I know I'm quite late in playing/finishing this game but it was pretty good and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
For those that even casually follow the Star Wars saga, RC pits you as the squad leader of an elite squad of commandos in the Republic's Clone army. You're fighting the Seperatist armies which consist of various style droid soldiers as well as some other species each divided into certain ranks and specialty trained infantry.
Gameplay - I have to say that this game featured some of the best squad AI I've ever seen in a squad-based shooter. There were VERY few times that I found myself pissed at the computer-controlled teammates for making some idiotic decision in battle or stuck by some object. On top of stellar AI, the squad commands are crazy-intuitive.
You have four basic, very self-explanatory commands (form-up, search and destroy, secure area, cancel orders). These four commands are easily implemented by simply holding down the "A" button pressing the control pad in the corresponding direction. However, here are other commands made available to you depending on what the situation requires. These
For example, if you're in a corridor where the enemy will be attacking from one direction, icons will appear on various objects where you can order your teammates to take up position for sniper fire, anti-armor attacks (best against larger droid enemies), grenade attacks or to set proxomity explosives as traps.
If theres a Turret available, you can order a squadmate to control it. When demotilions needs to be set, an icon will appear on the object and you can have someone set the device or choose to set it yourself. When a squadmate is down you can assign someone to assist him or help him yourself. Even when you're down, you can send out a command for the team to maintain their current orders or to come and assist you...lol...you'll be doing this quite often.
The whole command mechanic is smooth as butter. And it has to be because the intense action in the game demands fluid controls.
I was in some firefights that were so engaging and immersive I felt exhausted after an area was cleared. RC features little fighting in wide-open areas. Everything is primarily close-quarters combat within interior environments (prison blocks, bridges on ships, docking bays, hallways, etc) thus strategy and team placement are the keys to success in the game.
As you advance, you'll find yourself able to quickly assess the environment when you enter a room and then select the best locations to position your team in preparation for the enemy's attack.
Aside from the commands, another of my favorite aspects of RC is the rifle you use which is very adaptable. It can be converted into either a sniper rifle or an anti-armor grenade launcher. Adds alot of strategy to the game. Best of all though, when you're out of rifle ammo you default to a small laser pistol that has infinite ammo. But you can also pick up dropped weapons from fallen enemies. Basically, you're never unarmed in the game. Thank God! lol!
Graphics - The game is very solid but could be better in this area. However, I assume this is the best the game could look without suffering from horrendous slowdown. BTW there is none which is quite impressive considering the amount of enemies that can be on the screen as well as the pace at which the action takes place.
Sound - Typical Star Wars score with various tracks from the films. However, theres an original theme for the game that I liked. Sound effects are also very sharp and do alot to immerse you in the experience.
Another aspect of the Sound element are the voices of the squadmates themselves. Each one has a distinct personality that fits their area of expertise whether it's demolitions, sniper, or computers. Throughout the game they have really quick convos amongst themselves and serve up plenty of cool banter during battle that make you view them as more than just bots to command and further submerges you in RC's universe and the role of Squad Leader.
Controls - I've already mentioned the squad commands. Movement is smooth and aiming is quite easy. Horizontal and Vertical sensitivity can be customized for those that don't like the default settings. Personally, I never found the controls to be a hinderance.
Overall - If you're into squad-based, first person shooters and are somewhat familiar with SW then you'll love this game. The difficulty is well-balanced and the levels are nicely designed. There aren't alot of cinemas between "Chapters" but I personally liked that aspect of it. Kept me focused on playing. Might be a bit rough for others though.
I think a dedicated gamer could get though RC in a few days. All thanks to the quick and frequent auto-saving at various checkpoints as well as the ability to save at any point in the game. In all, I'd definitely say RC is worthy of a rental.
Note - I haven't touched the Multi-Player or Online features but they are certainly available and could add more replay value to the game for some.
For those that even casually follow the Star Wars saga, RC pits you as the squad leader of an elite squad of commandos in the Republic's Clone army. You're fighting the Seperatist armies which consist of various style droid soldiers as well as some other species each divided into certain ranks and specialty trained infantry.
Gameplay - I have to say that this game featured some of the best squad AI I've ever seen in a squad-based shooter. There were VERY few times that I found myself pissed at the computer-controlled teammates for making some idiotic decision in battle or stuck by some object. On top of stellar AI, the squad commands are crazy-intuitive.
You have four basic, very self-explanatory commands (form-up, search and destroy, secure area, cancel orders). These four commands are easily implemented by simply holding down the "A" button pressing the control pad in the corresponding direction. However, here are other commands made available to you depending on what the situation requires. These
For example, if you're in a corridor where the enemy will be attacking from one direction, icons will appear on various objects where you can order your teammates to take up position for sniper fire, anti-armor attacks (best against larger droid enemies), grenade attacks or to set proxomity explosives as traps.
If theres a Turret available, you can order a squadmate to control it. When demotilions needs to be set, an icon will appear on the object and you can have someone set the device or choose to set it yourself. When a squadmate is down you can assign someone to assist him or help him yourself. Even when you're down, you can send out a command for the team to maintain their current orders or to come and assist you...lol...you'll be doing this quite often.
The whole command mechanic is smooth as butter. And it has to be because the intense action in the game demands fluid controls.
I was in some firefights that were so engaging and immersive I felt exhausted after an area was cleared. RC features little fighting in wide-open areas. Everything is primarily close-quarters combat within interior environments (prison blocks, bridges on ships, docking bays, hallways, etc) thus strategy and team placement are the keys to success in the game.
As you advance, you'll find yourself able to quickly assess the environment when you enter a room and then select the best locations to position your team in preparation for the enemy's attack.
Aside from the commands, another of my favorite aspects of RC is the rifle you use which is very adaptable. It can be converted into either a sniper rifle or an anti-armor grenade launcher. Adds alot of strategy to the game. Best of all though, when you're out of rifle ammo you default to a small laser pistol that has infinite ammo. But you can also pick up dropped weapons from fallen enemies. Basically, you're never unarmed in the game. Thank God! lol!
Graphics - The game is very solid but could be better in this area. However, I assume this is the best the game could look without suffering from horrendous slowdown. BTW there is none which is quite impressive considering the amount of enemies that can be on the screen as well as the pace at which the action takes place.
Sound - Typical Star Wars score with various tracks from the films. However, theres an original theme for the game that I liked. Sound effects are also very sharp and do alot to immerse you in the experience.
Another aspect of the Sound element are the voices of the squadmates themselves. Each one has a distinct personality that fits their area of expertise whether it's demolitions, sniper, or computers. Throughout the game they have really quick convos amongst themselves and serve up plenty of cool banter during battle that make you view them as more than just bots to command and further submerges you in RC's universe and the role of Squad Leader.
Controls - I've already mentioned the squad commands. Movement is smooth and aiming is quite easy. Horizontal and Vertical sensitivity can be customized for those that don't like the default settings. Personally, I never found the controls to be a hinderance.
Overall - If you're into squad-based, first person shooters and are somewhat familiar with SW then you'll love this game. The difficulty is well-balanced and the levels are nicely designed. There aren't alot of cinemas between "Chapters" but I personally liked that aspect of it. Kept me focused on playing. Might be a bit rough for others though.
I think a dedicated gamer could get though RC in a few days. All thanks to the quick and frequent auto-saving at various checkpoints as well as the ability to save at any point in the game. In all, I'd definitely say RC is worthy of a rental.
Note - I haven't touched the Multi-Player or Online features but they are certainly available and could add more replay value to the game for some.
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