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Categories: Commentary
Tags: blog banter, star wars
If you were disappointed by 2008’s Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, blame the guy who decided back in 1995 that a lightsaber mod for Dark Forces would be really cool.
Dark Forces was a first-person shooter set in the Star Wars Universe. History lesson: back in 1995, the term “first-person shooter” didn’t exist. Games like this were called “Doom clones.” But Dark Forces fought the clone wars, presenting innovative features like looking up and down, ducking and jumping. Yes, in 1995 simulating movement of your character’s neck, legs and spine were breakthrough accomplishments.
Image courtesy of MobyGamesIn Dark Forces you played as pixilated mercenary Kyle Katarn who went on secret missions for Mon Mothma – black ops stuff the main characters couldn’t handle. Need the Death Star plans? Done. Crix Madine needs rescuing? Done. The Empire rolling out a line of Dark Troopers? Done.
And Katarn accomplished all of this with a combination of blasters, detonators and – when necessary – his fists. Obviously, his fists were a fallback weapon; something only to be used when you’ve exhausted your ammo supply. But Katarn is still able to punch a Kell Dragon to death, if that’s what needs to be done. The point being that Katarn is just fine without a lightsaber and a Star Wars game is fine without a Jedi – up until some guy decides to mod the game swapping out a lightsaber for Katarn’s fists.
Image courtesy of MobyGamesSuddenly, everyone on AOL was like, oh Dark Forces is so much better now that we have a laser sword! Nevermind that it was purely cosmetic, doing the same amount of damage as a punch making it the most underpowered lightsaber since Jedi Arena on the 2600. The budding franchise experienced a shift and people like me who always thought Han Solo was cooler than Luke died a little inside.
Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II came out in 1997 (trading pixels for polygons) and Kyle Katarn learns that not only does he have secret force powers, he also has unconvincing facial hair. Sure Katarn can still blast stormtroopers, but using his newly found lightsaber is more fun because you can run around cutting arms off and deflecting blaster bolts.
Image courtesy of MobyGamesBy the time 2002’s Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast came out, it’s a full-on lightsaber fest complete with mopey force-powered ennui. Oh no, I’m tempted by the Dark Side :( *cries* And – hey! – Dark Forces has been dropped from the title? What kind of naming system is this?
Then a year later, Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy comes out – shouldn’t that be Jedi Knight III? – and Katarn is now some serene Jedi Master basically opting to make a cameo appearance in the series he launched.
Which brings me back to The Force Unleashed, which people should realize is actually Dark Forces V: Jedi Knight IV: People who don’t want to play as stupid Jedi III. Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with Jedi, but at this point every game has overpowered laser swords and magic powers. What the gaming world needs is a return to space opera themed first-person shooters – something we haven’t seen in 15 years.
This post was part of Blog Banter, a monthly video game discussion coordinated by Terry at Game Couch. If you’re interested in being part, please email him for details.
For other takes on this topic, check out:
Next Jen: X-COM
Silvercube: Looking For Ingenuity
Game Couch: Dark Forces
Silvercube:
I used to be really into Star Wars games back in the day. SNES had quite a few good Star Wars game and Rogue Squadron on the Gamecube was amazing!
I have to admit, I’m not the biggest Star Wars fans and lately many of the SW games have been a bit lackluster on consoles in my opinion.
The graphics for that 1995 game look great by the way!
tom:
I have the PC version of Dark Forces at home, but never finished after I killed myself with a mine or grenade for the 200th time.. why in games do I throw like a girl?
Geeker:
I couldn’t agree more. Even in the original trilogy, the light sabre battles were relatively contained and were a supplement to the character’s interaction. By the prequals, it was lazer sword extravaganza.
carocat:
Out of the games you mention I’ve only played Jedi Outcast ['twas ok], Jedi Academy [loved the gameplay, story was ok] and Force Unleashed.
I really like the overall gameplay of FU and only was annoyed at the linear levels that, apart from a couple of the Stormtrooper levels, didn’t seem quite Star Wars enough. I also despised the crashing ship setpiece.
I’ve played Star Wars Republic Commando on the Xbox and whilst it was a good game, it still missed something without lightsabers.
So overall I think I have to disagree with your opinion, I like the lightsabers!
Good post. :)
Zath:
I’ve played all those “Dark Forces/Jedi Knight” games except for Force Unleashed, so far at least, I have bought it, just not been inspired enough to play it.
I used to really like these Star Wars games back around Jedi Knight and it’s expansion, but since then I swear it’s a case of diminishing returns – a real shame as Star Wars games from Lucasarts “back in the day” were guaranteed gold. I miss those days!