Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy

 Xbox
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. VGPub
    92
    There are some things that are a bit rough around the edges, like the lip synching and the bland terrain, but the game succeeds where it counts the most and effectively negates the problem areas of the game when you are in the heat of battle.
  2. Gaming Age
    91
    Jedi Academy continues the strong stories and challenging gameplay of past games in the series, while making improvements, big and small, along the way.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    90
    There is virtually no difference between the PC and Xbox version. The Xbox Live feature lets you play others worldwide in a series of modes that gives the game good replay value.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Next Level Gaming
    88
    Unlike its predecessor, Jedi Academy is action-packed from the very beginning where Jedi Outcast was a little sluggish to start. You don't need to worry about waiting to earn a lightsaber because you've built one from the beginning.
  6. GameSpy
    85
    The saber play is great fun, particularly in multiplayer, and the variety in the single-player game keeps it entertaining as well. Next time we'll hope for a new graphics engine, but for now, the Force is definitely with the Academy.
  7. Game Chronicles
    84
    Despite the graphical flaws, poor mission design, and lack of a compelling story I still have to admit I had "fun" playing this game, actually more fun than I did on the PC.
  8. GameZone
    82
    I recommend this game for its great story, wonderfully intense battles and a killer multiplayer mode that takes the action online.
  9. Game Over Online
    82
    It lacks the depth to engross and absorb but the action will prove to be satisfying to most fans of the genre. The piece de resistance of the whole package has to go to the comprehensive multiplayer component.
  10. XboxAddict
    82
    An overall gaming experience that should last most players somewhere between 12-18 hours. While the overall experience is fairly short, because of many of the unique features, and furious action; I'd have a hard time not recommending this title to both Star Wars fans and action fans alike.
  11. GameSpot
    81
    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, like jumping puzzles, are limited, while the use of Force powers is accentuated.
  12. IGN
    80
    If you like Star Wars and think flipping around chopping up Stormtroopers and flinging Dark Jedi off of conveniently placed precipices is fun, then this game will satisfy. Just don't expect your battles with your inner demons to be as compelling.
  13. Gamezilla!
    80
    A solid game that will appeal to those who wanted more from Jedi Outcast. It isn't going to blaze any new trails however so make sure you align your expectations before purchasing.
  14. Game Informer
    80
    With its faults, this title is a good hack-fest with a high body count (which makes for an awesome multiplayer component), but still leaves it short of what it wants to achieve. [Jan 2004, p.148]
  15. Deeko
    80
    The controls are a bit unusual and take a bit of getting used to, the storyline is a bit on the dull side and the graphics are really, really dated and should be reconsidered at this point. However, the gameplay is still rock solid.
  16. GamePro
    80
    Academy focuses on the best elements of Jedi Outcast (fast-paced lightsaber combat and wicked Force abilities), discards the worst (jump puzzles, confusing levels, and long durations armed only with blasters), and lets you choose missions, Force powers, and whether or not you'll become an agent for good or for evil.
  17. TotalGames.net
    79
    It lacks the smooth edges and convincing action sequences of its Star Wars predecessors; KOTOR is still in a different galaxy.
    All this publication's reviews
  18. Armchair Empire
    79
    JA is a good-looking game. It may not be the most beautiful game ever, but it moves at a good clip and the lightsaber duels look very cool, especially when you're on a roll.
  19. GameShark
    76
    The only real problem that stood out, other than the horrible speeder bike level, is that the visuals were still the same old graphics and being a year and a half after JO was released, it shows how dated the graphics are.

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Xbox Game of 2003
36
#36 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
41
#41 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 47
  3. Negative: 7 out of 47
  1. GamerSpin
    Apr 22, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. This is an awesome game, I played it for hours, and hours, and hours, and I still believing that it is awesome, i recommend it to everyone who's watching this.… Full Review »
  2. nightsharks23
    Feb 14, 2013
    9
    What a fun this game was. I played this game for hours and hours on end without getting bored. I think the game is not as difficult and not asWhat a fun this game was. I played this game for hours and hours on end without getting bored. I think the game is not as difficult and not as challenging as Jedi Outcast, but still manages to be a great game. You can create your own characters, choose the color of your lightsaber, and many more. The gameplay is extremely fun. When you start your story, there are many different missions you can choose from and doesn't have to be in order. You face some old Star Wars enemies like the stormtroopers, and the dreaded ATAT walkers. Then you go up against some new Reborn Sith with some new abilities. Probably the major improvement in the game is you get your lightsaber at the start of the game and you can choose what force powers you want first and can upgrade. If you get mostly Jedi force powers like the Mind Trick, Jedi shielding of some sort, etc Luke Skywalker, or Kyle Katarn will be happy that you learn the ways of the Jedi. However, if you get mostly Sith powers like, Grip, Lightning, Drain, etc Luke or Kyle will scold you for getting mostly Sith powers and you are luring more towards the dark side. Its tough choosing what powers you want because if your a person like me who want to fight Sith and go on the attack, you want the darker force powers, however you need some good force powers to keep your character on the light side of the force. Its a conflict between good and evil and its done exceptionally well. The final boss will bring back some old memories of Jedi Outcast and will be a thrill to finish the game. If there is some place that sells this game, I highly recommend you buy this game.… Full Review »
  3. SSJRED
    Nov 26, 2010
    9
    This game was very very fun. I find it funny user reviews are far far higher than critic:D This game has many missions available which allThis game was very very fun. I find it funny user reviews are far far higher than critic:D This game has many missions available which all were very enjoyable and it lets you make game changing decisions which makes the experience all in all more memorable. The customization is probably my favorite part of the game you can customize your jedi however you like. While it's no Knights of the Old Republic this game game is extremely enjoyable that any true Star Wars fan should have.… Full Review »
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