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Intro Factor 5 returns to deliver the third release in the Rogue Squadron series with Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike. How far can an arcade shooter last if the additions hinder more than help? It would seem, not much longer. Gameplay: 6.5/10 I've had my fun in all manner of Star Wars crafts, be it in X-Wing, Tie Fighter, Starfighter, or the Rogue Squadron series. Admittedly, those with the Larry Holland and Totally Games' touch remain my favorite; but, as long as the action is fast and the design up to the task, I'm up for just about any form of combat. While Factor 5's Rogue Squadron series has been especially light in terms of its flying engine, it has managed to deliver a decent story with battles that range from intimate engagements to epic encounters. Rogue Squadron III follows in the same vein as its predecessors with its presentation and level design. I have to say that, this time around, many of the missions didn't do it for me. The need to complete levels certain ways to get medals, along with their corresponding points, to unlock further levels was more of a hindrance to my enjoyment as opposed to adding replay value or presenting an intriguing challenge that I just had to meet. I don't mind when a game bucks a little and I need to tame it, but I do mind having to replay a particularly long and lackluster level, only quicker and with better aim. Progression shouldn't rely on me beating the level good enough to pass, they should either let me continue or make me replay it; now, for a bonus mission, I understand, but not the core of the game. Some of the missions had genuine thrills, but those were nearly lost in the frustrating level structure. There are also new craft to pilot and, the most noticeable, are the grounded action levels. Think of the melee portions of Clone Wars, just with a blaster and much worse. Luckily, the crafts help to balance things out by having an enjoyable and healthy variety. Being able to control a giant walker, and their smaller counterparts, AT-STs, is a blast, as they're just as powerful as one would hope and dispatching imperial troops with one is as much fun as it sounds. Other noteworthy additions, like a prototype Tie Fighter, bring the kind of excitement to series that a sequel should. However, the inclusion of the ground portion levels are so bad that it casts an extremely negative shadow over just about everything else. In what has to be one of the biggest blunders ever, Factor 5 chose to keep the completely incompetent on-ground action levels in the game. It should've been apparent to anyone who had a chance to play the final product that these were not fun, and not only that, but they could at times be downright painful to play. I'm sure some won't mind these levels, as they aren't the majority of the game, but they do make up a significant part and I found them so bad that it made me not even want to continue playing. The parts tend to break down like this: target, press fire button as fast as possible, if target happens to be lost (which happens frequently), then turn in the general direction of enemy troops and tap button fast, repeat. Even though the player can jump and roll, they are rarely useful, with most missions being won by simply pounding on the fire button like crazy. Not only that, but the camera is stationary and can't be moved, leaving the player to control their character in ridiculous situations that will lead to eyes squinting so players can try to make out what their character is doing so far in the distance and what is shooting at them. If there weren't some moments, like going into a walker, that made them somewhat worthwhile, I'd say that I hate them. Yes: Hate. Not only do the action portions feel unpolished, so does the overall presentation. I can't recall seeing any fader effect or anything that would give the game the cinematic feel that the game was going for. Instead, transition between cutscenes and levels comes off as very rigid with sequences being swiftly cut to. This doesn't effect how the game plays, but it did make it harder to get into the story. It
may seem like I'm getting down on Rogue Squadron III, but I did have some
fun with it. Even though I feel the second release is far superior, I expect fans
of the series to enjoy this release, and it does fit in with the franchise's feel.
Plus, commandeering a walker and making breakneck escapes on speeder bikes holds
an untimely appeal, and by presenting those as well as Rogue Squadron III
did, I will give it the credit it's due.
Graphics: 9/10 Sound:
8/10 Control: 7.5/10
Overall:
6.5/10 [ top ] | |||
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