Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2/PSP)

by Zack Stern { Jul 7th 2008 at 2:00PM }

The PS2 and PSP versions of The Force Unleashed are close siblings, and I recently enjoyed playing nearly-finished editions of both. Each follows the same bounty-hunting apprentice story and settings as the 360/PS3 game, although specific level design occasionally differs. Unlike 360/PS3 game, the PSP version gets two-player duel-mode fights against a local gamer, and it also includes five "historical missions" pulled from the movies. The PS2 version includes the full camera control of the 360/PS3, but not those extras.

The PS2 and PSP games felt slightly scaled back from the 360/PS3, with fewer destructible objects or enemies in any one moment. But both maintained a fluid sense of battle, maintaining the visceral thrill of the Force powers. With the game's September 16 release, PS2 and PSP gamers will find a kinetic action title suited to their systems.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2)

Unlike the DS version, the PS2 and PSP games include lots of objects and enemies to destroy. I constantly had crates, barrels, wall panels, and other set dressings to lob at my foes, or slice up with my 'saber. In one of the small differences between these two versions, I had a better sense of my surroundings with the PS2, since the right analog stick nudged the camera. But the PSP game still moved smoothly, and the automatic camera tracked from behind my character, usually providing an effective view of what I needed. In both versions, I felt in control of my aim, throwing the light saber at enemies, or launching other attacks from a distance.

PSP extras, such as the historical missions, make that edition a good package. Those scenarios are lifted from climactic movie moments. As Vader, I fought Luke in the scene from The Empire Strikes Back, and as Luke, I clobbered henchmen over Jabba's sarlacc pit from Return of the Jedi. Five total scenes are included. And like the DS and Wii, the PSP also adds a duel mode between two local players. (I wasn't able to try this option.)

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PSP)

The PS2's user-controlable camera makes that game slightly more easy to steer than the PSP version. I panned my view as I rounded corners, to see what was coming up. But the automatic camera controls usually pointed where I looked.

While they felt scaled slightly back from the 360/PS3 version, the PS2/PSP editions of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed still packed destructive action. Force fans on those systems will get a complete-feeling game without having to upgrade to a stronger console. The title releases on September 16.

Check out our newly-unleashd Star Wars: The Force Unleashed hands-on impressions for Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2/PSP.

Tags: force-powers, jedi, joystiqfeatures, lightsaber, lucasarts, ps2, psp, star-wars, star-wars-the-force, star-wars-the-force-unleashed, the-force, the-force-unleashed

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Nick @ Jul 7th 2008 2:07PM

Eh, next gen or nothing at all.

Aaron @ Jul 7th 2008 2:28PM

Considering that there are probably over 100 million PS2 consoles out there, I would still consider it a viable market for developers.

Jettic @ Jul 7th 2008 4:59PM

Not only that but serveral million PS3's with BC.

DeaconGTG @ Jul 7th 2008 2:16PM

Good Lord, was it not possible to combine all these hands-on articles into one big one? I realize that every version has different features, but with the number of comparison references in each you might as well have combined them and avoided the front-page overkill.

CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Jul 7th 2008 2:34PM

They should have just put these on the fanboy sites with 1 article on joystiq linking to them...why isn't there a PS2 fanboy? Also, what happens when the new systems come out, do you guys register those domains ASAP? I'm going to beat you to it next time new systems come out.

aristokrat @ Jul 7th 2008 4:20PM

Cybersquatting FTL.

Unless you are willing to put time into the website to make it viable (as well as somehow delete your comment), Joystiq could the domain from you pretty easily.

Vcize @ Jul 7th 2008 2:27PM

So is there a hands-on impression of the 360/PS3 version coming or what?

Mr.ESC @ Jul 7th 2008 2:31PM

I might check the PSP version but I guess like everyone and their Grandma I'll go for the Xbox 360 version.

Snowblind @ Jul 7th 2008 4:30PM

It annoys me a lot how all the different versions have all these different features. A lot of them sound very cool, and I guess it makes up for them not having the physics, and whatever else. But it basically feels like no matter which version of the game you buy, you're missing out on a great deal of content.

I noticed the PS3/360 versions support content download though. So perhaps there's some chance of the missing chapters being added?

Mullinsmcd @ Jul 7th 2008 4:37PM

I will be getting the PSP version for sure. After releasing so many great titles this year, the console is now in an extreme drought, worse then Wii or any other current console. In sept I will be needing something on the bus to play so that version is the first choice for me. Glad to see its comparable to the other versions.