Along with Grim Fandango, this game is probably the jewel in the crown of LucasArts' last golden year (1997-98). Sure, the character models are comically blocky -- this is a first generation 3D title, after all. What you also get is level after level after level of magnificently realized environments that offer up as good a blend of intense action, exploration, and puzzle solving as any FPS yet made. There's a charming original trilogy feel to DF2's storytelling, characters, and overall presentation. From the moment you get your first glimpses of Nar Shaddaa's cavernous abysses, steep angles, and hordes of bounty hunters all out to get you, the world really comes to life. The game does a great job of subtly easing you through the plot via a succession of levels that always feel connected to what you just accomplished and where you're trying to go next. Instead of bland key hunts, you're often tasked with tracking down inventory objects that allow you to solve puzzles, which range from intuitively easy to fiendishly difficult (though the latter types are thankfully rare). You're also given a handy arsenal of weapons that offer inspired twists on the genre staples while remaining true to the Star Wars universe. (And then there's the concussion rifle, which is utterly unique and just plain awesome.) Unlike Jedi Outcast and Jedi Academy, the weapons here aren't immediately useless the moment you get your lightsaber. And even once your Force abilities have reached their maximum, allowing you to do cool stuff like jump hundreds of feet in the air, pull weapons out of your enemies' hands, or dish out lightning, you're still far from invulnerable. I could go on and on. If you're a fan of Star Wars games, buy this. If you're a fan of good shooters, buy this. If you're interested in the (de?)evolution of PC games, buy this. A stone cold classic from LucasArts in its prime. Thanks to GOG for making this game available in all its original working glory.
