Wow. Really, really fun!
User Rating: 8.4 | Star Wars: Republic Commando XBOX
Republic Commando sees you taking on the role as part of an elite force of clones manufactured at the Kamino facility. For creating a Star Wars feel and offering instantly enjoyable and compelling gameplay it get 10/10, but there are other things to take into consideration... The gameplay is near perfect as far as FPSs go. It is fast paced, fun, and also has a tactical aspect to it. The weapons are very well balanced for the kind of fire they offer (close range, long range, medium range, power, supression etc.) and help add to the afore-mentioned tactical aspect. Also, the enemys are great fun to fight, with a highly competent AI and disposable limbs! You even get to fight some of General Greivous's body guards midway through the game. The main gameplay aspect, or at least the one which Lucas Arts would have you believe, is the teamwork between you and the other Commandos. Whilst it is done very well with the different commands, and adds a tactical element to the game, you cant help but think that a lot of the situations feel quite contrived, as you can only issue certain orders in set circumstances. Nevertheless, it is still a very fun system to use. Sadly, despite the awesome fun the game offers, it is short. I managed to conquer it on 'normal' in about 8 hours, and you really cant help but feel disappointed, and wanting more. However, the story line is fantastic (though abrupt at the end) and as a finale, offers you a very clever and satisfying cameo. The graphics in this game are fairly stunning at some points. The environments are always beautifully laid out, and show great detail. The enemys also have fantastic looking shine about them (the droids anyway) and their destructible limbs are a real plus, again, adding to the tactical element (i.e go for temporary neautrilisation, or for the longer winded kill?). Weapons in the game are wonderfully rendered, and have a very authentic 'light blast', very similar to that of the film. The music is, however, slightly sub standard. this is luckily counter acted by the witty comments from a couple of your team mates. Again, blaster fire and grenades have a very authentic feel. Republic Commando is definatly worth more than a look in, it is a very enjoyable and exciting gaming experience which offers superb all round gameplay and above average graphics. Whilst it lacks depth and is quite a bit too short, it makes up for these short coming in its other aspects, and the prospect of a sequel! 
