"Copy Rogue Leader, forming on your wing"

Rogue Leader is the definitive space combat simulation game on any platform. Rogue Leader uses the Gamecube to the fullest; from the controls to the graphics this game is great.

GRAPHICS: 10 out of 10

I'll give a gold star to anyone who has ever played a more beautiful Star Wars game. Realtime lighting shines a bright green as you make the famed trench run (and that's just the first level). The draw distance is incredible, you'll find yourself squinting to see how far ahead on the surface of the Death star you can look. Sprite based ground troops have been replaced with 3D models that are more detailed than most 1st person shooters. Factor 5 spared no expense in making Rogue Leader a graphical monster.

SOUND: 10 out of 10

The game supports Dolby Pro Logic II which although not widely supported by receivers today it is a great addition when you hear the explosions in the distance, the air being torn by a TIE fighter, if nothing else Rogue Leader was done for fans of the movie, but rather than use that as a ploy to sell the game it comes out a marvelous experience. Of course the actor voices are portrayals and the only real voice is that of Wedge Antilles, but the imitations are great and almost flawless in their similarities to the movies.

GAMEPLAY: 8 out of 10

No there isn't anything spanking new here. Battle for Naboo introduced the ground battling system (which was excellent although lacking some luster) the ground battle system was trashed for Rogue Leader you fly in starfighters and only starfighters. All your favorites from the old games are back with a few additions: X,Y,B, and A-Wings, the Millenium Falcon, Boba Fett's Slave I, TIE Fighters, Vader's TIE Advanced, Imperial Shuttles, Cloud cars, Speeders, N1 Naboo Royal Security Starfighters, these ships fill up the hangar. Even the hangar has innovation to it, it opens up new areas when you unlock more ships.

CHALLENGE: 9 out of 10

The challenge here might get out of hand for people new to the series. But for Rogue Squadron veterans it fits just right. I've had the game since launch and I still need 3 more gold medals. Challenge is vital in a game like this because with a lack of multiplayer, the single player has to last long but not so long that the player gets bored or feels like he's repeating the same thing over and over again.

OVERALL: 9 out of 10

Rogue Leader is the game to have if you need to protect your image by not getting Luigi's Mansion (which you should get anyhow). If you like Star Wars, or just like blowing things up in a realistic (as realistic as Star Wars can be) environment that reacts beautifully to your actions, this is the game for you. The added bonuses of secret missions, hidden ships, yet to be discovered passwords, audio commentary for each level, a documentary video, and tons of movie footage round out an excellent launch title that is sure to be a favorite for years.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/09/01, Updated 06/07/03