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Star Wars Battlefront II improves upon the original game's single-player experience with open-ended, mission-based objectives inspired from all six Star Wars films. The compelling storyline spans more than 12 new locations, many from Episode III, including volcanic Mustafar and the space battle above Coruscant. All-new classic movie moments complete the Star Wars Battlefront II experience, as players battle within the interior of the Death Star and visit Princess Leia’s blockade runner, the Tantive IV, as seen at the beginning of Episode IV A New Hope. In addition, at certain key moments within the battles, players can feel the Force as a Jedi. For the first time ever, Star Wars Battlefront II players can engage in space combat and, during the same battle, board enemy ships to attack from within. Starting on foot inside a capital ship, players can enter the spacecraft of their choice and travel into space to dogfight with the rival faction. From there, they can dock within the enemy’s capital ship, overtake the ship’s command posts, man its turrets to disable its shields and destroy it from within! Or, they can simply stay inside their own capital ship and defend it from attacks and enemy fire. The choice is theirs. The stellar online play that marked the original Star Wars Battlefront returns even bigger and better for Star Wars Battlefront II. Players can locate their buddies and track their stats as they battle alongside more players than ever (up to 24 on PS2, 32 on Xbox, 64 on Windows). [LucasArts]
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... 100
GameShark
Nothing gets the gamer closer to experiencing the epic battles of Star Wars than this game.
 95
Next Level Gaming
This is without a doubt the best Star Wars game ever created.
92
Cincinnati Enquirer
The improved single-player games are worthwhile enough on their own, but if you can find well connected online matches, multiplayer games will keep you addicted for months.
90
XGP Gaming
Although the online portion of the game is clearly the best part, the single-player hasn’t been neglected by any means. If you are a Star Wars nut or looking for some hectic online action, go out and buy Star Wars Battlefront II, because it is quite possibly one of the best Star Wars games ever released.
90
MS Xbox World
With over 20 new battlefronts on land and in space, this is a great sequel with a lot more added features improving the original tenfold.
90
Jolt Online Gaming UK
Perhaps only a third party can produce a title that so glorifies a series that revolutionised cinema, because it’s Pandemic and not LucasArts that has created a game that lives up to the vast shadow created by the films.
90
Thunderbolt
Great fun but far from perfect, mainly due to a handful of little niggles.
90
Team Xbox
Better than the original in almost every way, which says a lot for LucasArts' and Pandemic's commitment to their legion of fans. Space battle and playable Jedi are reason enough to run out and buy Star Wars Battlefront II, but 32 player online matches don't hurt either.
90
Computer and Video Games
A walloping, beautiful example of what Xbox Live can do. It's bigger than the first, it's better than the first, and if there's any justice, it'll be what everyone will be playing come release. Impressive. Most impressive. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]
90
GameSpy
LucasArts has added a ton of new features to an already great game, resulting in one of the best Star Wars games ever. The Force is strong with this one, indeed.
90
GamePro
A supremely enjoyable online shooter. Against all odds, Battlefront II may make you forget all about that little game called "Halo 2."
90
Cheat Code Central
With plenty of maps and intriguing campaign missions, Battlefront II's replay value is already pretty high. Tack on the addictive nature of Xbox Live and we have a game that is worth every penny you dropped for it.
89
Pelit (Finland)
A hardcore Star Wars fan's dream come true. Decent solo game with playable jedi characters, furious space fights and awesome net play. What else can you ask for? As a PC game Battlefront 2 is a technically lacking hyperactive bunnyhopper. Again. [Dec 2005]
88
Worth Playing
My one complaint is that sprinting requires you to hold in the left thumbstick while pointing in the direction you need to go, which can get a little uncomfortable.
86
VGPub
It’s a massive, online Valentine to the Lucas faithful, and even if you’re not a rabid Star Wars fanatic, you can easily enjoy this as a straight-up action game.
85
Official Xbox Magazine
Given the slew of impressive upgrades and new features, the purchase of this new installment is a must. [Holiday 2005, p.90]
85
Game Informer
The movies may be done, but with games like Battlefront II, I have a feeling that the best in Star Wars is yet to come. [Dec 2005, p.152]
85
Stuff
The sequel to last year's third-person/real-time strategy game set in Star Wars land once again manages to be the 'Nam of Wars games. In other words, the disc does a heck of job of trying to make you feel like you're really "in the sh.t" on Coruscant.
84
1UP
The notion of hopping into an X-Wing, shooting down a flight of TIE fighters and then boarding an enemy Star Destroyer to disable its shields is one that has been deeply rooted in many a Gen X'ers mind. This is now possible, and while space combat is not as refined or complex as say X-Wing Alliance, it opens up the game beyond ground-based combat.
83
Gaming Age
Battlefront II is a good sequel, but it's got too much in common with the first game to make the upgrade a no-brainer.
82
Electronic Gaming Monthly
As with the last Battlefront, I still feel like I'm controlling cheap plastic toys rather than real soldiers, tanks, or spaceships. Everything looks and feels so insubstantial, with no tangible weight or physics.
82
Xbox World Australia
The story mode is new and refreshing offering a narrative to the events from a side of the story that we’ve experienced, but never on a personal level such as this and this was the most enjoyable part of the game for myself.
82
GameZone
With more playable maps, including the excellent space combat battles, and the inclusion of heroes and villains makes this a particularly satisfying Star Wars games fans will love.
81
GameSpot
New space combat maps and playable Jedi represent some incremental improvements, but for the most part, Battlefront II treads familiar ground, which is great for Star Wars fanatics and fans of team-based online shooters.
80
games(TM)
Take away the costumes and the lasers and you've still got an excellent example of how to produce multiplayer bedlam. [Dec 2005, p.110]
80
Total Video Games
At least three new gameplay features makes Battlefront II feel far more rounded compared to the first title. Perhaps this is what Battlefront I should have been.
80
Sydney Morning Herald
Space conflict complements ground-based action beautifully and jumping into the cockpit of an X-wing or TIE fighter is thrilling.
80
GamerFeed
Battlefront II easily conquers the first game with wise detailing on the levels, as well as fun modes with Conquer the Galaxy and lots of multiplayer options.
80
Game Over Online
Battlefront II is also a great way to recreate those childhood fantasies of being smack in the middle of Hoth, Mos Eisley, Dagobah and the like, but in order to really experience the fun the game can offer you will need either a bunch of friends to play with or an Xbox LIVE account.
80
Loaded Inc
The newly added space battles, Jedi Heroes, and vehicle types are more than enough to justify having this on the top of your Christmas list or to splurge for it now.
80
DarkStation
The sequel to the Battlefront series dazzles us with exciting single player modes, space battles and superb online play, all wrapped in the same solid visual engine.
80
Games Radar
A fun romp that stays interesting no matter how you play it. It has its share of flaws, but for fans, this is the first Star Wars game to have it all.
80
ZTGameDomain
With up to 32 player matches, the ability to use bots, and the incredible amount of customizable options this game will be played for a long time to come.
76
XboxAddict
Let's spend longer than a year developing the next one. After the thrill of wielding the light saber wore off, its faults were all too clear.
75
Detroit Free Press
The graphics are pretty, the score divine, the story-driven single-player game is actually cinematic and engaging and the lag, while annoying at times online, has been greatly reduced from the original.
75
Game Revolution
Armed with a healthy Internet connection, this game will hold at bay the forces of boredom for months. Switch off that connection, though, and witness the biggest turn to the lame side since the new Star Wars movies.
70
IGN
And so more than its predecessor, the faults and quirks of Battlefront II stand out and become glaring because the new adds feel unpolished while the old gripes manage to rear their heads for a second time.
70
PALGN
While the base game remains fairly much the same, the new space battles are a real thrill – it’s just a pity that the hero system that appeared to be so promising really just serves to unbalance the experience.
60
EuroGamer
The acute sense of excitement and precision in combat of the "Halo" games is absent, likewise the intensity of being in a firefight delivered by "Battlefield 2." All the explosions and laser-fire feel a lot like window-dressing, even if the game does have some attractive scenery.
55
netjak
Decidedly mediocre. Being able to play as a Jedi is definitely one of its strongest qualities, but it really doesn't make up for a really lackluster massive battlefield shooter.
Matt gave it a9: Chris E. gave it a4: Style gave it a3: Chad C. gave it a0: James R. gave it a10: Chris W. gave it a10: Eric gave it an8: |
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