Most GameCube supporters agree that there's a wonderful selection of exclusive titles that make the console worth a purchase. Among these games, many would point out Rogue Squadron II as one of the greatest additions to the library. The stunning graphics and fast pace of the game made it an amazing addition to the franchise. LucasArts has set the bar even higher at this year's E3 by announcing the Fall 2003 release for Rogue Squadron III. Despite my love for the title, I'm going to complain in the next paragraph, but don't take it the wrong way, it's for the sake of LucasArts that I do so.
Hoth. Stop it. I love Hoth, I have nothing against Hoth, but really folks. Is Hoth the end all be all of showcase levels? Couldn't I have had a look at the promised forests of Endor or perhaps the Cloud City? Instead of letting me ride on a speeder or take control of the Millennium Falcon, LucasArts decided that walking around Hoth on foot would be the best way to show off their game. I'm only going to say this one more time. Stop it. There's so much content here it makes me cry when I realize I could only play so little of it.
But I digress.
From LucasArt's press release: "Designed and developed by Factor 5 in conjunction with LucasArts, Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike features stunning, movie-like visuals, immersing players into an intense action-arcade experience. Players are drawn into the classic Star Wars Trilogy through more than 13 action-packed missions that encompass branching paths in flight combat, and ground-based character or vehicle conflict. For example, players can fly a combat mission over the dense forest landscape of Yavin 4 before landing to engage Imperial Stormtroopers in ground battle. Upon defeating the enemy, players then return to an X-wing and take flight against TIE fighters in adrenaline-inducing dogfights."
This is an impressive feat, considering the history of the series. The addition of multiplayer gaming adds even more to the list of features that make me demand this title as soon as it comes out. Playing co-op, capture-the-base or dogfighting would be a dream to most fans of the series. They've even put in all of the content from Rogue Squadron II with multiplayer support. Vehicles such as "the legendary X-Wing, Millennium Falcon, Snowspeeder, Imperial speeder bike, and AT-ST" will be playable. The ability to unlock even more vehicles and levels is even more icing on this delicious cake. Covert missions make an appearance, allowing gamers to take on the role of some favorite Star Wars characters (Luke, Han, and Wedge).
The covert missions were the main focus of the demo this year, and involved Luke's travels on foot through the ice of Hoth, taking out AT-AT walkers with no more than a grappling hook, a light saber and a few grenades. Despite the fact that it's still Hoth, playing it from this perspective made me much happier about its inclusion in this title. The AT-AT walkers look much more impressive when you're only 5'9" (no, I didn't know that off the top of my head, but yes, I looked it up). Sometimes a different viewpoint makes things much more interesting.
If LucasArts comes through on all the promises they've made, Rogue Squadron III looks like it's primed to blow its precursors out of the water. The graphics are as stunning as ever, the wide variety of gameplay promises to bring the series to new heights and the history of Factor 5 says a lot about the game. They partnered with Nintendo to develop the GameCube and with Dolby to pioneer 5-channel game sound. For these and many other reasons, I think LucasArts has chosen a worthy ally. Of all the games I saw and heard about this year, Rogue Squadron III stands out in my mind as one of the most feature-packed and exciting titles due out this fall. I'll certainly be on the waiting list for a copy as soon as I can get one.
