Game Reviews - Indews

In Republic Commando, you assume the role of an elite commando in charge of a kick-ass squad. These commandos aren't your average clones, they have been specially augmented, trained, and equipped to handle the toughest situations. The game starts off in the middle of the Clone Wars, pitting your team up against tons of droids. From there, you must use your squad wisely.

Few games can get squad-based gameplay right, but Republic Commando has seemingly accomplished this task. Each of the units in your squad has a specialty and those specialties will come in handy during different parts of missions. They will be required in certain parts and also, used wisely, can be beneficial in other parts. Using the abilities of your squadmates usually just requires the simple tap of a button. Thankfully, the AI of your squadmates is fairly high and they are good at taking out enemies, so you can rely on them to cover your back and won't feel completely alone.

Republic Commando is a beautiful looking game in most regards. Accompanying the solid gameplay and great squad control are the great graphics and special effects. The game is sparkly and plenty appealing to say the least. The maps have plenty of Star Wars theme with many taking place in setting similar or the same as the movies (including the desert in Episode II). They are well designed and the environments are well planned out. The characters were all extremely well designed and animated, giving the game a very polished and fluid look and feel.

Phew, the developers seem to have hit all the right notes with the audio section of the game as well. The various weapons all have great sound effects and there's constant chatter between your squadmates, helping to draw you into the battle. The voice acting is superb and the dialogue was very well written. The effects, as mentioned, are punchy and vibrant, giving the weapons a solid sound.

As you would expect from an FPS game, Republic Commando includes a multiplayer mode. Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and other modes you would expect are all present. Although they aren't overly well implemented and the multiplayer options are by far not the best aspect of the game, they do provide plenty of replay for gamers who are drawn into the game. There is nothing overly new or intuitive but at least its there, which is more than can be said for many games.

Republic Commando isn't necessarily the best FPS, or even the best Star Wars, game ever made, but it is still a whole lotta fun to play and it is a quality game that any Star Wars fan should be more than pleased to own.