Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

 PC
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. Game Over Online
    92
    The largest improvement in the game, the one that I’m sure without even checking that all the forums are buzzing about, is that halfway or so through the game you get to customize your light saber.
  2. Gaming Age
    91
    The amount of control you have over your character in Jedi Academy is one of those things we all asked for while we were playing "Jedi Outcast."
  3. Cheat Code Central
    90
    If you've dreamed of becoming a Jedi Knight endowed with the powers of the Force and equipped with a lightsaber or two, you're going to think you've died and gone to Tatoonie.
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  5. GameZone
    90
    A title that has insane quality, engrossing gameplay with a ton of replay value and not to mention a program that is very stable.
  6. PC Arena
    90
    As a first person shooter, Jedi Academy excels. It is a Star Wars action title with an engrossing single player experience, even holding true to the expanded Star Wars universe.
  7. PC Gameworld
    90
    A quality action game in the Jedi Knight series from Lucasarts with the rare ability to maintain the excitement from start to finish.
  8. IGN
    88
    I thoroughly enjoyed Jedi Academy. Still, I couldn't quite shake the feeling that "Jedi Outcast" was more satisfying in terms of my involvement with the story. Jedi Academy dishes out more action sooner but fails to put it in as solid a context as the previous game.
  9. ActionTrip
    87
    Successfully builds upon the gameplay in "Jedi Outcast," offering a variety of new features, an involving and masterfully presented plotline, on top of many new planets to explore throughout the far regions of the galaxy.
  10. PC Gamer
    86
    While this in-game training certainly gets the action moving in a hurry, more of the actual Force-progression elements should have been set in the Academy. [Dec 2003, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. AtomicGamer
    86
    Jedi Academy is an evolution of Jedi Knight gameplay with more customizability, cool new sabers, and plenty of fun to be had.
  12. Game Informer
    85
    For all my complaining, there is one thing about this game that does rule, and that is the combat. It is still amazingly fun to slice and dice as a Jedi. It just feels good on so many levels. [Nov 2003, p.173]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. FiringSquad
    85
    Raven has done a fantastic job honing in on the strengths of Jedi Outcast and eliminating its weaknesses. Shoddy, confusing, and dull level design has been dropped for a succession of catchy, focused missions that carry you along for hours.
  14. Next Level Gaming
    84
    All of the sound effects are top notch. My only gripe is with the voice acting. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is, but it definitely leaves something to be desired.
  15. GameSpot
    84
    A nonstop action ride that starts out on a high point and manages to remain there for the entire game. Gameplay elements that can be tedious, such as jumping puzzles, are limited, while the use of Force powers is accentuated.
  16. Game Revolution
    83
    Lots of running around and beating guys senseless with my trusty lightsaber and smacking people around with the power of the Force.
  17. PC Format
    82
    It's a simple, short thing, but the truly masterful handling of the lightsaber(s) this time around means it's also perhaps the most genuinely Star Warsy game in a long, long time.
  18. Armchair Empire
    81
    Can be a bit too formulaic, but Star Wars fans will be able to ignore the standard gameplay of JKJA and completely get engrossed exploring and adventuring throughout the Star Wars galaxy.
  19. GamePro
    80
    A "Jedi Outcast" follow-up that feels more like an expansion pack than a whole new game... [It] won't bake your noodle or drop your jaw, but it's certainly a fine answer for those of you looking for more Jedi Knight.
  20. G4 TV
    80
    A substantial leap was made in multiplayer support. The classic Free For All and Duel matches are back, but the new star of the online show is the objective-based Siege mode, which pits Rebel and Imperial forces against each other in re-creations of several classic "Star Wars" battles.
  21. GameShark
    80
    LucasArts has once again pulled off an amazing title that could only hold up to the name "Star Wars". The graphics, interaction, story, authentic sound effects, and the overall concept of going from a pee-on student to a full-blown Jedi Knight have been fully realized by Jedi Academy.
  22. Gamenikki
    80
    This is the last title that can come out using the old engine before significant reworking is needed, but Jedi Academy still places a performance that deserves a purpose.
  23. Game Chronicles
    79
    Despite the graphical flaws, poor mission design, and lack of a compelling story I still have to admit I had "fun" playing this game. Sure it was easy, sure I finished it in record time, and no, I probably won’t be going back and playing it again anytime soon.
  24. GameSpy
    75
    If you're looking for a true sequel, you likely find yourself a bit disappointed -- it's clearly the weakest entry in the series to date.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best PC Game of 2003
15
#15 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
7
#7 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 521 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 460 out of 521
  2. Mixed: 50 out of 521
  3. Negative: 11 out of 521
  1. 4lch3m1st
    Aug 9, 2011
    10
    This is a great game you can play for hours if you simply love light sabres. I passed on the sp part and went right for multiplayer and wasThis is a great game you can play for hours if you simply love light sabres. I passed on the sp part and went right for multiplayer and was happily slicing and slashing in free for all deathmatch servers. Use one lightsabre or two, customize your character and saber all you want and spend hours figuring out new moves and combos. I never bothered learning the game but it was by far the best non-restrictive free for all fps game I had played in a long time.… Full Review »
  2. ShawnW
    Jan 5, 2010
    10
    The best game I've ever played, multiplayer is the best. Using the saber alone without force powers is tough enough I've been The best game I've ever played, multiplayer is the best. Using the saber alone without force powers is tough enough I've been playing the game now for five years a half hour a night (recently) and it still has me hooked. Someday I hope they make an mmo with sword technique.… Full Review »
  3. etb444
    Dec 27, 2013
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. I appreciate Lucasart's attempt to make a legitimate Star Wars FPS/TPS, but they just missed it with this game. At first this game is OK, having you go on a lazily planned set path, killing a few bugs, and then spying on some sith. Most of the levels have no clear objective markers making the levels frustrating and leaving you wandering around trying to find your way. The graphics look cheesy and the voices aren't nearly as good as they should be. The multiplayer is the real reason this game managed a 2/10, the maps are decently sized and there are a variety of enemies to face and guns to use for pleasure. We don't know how long it will take Lucasart's to make a good Star Wars game, but when it does happen, it better be much better than this.… Full Review »
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