First Impressions: Double Dragon + Star Wars = Double Jedi
Following the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in theaters, Playstation and Dreamcast owners were given a promising action game from LucasArts. The game, Jedi Power Battles, allowed two players to take control of several Jedi that were introduced in TPM in a Double Dragon style adventure in which Battle Droids come by a dime-a-dozen. While the game was fun it was hindered by a troubling camera perspective that made some portions of the game downright frustrating. This holiday season THQ is taking the promise of Jedi Power Battles, reworking it into an isometric viewpoint, and sending it on the road in a Game Boy Advance package.
Jedi Power Battles for the Game Boy Advance will loosely follow the story of 1999's Episode One, allowing players to take the roles of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Mace Windu. Okay, so the story won't be 100% true to the film, but the chance to play as Samuel L. Jackson makes up for it. To make it all the way to the final showdown with Darth Maul you will have to make use not only of your lightsaber, but also of several force powers. As you make your way through the 10 game levels, you will see such familiar places and faces such as Naboo, Tatooine, Battle Droids, and Destroyer Droids.
Looking at the early screens of this game gives hope to the GBA iteration of JPB. The isometric view that is being implemented looks like it will help defeat the viewpoint problems that plagued the PS and DC versions. The game is developing a user-friendlier feel that will translate well to the tiny screen of the Game Boy Advance. It is a shame however that the number of Jedi available for control have been cut back to three and that the cooperative multiplayer mode seems to have been lost. Maybe we will be given a surprise treat and an Advance Link Cable mode will be added before launch.
