Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

 Wii
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Image
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 81 Ratings

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  • Summary: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed casts players as Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The expansive story, created under direction from George Lucas, is set during the largely unexplored era between "Star Wars: Episode IIIStar Wars: The Force Unleashed casts players as Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The expansive story, created under direction from George Lucas, is set during the largely unexplored era between "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith" and "Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope." In it, players assist the iconic villain in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi - and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny. Unleash and upgrade the Secret Apprentice's four core Force powers - Force push, grip, repulse and lightning - throughout the course of the game, and combine them for ultra-destructive, never-before-seen combos. The Secret Apprentice doesn't just Force push enemies into walls - he Force pushes enemies through walls. The Secret Apprentice doesn't just Force grip foes to throw them aside - he Force grips them in midair, zapping them with lightning, then dropping them to the ground to explode like a bomb. In addition to new adversaries created just for the game, such as fugitive Jedi and Force-sensitive Felucians, players also confront and associate with familiar faces from the Star Wars films, including Darth Vader. Visit locations such as Episode III's Wookiee homeworld Kashyyyk and the floral Felucia, the junk planet Raxus Prime, plus an Imperial TIE fighter construction facility. Decisions made by players throughout the game determine the path of the story, including multiple endings that will rock Star Wars continuity as they know it. [LucasArts]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. n-Revolution Magazine UK
    90
    Great narrative, Force powers and a fun multiplayer mode make the Wii version the pick of the Unleashed bunch.
  2. Cynamite
    80
    Straight-forward lightsaber action meets first class story. But what sounds like a must have game reveals a lot of frustrating sides and small bugs.
  3. IGN
    78
    It can be a blast to play, and using the nunchuk and Wii-mote for force powers is unrivaled when compared to any other control scheme, but the gameplay isn't strong enough on its own to make up for the overall rushed feeling in the game.
  4. Switch Brasil
    72
    Star Wars: The Force Unleashed may not be a must-buy and neither catch the player's attention for a long time. But the ones who are tired of Wii's casuality, it'll do fine.
  5. GameSpy
    70
    Force Unleashed may not be the mind-blowingly awesome "Star Wars" game that it was hyped to be, but thanks to some cool play mechanics and good use of the Wii Remote it's still a fun (if flawed) ride.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    68
    The Wii controls are solid, and blazing a trail of destruction with the Force powers is a great game premise. But there are just some aspects of the game that feel half-baked and poorly-done.
  7. 1UP
    42
    The days of Jedi Knight, Rogue Squadron, and TIE Fighter are quickly becoming distant memories of what it was like to sit down and feel like we really were in a galaxy far, far away -- The Force Unleashed on the Wii can't hold a candle to those classics.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 28
  3. Negative: 3 out of 28
  1. ConstantineHarakas
    Mar 22, 2008
    10
    I am looking forward to getting this game when it comes out. I am going to get it on the wii. It looks like the best game made from star wars.I am looking forward to getting this game when it comes out. I am going to get it on the wii. It looks like the best game made from star wars. You can do so much action with the force and he lightsaber. THE BEST GAME PROBALLY COMING OUT OF APRIL!… Expand
  2. BillP
    Sep 18, 2008
    9
    Once you get a feel for the mechanics, the amazing variety of force powers and the double-fisted control scheme will really draw you in. TheirOnce you get a feel for the mechanics, the amazing variety of force powers and the double-fisted control scheme will really draw you in. Their is the occasional camera frustration, but overall I find the game works smoothly and intuitively, and feels fast-paced and action packed. Exactly what I thought it would be!… Expand
  4. [Anonymous]
    Oct 18, 2008
    9
    Having played both the 360 and Wii versions of this game, I'm going to be making several comparisons. From a technical standpoint, Having played both the 360 and Wii versions of this game, I'm going to be making several comparisons. From a technical standpoint, graphics and AI in this version are not as good as the 360 and PS3 versions of the game. Despite this, I would consider the Wii release to be the definitive version of the game. This game truly shows the capability of the Wii controller. In the 360 version, many moves were mapped to various button combos, which can cause gameplay to quickly devolve into random button-mashing. The Wii controls were mapped intuitively with most lightsaber moves being done by the remote in your right hand and most force powers done by the nunchuck in your left. While perhaps slightly harder to pick up initially (for seasoned gamers whom are used to control pads), this system proved far more robust and intuitive in the end. For example, to do a "sword in the stone" type ground slam on the Wii version, you simply jump, then make a downward stabbing motion with the remote. Most (but not all) moves follow this kind of logical setup. The result is a game that truly feels fantastic to play. While the setup doesn't quite hit perfection (I felt the nunchuck could've been better utilized when using force grip), it's still the most engaging and fun way to play through an adventure that I've ever experienced. In addition to unsurpassed controls in an action game, the Wii version features a multiplayer duel mode not found in the 360 version. The game plays something like a cross between Smash Bros and Sould Calibur, and is surprisingly robust for what I expected to be a cheap toss-in. In fact, with a few more arenas and an online mode, it could pass as a standalone game. As is, it's still a lot of fun and drastically increases the value of the game. In fact, without the multiplayer mode, I would likely only recommend a rental of this game since the single player campaign isn't all that long. Overall the Wii version of Star Wars TFU takes what is a good-but-flawed action game, introduces intuitive and visceral controls, brings in a fun multiplayer mode, and creates a game which is more than the sum of its parts. The technically poor graphics quality is overcome by excellent art direction, the low value of a short campaign is balanced by a multiplayer mode you'll want to play with your friends, and the repitition that is the nature of these types of games is easily ignored due to both the engaging story (for Star Wars fans, at least) and the control scheme that's a blast to use. If you're a Star Wars fan and you own a Wii: buy this game. If you don't meet one of the prior criteria, you still might want to give it a look.… Expand
  5. Marc-AndréBossé
    Sep 16, 2008
    8
    Lacks polishing, you'll hear this often. Well it's true, but the truth is: the controls are working A1 and smashing out the bad guysLacks polishing, you'll hear this often. Well it's true, but the truth is: the controls are working A1 and smashing out the bad guys has never been this fun... So what are u waiting for??? Go buy it if you're a fan, rent it if you're not, as simple as that.… Expand
  6. FlammableIce
    Jan 31, 2011
    7
    Pretty good plot. But VERY short. I finished this game in one day. Very easy. I think they could add more to it. Not very appealing graphics.Pretty good plot. But VERY short. I finished this game in one day. Very easy. I think they could add more to it. Not very appealing graphics. Anyway, a great rental!… Expand
  7. motrenurt
    Sep 15, 2008
    7
    Good game except for the fact there is only 9 hours gameplay, so in my opinion a waste of money. When will Nintendo and games manufacturersGood game except for the fact there is only 9 hours gameplay, so in my opinion a waste of money. When will Nintendo and games manufacturers startmaking real games for the Wii?
    Anyways, final comment. All Hype, No Substance! & that goes for the console and all its games. I feel ripped off!    … Expand
  8. Fryfat
    Aug 29, 2008
    1
    I demoed the Wii version and the PS3 version at a recent tech show. Hands down, the PS3 was the superior game. Do not be fooled by theI demoed the Wii version and the PS3 version at a recent tech show. Hands down, the PS3 was the superior game. Do not be fooled by the gimmick nature of the Wii remote. I think it is a great game, but needs to be played on either a XBOX360 or PS3 to really achieve full enjoyment.… Expand

See all 28 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Wii Game of 2008
14
#14 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
54
#54 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008