We've already taken a good, hard look at the Force running through Xbox 360 and we're pleasantly surprised at how robust an experience it's shaping up to be. Last week's Nintendo Media Summit provided a stage for LucasArts to showcase the Wii version, which is remarkably different. Although it shares the same basic premise and plot, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed waggles its way onto Wii with motion-controls and a slew of exclusive features that distinguish it from its high-resolution counterparts on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
The game follows the story of Darth Vader's secret apprentice in the years between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope. It's during this dark period that the Galactic Empire spreads throughout the galaxy, spurred by the leadership of the Emperor and his right hand man. Yet, Darth Vader didn't dispose of the Jedi on his own; rather, you're charged with his dirty work. At the start of The Force Unleashed, you don the cloak of Darth Vader as he discovers the young man who is destined to become his dark apprentice. Serving under Vader means enjoying great power, but it also comes with a charge to eliminate the last remaining members of the benevolent Jedi Order.
Following the exploits of Vader's apprentice takes you to the far reaches of the galaxy from the fungi world of Felucia to the Wookie home world Kashyyyk and even the bizarre man-made junk planet Raxis Prime. On Wii, the game comes with the same core storyline, structure, and action-packed gameplay as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Wielding the power of the Dark Side, you're capable to tearing through waves of enemies using your red-hued light saber and Force powers. While the Wii version can't match the impressive physics and dynamic environmental interactions as its counterparts, the Force power effects are still entertaining. Instead of technology and pretty graphics, the Wii version promises to distinguish itself with exclusive content.
Exploring the ruins of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant headlines the unique content available on Wii. Having been blasted in the Empire's rise to power, the temple now lies in ruin with the knowledge of countless generations of Jedi. Walking amid the rubble you can learn details regarding the game's back story and even come across an exclusive new ability or two. Trials in the deepest cloisters of the temple offer a chance to earn powerful abilities. The first trial against elder Dark Jedi master Darth Desolus, grants use of Force Rage upon successful completion. This useful ability enables you charge up your light saber for added damage.
Defeating Darth Desolus, as well as most of the game's tougher foes, requires getting the upper hand in light saber and Force locks. During key boss battles, you'll occasionally lock light sabers or clash Force powers. In these tug-of-war situations, you have to quick respond with movements of the Wii Remote to break the lock and gain the advantage. Force locks, for example, demand rapid shaking of the Wii Remote to overpower your enemy. Do so and you not only win the lock, but you make your foe vulnerable to a follow up attack. The other versions feature both light saber and Force locks, yet being able to break them with waggle heightens the interactivity.
Outside of the single player game, the Wii carries exclusive multiplayer content with its Duel Mode. Taking 30+ characters and nine different environments right out of the story, Duel Mode lets you go head-to-head with a buddy in a battle of the Force. Duels are a best of five series, letting you duke it out in timed matches. The combat mechanics of the campaign are copied here, so you're able to utilize all of the Force powers and advanced techniques available in single player. What appears to be a minor addition turns out to be a rather entertaining exclusive.
Each character has access to a different range of Force powers, with obvious variations between characters aligned with the light and dark sides of the Force. Augmenting those abilities, however, are power-ups ranging from defensive boosts, saber strengtheners, and unlimited Force with which to execute Force abilities. The most intense moments in a battle allow you to unleash the Force, which essentially doubles the power of your Force abilities to devastate your opponent. LucasArts' claim that the game showcases the Force in ways never before seen certain becomes truth when you witness the amazing amount of destructive power let loose in the two-player battles.
