With exception to Star Wars: KOTOR, no other console edition will be met with as much fanfare as Star Wars: Rebel Strike, the third installment in the epic Rogue Squadron series. By now, you've glimpsed all the mouth-watering screens featured throughout numerous print and online circulations alike. There should be no question that Factor 5 will unquestionably deliver another solid product of excellence. I know, the anticipation is building. October can't get here soon enough - I feel your pain (no, really). Fortunately, LucasArts has provided a special sneak peek to hold you over for the time being.

"Look at the size of that thing!"

Recently, LucasArts sweetened the deal by announcing a special bonus disc, featuring the original 1982 classic Star Wars arcade game. (Nostalgia vibes, rising!) The disc also contains movie trailers respectively for Rebel Strike and Gladius; along with a modest collection of Rebel Strike conceptual art and character models. A nice treat for fans, but I could've went for a few more bonus levels of other classic Star Wars arcade games - wouldn't you?

So I bet you feel you can take on the whole Empire yourself huh? Well if you play the demo, that's exactly what you'll be (technically) doing. The preview disc features a single-player level taking place on the ice planet Hoth. You'll assume the role of Luke Skywalker, the original leader of Rogue Squadron. Staying consistent with the events of the motion picture, The Empire Strikes Back, your snow speeder is struck down by the massive gunfire of the incoming Imperial forces.Your first objective en route to Echo Base is to take out two AT-AT walkers before the Rebel forces are overwhelmed. No, your blaster isn't going to work here, and Obi-wan can not help you now. Fans shouldn't have any difficulty figuring out what's expected of them, but fortunately there's a few visual cues integrated in the game to aid you. For example, once you're positioned directly underneath one of the AT-AT's, a yellow icon will be displayed on the screen, hinting for you to tap the C button on the controller, thus activating Luke's ascension cable. From there, you'll need to take out your lightsaber to slice the bottom port in order to toss a grenade inside. Repeat this procedure one more time and you're one step closer to reaching Echo Base.

"All too easy."

So you've got the two walkers permanently immobilized, but your mission is far from over. Now you'll have to join up with Derlin, a fellow soldier awaiting your arrival. Unfortunately, there's a few Imperial soldiers who'd much rather see you terminally fail as a dead Rebel scum. A few shots from your blaster will dispatch them within seconds, securing your route. Kick 'em when they're down (ok, I am lying - there's no playable action to do that, unfortunately). Sprinting through the Imperial forces is quite a cakewalk until you reach the perimeter. Yet another party of Darth Vader's foot soldiers are already there - looking to take you out.

The final segment (and not surprisingly, the most difficult) takes place in your X-Wing, aiding the retreating transport ships from the massive Tie Fighter fleet. If you've played the previous editions of Rogue Squadron, the flight controls will remain the same (and if you haven't...I'd suggest studying the control schematic screen before jumping into the game). Expect to die, well - several times. It's no slouch on the difficulty scale - even for a demo. In the end, it will pay off, featuring a brief video segment of Luke's escape from the Imperial fleet. You'll then receive a statistical tally of your progress, which is likely to dampen your spirits even more. (I don't care what the game says, 12% as an overall shooting percentage and living to talk about is a grand accomplishment).

"We've gotta give 'em more time!"

Factor 5 has substantially reinforced my fondness for the GameCube. Players can look forward to all-new multiplayer modes which include the entire Rogue Leader game in co-op, endurance, capture-the-base and dogfights. I want this game now and I am sure many of you do too. Do yourself a favor and run to your local retailer, preorder the game, enjoy the disc. You'll love it, trust me. With just a few more weeks away, this is definitely a game all Star Wars fans should pick up, treasure and play again and again.

     

   

· · · Bahn