is based on the somewhat dated Quake III engine, but I still think it looks and plays great and come on in the middle of the all that action who really has time to closely examine his surroundings. Plus, since I have an older machine (a PIII 1.2 Ghz and a Geforce 2 MX) I appreciate that there are games that can still run on it. The only negative that I can think of, is that I wish it were longer. A few more missions would be nice. Highly recommended!

Matt M. gave it a 7:
Not quite as great as Jedi Outcast beacause well on Jedi Master the final confrontation with Tavion was one of the simplist things i have done. The thing that saves this game is the awesome multiplayer gameplay.

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Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

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