I sense a disturbance in the Force
This is perhaps one of the most forgotten of Star Wars games but while its relative lack of exposure suggests it might not be all that good, in fact it's actually a decent addition to the franchise. It's perhaps not as good as things like X-Wing or Dark Forces, but it's a solid enough action game which is also notable for having spawned the Rogue Squadron series. This one is set between the second and third movies in the original series (episodes five and six) and tells the tale of Prince Xizor, who aims to topple Darth Vader as leader of the Sith and crush the Rebel Alliance while he's at it. The player takes the role of Dash Rendar, a bounty hunter of inordinate skill, and it's your job to take out Xizor before he can accomplish his aims. The game takes fans on a tour of some famous Star Wars locations, including Mos Eisley and Hoth, and offers a variety of game styles, including third person action sequences and the chance to pilot snow speeders and speeder bikes. Shadows of the Empire certainly gets that Star Wars feel and look right, and straight from the outset you feel like a hero in the movies. The graphics haven't aged too well, but they still get that personality down pat and there's no denying the sense of immersion on offer here. The variety of game styles adds some interest to things, and certainly keeps you on your toes, while missions are also challenging and fun. There are some issues with the controls and the game is surprisingly short, but for the most part this is a solid addition to the Star Wars universe.
