http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/star-wars-the-force-unleashed/847629p1.html
Although every version of The Force Unleashed will follow the story of Darth Vader's Jedi-whupping apprentice, each version of the game will also have unique features and gameplay design. LucasArts stressed this heavily, but it also showed in the gameplay: these are not ports. There is one team on the HD versions, one studio on the PSP, PS2, and Wii versions, and one studio on the DS versions.
She May Not Look Like Much...
After showing off the eye-blistering power of the HD-gen versions of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, LucasArts surprised us by jumping right into a Wii demonstration. What surprised us was that it looked to be just as compelling. We're not signing off on the high-gloss features of the HD-gen versions, such as the Digital Molecular Matter and Euphoria technologies, or the high-def visuals. But after seeing the Jedi temple exploration, a level not present on the HD-gen versions of the game, we are just as excited for the Wii version as we are for the HD-gen versions. This is, we think, a first.
One of the first things shown off for the Wii was the use of the Wii Remote as the lightsaber control, via motion-sensing. Since this isn't a dueling game but a "kicking ass with the Force" game, the controls aren't too complex. The lightsaber is just one Force-driven piece of ass-kickery. Watching the Secret Apprentice whup on the Stormtroopers and Royal Shadow Guard (we think -- not totally certain on that guy!) who were stationed to defend the ruins of the Jedi temple in the wake of Order 66, we saw very soft motions in any direction easily translated into fluid, cool-looking lightsaber attacks. We think that we're going to be very pleased with the final version of the Wii lightsaber controls.
Beyond that, the game looks much more comfortable with its own gameplay than the HD-gen version. Without the need to invent their own technological wheels, the current-gen (and yeah, that includes the Wii) team seems to be able to focus on gameplay. The encounters between the Apprentice and the Stormtroopers in the tight corridors of the Temple and its wide-open spaces were fantastic clashes, with crumbling stonework and collapsible walls making sure that Force powers got as many chances to look cool as possible. But the real cherry of this demo was the Jedi trial.
The trial manifested as a duel / boss fight versus Darth Desolous, an evil-looking alien garbed in red and black. His fighting style uses a massive black lightsaber-blocking shield, combined with his own lightsaber and Force attacks. As a Jedi trial, he's presumably a vision quest used to help tame the Dark Side. Of course, you can instead learn the melee-enhancing Dark Rage power if you defeat him here. The boss fights will lock you into an alternative "arena" camera, enhancing the overall presentation of fights. You'll also be able to "Force lock" and "saber lock," representing climactic moments when two combatants send Force power arcing at each other at the same moment, or when they find themselves fighting saber-to-saber. These moments will require rotating the Remote or nunchuk just so, following on-screen instructions, until you or your enemy seize the initiative and can punch forward, buying a momentary advantage.
The big exclusive feature for the Wii version, other than awesome sword-fighting controls, is duel mode. Duel mode lets you take your choice of character (Mara Jade was confirmed, presumably to sooth furious fans in the wake of recent expanded universe events) and your choice of level, and battle it out in a no-holds-barred two-player battle. We saw Kashyyk and Genosis confirmed as battle venues, as well as Hoth. The mode looks pretty simplistic, to be honest, but fun. With confined spaces to fight in that promise plenty of obstacles (like rebel soldiers shooting from the edges in the TIE hangar level) and ready Force ammo (like a destructible TIE fighter in the same level), duel mode should be low-key fun.
But She's Got It Where It Counts
We're pretty excited to see what LucasArts has planned for The Force Unleashed on current-gen. Most publishers and developers can't push wholly unique versions of games for alternate platforms, instead just down-scaling an existing HD-gen title for current-gen and handhelds and calling it a day. With this version of The Force Unleashed covering all the content of the other titles (as detailed in our 360 preview), as well as adding unique areas to explore that reveal a bit more of the Secret Apprentice's past and even a unique multiplayer offering, we think we're going to be a bit spoiled when it comes to The Force Unleashed on the Wii. And we could use being spoiled now and again.
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This version is now an ABSOLUTE MUST-HAVE FOR ME!!!! Ben, I don't think you need to worry anymore--apparently the lightsaber controls are spot-on, fluid, and fun, and saber-duels will be absolutely intense!
Wassat? A T-P is actually taking the Wii version of a multiplat seriously? And it looks like it's actually going to pay off? NO WAI!!!!!!!
