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PC | Strategy | Star Wars: Empire at War

Boxart for Star Wars: Empire at War
Star Wars: Empire at War 54 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 4.0
  • SOUND: 4.0
  • CONTROL: 4.0
  • FUN FACTOR 3.0
  • AVG USER SCORE 4.4
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 3.7

Preview: Star Wars: Empire at War

Preview by Boba Fatt | 09/01/2005 | 01:12:05 AM PST

Finally, a Star Wars RTS built from the ground-up.

Hopefully the third time will be the charm for LucasArts' Star Wars real-time strategy offerings. After the misfire Force Commander and middling Galactic Battlegrounds, Empire at War promises far more potential, simply because it has been designed as a Star Wars game from the ground-up, rather than a retrofit of the license over a standard RTS framework.

Empire at War focuses on the Rebellion and Empire, beginning just before the events of Episode IV and including some units from Episode III. Putting the stars back in the wars, Empire at War's skirmishes begin in space above a planet, where capital ships, starfighters and bombers will duke it out and possibly even take on the Death Star. Then your remaining forces will descend to the surface, where AT-ATs, Landspeeders, speeder bikes and ion cannons will rage once more. The persistent action continues throughout your galactic campaign, so every decision affects the next battle.

Empire at War's 3D action (including as rescue, sabotage, blockade and annihilation missions) will spill over 40 Star Wars locations such as Yavin IV, Tatooine and Dagobah. Each setting offers strategic advantages and specific resources. If the tide turns against you, hero characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi or Darth Vader may sway the balance.

Multiplayer offerings will include a two-player campaign mode that stretches across the entire galaxy and can be saved in progress, as well as standard skirmish encounters for up to eight players. Look for more on this promising title soon.


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