Gaming Target - Game Boy: Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Written by Matt Swider on July 01, 2002

Review: Despite not having Jar-Jar Binks, the game still stinks.

Star Wars Episode II has raked in those box office dollars with its recent release into theaters. Likewise, any product with Attack of the Clones attached to its name is almost guaranteed to sell at lightspeed, just as everything associated Star Wars has in the past few years. With this promise of success and a relevance for videogames based on the movies these days, THQ and David A. Palmer Productions have produced the second Star Wars title to come the way of Game Boy Advance. Previously, the system received Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles, which was loosely based off the first episode in the Star Wars series. It didn't release alongside the movie like Attack of the Clones has, yet for the first time it gave Game Boy fans a new hope in displaying worthy Star Wars gameplay unlike its dreadful predecessors for Game Boy Color. However, just when things were looking up for Star Wars titles on Game Boy Advance, Attack of the Clones mimics the unforgiving style of all previous portable endeavors. Though there are some highlights to what is seen in Attack of the Clones, it can't be denied that incredible flaws in its overall design make it a hard title to recommend for even the greatest Star Wars fans.

Jedi Power Battles provided an innovative isometric perspective and fighting that came from its console counterparts, however Attack of the Clones takes on a new role in presenting the 11 levels between two different viewpoints. Besides most of the stages utilizing the basic 2D side-scrolling perspective, the game also includes a couple of 3D starfighter levels. The visuals in the side-scrolling end portion of Attack of the Clones may appear colorful and polished, however the total lack of original design found within these stages causes the biggest upset. It contains tactless gameplay with the goal of reaching an exit. Most times you'll travel from the left to the right, meeting up with several enemies that repetitively pop-up with the same threat. During other points, players must find keys in order reach their goal. Though these levels happen to be more interesting than simply traveling to the right of the screen all the time, it almost as tiring to play. Some of the similar side-scrolling titles that have released for Game Boy Advance in the past year incorporated innovative ideas and concepts to keep the gameplay fresh and the reply fresher. It's quite the opposite with Attack of the Clones, and despite using images that reflect the movie, its nothing more than a bland look at the film.

While the side-scrolling segments of Attack of the Clones may be too straightforward for anyone's taste, the inclusion of the 3D starfighter stages does give players a chance to take part in some innovative gameplay. Unfortunately, the mode seems light-years behind other 3D titles on Game Boy Advance. Sure, your initial reaction to the 3D stages is that the level design is impressive. However, the goals found throughout aren't of the same quality. The first requires players to avoid traffic, and doesn't give them access to any firepower until they reach the second starfighter stage. Collisions between your fighter and the objects flying through space run rampant due to the lousy control that seems much too slow to avoid anything at all. Still, it's not half as bad as attempting to execute some of the moves within the 2D portion of Attack of the Clones. Nonetheless, this 3D starfighter mode provides gamers with just the right break from the monotonous side-scrolling adventure.

There are some good points to Attack of the Clones. However, don't start thinking that the rest of this review is filled with spectacular highlights from the game. Through the side-scrolling levels, gamers will play as Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Mace Windu, but unlike Power Batttles, the Jedi you take on the adventure is not selectable. Still, this isn't much of a problem seeing how the game revolves around a set storyline anyway. With these characters, players are able to execute standard moves such as jumping, ducking, and using the lightsaber to swing at enemies or blocking and reflect their firepower. Instead of just whipping around the saber with the press of a button, players must also using the directional pad in conjunction with the A button to attack. Using it will take some getting used to with it's unique, but at the same time, awkward setup.

One of the key elements found within the Star Wars series is the Jedi's use of the force. Sadly, we haven't seen much done with this aspect in the line of videogames. Fortunately, Attack of the Clones introduces the force to many gamers by allowing them to use certain abilities with a limited amount of energy. The move that you will realize first is the force jump, which allows players to rise above the ground with extraordinary height. The other two moves lift enemies off the ground and send them flying back with the lifting of the Jedi's hand in the right or left direction, or with a stance of pointing the lightsaber in the air. Having the power to defeat enemies without the need to touch them or enter into any physical combat is quite intriguing that will be the positive underscore of playing this game.

Throughout the game are a bunch of stills taken from the movie to help tell the storyline that pans out after each level. Along with this is music from the movie at the start of the game and samples that fit with the Star Wars theme during the rest. Also, the sound department features effects that are ideal to the series with lightsaber humming and droids being destroyed. The only real conflict that arises here are the cries from your enemies that don't vary as you move through the game. The inclusion of digital sound elements from Star Wars cause this title to have a top notch tunes and effects, and while it doesn't save the rest of the game, the audio department is strong in this one.