The Force Unleashed: Star Wars, I see, but as we know it not

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Sunday, 06 April 2008 14:40

Opinion and Analysis

According to ‘The Force Unleashed’ website, ‘Euphoria’ is “a revolutionary behavioural-simulation engine, euphoria simulates the unpredictability of real life where no two experiences are ever the same.”

The explanation continues: “For the first time ever, euphoria enables interactive characters to move, act and even think like actual human beings, adapting their behaviour on the fly and resulting in a different payoff every single time. How does it benefit 'The Force Unleashed'? Imagine a simple Force push aimed at stormtroopers on a narrow bridge.”

“With euphoria in action, characters visibly attempt to balance themselves: Their feet stumble, their arms flail, and their hands reach for security as the force exuded toward them threatens to send them plummeting to their doom. Perhaps they all survive. Perhaps they all fall. The use of euphoria means the action isn't scripted - it's simulated - so you'll never be able to predict exactly what will happen, no matter how many times you've experienced a certain scenario.”

It certainly does sound like a much more interactive gaming experience than we've ever had before, blurring the lines between movies, games and reality so much so into new levels of blurriness that you might need eyedrops.

LucasArts says that the game itself is “an entirely new chapter in the Star Wars Saga”, where players are cast as “Darth Vader's ‘Secret Apprentice’ and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy.”

LucasArts continues that: “The game's expansive story is set during the largely unexplored era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. In it, players will assist Vader in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi - and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.”

Peter Hirschmann, Vice-President of Product Development, LucasArts, said that: "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is one of the most ambitious projects LucasArts has ever launched. The combination of a great new Star Wars story with revolutionary new technology and game play means more fun than you've ever had in the Star Wars universe. We can't wait until gamers get their hands on it this September."

The Force Unleashed is shaping up to being the best Star Wars game yet, with multiple versions offering a range of different experiences while still delivering what is, in essence, the same game.

I wonder how many Star Wars gaming fanatics will simply have to own every single version for every single console?

All I know is... this is one console game I definitely want to play!