Video Games
Star Wars: Republic Commando
By Clint McKee
Apr 11, 2005 - 9:25:00 AM

Hardcore Star Wars fans have lined up outside Gauman's Chinese Theater awaiting the chance to purchase tickets for the May 19 opener of the next Star Wars segment. It doesn't matter that the movie will not be shown at this particular theater. Anticipating a change in viewing site, these over zealous fans remain rooted to the sidewalk, opting to camp out at the wrong theater rather than miss their opportunity to be first to see this galaxy related movie.

For fans who do not have the time or the resources to leave jobs, family and friends for six weeks, a new video game may be the answer.

Star Wars: Republic Commando for Xbox or PS2 owners is just what frustrated Star Wars fans need to get them through the next few weeks until the movie version opens.

The Elite Republic Commandos of Delta Squad are trained to handle any situation on any planet or even in space. These cloned soldiers are fierce, strong and have a mean arsenal, including the DC-17 Blaster rifle. This weapon is a sniper rifle and anti-armor gun all rolled into one. The unique alien weaponry gives the Clones combat advantage with its grenades, time bombs, proximity mines and hidden knives, which convert into lethal close-range weaponry.

This game is similiar to the video game Halo, but the players control Delta Squad with Delta's 38 commands, a feature Halo needs more of. Players can order the character Sev to cover another character named Fixer as he places bombs, or have the character Scorch slice open a door and barrage the enemy with blaster fire. Throw a couple of grenades into the fray, and the game becomes one of the best action video games this year.

From assassination attempts to a freaky ghost ship, the game moves from one scenario to another in a flawless transition.

Star Wars: Republic Commando is a long and very intense game with a few flaws, but still manages to keep every player happy and into the story.

I give this game four of five stars.