Star Wars Bounty Hunter

Once again, publisher LucasArts takes us to period a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away in an all-new GameCube Star Wars action-adventure. This time around, though, we don't assume the role of a powerful Jedi or an ambitious Rebel pilot, but rather a rough bounty hunter employed by the very enemies of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda. Jango Fett, a true anti-hero who won't think twice about killing anybody in his way -- good or bad, is brought to the digital arena with a style and grace uncommon in some of the previous home console titles to feature the Star Wars brand. Armed with all the weapons and gadgets he can carry and a jetpack to boot, the character flies and shoots his way through a variety of gargantuan worlds via tight control and strong level design. There are some shortcomings that hamper the intense fighting, but its faults considered Star Wars Bounty Hunter is still one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had in George Lucas' universe in quite some time. Keep reading to find out why.

The Facts

• Third-person 3D action-adventure spans 18 levels on six huge worlds, including Coruscant, Tatooine, as well as a maximum-security asteroid prison
• Intense action driven by a compelling story that explains how Jango Fett was chosen to be the source for the clone army seen in Attack of the Clones, told through gameplay and cinematic sequences created by Industrial Light & Magic
• Overpower enemies with Jango's deadly arsenal including his trademark dual blaster pistols, missile-equipped jetpack, flamethrower, toxic darts, sniper rifle, and more
• Door's locked? Burn through with your wrist-mounted cutting laser and kick it down!
• Use your scanner to locate bounties, then chase down, corner and snare them with your wrist cable - or blast them into space dust.
• Encounter over 100 unique characters, including familiar Star Wars aliens, droids and creatures, plus a fearsome Krayt Dragon and a host of new additions to the Star Wars Universe
• Sweeping orchestral soundtrack includes music from John Williams' Attack of the Clones score, as well as original music composed exclusively for the game
• Rich, atmospheric sound design by Skywalker Sound
• Featuring the voice talents of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones stars Temuera Morrison as Jango Fett and Leeanna Walsman as Zam Wesell. Also featuring TV and film star Clancy Brown as Jango's brutal arch-nemesis Montross
• Runs in progressive scan mode and surround sound

Gameplay
Bounty Hunter drops players into the questionable lifestyle of Jango Fett immediately following the events of The Phantom Menace and it tells the story of how the anti-hero became the model for the Clone Army. The story flows through a series of nicely woven cut-scenes that move the levels of the game along, and as we advance we discover more about the main character and his many enemies. It turns out that though Jango may be out for his own gain and in cahoots with the Dark Side of the Force, he's still a likeable fellow. It's interesting that the game does a better job, hands down, of recreating a realistic personality out of Fett than the movies ever did.

Chock that up to smart storytelling on the part of LucasArts or just the opposite by Lucas himself. Either way, gamers will be happy to become the bounty hunter as he advances through all sorts of beautiful locales in search of reward, and falls smack dab in the middle of plot by Sith Lord Dark Sidious to eliminate a deadly cult called the Bando Gora. There are twists and turns along the way and they're brought to life through vividly detailed FMV cut-scenes and in-game work, both of which feature top voice acting talent and smart, believable dialogue.