Final Verdict

Jedi Academy is perhaps the best realization of the Star Wars experience that's ever been committed to a computer game, but that still doesn't make it the best game. Cheesy full-motion video and all, the original Jedi Knight remains the best Star Wars game this side of TIE Fighter. Still the new kid on the block is right up there with the big boys, thanks to the outstanding depiction of what it would be like to begin life as a Jedi-in-training.

Watch your step

Cycle combat

Did you need that arm?

Raven has done a fantastic job honing in on the strengths of Jedi Outcast and eliminating its weaknesses. Shoddy, confusing, and dull level design has been dropped for a succession of catchy, focused missions that carry you along for hours. It's easy to get lost here in a "one more mission" mentality and wind up playing until the wee hours of the morning. Even the shortness of the overall solo campaign isn't a real issue here, because the ability to customize your character and choose Force powers and lightsaber skills--not to mention whether or not you're going to embrace the Light side or the Dark side--gives the game strong replay value. Add to that the interesting multiplayer options and the huge mod community support that Jedi Academy is inevitably going to receive, and you've got a Star Wars game that you'll be playing until the next Star Wars game arrives.

Meeting of minds

Not assassin droids again!

Anyone see Luke's hand?

Brett’s review looks pretty good, doesn’t it? But I know what keeps Jedi Academy from getting an Editor’s Choice Award. Oh yes I do. Notice something very conspicuously missing from the game? You can’t kill Ewoks! Who wouldn’t pay $50 to kill Ewoks, huh? Sound Off! and let us know in the news comments!