Star Wars: Jedi Knight -- Jedi Academy Xbox

Star Wars: Jedi Knight Jedi Academy continues many of the features introduced in 2002's Jedi Outcast with a story line taking place after the events chronicled in its predecessor. Players begin the game in the prestigious Jedi Academy led by Luke Skywalker and Kyle Katarn. As Skywalker's apprentice, players must learn the ways of the Force and embark on an adventure spanning more than twice the locales featured in 2002's game. The biggest addition to the franchise is the ability to create a character by choosing its species, gender, hair, facial features, and clothing. Players can also customize their lightsaber by selecting its blade color and hilt type, with more lightsabers (such as the doublebladed version wielded by Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I) becoming available as players become more adept in their training.

Like Jedi Outcast before it, Jedi Academy blends thirdperson lightsaber battles with firstperson exploration and shooting. In addition to honing their skills with the weapon of the Jedi, players can fight enemies using a blaster, blaster rifle, Wookiee bowcaster, Imperial repeater, and more. Players will use these weapons as well as their Force skills in order to investigate and neutralize a new organization threatening to upset the order maintained throughout the galaxy. Rather than follow a linear story throughout the game, players are free to select which path of levels they wish to experience while learning their craft. Also featured are a number of new multiplayer modes on top of those included in 2002's Jedi Outcast. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide