Video Games

B+ For Xbox 360 (also on PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii and DS). Rated for ages 13 and up. $59.

DARTH'S DISCIPLE: The Force Unleashed is a bit of a tease, promising you the opportunity to unleash unrivaled destruction via the Force on various members of the Rebel Alliance as Darth Vader's pupil. Well, sort of. You do indeed get to trash some pesky rebels. But none of the targets you're really hankering for – Ewoks, Jar Jar Binks or George Lucas – ever show up in reach of your light saber. But it's still a fun, destructive romp with a much better plot than any of the Star Wars prequels.

STRETCH OUT WITH YOUR FEELINGS: You'll start out as a weak novice, but gradually acquire new powers (such as Emperor-like "Force Lightning") and fighting skills. You'll be able to sling enemies, crates, ships and robots around with your Force abilities, and the new physics software makes collisions and tossed bodies flop more realistically than in any other game. Once you beat the game, you can play through again while retaining all your hard-earned god-like powers, and it's fun to sweep aside like cotton fluff all the troopers who gave you trouble the first time through.

CANON: The story is somewhat predictable (your character begins to doubt that – surprise! – Vader has your best interests at heart), but it flows smoothly into the plot of the original movies. The voice acting is strong and there are some great sets, such as when you explore the interior of the planet-killing laser in the Death Star and have to dodge the giant beams.

BOTTOM LINE: The Force Unleashed is enjoyable, but it feels a bit empty in spots, as if there just aren't enough bad guys to pound while you're loping through huge levels. I also would have liked a chance to pilot a Tie Fighter or an Imperial Walker or a Star Destroyer. And there's no multiplayer in the game. But it's a must-buy for any fan of Star Wars.

Victor Godinez

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