Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    80
    If you haven't upgraded to a PS3, the action, story, and exclusive levels here won't disappoint. [Oct 2008, p.76]
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  2. GameZone
    74
    Force Unleashed can be frustrating, and its flaws get in the way of having a good time far more than they should. But while it might not live up to the hype and expectations, it is one of the better Star Wars games out there, and a decent action game in its own right.
  3. IGN
    72
    Uninspired level design and some tedious enemy battles mar an experience that gives you power over the Force like we've never really seen before. While it's far from perfect, Star Wars fans will find that it's worth playing through simply for its story and the ability to use the Force in fairly awesome ways.
  5. GameDaily
    70
    The fancy technology powering the experience is impressive, as is the performance by actors who lent their voices and likenesses to the game's pivotal characters. That's mixed with rote game mechanics -- hack, slash, fight big boss, level ends -- that can easily grow tiresome, and a leveling up system that's more distraction than a way to create a customized character.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    62
    In the end, Force Unleashed on PS2 feels like a tech demo. Though there are a ton of really cool gameplay elements to experience, not enough of them come together to make for a truly fun adventure.
  7. GameSpot
    60
    A number of frustrations diminish the fun, but you'll still have a reasonably good time with this Force-powered adventure.
  8. Game Revolution
    58
    Unfortunately, though beating the crap out of Rancor is cool, it's quite flawed, thanks to the wonky camera and targeting system.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best PS2 Game of 2008
19
#19 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2008
7
#7 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 72
  3. Negative: 6 out of 72
  1. homer4president
    Mar 28, 2015
    7
    I beat the game in approximately 8 hours (not non-stop). I was hoping for something that I could continue to play for hours, explore some funI beat the game in approximately 8 hours (not non-stop). I was hoping for something that I could continue to play for hours, explore some fun worlds, and then finally win. The game play was fun, electrocuting your enemies is always enjoyable, and tossing them off the death star was pretty much just awesome. But the boss battles were infinitely annoying. The use of the specific buttons to finally finish the dang things, instead of just wailing on the boss until he died was frustrating.… Full Review »
  2. thejonez
    Oct 1, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is only for those who are a big Star Wars fanatic. As a game, the level design is really repetitive. It doesn't require any intelligence whatsoever. Instead, you just power up special moves so that you can beat the hoard of enemies and the boss. The graphics are great, all except the cutscenes. What happened there! The cutscenes are rightfully named; cut up scenes. However, if you happen to be a Star Wars fan, you will find yourself going, "Hey! I remember that!" It does not really hold your interest, but it is cool to bring down the AT-ST! The Emperor (the final boss) takes a millennium to take down. Overall fun game to pick up if you love Star Wars.… Full Review »
  3. The_D4RknesS
    Aug 13, 2023
    6
    I'm not a Star Wars fan and I don't like the designer of the world of this franchise either, but this game is even fun to play with
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