Sunday, November 28, 2010

Star Wars: The Force Unleased II (Game)

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (Game) Release date: 2010. Creator: LucasArts. Platform: Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PC. ASIN: B0030F1D00 (PS3), B0030EU3TG (XBOX 360), B0030F1DQC (Wii), B0030EU400 (DS), B00302182A (PC).
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Plot summary: This sequel to the LucasArts game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2008) picks up the story of Starkiller, an apprentice to Darth Vader, several months after the events of the first game. Starkiller was thought to have died, but is reanimated as a clone at the imperial cloning facility on the planet Kamino. Starkiller experiences flashbacks to the events of the first game and realizes that Darth Vader is on a quest to kill him. Fleeing Kamino, Starkiller goes in search of love interest, Juno Eclipse. In his search for Juno and flight from Vader, Starkiller reunites with old allies including Jedi Master Kota and the rebel forces. Starkiller discovers that Vader has hired bounty hunter Boba Fett to capture Juno in an effort to lure him back to Kamino. After Juno is captured, Starkiller does venture back to Kamino and learns that Vader and the Emperor are cloning an army of Jedi. The events of The Force Unleashed II take place about one year prior to the original Star Wars film, A New Hope.

Critical evaluation: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, though tragically short for Star Wars fans, is a fun and engaging game that improves upon an already wonderful predecessor. The graphics are cutting-edge with the right combination of flare and artistry. The game play is highly addictive, giving the player the opportunity to immerse in the abilities of the Jedi. Players can wield the Force by moving objects, generating electricity, mind-tricking, and acrobatics. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the game is the light saber combat, where players can now wield two light sabers at once. The plot of the game is fast-paced and engrossing. Starkiller is a realistic character who expresses true human emotions during the game, such as despair, love and rage. Players are given the opportunity to make decisions for Starkiller that impact the outcome of the plot. This makes the game almost an electronic version of a “Choose your own adventure” story that will appeal to teens. In Star Wars: The Force Unleased II, LucasArts has created an intriguing addition to the Star Wars saga that will satisfy gamers and Star Wars enthusiasts alike.

Reader's annotation: Wield the Force as you control powerful Jedi, Starkiller on his quest to rescue his true love, Juno, from the clutches of the evil Darth Vader.    
About the creator: Founded by George Lucas in 1982, LucasArts, working closely with Lucas’ special effects company, Industrial Light and Magic, continues to advance the art of game design. One of the primary aspects of LucasArts games that set them apart from those created by other companies is storytelling. LucasArts strives to combine advanced game play with elements of filmmaking, like character development and plot twists, to create an immersive experience. In 1984, LucasArts released its first games, Ballblazer and Rescue on Fractulus! for the Atari. Since then, the company has released hundreds of very successful titles including The Secret of Monkey Island (1990), Afterlife (1996), Gladius (2003), and Thrillville (2006). Their most popular games, however, are based on George Lucas’ Star Wars and Indiana Jones sagas. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Genre: Action and adventure

Curriculum ties:
None

Booktalking ideas:
Choices, both good and bad
Consequences
Sacrifice
Star Wars and its impact on society

Reading level/Interest Age:
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of T (for teens ages 13+).

Challenge issues:
Violence

Challenge counterpoints:Recommended for teens ages 13 and older.
Recommend parent play game before child.
Recommend parent play game with child or discuss as child is playing game.

Reasons for inclusion:
Based on critically acclaimed Star Wars saga.
Positive reviews from IGN, Game Informer, GamePro and GamesRadar.

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