Even after many years, This game can really stand the test of time. I actually still love playing this game *long*.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Jedi Knight is an extremely fun game to play. Even in 2006. JK comes at a time when flat green textures were enough to let you know, "Hey, I'm stepping on grass".
The graphics, although simplistic, still work very well in the game. During a time when FPS was dominated by the outrageous violence of Duke Nukem and Quake, Jedi Knight (JK) gave the player the ability to feel what it's like to have the powers of the Force - dark or light. Even better, you get to do what most Star Wars fans have always dreamed of doing - handling a lightsaber. JK was less about body count and more about bringing a personal single player experience.
JK was a very long game that brought so much to the table. It concentrated on story and gameplay. The graphics weren't the best when you were indoors but when you were outdoors it was enough to make you feel like you're in a vast world you can explore in. The game gives you an attachment to the main character through building his force powers and uncovering cutscenes. In some ways, the game has some RPG elements that make upgrading your force powers very satisfying. As you build up force points, you realize that there more than one ways to solve a puzzle or situation and when you find a solution, it is very rewarding. There are even parts of the game where you are encouraged to find secret areas in each of the levels by performing creative feats of the force or by simplying thinking "outside the box". The use of force powers and the lightsaber are a huge part of the game. It really puts you in the shoes and the game makes you feel what it's like to deflect blaster fire and harness the power of the Jedi. Add branching storylines for replyability, a really memorable soundtrack and all of a sudden...you have the makings of a very playable classic.
Despite JK's engine limitations, JK has some of the most creative levels you will ever explore in the Star Wars universe. Each of the levels have purpose and are plausible parts of the story. You don't just have these random switches you turn on and off and there is no reason to make the level extremely vast just because it can. The level designers went out of their way to make everything sensible and believable in the levels. You don't end up at a boiler room for nothing and somehow find yourself connected to a senator's palace. The puzzles are also very creative and make alot of sense. They were not simply "added" on to the level. The other wonderful thing is that you always seem to know what to do. I'm not sure how the developers accomplish this but through sensible little hints, you'll know what to do. There are even levels where you are in a ship that has lost control and the level starts to twist and turn in the game.
The other thing that JK does so well is make use of grand fights with the bosses of the game such as the Dark Jedi or Sith, etc. Each of the bosses have a unique background and fighting style. The fights are so enjoyable that you'll want to mark a save game slot before meeting the boss. You will enjoy force jumping above your enemy and slashing from above. The other beauty is that you can actually switch to third person mode so that you can enjoy some of the animation in beating those bosses to the pulp while keeping the FPS side of the game fresh and usable.
Despite JK's old age, I really recommend this to those who want to try something different. It is part FPS, part-adventure, and part-fighting game. It is a huge cry compared to FPS games of today. It is a great experience that shouldn't be missed and it is satisfying all the way down to the last level and cutscene.
On the multiplayer side, it is pretty fun too. Each player can differ greatly on playing each other simply by allocating points to different force powers. You can even be different characters and have different lightsaber colors. Some of the most satisfying experiences in multiplayer is force jumping over another player, "force pulling" the weapon from his hands and firing back with the same weapon you stripped from him...or even better...use your lightsaber.
JK was a very revolutionary for its time and continues to be a very classic example of a game that can stand the test of time. If you're a real PC gamer and/or a Star Wars fan, you must have this game in your collection. Nothing beats playing a game in super high resolution with no slowdown. The game is old but the game is so compelling to play over again.
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