Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

 PlayStation 3
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 321 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 167 out of 321
  2. Mixed: 98 out of 321
  3. Negative: 56 out of 321
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  1. gregthreet
    Jan 16, 2013
    8
    What do you want from a Star Wars game? If its a game where you play as someone in the action, see Star Wars Battlefront II. If you want a over the top game that makes you feel like a powerful jedi assassin then look no further than Star Wars The Force Unleashed. The game exceeds all previous expectations that were previously surrounding it. The game looks gorgeous and plays even better.What do you want from a Star Wars game? If its a game where you play as someone in the action, see Star Wars Battlefront II. If you want a over the top game that makes you feel like a powerful jedi assassin then look no further than Star Wars The Force Unleashed. The game exceeds all previous expectations that were previously surrounding it. The game looks gorgeous and plays even better. The only issue here is the length. But any longer and it would have been dragging on. The game uses a level up system that rewards the players excellently. You can level up force powers, stats(health, energy, damage) and purchase combos. Its extremely rewarding. It shows in the gameplay; at the beginning of the game you'll struggle to fight a group of enemys and by the end of the game you will be able to fight an army of mechs, enemys and turrets at one time. It definitely shows when you replay the game completely leveled up. At this point you'll be able to experiment with every combo without being scarred of the risk. You can do some real crazy **** Its a must buy.… Expand
  2. destinyfan1
    May 5, 2018
    8
    Star wars:the force unleashed is one of these mediocre accepted games that i actually liked
    The story and combat was decent, you could use the force in many ways ,which made the game varieted
    In 2008 these graphics were pretty good The characters where good ,and the cutscenes where good aswell But the game was short and did not stand out in nothing It was just a great star wars game    Star wars:the force unleashed is one of these mediocre accepted games that i actually liked
    The story and combat was decent, you could use the force in many ways ,which made the game varieted
    In 2008 these graphics were pretty good
    The characters where good ,and the cutscenes where good aswell
    But the game was short and did not stand out in nothing
    It was just a great star wars game for the fun, but it was far from a masterpiece    … Expand
  3. dasse666
    Jan 24, 2022
    10
    Best Star wars game on PS3 hands down. Amazing story and gameplay. Bonus that graphics is top notch.
  4. MarkoA
    Sep 14, 2008
    10
    This is by far the best "Star Wars" game. Graphics and audio are marvelous. You need to see for your self to believe, how well the graphics and physics are integrated. Gameplay is smooth, fun and engaging. Story is (so far) coherent and well presented. The Force Unleashed is a challenging 3rd person action with just enough role-playing elements to keep you exploring every corner and every This is by far the best "Star Wars" game. Graphics and audio are marvelous. You need to see for your self to believe, how well the graphics and physics are integrated. Gameplay is smooth, fun and engaging. Story is (so far) coherent and well presented. The Force Unleashed is a challenging 3rd person action with just enough role-playing elements to keep you exploring every corner and every light-saber combo. Please note that I'm playing xbox360 version.… Expand
  5. CBoy
    Nov 24, 2008
    10
    B.R.I.L.L.I.A.N.T! One of the best games in a long time:
    -game-play: challenging yet still playable.
    -rent or buy?:either...one of the few games where you can play once and enjoy or play twice to find everything, perfect your skills and go for the other ending.
    -rivals?-not since the LoTR games or Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
    In conclusion: get it or Santa will hate you!!!
  6. gm101
    Oct 6, 2010
    10
    This is an awesome game. I don't get the negativity at all! Being a huge Star Wars fan myself, I loved the story, the gameplay, and the voice acting was top notch! Can't wait to play the sequel!
  7. aadms
    Mar 24, 2011
    8
    Having get a chance to play Darth Vadar was awesome. I actually restarted the game five times just for the experience. The rest of the game has a very good story with high quality cutscences that show outstanding graphics. The combat was great with the traditional action button combo needed for different kills on enemies. The boss battles were weak in the sense of pre-timed button pushingHaving get a chance to play Darth Vadar was awesome. I actually restarted the game five times just for the experience. The rest of the game has a very good story with high quality cutscences that show outstanding graphics. The combat was great with the traditional action button combo needed for different kills on enemies. The boss battles were weak in the sense of pre-timed button pushing needed to beat the boss. I hate those. Looking around for those glowing orbs, or upgrading my lightsaber was very difficult and I wished I could have found more but there comes a point were you have to stop looking and move on to the next chapter… Expand
  8. GregRog
    Aug 8, 2014
    10
    Brilliant storyline, lots of upgradable powers and unlockable strikes and combos and even different outfits to choose from don't ever let you get bored with the game. I have beaten it twice with joy, and I highly reccomend it not only to Star Wars fans, but also to skilled gamers who want to test their agility.
  9. Andreas
    Sep 21, 2008
    8
    Sure, the game has it's flaws, but it's so addictive that that barely matters. The force powers look great and finishing a powerful combo feels awesome. The game also has a compelling story and if you love Star Wars, you might even add one point to my score, but if you hate it, you might take away 2 points, but for Star Wars fans it can not be missed!
  10. sherrodc.
    Sep 20, 2008
    8
    Great game would have made an even better RPG like STKOTR / Jade Empire/ Fable, they could have kept the gameplay the same just added vast cities/ planets and hundreds of quest like oblivion a few puzzles epic battle field battles thicken the plot a little more. over all a great game, but then again like starwars.
  11. P.W.
    Oct 17, 2008
    8
    I think people in general have been overly critical of this game. It is an action game as billed, not a adventure game nor an RPG. The bottom line is good physics engine, good graphics, good story, good combos and force effects, and all set in the heart of the Star Wars storyline. You get used to the controls after playing for a while. I have played through this game 4 times and I still I think people in general have been overly critical of this game. It is an action game as billed, not a adventure game nor an RPG. The bottom line is good physics engine, good graphics, good story, good combos and force effects, and all set in the heart of the Star Wars storyline. You get used to the controls after playing for a while. I have played through this game 4 times and I still enjoy sitting down to reek havoc in new ways.… Expand
  12. Alcades
    Sep 20, 2008
    8
    While it's far from perfect, I sure had a fun time with SW:The Force Unleashed. and I I'd recommend it to Action gmae and Star Wars fans The best part is the story and some slick attacks/force powers. The worst part is the targeting system, which is also attached to the camera system. All in all, it's a great game with some minor flaws that drag it down.
  13. MooCheesey
    Sep 22, 2008
    9
    My actual rating is 9.5. This game is awesome. The force is great and I don't think I've ever had so much fun on a game as I did on the first level as Darth Vader. The only problem is that if you walk into a tree on that level it falls down. Otherwise it is amazing-BUY THIS NOW.
  14. JoshW.
    Sep 22, 2008
    10
    This game is fantastic!!! It deserves a 10 simply for the fantastic story that is pure joy for any Star Wars fan. The game itself is also great fun and the option to alter your lightsabers colour and special abilities adds a great element to the game as well as the option to change costumes (each level has a different one matching the environment you're in). You can also upgrade your This game is fantastic!!! It deserves a 10 simply for the fantastic story that is pure joy for any Star Wars fan. The game itself is also great fun and the option to alter your lightsabers colour and special abilities adds a great element to the game as well as the option to change costumes (each level has a different one matching the environment you're in). You can also upgrade your force powers. The boss battles are fun, each level lasts a really long time and there is plenty of exploration, collectibles and bonus objectives to complete. With a bunch of surprise characters and situations this is a must have for any fan and a grewat game for a non Star Wars fan. Plus, the first level is worth the price alone!!!… Expand
  15. Al
    Sep 20, 2008
    9
    Listen... pay not attention to the critics. If you're a Star Wars head this is a must-have.
  16. TullioM.
    Sep 5, 2008
    10
    Thus far, I have only had the pleasure of playing the xbox360 demo of Force Unleashed, and all I have to say is, WOW! From this brief yet straight to the point demo, I can see that The Force Unleashed will become one of LucasArts best Star Wars game yet. Fist of all the graphics are unbelievable, the fluidity of the movement of the characters is also amazing. The demo however, Thus far, I have only had the pleasure of playing the xbox360 demo of Force Unleashed, and all I have to say is, WOW! From this brief yet straight to the point demo, I can see that The Force Unleashed will become one of LucasArts best Star Wars game yet. Fist of all the graphics are unbelievable, the fluidity of the movement of the characters is also amazing. The demo however, doesn't do the story any justice, so I will not give any comments about the story flow. Lets just say that September 16th 2008 is definitely going to be marked on my calender as the release date for The Force Unleashed. I think I have an exam on that day.… Expand
  17. MichaelE
    Jun 12, 2009
    9
    A highly entertaining next-gen Star Wars game that is unfortunately without its shortfalls. Travel stunning parts of the galaxy and use awesome force moves to battle your way through the game world on your quest as Darth Vader's apprentice.

    Stunning cut-scenes and highly enjoyable gameplay, this game has a great storyline to follow. This game is highly recommended to any Star Wars    A highly entertaining next-gen Star Wars game that is unfortunately without its shortfalls. Travel stunning parts of the galaxy and use awesome force moves to battle your way through the game world on your quest as Darth Vader's apprentice.

    Stunning cut-scenes and highly enjoyable gameplay, this game has a great storyline to follow. This game is highly recommended to any Star Wars fans out there who can overlook the slight frustrations with the game whilst playing it.    … Expand
  18. DF.
    Oct 3, 2008
    8
    Star Destroyer battle is sadly a major pain in the rectum. Bad controller direction makes this a very disappointing game. It's good fun outside of that, though.
  19. SeanM.
    Oct 4, 2008
    10
    look if you like star wars then you have to like this game especially on the wii. You get to use the force in one hand and a lightsaber in the other. this is is a dream to many people.
  20. EricB.
    Sep 17, 2008
    9
    I am a huge Star Wars fan, and to me this game has delivered. I don't care about the occasional terrain glitch, or sound mishap, all in all the Game does deliver for the AVID star wars fan. I cant tell you how satisfying it is to lift a storm trooper and throw him into an incoming tie fighter...priceless.
  21. ShaunC
    Sep 18, 2008
    8
    There are glitch problems, frame drops etc. But in the end it is a fun action title, and has a very good story...kinda sad when the video game has better acting (overall) than the films.
  22. ErnestoC.
    Sep 18, 2008
    9
    Even though the game has its flaws, poor targeting, an avalanche of enemies, the game is very fun to play. As a Star Wars fan, you would not be able to miss this game, story wise around as good as Empire Strikes back. Very fun, very edgy. I love games like God of War and Ninja Gaiden, and this one would come close in gameplay, but with a story very well known to many. If you do not know Even though the game has its flaws, poor targeting, an avalanche of enemies, the game is very fun to play. As a Star Wars fan, you would not be able to miss this game, story wise around as good as Empire Strikes back. Very fun, very edgy. I love games like God of War and Ninja Gaiden, and this one would come close in gameplay, but with a story very well known to many. If you do not know anything about Star Wars, but love destructive, purely fun games, I still recommend it.… Expand
  23. DavidS.
    Sep 21, 2008
    9
    I think this game is gooooood i often hate games with its sort of gameplay but the range of ideas you can explore and the exciting story make it better than most level by level action games x.
  24. TheBigmac
    Sep 20, 2008
    10
    I just beat the game and let me tell you: This game is victim of a stupid media hype snowball that began with the name itself. The title alone, and all the hype frenzy that it was created when the game was in production won't allow critics to see it for what it's really worth: The first Star Wars Game in history that is actually good. The story is amazing and the game is I just beat the game and let me tell you: This game is victim of a stupid media hype snowball that began with the name itself. The title alone, and all the hype frenzy that it was created when the game was in production won't allow critics to see it for what it's really worth: The first Star Wars Game in history that is actually good. The story is amazing and the game is incredibly FUN. The style of the movements when you swing your lightsaber is faithfull to the movies and incredibly rewarding. The graphics are awesome, the cutscenes, Hollywood grade and it's the first star wars game that lets you do what you always wanted to do. Kick @ss throgh the whole game using your lightsaber and using the force. So stop whining about the game being called the force unleashed and not delivering the "unleashness" you wanted. Pretend it's called episode 3.5, who cares! This media campaign of demeriting the game because it didn't deliver what the title promessed is moronic. So what if you were promessed cheesecake and were given steak instead. Get over with it already! Is it cheesecake? no, but you bet it's the most delicious steak I've ever had and it's the game I've waited for almost 20 years for somebody to make. It's finally here so who cares about the title?… Expand
  25. CarlosB.
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    I´d like to thanks for Lucasarts creates this fine piece of entertainment.....is a lot of fun.
  26. BBrazil
    Oct 13, 2008
    9
    Star Wars fans will love it! Good replay value. Good graphics and sound. Good story.
  27. KyleW.
    Nov 9, 2008
    10
    This game was amazing. From the force powers to the epic boss battles, this game is a great play. The character model (I forget the actor's name but he now plays on the CW's Smallville) is really good, being very nicely modeled and rendered. The levels are expansive, and fun to play through, even more than once (I actually played through the demo prior to buying the game about a This game was amazing. From the force powers to the epic boss battles, this game is a great play. The character model (I forget the actor's name but he now plays on the CW's Smallville) is really good, being very nicely modeled and rendered. The levels are expansive, and fun to play through, even more than once (I actually played through the demo prior to buying the game about a dozen times). My only qualm about the game is the fact that the lightsaber combat is a bit lacking. It's pretty much two buttons that you can just mash to kick someone's butt. Not very creative, but its small annoyance is greatly outweighed by the pure fun this game brings. There is tons of replay value (You need to replay the game just to find all the extras) which is nice because you actually want to play more when you finish it. This game is a must buy. Go buy it. Now.… Expand
  28. CaseyW.
    Sep 18, 2008
    9
    This game brought a lot of new powers and abilities to gaming in general, the force is amazing. These great new concepts overshadow the sometimes frustrating lock on system and other bugs.
  29. Maroha
    Sep 18, 2008
    8
    Yes, there was some repetition, but still I feel a sense of fulfillment when I toss an electrified stormtrooper into a group of his buddies and knock them all down like bowling pins. Sweet!
  30. robertp.
    Sep 19, 2008
    8
    It was fun and enjoyable; some people say it's repetitive, but it's too short almost to be able to repeat itself; over-all a good rental.
  31. Natedrake1994
    May 28, 2012
    8
    FU1 is a great Star Wars game that makes you feel like a Jedi. The variety of Force powers and combos at your disposal is astounding, yet that doesn't mean you're invincible. While the voice acting and story is great, some of the enemies are a bit tedious to fight (such as the purge troopers) and sometimes you have to find out what power an enemy is weakest to e.g. force lightning or yourFU1 is a great Star Wars game that makes you feel like a Jedi. The variety of Force powers and combos at your disposal is astounding, yet that doesn't mean you're invincible. While the voice acting and story is great, some of the enemies are a bit tedious to fight (such as the purge troopers) and sometimes you have to find out what power an enemy is weakest to e.g. force lightning or your lightsaber. The inability to deflect rockets is another niggle and it's annoying when you get struck down by one, get up and before you can do anything another rocket hits you. Yet this doesn't make the game difficult and it is fun to experiment with different powers e.g. electrocuting someone, throwing your saber in them and then throwing them; the men you fight are especially funny when they're not begging for mercy or falling into an abyss. The end fight is fun and even has a light side/dark side ending depending on a choice you make. This is a pretty good game that any Star Wars fan should buy. Plus you get to slaughter a large number of Wookies!… Expand
  32. Angry_bird2000
    Jun 15, 2012
    8
    Entertaining rag doll effects, force powers and a dedicated story that Star Wars fans will go nuts over, mixed with the sounds and music of the movies makes for an appealing, visually awesome game.
  33. PlasmaSyndrome
    Jun 10, 2013
    8
    Now this package is just what a Star Wars fan needs. It doesn't detach from the original feel of the Star Wars universe, while still providing new elements for fans to enjoy. The gameplay is smooth, the story is coherent and unique, the visuals are great, and the audio and voice acting is top-notch. However, the targeting system is subpar (the worst I've seen), and the Sith Master is tooNow this package is just what a Star Wars fan needs. It doesn't detach from the original feel of the Star Wars universe, while still providing new elements for fans to enjoy. The gameplay is smooth, the story is coherent and unique, the visuals are great, and the audio and voice acting is top-notch. However, the targeting system is subpar (the worst I've seen), and the Sith Master is too difficult, throwing overwhelming amounts of foes at you while making sure you take no more than three hits to die. Overall, great game.… Expand
  34. IAMGEOFFREY
    Sep 6, 2014
    8
    This game is great! Certainly much better than the second game.. The campaign is big, the Plot is awesome, The graphics still cant be denied, and the Ending was good! I really enjoyed playing this game.
  35. tsakiym
    May 21, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  36. kylocosplay
    Oct 11, 2022
    8
    Uno de los mejores juegos que ha habido de star wars, sientes al máximo el poder del lado oscuro derrotando ejércitos haciendo uso de la fuerza y de la espada láser, una historia que te llevará a muchos planetas con diferentes enemigos y distintas formas de jugar, juego que debes tener si o si si eres fan de Star Wars.
  37. Cody1999
    May 12, 2019
    9
    by far the best star wars game to date, while it is about 10 years the game fully immerses you in the starwars universe, while short the game has tons of challenges and secrets that keep you playing for days, recommend without a doubt
  38. mrgreentoad
    Jan 13, 2020
    10
    After playing Fallen Order recently I felt the need for some more Star Wars action. I just played this as well as Force Unleashed 2 on my PS3. This is a very cool game and still graphically impressive! Although not as graphically impressive as its sequel, it is a far superior game! It is a decent length for s single player game unlike its sequel. I can only assume that the developersAfter playing Fallen Order recently I felt the need for some more Star Wars action. I just played this as well as Force Unleashed 2 on my PS3. This is a very cool game and still graphically impressive! Although not as graphically impressive as its sequel, it is a far superior game! It is a decent length for s single player game unlike its sequel. I can only assume that the developers had some serious constraints with the FU2. For a game from 2008, i very much enjoyed the Force Unleashed & began to feel like a badass after leveling up my Force powers! If you don't mind playing a slightly dated game & need more Star Wars gaming action in your life, you might want to try this game out! The junk planet Raxxus Prime in the game was my favorite location! It’s been years since I’ve played this game & was pleased to find it still enjoyable! :)… Expand
  39. lolek400
    Jul 13, 2019
    10
    This is one of the best star wars games ever made. The story and gameplay are still fun today you need to play this game.
  40. agusss
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Sin dudas, no hay mejor juego de Star Wars que este, sin ser personaje de la saga, Starkiller nos encanto a la mayoria de los fans, ademas de que el juego tiene TODO.
  41. martinho_99
    Mar 12, 2022
    8
    For me one of the most underrated games in history with breathtaking moments, it would absolutely deserve a proper remake.
  42. clanky9
    Mar 16, 2021
    9
    my favorite star wars videogame but since its not cannon i cant give it 10/10.
  43. TSNintendogamer
    Apr 15, 2022
    8
    I love the game, the gameplay, the story(although it doesn't seem too connected with the original trilogy), and the worlds. The only thing I didn't like was the reaction commends. I mean yeah the beating the boss is more epic that way but with actually doing it, it's a pain. It kind of helped me be entertained through the bullying I got at the start of high school.
  44. zach_grech
    May 5, 2022
    8
    My favourite Star Wars game for the time being. Combat system is really great and extremely fun. The story is also great and tells a deep and personal tale of a man who doesn't belong to either side of the force. Levels are good for the most part. The levels however are reused with new locations to explore however they aren't as good as the first time.
  45. infraRecon
    May 30, 2023
    9
    UN LIMITED POWER BZZZZZZFTTZTZZTTVFT, Ok this was my first ever Star Wars game, it was actually the game that got me into Star Wars, I was young, I saw the game in an Incredible Connection Store and It piqued my Interest, At the time I will admit I was not 16 to play this game, but my Mom bought it for me because she loved me, and probably wanted to see me happy when I asked to have it.UN LIMITED POWER BZZZZZZFTTZTZZTTVFT, Ok this was my first ever Star Wars game, it was actually the game that got me into Star Wars, I was young, I saw the game in an Incredible Connection Store and It piqued my Interest, At the time I will admit I was not 16 to play this game, but my Mom bought it for me because she loved me, and probably wanted to see me happy when I asked to have it.

    So She bought the game, I went home I put the Disk in, the logos rolled and I was already having such an amazing time. Then I played the First level and my gosh, Darth Vader is one OP character, then you play the rest of the game with its combined soundtrack and you just fall in love with how open and closed some levels could be, the force powers and the destruction you can cause, Starkiller is an awesome character.

    All of this in a compelling story, nice Hack and Slash arcade combat, really amazing set pieces and cool boss fights and finishers. This was a Quality game from start to finish which actually took risks in the Already established story of Star Wars.

    This is a game that needs a Remake, to fix and improve what this game set out to do, don't get me wrong It did everything that it could, but I feel that it can expand on what the PS2 version had compared to the PS3 version. This game however is one of the golden boy games of LucasArts, who already were ahead of the curve in gaming back then.

    So why Do you Irate this game so Highly then, It's not because of Nostalgia, Take a seat young Skywalker, Look at the game we have today in the Starwars Universe, we have 1 3rd person action adventure game done by respawn, that's it, No Battlefront I & II don't count, no, Mobile games don't count, I am talking about recent star wars games that have pushed the boundaries of Cinematography, gameplay, Mechanics, We only have one.

    And that to me is a bad thing, If it wasn't because of cancellations and Creative differences between Studios and Publishers and Disney in general, we would have more than 3 Titles that have their own unique style, setting and use of the 3rd Person genre. This is why I rate it so Highly, it's because it did something that not even publishers today would do, just have High octane fun with the Star Wars Universe.

    My man Starkiller is over here taking down Star Destroyers with the force while Rey in the films can't even get her Identity right, Where the Star Wars Universe is is weird and upsetting, And I don't like it.
    Overall this game is cool, play it enjoy it, Electrocute enemies to the point of satisfaction if you have to, but most of all have fun.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best PS3 Game of 2008
13
#13 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
14
#14 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 47
  3. Negative: 2 out of 47
  1. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    70
    At the end of the day, this remains a Star Wars game - and an essential one thanks to its compelling story and, to be fair, engaging gameplay. [Oct 2008, p.74]
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    56
    An ambitious--yet ultimately dissatisfying--effort. [Oct 2008, p.82]
  3. IGN
    73
    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.
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