STAR WARS™ Shadows of the Empire™

When I saw that this game was re-released on GoG, I payed it little mind. After all, the original N64 version of this game hasn't exactly aged all that well. Matter of fact, it's almost unplayable. But, some time has passed and I decided to give this version a go. Is it any better than the original release? Quite frankly, yes. Yes it is. For starters, the game looks and sounds infinitely better than it ever did on the N64. High-quality music and sound effects and a buttery-smooth framerate that never dips below 60fps. And to top it off, the game now features fully voice-acted FMV cutscenes. The FMV still looks pretty good, considering when this came out, and the voice acting isn't half bad either. It's not amazing, but the actors involved at least sound like they actually give a damn about what they're doing, and it makes the game on a whole much more captivating than the original console release, where cutscenes were just 2D stills with accompanying text-walls. So, the presentation is much, much better in this version of the game. But how's the gameplay? Well, the default controls are far better than what they were on the N64, and most off the bindings can be reassigned. It's still a bit awkward, and it might take a little bit to get used to, but blowing away Stormtroopers in this game has never been easier. Though, I would highly recommend using a gamepad or flight stick for the vehicle stages, as playing those with a mouse and keyboard can be extremely awkward. While this version definitely improves the game where it needed to be improved, there are still some fundamental problems with it. Certain boss fights are still stupidly hard, platforming is still a pain, and there is still some pretty bad enemy placement. But, if you're like me and grew up with this game, then you'll probably be able to see through those issues and enjoy this as the definitive version of the game. For those who haven't played it before, I'll just say that it's flawed, but otherwise good.

I played the demo of the Hoth level back in the day and was always curious about this one. It's got a few things going for it. The soundtrack is excellent and the Hoth level still holds up, especially with the ability to use the tow cable to down an AT-AT. However, the main game is a third person shooter that has aged. And very badly, I might add. Movement is clunky, aiming is an absolute pain in the arse even with autoaim, and jumping feels like it's luck based, although the jetpack alleviates that somewhat later in the game. And the PC port was supposed to be the most streamlined version. I shudder to think how anyone would play this with the N64's awful controller on top of this. Story is bare bones. Apparently, this is basically a supplement for the book and comic series, all of which you'd have to have read in tandem with playing the game to get the whole story, something Disney seem to have recycled for the franchise. Dash feels like a Han Solo knockoff, right down to his weapon of choice. If you absolutely have to buy this, wait for it to be on sale. Otherwise, but Jedi Knight instead.

A game game that didn't age well at all, the fun parts are overshadowed by bad platforming and bad mechanics, I didn't play this game as a kid so I don't have rose-tinted glasses.

just pure nostalgia here. Looks good at higher resolution, but those controls... phew wretchedly awesome.

I loved this game on N64, and its just as amazing now! My only issue is that there are some control issues. And some spots in levels where you will (slide?) on air without the ability to regain footing. This can be worked around by safe slow movement. It's not without some porting errors, but it works and its fun. Worth it.