Star Wars: Republic Commando

Written by Nick Doukas  on February 13, 2004

First Impressions: Friends of JangoЕ

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Yes, it's yet another Star Wars game folks. I know, I knowЕ.LucasArts is really hit or miss when it comes to the franchise, but Republic Commando's got a lot going for it. At least, it looks that way so farЕ.

RC drops you into the role of a Clone Trooper, a foot soldier who's part of an elite team of bad-asses that take on the toughest assignments in the galaxy. Think U.S. Navy Seals with blasters. The game takes place shortly after the events of Episode II, and crushing the minions of the Separatist Movement will be your main focus throughout the adventure (which will include planetfall on Geonosis, as well as Kashyyyk). You'll also visit a Separatist Core Ship, and a disabled and overrun Republic Assault Ship. The single player campaign will feature 3 squad mates that follow your orders (simple point and click commands similar to Rainbow Six 3), and back you up at every turn. The mission goals are slated to include hostage rescue, infiltration/data retrieval, assault, sabotage, assassination and reconnaissance objectives.

The interface is integrated into your visor, and will indicate your health and remaining shield energy (taking a cue from Halo, you'll be equipped with a rechargeable force field). Not much info is available on the weapons you'll be using yet, but we do know that there will be ballistic -- as well as energy-based weapons -- in your arsenal. These include the DC-17m, a DC-15c Blaster pistol, as well as enemy weapons like the Trandoshan Slaver Shotgun and Geonosian Elite Beam weapon. Overall, you'll have access to at least 12 weapons. In addition, your main gun will be upgradeable, and you can outfit it with sniping and armor-piercing attachments. You'll also have the ability to carry a secondary weapon. No word yet on explosives or grenades, but it's highly likely that those types of munitions will find their way into the game.

The squad-based action will be fast and furious, and intelligent positioning of your team members will be key in completing the mission goals. You'll be able to order your troops to scout ahead, or stay on your six and lay down suppressing fire, as well as handle any threats from behind your location. You'll also be able to command your guys to take over an enemy turret, and turn it against your adversaries with the obligatory devastating results. Speaking of enemies, you can look forward to facing Trade Federation Super Battle Droids and Droidekas, Geonosian Warriors and Elites, as well as Trandoshan Slavers and mercenaries.

Graphically the game is looking very nice, even at this early stage of development. The character models of the clones, as well as the enemies, are highly detailed and the environments have a dark and gritty realism that lends the game considerable atmosphere. Effects look good, the texture mapping appears sound, and overall the obviously advanced art design seems perfectly suited to the subject matter. Republic Commando supports 5.1 surround sound, so the audio should compliment the visuals nicely.

Of course, the game will feature full Xbox Live support, with up to 16 people (broken up into teams of 4) able to go at it online. Multiplayer modes include Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture The Flag. No word yet if there will be other, more objective based gametypes.