 | | Your helmet actually engulfs parts of your view, an aspect I adore |
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Republic Commando is something rather different for LucasArts. Rather than rehash that same old Star Wars style we all know inside out, they've taken the license in a completely new direction here. On the one hand it's got blasters, droids, Wookies and all that good stuff, but on closer inspection it becomes clear that this is no regular old license-based fodder. It's Star Wars but tinted black and darkened up. Almost a natural progression into adulthood of the franchise we all watched when we were kids.
Don't You Eyeball Me, Boy
In it you play a clone of the recently formed clonetrooper army introduced in Episode II. Rather than take control of a bogstandard grunt though, you're part of a special forces team here, sent in on behind enemy lines missions in an effort to tip the tide of the clone war. Think more Tom Clancy, than George Lucas; in fact there are no Jedi to be seen anywhere in Republic Commando. The emphasis here is strictly on brutal military covert ops action.
Along with this shift towards a more realistic gameplay style (at least, as realistic as you can get in a galaxy far, far away) comes a major shift in graphical tone; one we really haven't seen in a Star Wars game before. Set aside all mental images of Ewoks battering stormtroopers with sticks, Gungans chucking big blue balloons around like window lickers, and whiny little Jedi twats shouting "Let's try spinning, that's a good trick!". No sir, this world is dark and moody all the way, and about as far away from the movies as you could get, without it turning into Republic Commando: Total Recall.
Halo 3
Comparisons will inevitably be drawn to the Halo series, and to be honest, they'd be right to. Playability wise, they're strikingly similar, although I must say Republic Commando does move at a distinctly brisker pace. The R trigger fires your current weapon and the L trigger's used for grenades much like Halo, but they do start to differ when you begin messing with the weapon load-out system.
 | | Guns are for pussies, a true bad arse will merely smash his way to victory |
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As opposed to a wide selection of different guns, you'll be using only one for the majority of the game, however rather ingeniously you can switch in and out different upgrades and add-ons via the D-pad which completely alters its use. One modification turns it into a sniper rifle for instance, while another gives it grenade launching capabilities. On those rare occasions when you find yourself running out of ammo, you can also switch to a pistol or grab a shotgun, and all the weaponry I've seen so far packs a satisfying and very meaty punch I must say. For that close quarter action you can even smack 'em with a left hook.
The level I played myself is soon to be available on cover discs via the big Xbox mags, and sets you on board a droid infested capital ship. Initially separated from your men, your first job is to regroup with them. After tracking them down, the first site of a squad mate caused me to giggle gleefully, as he jumped on top a rolling droideka and stuffed a grenade up its arse.
From here me and my team moved through the various meandering tunnels of the ship, blowing away battle droids and the like amidst the usual bouts of first person blasting action. The small little details are what stand-out most of all; the Metroid Prime-style HUD, the splashes of oil on your visor, the semi-interactive scenery, and best of all, your ever so helpful team mates. All these elements really help tie you in to the action and give you a proper front row seat.
To the Forward Command Post, Take Me
 | | Strangely enough, each squad mate has a different voice. Odd for clones, no? |
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The leadership elements provide a nice change of pace for the most part, as you can give your buddies commands at pre-ordained spots. Simply scanning your surroundings, any possible action or area where they can take up position will glow with a holographic image. These may be sniping spots, med stations, or even detonation targets. You simply hit the A button on any such holograms and the nearest man will carry out the order. It's very easy to use and cuts down on needless micromanaging, allowing you to instantly suss out your options and set up your men accordingly. Failing that, you can alternatively just sit back and let them do their own thing if you'd prefer, thanks to the surprisingly good AI. I even caught the men taking cover, popping out for shots, then diving back down.
It's also worth noting that much like Pacific Assault, Republic Commando uses a medic system, where your team mates will always nurse you back to health on the battlefield, providing they all remain alive themselves. The graphical effects and motion blur on these "death" sequences are incredible, and one area where it improves on the Pacific Assault implementation is how you can in fact heal your squad mates in return.
 | | Set between movies, expect minor references to Episodes II and III |
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As the level drew to an end and a massive spider droid came lumbering down the corridor towards us, I put all these various squad abilities to the test. The sniper took up position at the rear, the heavy weapons specialist took cover up front, and me and the remaining trooper simply freestyled around on foot, peppering the boss with grenades and laser fire. Sure enough, he dropped pretty damn quickly.
Just as I felt as if I was starting to really enjoy myself and get some major droid arse kicking under my belt, the LucasArts splash screen popped up signifying the end.
On the whole, things seem to be coming along nicely for Republic Commando I'd say, but there's still room for improvement.
Hopes
Sound is beautiful, with a stunning mixture of vintage Star Wars themes and brand new material, but the graphics on the other hand, for all their beauty and atmosphere, can feel a little lacking in detail at times. It does however, make up for it with some gorgeous lighting and particle effects.
Playability wise it's good solid fun, but I fear a co-op mode will be conspicuous by its absence on release - a shame really as it's the kind of thing that makes these games go from good to spunk-gushingly fab. Here's to hoping my instincts are wrong on this one.
Never the less, it's great to see Star Wars given a fresh lick of adult-orientated paint for a change. Republic Commando is shaping up to be quite an exclusive for the Xbox, with the promise of numerous online modes further helping to solidify it as one to watch.
As for the PC version, I'm not overly excited. This feels very much like a console shooter through and through, whether it be the ease of play and accessibility, or the forgiving nature of your enormous aiming reticule. Much like Bungie's classic, I foresee a PC conversion that somehow falls flat among its much more competitive peers. Regardless of how that pans out, both versions are set for a Spring 2005 release.
In the meantime, Star Wars nuts can look forward to an in-depth look at Knights of the Old Republic II coming
very soon...that is, as soon as I can finish the bugger.
