STAR WARS™: The Force Unleashed™ II

Developer: Aspyr Studios
Release: Oct 26th 2010
Platforms:
Action
Action-packed
Improved-graphics
Refined-combat
Crashes
Short-story
STAR WARS™: The Force Unleashed™ II Poster

" Fast-paced action game with flashy combat and visuals but plagued by severe PC crashes "

STAR WARS™: The Force Unleashed™ II Review

STAR WARS™: The Force Unleashed™ II offers an action-packed experience with fast, flashy combat and refined force powers that appeal to fans of the franchise. Many players appreciated the gameplay improvements over the first installment, describing it as fun and intense. However, the game suffers from a notably short and somewhat shallow story that fails to match the depth of its predecessor.

One of the most significant issues highlighted by players is the game's poor optimization on PC, particularly the Steam version. Frequent crashes, screen tearing, and frame rate drops severely impact playability, with some users unable to progress past early stages. Despite these technical problems, the graphics are considered a step forward, and the game is recommended mainly for purchase during sales rather than at full price due to its brevity and instability.

Overall, the game is a mixed bag: enjoyable gameplay and improved visuals are overshadowed by technical flaws and a lackluster narrative.

Highlights

Gameplay is fast, flashy, and more refined compared to the original, providing an intense Star Wars action experience.

Graphics show a clear improvement and deliver a visually appealing presentation.

Storyline continues the saga but is shorter and less impactful than the first game, still enjoyable for fans.

Players who enjoy quick, action-packed games with Star Wars elements find this title rewarding.

Criticisms

The game is plagued by severe technical issues on PC, including frequent crashes, screen tearing, and frame rate drops, making it nearly unplayable for some.

The story is considered rushed, shallow, and notably shorter than the first installment, leaving players wanting more depth.

Controls feel clunky to some, and the overall game length is brief, reducing replay value.

Many users advise purchasing only during sales due to these shortcomings and the poor optimization.

Pros

  • Gameplay is fast-paced and visually flashy, enhancing player engagement.
  • Improved combat mechanics and refined force powers over the original game.
  • Graphics represent a significant step forward with detailed environments.
  • Action sequences provide an intense and satisfying Star Wars experience.
  • Storyline, while shorter, remains enjoyable for dedicated fans.
  • Suitable for players seeking a quick, intense gaming session.
  • Controls are improved compared to the first installment.

Cons

  • Severe technical problems on PC make the game frequently crash.
  • Optimization issues cause screen tearing and frame rate drops.
  • Story is rushed, shallow, and less compelling than the first game.
  • Very short game length reduces overall value and replayability.
  • Clunky controls detract from the gameplay experience for some players.
  • Steam version is notably unstable compared to console versions.
  • Lack of significant updates or innovations beyond the first game.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

The Star Wars® Saga continues with Star Wars®: The Force Unleashed™ II, the highly anticipated sequel to the fastest-selling Star Wars game ever created.

Release Date Oct 26th 2010
Publisher LucasArts, Lucasfilm, Disney
Developer Aspyr Studios
Platforms

User Reviews

Mixed (3,051)
60% Positive 40% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
59