XBox 360 News
Drawing us to the dark side: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
By Stevie Smith
Jan 29, 2008, 6:55 GMT

Successfully combining three different physics engines into one videogame is no mean feat, but that’s exactly what LucasArts has done with its latest offering Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

Set in the years between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope (Episodes III and IV in the movie timeline) players in The Force Unleashed will, as the title clearly outlines, become a Force-imbued human wrecking ball as they assume the role of Darth Vader’s secret apprentice and attempt to hunt down the last remnants of the Jedi.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed utilises the popular Havok physics engine to govern the movement and reaction of all non-living in-world objects, while LucasArts’ new technology Euphoria controls animated characters by applying behavioral biomechanical A.I., which sees the two engines interacting when, for example, Storm Troopers reach and grab flying crates, debris, etc., as they’ve being blasted by The Force.

Then there’s Digital Molecular Matter (DMM), which is similar to the ‘massive destruction’ technology used by Midway in John Woo presents Stranglehold. DMM manipulates the in-game breakdown of everything from the shattering of glass, to the breaking of trees, and the bowing of huge metal doors – all caused by the application of wanton Force powers.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will be released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and Nintendo Wii this spring/summer. Its main character, has been facially motion-captured and voiced by Samuel Witwer, who is perhaps best known for his role as Lt. Alex ‘Crashdown’ Quartararo in the modern day remake of Battlestar Galactica. Incidentally, he looks perfect for the part.

If you’re a gamer and a Star Wars fan, then The Force Unleashed is likely already sitting high on your ‘must buy’ list. However, if you’re a Star Wars fan who chooses to abstain from gaming, then this Star War game might just be the release that draws you over to the dark side.

Need further temptation? Click below for all the convincing you’ll ever need.