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The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes

Game: Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes
Formats: DS, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, 360
Publisher: Activision Blizzard

LOVEFiLM’s older readers will know all about the scepticism that continues to greet the newer trilogy of Star Wars films. While many have accepted the exploits of episodes I, II and II, there are still those who insist on refusing to accept them as part of the ‘real’ Star Wars universe.

Those cynics would do well to check out the latest 3D computer animated TV show, The Clone Wars, which follows on from the previous series and captures the drama of a time when a young Anakin Skywalker was fast becoming a man and huge battles raged across a galaxy far, far away.

Watch a handful of episodes and suddenly the universe of this decade’s Star Wars movies makes sense. LOVEFiLM was treated to a viewing of the newest show, subtitled Republic Heroes, at a preview screening at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch in San Francisco, and as dedicated Star Wars fans we can happily report that the new series is a superb addition to the original Star Wars trilogy, and every bit in keeping with the spirit of what George Lucas originally created.

Of course, the man himself oversaw the production of the TV show and accompanying video game, and the result is a delightful addition to LucasArt’s catalogue of Star Wars games. Being based, as it is, on a computer generated TV animation, the game looks exactly like the small screen edition of the new Clone Wars series, and as such absolutely delivers on the promise of creating a version of televised output that you, the player, can star in.

Thanks to the efforts of the celebrated acting cast from the TV series, who provide voices and creature sounds for the game, the latter absolutely captures the atmosphere of The Clone Wars program, which is penned by acclaimed scriptwriter Dave Filoni, formerly behind Avatar.

The game itself is a third person adventure title that combines elements from a number of genres. Narrative-driven and exploration based, the gameplay draws together puzzle solving, platforming, close quarters combat and shooting sections, and the result is a fast-paced, varied experience that tastes every bit like a chapter from Star Wars law.

The plot itself bridges the gap between series one and two, and allows fans of the shows to step into the cloaks of popular Jedi Heroes such as Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, Mace Windu, and Kit Fisto.

Of course that means Repblic Heroes delivers the ultimate fan’s fantasy in letting you wrap your fingers around the grip on a lightsaber and cut through swathes of droids and other foes. The puzzles provide many of Republic Heroes highlights, but it is swinging a blade of light around that will likely plaster the greatest smile upon your face. Add a range of force powers to the equation, and the appeal of Republic Heroes is clear.

The game also lets you join an elite team of Clone troopers, which is when your trigger-finger will see the most action. As well as learning your way around a blaster, joining a Clone squad also means you’ll have to perfect the likes of rocket launchers and thermal detonators, unleashing devastation in a range of beautifully realised locations.

Throughout the 360 and PS3 versions tested, the main campaign is available as a multiplayer co-operative experience, which certainly seems to be the way the designers intended the game is played. The audio is also noteworthy, and makes you realise just how important the swoosh of a lightsaber and the hum of a vehicle’s engine is to defining the atmosphere of a convincing Star Wars game.

The have been some less than impressive Star Wars games in the past, but this is not one of them. As an accompaniment to a remarkable TV series and to Lucas’ wider fictional universe, this is as good as it gets.

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