Game Discussion of the Week: SW Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast

I'm so glad I was introduced to Jedi Outcast as a kid, because it has gone on to become my favorite Star Wars game ever made and one of my favorite video games period. Even though I prefer Shadows of the Empire (N64) for storytelling, plot and art direction (hopefully we can talk about that masterpiece sometime too), Jedi Outcast wins in every other category, except graphics obviously, since it's nearly 15 years old and all. It truly is the greatest 1st/3rd person hybrid action game ever made, I'm absolutely sure of it. There's no way another game of its kind could be better. The gameplay is just that good. It's basically Quake III mixed with the best lightsaber combat imaginable (and is one of the very few Star Wars games to feature actual dismemberment, but only when a console command has been activated for the PC version). Some people would argue that Jedi Academy refined the gameplay that its predecessors introduced, but in all fairness I've only ever played Jedi Outcast, so I can't comment. However it's pretty much universally agreed that Jedi Outcast has a far better storyline than Jedi Academy.

So aside from the gameplay, what else is perfect about the game? Pretty much everything else, as far as I'm concerned. The multiplayer is absolutely sensational and has never gotten old, even after having played the game regularly after 14 or 15 years now it's still a blast (and I've only ever played with bots!). The PC version supports an impressive 32 players locally and 16 players online, though I'm not sure if online play is still possible. The console versions' multiplayer is definitely watered down, with only splitscreen support (2 player max) and a maximum of 15 players (including bots). In fact, I hate to sound like a PC elitest, but the PC version is the best version in literally every respect (especially controls), but I'd still recommend the console versions if you absolutely can't stand playing with a keyboard+mouse. I mean, Jedi Outcast was designed specifically for the PC and the controls just aren't as good on a gamepad, especially the Xbox controller.

I have no complaints about the game, aside from very minor ones mostly regarding the inconsistency in quality of the multiplayer maps. Otherwise I consider it a perfect game, and I STRONGLY URGE any Star Wars fan to PLAY THIS GAME! Play it and remind yourself of how impressive the Expanded Universe really is.

I never played this game. But I honestly don't like on foot missions for Star Wars games.

Well, I still enjoy the flying missions, so there is that.

Added and stickied.

A classic. I'm more a fan of Jedi Academy myself but Jedi Knight 2 is still one of the best Star Wars games ever made in my eyes. Jedi academy 2 is more reluctant to give you the lightsaber compared to some other entries in the series, but it's introduction of jedi powers and the subsequent use of them are the best in any star wars game hands down imo.

I think the Jedi Knight games are the only games to really get being a jedi right, as they give the player the freedom to let loose yet they also tuned the challenge well enough so that you really have to use all of your force powers, use them properly, and with enough restraint so that you don't have an empty force meter in a tight situation. Things like the ability to deflect laser shots are actually quite balanced in this game compared to other SW entries, so even the lowly Stormstooper can actually be a blip on your radar after you've gotten your lightsaber. The sith/dark jedi duels are also one of my favorite parts of the game and it's the aspect that benefits most from the freedom of control you're given. The game isn't designed around lock on Z-targeting bullshit so engaging more than one duelist works well and combat overall feels unrestricted and organic. It should be, as saber fights will often require you to move around the room, from room-to room, up and down platforms, etc. in order to keep your enemies at bay and get in a better position. On top of moving around to find the right range and timing for your saber swings, you'll often find your force powers getting a workout during these confrontations, particularly the force jump. Jedi doing crazy feats of acrobatics was always one of my favorite parts of the Star Wars movies and I'm glad that idea was translated so well into this game. I do think some of the force powers can be a bit clunky though.

The level design is quality stuff too, and is what makes the first 4-5 levels bearable. Alot of it features that old-school FPS labyrinthian level design where you have to pay attention to your surroundings in order to find the correct path/key for a door/etc. It's also got that old-school FPS trait of tucking away a good amount of secrets into each level containing valuable supplies, which is something I really enjoy seeing done right. Level design is one aspect I do think Jedi Knight 2 does better on average than Jedi Academy.

My beef with the game is how unsatisfying and unresponsive (at best) most of the weapons are. I like the idea of giving each weapon it's own alt-fire but the execution aside from that is just poor. Enemies never seem to react right (or at all in some cases) to being hit, the most commonly used/supplied weapons are wildly inaccurate and ineffectual, and whether or not you survive a fierce gunfight seems to rely on factors outside of your control. I couldn't have been more happy to ditch that piece of shit stormtrooper rifle once those jedi powers were developed enough.

Curious about games you are referring to, Star Wars games don't always have great on foot missions. Jedi Outcast though is a good game. I've been thinking of playing it again for a while, would probably give a 5 on nostalgia but a 4 if being critical about it. 

I don't remember Rogue Leader on Gamecube having on foot missions, either. There was a cheat code that let you play as an AT-ST in the first Rogue Squadron on N64. Do you consider that an "on foot" mission?