Star Wars: Republic Commando E3 Preview

LucasArt’s jump into the RPG world produced two games, one is considered the best game to come to the XBox since Halo. The other, not so much. E3’s sensory overload in 2004 brought with it a squad based shooter that takes place in the hallowed halls of the Star Wars universe. I’m no fan of the genre, but just as Knights of the Old Republic made me rethink the role playing game, so too does Star Wars: Republic Commando.

We got an advanced look at the game, due out in November and have only a few complaints. Shrouded in black and guraded by stormtroopers, the LucasArts mini-theatre sported a line of fan boys waiting to catch a glimpse of the project developers playing their game. A public relations guy, clearly high on caffeine and sugar, was doing his best to hype up the line-jockies as he handed out specially designed embroidered patches to promote the game.

After getting inside the theatre, the lights dimmed and viewers were treated with a very slick looking first person shooter. To put it simply, this was Metroid Prime in the Star Wars universe, only with teammates you control. Compared to Rainbow Six and others like it, the squad control was extremely simplistic. As you maneuver to complete your objectives, placement of your commando Clone Troopers is one click. Simply aim your reticle at predertimed spots and command your team to take up positions, attack, guard or what have you.

The visuals were impressive, as was the sound effects, but one small thing that stood out was the chatter between the troopers. This being a demo of the game, it may be that the chatter is often repeated, but throughout the presentation we heard squadmates expressing their fears, concerns, suggestions and even joking with each other.

Camera angles didn’t seem to be a problem in the presentation, or in the demo level we played. Easily picked up though were problems with the AI. We saw enemies that faced the wall, patiently waiting for a hero to appear, motionless even after tossing a grenade and blasting all his buddies. Players had to walk up and kick him in the shin to get his attention. Likewise, squadmates found it more important to hold their position then to turn around and fire at the Transdoshan slicing his armor up from behind. That could very well be a bug they’ve yet to work out, but with only 6 months left before release, it tends to stand out as a big bug.

All in all though, the game does much to impress. Expect a full review when the it hits store shelves.