Video Game Review: Rouge Leader

Rouge Leader

Graphics:	9.5
Sound:	9.5
Story:	8.5
Fun:	8
Controls:	9
Overall:	9

Like it's predecessor, Rouge Leader relies on mission based shoot 'em ups that take place from the events of the entire Star Wars trilogy. One of the first games available for the Gamecube on alunch date, this game still puts a thrill in my gaming. I got this game last Christmas and I am still playing it. Rouge Leader does a great job tons of action into the first letter which grabs people's attention. The game starts off with you blasting away at the Death Star, destroying communication towers and tie fighters. The game has 11 levels, not including four bonus missions. It has slightly more levels than Rouge Squadron, but it still feels like it is too short. Many of the levels are easy to beat, but the game has a medal for each level you beat, and you have to meet several requirements to get one of three medals, bronze, silver and gold. With this going on, you really can't say you have beaten the game unless you acquire a gold medal for each level. Sounds simple, you say...Wrong! I find it impossible to get a gold medal for each level. While this game has the fun and story factor, it also shines brightly in it's technical features. The graphics are incredible. Remember in the first game, the litle storm troopers that littered the ground. They only were composed of 2 polygons, while Rouge Leader's take 8,000 polygons. Lighting effects are perfectly exhibited in picture perfect landscapes and buildings, and still remaining in 3-D graphics, instead of pictured sets (I forgot what you call them) like in Resident Evil. An incredible sound display puts you in the action with Dolby Prologic 2 sound. This game features real, and good, voice acting for that matter. Denis Lawson, the original Wedge Antilles, is featured in this game. Rouge Leader also has music from the original Star Wars as well. The story just uses the same old Star Wars events, which is one downfall. The first Rouge Squadron had it's own story line that took place during the events of Star Wars. The controls come quickly and are easy to master, but holding down the R button to fly faster causes finger cramps at times. Is it fun, really? Well, for this game, I found the destruction and crazy areial combat fun thoughout the whole game, others might find it repetetive. "One year old, and it is still fun!" -Niloc

Archive note: The original publication day is unknown; this review existed by March 30, 2003.