Shadows of the Empire – Nintendo 64

Shadows of the Empire - Nintendo 64

Released back in the days before Jar Jar, before midichlorians and before Han shot first, the release of Shadows of the Empire on the Nintendo 64 represented an exciting time for Star Wars fans.

With the special editions around the corner and George Lucas announcing his intention to film the prequels, it was a time when it was exciting to like Star Wars.

The game starts off with the battle of Hoth and from there, tells the story of the events that take place between the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the game explores the story of Dash Rendar, a smuggler that helps the rebels in their search for Han Solo.

Along the way, Dash has to face off against a bunch of familiar faces, including a scout walker, IG88 and everyone’s favourite bad ass bounty hunter, Boba Fett.

Looking back the game hasn’t dated too well. The graphics are foggy and the controls are as clunky as the various plot holes in the prequel trilogy.

The fact that the Nintendo 64 controller only had the one analog stick didn’t do the game any favours, this is really noticeable during the 3rd person shooter segments, especially when the camera decides to put itself in the most difficult angle possible.

The game does give you the option to change the angle, but rarely does this bring any benefit to the overall experience. In fact, most of the time, it just comes off as another chore to do.

Despite the clunky controls and the dated visuals, there is a good story in the game and it’s variety of levels is to be commended.

The final space battle, in which Dash and the rebels are taking out Xizors Skyhook is suitably epic stuff and very entertaining, however, the less said about the speeder level on Tatooine the better.

I have to admit, I’m a big fan of the Star Wars series, however, even I would find it hard to recommend digging this one out. Having said, if Lucasarts were to announce a HD makeover of Shadows of the Empire, I would lap it up, as there is clearly the potential for a great game here.

Retro verdict: 6 out of 10.

One for the fans and completists only.