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Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy pc Game Reviews
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
Critic Score
Metascore: 81 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.6 out of 10
based on 34 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 30 votes
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Rate this game

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]

PUBLISHER: LucasArts
DEVELOPER: Raven Software
GENRE(S): Third-Person Action
PLAYERS: 32
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: September 16, 2003

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...

92
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.
Read Full Review
91
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."
Read Full Review
90
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.
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
88
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.
Read Full Review
87
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.
Read Full Review
86
AtomicGamer
Jedi Academy is an evolution of Jedi Knight gameplay with more customizability, cool new sabers, and plenty of fun to be had.
Read Full Review
86
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]
85
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]
85
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.
Read Full Review
84
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.
Read Full Review
84
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.
Read Full Review
83
Game Revolution
Lots of running around and beating guys senseless with my trusty lightsaber and smacking people around with the power of the Force.
Read Full Review
82
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.
Read Full Review
81
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.
Read Full Review
80
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.
Read Full Review
80
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.
Read Full Review
80
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.
Read Full Review
80
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.
Read Full Review
79
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.
Read Full Review
75
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.
Read Full Review
74
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.
Read Full Review
70
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.
Read Full Review
70
Computer Gaming World
The least inspired "Jedi Knight" game yet still has some thrills. [Nov 2003, p.100]
70
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.
Read Full Review
70
2404.org
Graphics could be better.
Read Full Review
70
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.
Read Full Review
70
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]
70
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]
Read Full Review
70
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]
70
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]
Read Full Review
67
GameNow
The levels often feel flat and uninspired. [Nov 2003, p.62]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 30 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

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

D.1 D.1 gave it an8:
A good game.

Austin C. gave it a10:
It is the best game I have ever played.

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.

Jackie gave it a 10:
This game is one of the best I've played in a long time, it's twice as good if your a star wars fan.

William J. gave it a 10:
Great Game! What else is there to say.

Read more user comments...

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