Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II Review

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, developed and published by LucasArts, brought the high-octane Force action back to the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2010. As the direct sequel to the popular original, this action-adventure title aimed to amplify the power fantasy, letting players wield dual lightsabers and even more devastating Force powers. This Force Unleashed II PS3 review explores whether it successfully built upon its predecessor’s foundation.

Gameplay: Enhanced Destruction, Familiar Formula

The Force Unleashed II immediately ups the ante, giving players control of Starkiller (or a clone of him) from the outset with all his formidable Force abilities. The most notable addition is the ability to wield two lightsabers, leading to flashier combos and more satisfying dismemberments. The Force powers themselves feel more powerful and destructive, allowing for greater environmental manipulation and enemy ragdolling, thanks to the continued use of the Havok physics engine and Euphoria engine.

The new “Force Fury” mechanic temporarily boosts Starkiller’s powers, turning him into an unstoppable engine of destruction. While the combat is undoubtedly fun and visually spectacular, the game’s level design remains largely linear, guiding players through a series of arenas. This can lead to a sense of repetition, as the core loop often boils down to clearing rooms of enemies. Despite this, the sheer joy of tearing through Stormtroopers and unleashing torrents of Force Lightning is undeniable. The PS3 version generally runs smoothly, maintaining the chaotic action.

• Dual lightsaber combat with enhanced fluidity
• More destructive and satisfying Force powers
• “Force Fury” mechanic for temporary power boosts
• Impressive physics and environmental destruction
• Fast-paced, action-focused gameplay

Story and Characters: A Quest for Identity

The narrative of The Force Unleashed II picks up with Starkiller, or rather, a clone of him, escaping from Darth Vader‘s clutches on Kamino. Haunted by visions of Juno Eclipse, his former pilot and love interest, Starkiller embarks on a quest for identity and to find Juno, leading him across various planets in the Star Wars galaxy.

The story, while shorter than the original, is a personal journey for Starkiller, exploring themes of cloning, destiny, and redemption. It features appearances from iconic characters and expands upon the lore of the original game, albeit with a more focused scope. The voice acting, particularly Sam Witwer as Starkiller and Matt Sloan as Darth Vader, remains a highlight.

Graphics and Sound: Cinematic Spectacle

On the PlayStation 3, The Force Unleashed II delivered a visually impressive experience. Character models were detailed, and the environments, though fewer in number, were well-rendered and atmospheric. The special effects for Force powers and lightsaber clashes were particularly dazzling, creating a true cinematic spectacle that often felt like playing a Star Wars movie.

The sound design is excellent, featuring the classic Star Wars soundscape, from the iconic hum of lightsabers to the booming explosions and blaster fire. The orchestral score perfectly complements the action and emotional beats, enhancing the overall immersion.

Legacy: A Flawed but Fun Sequel

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II received a more mixed reception than its predecessor, primarily due to its shorter length and repetitive level design. However, it was praised for its enhanced combat and the sheer power fantasy it offered. It remains a fun, if somewhat brief, entry in the Star Wars game canon, particularly for those who enjoyed the first game’s over-the-top action.

Is Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II on PS3 Worth Playing Today?

For Star Wars fans looking for a pure action game and a continuation of Starkiller‘s story, The Force Unleashed II on PS3 is worth a playthrough. While it doesn’t reach the narrative or gameplay heights of its predecessor, the thrill of wielding dual lightsabers and unleashing devastating Force powers still provides an enjoyable, albeit short, experience. It’s a solid classic PS3 game for a quick dose of powerful Jedi/Sith action.