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GameCube | Action | Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike

Boxart for Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike
Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike 21 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 4.5
  • SOUND: 4.5
  • CONTROL: 2.5
  • FUN FACTOR 4.0
  • AVG USER SCORE 4.1
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 3.8

Review: Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike

Review by FOUREYEDDRAGON | 10/22/2003 | 10:39:27 AM PST

The Force will always be with you, Luke?and Wedge. Just don?t let the bad controls get the best of you.

A long time ago in the GameCube galaxy, the Star Wars craze made its star-studded mark in the form of Rogue Squadron II. Though the long-awaited follow-up has many new gameplay additions and strong improvements that will amaze fans, Rogue Squadron III still doesn?t have complete control of the Force.

I?ve Got a Wedgy
It?s not all about Luke and his colorful gang of galaxy cohorts flying in big ships anymore. Well, most of it is, but in Rogue III, you can now control Star Wars craft with land-based modes of transportation like AT-STs, AT-ATs, speeder bikes, and tauntauns, along with the usual X-Wings and B-Wings. Parts of the game also include Luke and Wedge Antilles running around and blasting away at Imperial troops.

Certainly, Rogue III has much more gameplay variety that not only reveals extra Star Wars plot lines, but also challenges you to complete a wide assortment of objectives as best as you can and rewards you accordingly. The better you play, the more cool hidden extras are opened up, including the full versions of the original Star Wars arcade games.

Rebels on Strike
The visuals have remained as sharp and detailed as those of the last Rogue Squadron game. Once again, impressive aerial combat is displayed with what seems like an unlimited amount of TIE Fighter squadrons gunning for you in every direction, sweet-looking explosions, and exquisite detail on every piece of aircraft you fly. On the ground, the graphics remain as strong. Stormtroopers animate with clonelike follies as they try to stop you, while the towering Imperial Walkers command an inspiring awe as you try to take them down one leg at a time. Well-orchestrated music and ear-crushing sound effects perfectly stay in tune with the Star Wars theme as well.

Despite the fantastic gains, Rogue III is still a Jedi in training when it comes to controls. You can?t adjust the camera angles at any time; switching between cockpit and third-person views messes up your targeting; annoyingly random lock-ons constantly occur when you?re fighting on foot; and the controls just feel loose on all of the vehicles you ride.

Ewok This Way
If it weren?t for the sloppy handling, Rogue III could have flown a perfect flight. Still, the gameplay variety is well worth the playtime, especially if you enjoyed Rogue Squadron II.


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