JEDI KNIGHT 2: OUTCAST

Reviewed By: Jase
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PC
Produced by: LucasArts
Price Range: $51-60
Learning curve time: 1-2 hrs.
Age level: Teens
ESRB Rating: Teen
Patches / Upgrades: 1.03
System Requirements: PII, 500 (or equivalent), 64mb ram, 800mb harddrive space,16mb video card

Genre: Action/adventure
Christian Rating: 4 of 5
   (slightly offensive)
Gameplay: 4 of 5
   (good)
Violence: 3 of 5
   (mild)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

"Jedi Knight 2: Outcast" invites you on a trip to a galaxy far far away and a long time ago. In “Outcast” the Star Wars license is used well, but it's not perfect. There are several annoyances throughout the single player mode, and even the multiplayer has its problems. But the musical score is great!

Parts of this game will make you ask yourself "Why go on?". Other parts will make you say "I wish I was in that level again--not this one." The game starts VERY slowly, with four long levels where you have to run around with only a few simple guns and no force powers. Just like a standard FPS (first person shooter). When you finally earn a few powers from a “trial” at Yavin Academy, you are unfortunately not able to experiment much with them. A big opportunity for fun is missed.

The game meanders forward. You get a few upgrades on your force skills and more come to you along the way. One flaw in the game is that you can essentially use the saber exclusively after you earn it. There are a few parts where you have to snipe at a couple of enemies from afar but that is all.

There are numerous jumping puzzles in the game which hinder it's pace. The level design makes you feel sorry for the employees of the Empire. It ain't easy being a trooper with all of the faulty circutry and occupational hazards.

Screenshot from 'Jedi Knight II' I'm yet to mention the story. Was there one to be found? I must have missed it. The story was lacking so much that it was almost invisible. At times you could be adventuring and forget exactly why you were even there. The developers really should have used the potential of the Star Wars licence to make this a gem, yet they didn't.

As far as offensive content--well there is neither blood nor sexual content. There is a few instances of “damn” in the dialog, but that's about it. “Outcast” is only commendable in that maybe it'll increase your dexterity at shooting quickly.

In the Multiplayer mode the morality rating can drop drastically as the adult content and language is pretty much up to those with whom you play. There is a huge consumer base for this game among ignorant teens. If you can just go on playing the game and ignore the language you'll do fine.

There are some balance issues with the game. Supposedly it's been patched, but I'd say it is still a work in progress. Overall "Jedi Knight 2: Outcast" will leave you feeling cheated and robbed of your money. But there are a few elements worth checking out, so it's your call. Don't say you haven't been warned.

Year of Release—2002

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.