sci-fi

I sure as heck can't be the only one. The gameplay is not much compared to some of the newer games like Jedi Outcast or KOTOR but it was a wonderful attempt and a lot better than some Lucas Arts games even produced today.

Just say "oompawampa" (or rather type it in the settings as a password) and suddenly, any frustrations you might have with getting through some of the early levels, are gone. Because with "oompawampa," you open up the whole game, try any level, any time. Until I found that little "cheat," though I loved (and do love) this game, I kept getting stuck on one of the earlier levels. Now, just by using that little weird word, I can play any level, any time. As can you!

And that's really where the beauty and greatness of this game can really be seen in all of its glory. Sure, the later levels are tough. But they are all rendered in beautiful 3d graphics and with the great John Williams soundtrack music, the special effects and audio, if you're looking for a Star Wars game and an arcade style space shooter, look no farther. For the price they are asking for this today, this is a must for anyone's PC game collection, and especially if you but barely LIKE anything Star Wars.

Each level has its own various pleasures. While none take place completely in space, a lot feature a lot of stars. Try the Jade Moon level to see what I mean. The volcano level is also a joy to behold. There is also one taking place in high altitude futuristic city platforms amongst clouds set against deep orange and red skies. In all levels, you will battle a number of different enemies, including Tie Fighters, stationary ground guns, giant walkers, and various others. Basically, the WHOLE idea here is shoot anything that moves and watch the 3d sparks and colors fly. Though, watch out for your own troops, ships, buildings, and other allies. Don't shoot them unless you want an early end to the level, though if you do, it is kind of fun to hear your rebel friends say things like "Skywalker, what the heck are you doing?!" or "When we get back to base, we're going to have a little discussion about your methods, Luke."

You don't really need any kind of super-computer to play this. Look at the specs. But the graphics nonetheless are nothing short of spectacular to behold. In fact, while trying to chase tie fighters down or go after walkers and other dark side servants of the evil empire, you may just get sidetracked by the visual eye-candy here. It's a stunning looking game, and for one already a few years old, believe it, the "look" of this game is just as good as anything out there, and better than most.

This is a very simple game to start right in on. The first level in which you fight imperial droid machines and later a few scattered tie fighters, is easy enough to finish after a try or two, but there is a "medal" system here also, where you are always, regardless of level, trying to get a gold, silver, or bronze. So, even if you beat various levels (and I've only beaten three so far), you can always go back and go for the gold, or the silver, or a bronze. Replay value here? In spades!

I own several PC games including the older X-Wing, but this is the CD I always keep popping back into my CD-Rom drive when I just plain want to have some fun. There is a convoluted "story" to this I would guess, and in various levels you sort of pick up where you left off in previous missions, but each level (once you OOMPAWAMPA the game in settings) really does stand on its own, and that's why the secret word is so important. On an early level, I was getting so frustrated in trying to complete the mission (even after downing dozens of tie fighters and taking out various other enemy guns), that I became rather sour on the game for awhile. I wanted to see the other levels, wanted to play them, even if they were way above my young Jedi starfighter head. Well, the net is surely a great place to find cheats, and when you oompawampa it, the masterpiece that is this game becomes quickly apparent. As in any game, the further you go, the harder it gets, and though I never really get too far in the magnificant DEATH STAR TRENCH RUN final level (looking almost as good as the film from the original movie), it's nice to at least try.

But all levels are great and each are unique in their own ways both visually and in their challenges. I do heavily recommend you have a basic digital gamepad or good joystick for this as the harder stuff would be much too difficult on a keyboard, but if you are in any way a Star Wars fan, and don't have a super powerful computer, and want to take the ride of your life every now and then in strange and beautiful alien worlds, blasting everything in sight, you MUST GET THIS GAME! Once you open it up with the secret word (and there are many other ones too that you can use in addition like WOOKIEPELT to fly the Millenium Falcon!), this is such a fun game that it will I'm sure, always be either in your CD rom drive, or close at hand to pop back in for some more rounds.

This is, without a doubt, the best PC game, PERIOD, I have ever bought or played. The visual effects are stunning throughout, the music is great (though you can turn down the music volume and put on anything you like, for instance, the soundtrack to Phantom Menace or Attack of the Clones to give RS an up to date feel), the voice acting and cut scenes are good, and well, jeez, I really can't think of a negative thing to say about this game.

Have a gamepad or joystick? Have a half decent computer (again, see the low specs required)? Have some good headphones to pump up the music and effects? Want to chase tie fighters around deep canyons and while zipping around futuristic city buildings, and blow them up over almost endless, beautifully rendered 3d alien worlds? What are you waiting for then? Get it now! You won't regret it. And always remember, may the force be with you...

I have played a few of the Star Wars games (X-Wing, Rebel Assault 2, etc.), and this one is one of the better ones. The graphics (especially for a 1998 release) are attractive, controls are easy to learn, and the music and voices add to the atmosphere. I've only completed 6 of the missions so far and have found that the game's difficulty is about right for arcade-style action. There is even some thinking required to pull off some of the missions and maneuvers. My only minor complaint is that the camera angle can get a bit awkward in its attempts to imitate acceleration and turns. When trying to bring down an AT-AT, I lost sight of my ship altogether and had to guess where the ship and tow cable were. However, this is a minor gripe. Rogue Squadron is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn flight simulator that is true to the Star Wars sci-fi feel.