Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 521 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 258 out of 521
  2. Mixed: 174 out of 521
  3. Negative: 89 out of 521
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  1. Niknuf
    Jul 1, 2023
    9
    Ok, i will admit, i'm not good in rating "things" but this is my favourite star wars game, have a good history, a good gameplay, a good costumization, is a good game, play it
  2. lemos1898
    May 7, 2023
    8
    Just great, cool hack n' slash with most things you already know about star wars, could get better with some salt on the main character tho.
  3. SirWolf
    Dec 31, 2022
    9
    seriously outstanding game, I don't get the mixed score it got. Star wars the force unleashed has a astonishing story and nearly flawless combat system, as short as it is, at around 8-9 hours of playtime it does not lack in map design, sure it does sometimes throw repeating ship hallways at you but outside of that force unleasheds levels are unique and offer many traversal options andseriously outstanding game, I don't get the mixed score it got. Star wars the force unleashed has a astonishing story and nearly flawless combat system, as short as it is, at around 8-9 hours of playtime it does not lack in map design, sure it does sometimes throw repeating ship hallways at you but outside of that force unleasheds levels are unique and offer many traversal options and hidden items scattered around. speaking of hidden items, lightsaber crystals, force points damage powerups and infinite force use, it all mixes together seemlessly. ending it off Star wars the force unleashed has a all time classic soundtrack with an orchestra that sets the tone incredibly well, it hits so hard. Starkiller is incredibly powerful and its interesting to see the character arc he goes through, from a ruthless apprentice under the order of darth vader to rebelling and beating the crap out of the most powerful jedi and sith. Give it a play its outstanding!… Expand
  4. goodgriff33
    Dec 26, 2022
    8
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  5. CloudStrife05
    Aug 19, 2021
    9
    I truly enjoyed this game. The Apprentice was a great way to go opposite of Vader.
  6. Studiop0lis
    Jun 29, 2020
    9
    Good Gameplay, characters,story,plot,yeah there are some problems,but if you want a good star wars game buy this one,its better then its sequel and fallen order
  7. KnightMerrick
    Jun 21, 2020
    9
    A fun game, with an interesting story, the controls are good, but the camera is confusing to adjust, but still very good game, the origin of the rebellion in this I like much, more than the new movies. I'm glad I tried it after so many years
  8. Ciuffo
    Nov 21, 2019
    9
    The game is just so much fun, i dont get why it have a so bad metascore, not the best levekl design in the world, but the story is just brilliant ,the characters are so good and the music, guys , the music, is just exeptional
  9. Dsims37
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    An amazing brawler. Star Wars, great graphics and story. Amazing moves. Don’t listen to the snobs and haters. This is one of the best games of its kind.
  10. LegoEggo19
    Jan 24, 2019
    9
    This game is certainly one of the more underrated games out there. It has an excellent story, takes place in an interesting universe with interesting characters, and the gameplay is fantastic. Nothing is more satisfying than picking up a stormtrooper and throwing him into orbit. I really don't know what caused so many to dislike this game, I encountered barely any glitches, and IThis game is certainly one of the more underrated games out there. It has an excellent story, takes place in an interesting universe with interesting characters, and the gameplay is fantastic. Nothing is more satisfying than picking up a stormtrooper and throwing him into orbit. I really don't know what caused so many to dislike this game, I encountered barely any glitches, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of my time with it. If you're looking to pick up a single player Star Wars game, then this is absolutely worth your time.… Expand
  11. xXxXxXs
    Nov 5, 2018
    9
    Most people who have given this game a review and called it "unplayable" just seem to be fairly ignorant about the game as a whole. There are bugs and glitches. the story is short. These things are true...but it doesn't make it a bad game. Despite maybe two tiny plot holes, the story is well written, well voice acted, and beautifully scored. The music really is great. Sam Witwer wasMost people who have given this game a review and called it "unplayable" just seem to be fairly ignorant about the game as a whole. There are bugs and glitches. the story is short. These things are true...but it doesn't make it a bad game. Despite maybe two tiny plot holes, the story is well written, well voice acted, and beautifully scored. The music really is great. Sam Witwer was amazing as Starkiller (Galen Marek) who in my opinion is one of the best Star Wars protagonists. All the side characters have their own lore and backstory to them as well. Kota was a respected general in the clone wars who rallied a group of rebels to form his own militia against the empire. PROXY is a protocol training droid who respects yet is programmed to kill his master. Juno is a highly skilled pilot who was trained to side with the empire from birth. I could go on and on but really the characters are all so great. Gameplay is fun and the physics engine is awesome when up against the effects of a force push or repulse. The game gets a bit repetitive around the end and has some fairly annoying enemy types and a near impossible "Sith Master" mode. Aside from these issues, I think this is probably up there with KOTOR and Shadows of The Empire as some of the best Star Wars stories ever made outside of the OT. Unfortunately none of this is canon any longer due to the fact that Disney has not a clue in the world as to what they are doing with the star wars universe. I think i'll just pretend this game is canon until it actually is again....if it is. Anyway yeah, this game is pretty flawed but really awesome.… Expand
  12. TheQuietGamer
    May 18, 2017
    8
    With fun lightsaber action and a wealth of force powers at your disposal, The Force Unleashed allows players to feel what it's like to be an all powerful Sith lord, unrestrained by the Jedi code. You play as the Darth Vader's secret apprentice who has been tasked with hunting down the last of the Jedi that managed to escape Order 66 with their lives in a formerly cannon tale set betweenWith fun lightsaber action and a wealth of force powers at your disposal, The Force Unleashed allows players to feel what it's like to be an all powerful Sith lord, unrestrained by the Jedi code. You play as the Darth Vader's secret apprentice who has been tasked with hunting down the last of the Jedi that managed to escape Order 66 with their lives in a formerly cannon tale set between Episodes III and IV. An exciting prospect. One only strengthened by novelty of the combat system.

    The shear number of ways you are given to dispatch your foes is incredible. There's a lot of depth running beneath the standard hack n' slash formula. The further you progress and level up, the more exciting powers and combos you'll gain access to. The point of the game is to make you feel like an unstoppable killing machine and it succeeds well. It's not always the most difficult game as it's easy to exploit your way through most encounters by spamming the most overpowered attacks, but the game still provides more challenging encounters to keep you on your toes. The boss battles for instance, although they aren't the most balanced of things. Some you can just completely pummel with little to no effort. Others are outright crapshoots. They are the parts of the game where you most easily notice how not all of The Force Unleashed systems are the most reliable.

    With no lock on system you are left at the mercy of the game's auto-targeting when trying to use your force abilities. Suffice to say it's not always the smartest system. It has a habit of jumping around too much when things get crowded (which happens often) and develops a mind of it's own. You may shoot lighting at a crate instead the enemy you were initially targeting. Something that can be lethal during a boss fight. Swordplay is also a little floaty. Like I said, there's no lock on system and unlike other action games there isn't anything that pulls you towards your enemies and sticks with them. Sometimes you'll just be slicing at the air instead of your target. Something that's only amplified by the occasionally awkward camera. Platforming is easily the most flawed part of the gameplay. It's still and also suffers from camera issues and slipperiness.

    So it's worth noting that The Force Unleashed has it's issues. However, they don't ruin the game because when things are working right, which they usually are, the game is an absolute blast like few other Star Wars games have been. Your force powers are exciting and using a lightsaber feels great. The large levels are great and filled with secrets to find. Their design harkens back to Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, only not quite as archaic and there's a map onscreen to prevent you from getting lost. Plus, the game just has that great LucasArts feel to it that we just don't get too experience anymore now that they've been relegated to a strict publisher-only role.

    As if the gameplay weren't enough, there's also a great story here. It starts off really slow as you go about hunting the Jedi on different worlds, but opens up into something more after you best past it's opening levels. The characters are great and the quest of protagonist "Starkiller" may just be a huge loss to the Star Wars cannon. The presentation is also top-notch. Even today the world's you'll travel too are so beautiful that you'll be hard pressed to not be left with your jaw hanging. A lot of detail went into bringing these worlds to life and it shows. They've stood the test of time remarkably well.

    In my opinion this is one of the best Star Wars games out there. Yes, it's got some issues, but it's one of those rare SW games that truly makes you feel like a Jedi. You get the powers and the lightsaber, both of which feel great (minus those targeting inconsistencies) and one heck of a story to go with it. For Star Wars fans this is a must. However, it's not hard to see why those who aren't so keen on the galaxy far, far away might still have fun here. It's a well-made action game in it's own right.    … Expand
  13. TheMetacritiqer
    Apr 12, 2016
    8
    Saying this is the best Star Wars game isn't saying much but that it's also one of the best action adventure games I've played is. Starting out with classic Star Wars opening with the great theme song got me excited and it wasn't for nothing. It's a shame Lucas Arts is no more. Now we can look forward to Visceral's unannounced Star Wars game.
  14. JoroA
    Mar 21, 2016
    8
    Very addicting and fun. The story is interesting and on higher difficulties quite challenging. You feel really powerfull and you can customise your appearance and lightsaber. It has a good replay value and has interesting characters but for the most part used for radio chatter.
  15. gameguardian21
    Mar 2, 2016
    8
    This star wars expanded universe game is a soild new start to the new series. The story is about a sith apprentice named galen marek a.k.a starkiller, as he hunts down the last of the jedi knights, but will soon discover what his destiny really is. The combat in this game is great, making it be like a sith feel epic. The story is overall great, with characters being just as good as theThis star wars expanded universe game is a soild new start to the new series. The story is about a sith apprentice named galen marek a.k.a starkiller, as he hunts down the last of the jedi knights, but will soon discover what his destiny really is. The combat in this game is great, making it be like a sith feel epic. The story is overall great, with characters being just as good as the story. This is a story game, so there is really nothing to do after you beat the game, but I still think its good to go back and play this game again.… Expand
  16. TheLordEnki
    Jun 19, 2015
    10
    Best Star Wars game I've ever played. The story, cut-scenes, graphics, and gameplay are all fantastic. If you loved the Jedi Knight series then you should enjoy this game as well!
  17. DaredadCrust
    Sep 10, 2013
    8
    A great storyline and intense combat makes this game a must for all Star Wars fans. However, the game is full of bugs (like if you change your lightsaber color it will break your objective screen, telling you your objective is nil but luckily the title update fixes that). The game is also pretty short, the first three and last two levels are long but the others are insanely quick and easyA great storyline and intense combat makes this game a must for all Star Wars fans. However, the game is full of bugs (like if you change your lightsaber color it will break your objective screen, telling you your objective is nil but luckily the title update fixes that). The game is also pretty short, the first three and last two levels are long but the others are insanely quick and easy to beat. Definitely better than its sequel.… Expand
  18. greg6781
    Apr 28, 2013
    10
    The game is solid, great combat, upgrade system, not a over abundence of QTEs and its challenging. But the main reason its getting a ten in my book is I am a huge fan of Star wars and this game cares about the lore and shows how the rebels came to be. Hell Lucas even says he includes this story in the star wars cannon. Plus there is no Jar Jar
  19. tomtom4468
    Feb 5, 2013
    8
    Awesome game, but the storyline could be improved. There are also some problems with the basic gameplay. I also enjoyed the idea of choosing between the dark side and the light side. AWESOME!
  20. Breegullbeak
    Jan 18, 2013
    9
    This is a great game. It's story connects the two Trilogies together while creating an enjoyable experience. The force is a fun tool and the abilities you slowly obtain help as you continue. Having to fight to get health can make the highest difficulty a real pain, but after beating the highest difficulty twice, I can say it's a fun experience that has several difficulty peaks that createThis is a great game. It's story connects the two Trilogies together while creating an enjoyable experience. The force is a fun tool and the abilities you slowly obtain help as you continue. Having to fight to get health can make the highest difficulty a real pain, but after beating the highest difficulty twice, I can say it's a fun experience that has several difficulty peaks that create aggravation. Like I said the story connects the trilogies together. As Darth Vader's secret apprentice you are sent out to kill the last of the Jedi that have been found. The story then moves into territory I consider Spoilers but the adventure reaches an end at an all to familiar location.

    The controls allow you to easily switch between slicing and dicing to smashing foes with the force and smiting them with lightning. Enemies don't attack with the same patterns outside boss fights so you need to learn to use all of your abilities at the slightest moments notice.

    Collectibles range from different light saber Crystals to costumes and exp. They range from in plain site to off the beaten path and past a puzzle, but once you see one you know it's there.

    The game is an enjoyable romp across many popular Star wars locations that delivers across the board.    … Expand
  21. Natedrake1994
    Jan 10, 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
  22. Vio
    Nov 20, 2011
    9
    This is not a RPG, this is a action platform game with RPG and fighting game elements - once this is realized and you embrace it for what it is it is simply awesome.

    The game's story is the usual starwars story line nothing much of a surprize here, gameplay is very fun once you learn the moves and unlock the force powers - I have found myself finishing this game multiple times looking for    This is not a RPG, this is a action platform game with RPG and fighting game elements - once this is realized and you embrace it for what it is it is simply awesome.

    The game's story is the usual starwars story line nothing much of a surprize here, gameplay is very fun once you learn the moves and unlock the force powers - I have found myself finishing this game multiple times looking for every light saber and unlocking every force power. The graphics/art in this game is beautiful. Gameplay wise the only complaint I have is that of the "hit X" "hit "A" etc timed events in order to kill "bosses".

    Did I like it? Hell yes!    … Expand
  23. SommiREVIEWER
    Nov 15, 2011
    8
    Despite its flaws, this game delivers an outrageously fun time. I have seldom had as much fun in a video game as throwing, blasting, slicing, shocking, or crushing stormtroopers in this game. Where the game fails is the later levels, when there are several enemies shooting missiles at you. Every time you get hit, you have to lie on the ground for a few seconds while they shoot at you, andDespite its flaws, this game delivers an outrageously fun time. I have seldom had as much fun in a video game as throwing, blasting, slicing, shocking, or crushing stormtroopers in this game. Where the game fails is the later levels, when there are several enemies shooting missiles at you. Every time you get hit, you have to lie on the ground for a few seconds while they shoot at you, and as soon as you get back up, they can shoot you down again. Even on lower difficulties, this game can become extremely frustrating. That is not to say that none of the later levels can be fun; but the game's earlier levels are the most fun. The Art design in this game is THE most fantastic I've ever seen Star wars, and everything looks incredible. The story is also engaging, interesting, and ties into the Star-wars universe quite well. I recommend this game, despite its frustrations to anyone looking to utterly destroy some stormtroopers.… Expand
  24. ochentay4
    Nov 6, 2010
    8
    ochentay4
    Nov 6, 2010
    8 Im not a fan of Star Wars saga, but this game simply grabbed me and finished as fast as I could. I loved it. Great graphics, great sound, great story and good gameplay. The game has glitches but its fun anyway. The 3 addons that are on the second disk of Ultimate Sith Edition have more glitches than the original game but are very fun and a little short. I recommend    ochentay4
    Nov 6, 2010
    8
    Im not a fan of Star Wars saga, but this game simply grabbed me and finished as fast as I could. I loved it. Great graphics, great sound, great story and good gameplay. The game has glitches but its fun anyway. The 3 addons that are on the second disk of Ultimate Sith Edition have more glitches than the original game but are very fun and a little short. I recommend for SW fans and everyone who loves third person beat em ups.â    … Expand
  25. owenking
    Oct 16, 2010
    8
    Ok first off I dont acually have this game I have the psp version . But in the time that I went to play theis game at my freinds house I loved it. I lov eblowing up every storm trooper except one and then playing around with that last one. The story is great but I cant tell you about it because that would be a spoiler. All i can tell you is that this takes place between the time in betweenOk first off I dont acually have this game I have the psp version . But in the time that I went to play theis game at my freinds house I loved it. I lov eblowing up every storm trooper except one and then playing around with that last one. The story is great but I cant tell you about it because that would be a spoiler. All i can tell you is that this takes place between the time in between Epesode 3 and 4 where Darth Vadet is hunting down Every jedi and he comes along to one who has a powerful son you. This guy has every power a jedi/sith lord could ever want. The cinematic finishes on bosses are great I just wish that the buttons werent getting in the way. The reason I gave this game an 8 is because it lacks multyplayer and the enemys arent varied.… Expand
  26. BrentP
    Jun 1, 2009
    10
    This is my favorite game on the 360, thus far. It was extremely satisfying and well done. It's definitely worth buying. I'm looking forward to playing it again and again.
  27. cuah123
    Mar 22, 2009
    8
    What great writing, I agree...what a plot twist very mature...now the gameplay I had to play it on easy and I'm a professional in the industry and a hardcore gamer (having finished many of its predessors on the pc on normal as well). Why easy? Well it just didn't make sense to kill a stormtrooper on normal with 10 swings...Last the junk yard level opening shot was paradigmatic What great writing, I agree...what a plot twist very mature...now the gameplay I had to play it on easy and I'm a professional in the industry and a hardcore gamer (having finished many of its predessors on the pc on normal as well). Why easy? Well it just didn't make sense to kill a stormtrooper on normal with 10 swings...Last the junk yard level opening shot was paradigmatic it was awesome! Kudos! The mission where I had to down a star destroyer, well I think it was an incredibly lost opportunity due to an overzeolous spawning of tie fighters, it really killed the cinematic moment for me...but otherwise a great idea...can't wait to steal it!… Expand
  28. JohnP.
    Feb 22, 2009
    8
    I see people nagging about ledges and over the top Force powers. Apparently, no one knows how to stay on the map and no one read LucasArts releases about this game being about taking the Force powers to the extreme. This game was overhyped, yes, but it did not fail to deliver in terms of absolutely amazing gameplay. I loved the story line and the graphics, not to mention the physics. The I see people nagging about ledges and over the top Force powers. Apparently, no one knows how to stay on the map and no one read LucasArts releases about this game being about taking the Force powers to the extreme. This game was overhyped, yes, but it did not fail to deliver in terms of absolutely amazing gameplay. I loved the story line and the graphics, not to mention the physics. The most redeeming aspect of this game is the unlockables and cheat codes. Who doesn't love fighting Stormtrooper with Ackbar? It does have some glitches to be worked on and the story line was quite short, rather disappointed they left out so much on the 360 version.… Expand
  29. JosephRedEagle
    Jan 31, 2009
    8
    I don't get why this game was rated as low as it was. I had a blast with it. I never ran into any glitches and the story and gameplay were enjoyable. And to Kaminator, did you just go around jumping around to see how many times you would fall off of an edge? It's obvious where you shouldn't jump. You would have to be a moron to miss them.
  30. BillyH.
    Jan 17, 2009
    10
    I have played the game through-out twice now and I'm sorry to say but this game ROCKS! You are very destructive and the story line is excellent. I love this game and highly recommend it. Why some on here rate it so low is absurd. They game pushed the envelope in so many ways and the game play great. The story behind it just takes you that much deeper into the game itself. This game I have played the game through-out twice now and I'm sorry to say but this game ROCKS! You are very destructive and the story line is excellent. I love this game and highly recommend it. Why some on here rate it so low is absurd. They game pushed the envelope in so many ways and the game play great. The story behind it just takes you that much deeper into the game itself. This game is a 9.5 - 10 in my book.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
12
#12 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
8
#8 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 74 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 74
  3. Negative: 1 out of 74
  1. Official Xbox Magazine
    75
    With its non-branching storyline and no multiplayer, Force Unleashed is certainly less ambitious than the classic "Jedi Knight" games - and ultimately, its design makes it feel more videogame-y and less of an all-engrossing Star Wars experience than Xbox entries like "Jedi Knight II" or "Jedi Academy." But when the game is on, it's on. [Oct 2008, p.70]
    Read full review
  2. GamePro
    70
    Make no mistake: you can have a lot of fun with The Force Unleashed. [Oct 2008, p.88]
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    70
    By even allowing the choice between simple hack-and-slash gameplay and the more complex mix-up combos, LucusArrts has ensured that many will never view the title’s full potential. [Oct 2008, p.104]
See all critic reviews »