Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike (GameCube)

.co.uk Review

Like the other Rogue Squadron games, Rebel Strike doesn't really follow much of a storyline, instead replicating all the major action sequences from the movies with graphics that, quite frankly, are better than the original films' special effects. Seriously, if ever your Xbox-owning mates try to diss the GameCube's graphics just show them this and it'll shut them right up.

When flying a speeder bike through the forests of Endor the sensation of being there, and being there at great speed, is just phenomenal. Likewise, stomping around in a scout walker blowing up stormtroopers and getting Ewoks to set traps is just as exhilarating. Unfortunately a number of sections where you have to walk around on foot are fairly appalling, with some of the later platform based mission with Luke Skywalker being particularly risible.

In fact, in terms of the single-player mode Rebel Strike is a considerable step down from its predecessor in terms of enjoyment. So it's a then that the multi-player modes are so well stocked and enjoyable. There's a cooperative mode that allows you to replay every level from the GameCube's first Rogue Squadron game, but with a friend. Barrelling down a photo-realistic Death Star trench with a wingman is worth the price of admission alone and will have even the most cynical fan heaving with excitement--even more so when they find that there are a bunch of special deathmatch and capture-the- levels to play as well. Rebel Strike is very much a game of two halves, but if you can play it with a friend it's got a lot to offer. --David Jenkins

Review

"Gorgeous, sizey and ambitious. 88%." -- GamesMaster Magazine

• Ground and space combat.
• Detailed environments from Star Wars universe.
• All-new multiplayer modes.
• 13 action-packed missions.
• Comprehensive reward system.
• Craft include X-wing, Millennium Falcon, Snowspeeder, Imperial speeder bike, AT-ST.
• For 1-2 players.