Okay, here's my final thoughts on The Force Unleashed...
I'm not what you would call a serious "gamer." I play about 3-6 games a year, and casually at that. However, I was able to play on the medium difficulty setting and beat the game, which is typically much harder than I am able to do. Like I said, I'm not quite a "gamer." That fact alone gives this game an immediate negative. I never felt challenged. The only time I died was when I fell off the edge of a cliff or bridge. I don't like games that are so hard that I can't accomplish the first task, but this was almost too easy. I beat the game twice in a total of 6 days, never playing more than an hour and a half a day. Again, it ain't because I'm good.
The graphics, animations, and visuals were definitely amazing. The backgrounds were every bit as rich and alive during game play as they were during cut scenes. The attention to detail in every facet really showed. I don't quite know if I've ever played a game as rich in detail that applied to both game play and cutscenes as this game. Raxus Prime was my favorite level because of how incredibly detailed the level was that I was constantly surprised when I could knock over a mountain of junk from time to time.
So many characters, so little representation. Hasbro could easily make 2 or 3 more waves of figures from TFU, including battle packs. Bull Rancor anyone? I want a 2-Pack of those huge Phase Troopers, and I'd easily pay $20 for the pair. Hell, they're twice the size of a standard figure! Incinerator Troopers, Shadow EVO Troopers, Stormtrooper Commanders, Sniper Scouts (as I call them) all need their own, individual cards. A Felucia version of Shaak Ti, Proxy, Junk Guardians, Rodian Junkers, different colored Jawas, all 3 Fellucians (blue, red, and yellow) and Master Kazda Paratus are must haves. There were so many surprises for characters, and each were a lot of fun to see in action. I'd buy a battle pack of the Duel of the Guards (4 Royal Guards with Saberstaffs and a Shadow Guard, or 2 red, 2 blue, and one black guard) all together. This game has given many customizers a whole new focus, and one that could keep them busy for awhile. And where's our Rogue Shadow? Hasbro, you're sitting on a gold mine...
Extras. Not enough. The costumes were kinda cool, and there were a lot that were unlockable using codes (which would actually remove Holocrons, causing you to lose out on completing that objective), though some you couldn't save. I especially liked the black crystal for the lightsaber, combined with the Apprentice's Jedi Robes which were black and white. The whole look was pretty cool. However, there weren't enough extras to warrant continuous gameplay. KOTOR had so many side missions, it took days to complete a level, and made the game so worth it.
Overall, I'll give this game a C+/B- If the game was a little more difficult and had more content, it would be an easy A. The characters, graphics, and story make this game soar, but I just wanted more of a struggle. Omnipotence can actually be a little boring sometimes, and let's not split hairs, by the end of this game, The Secret Apprentice was borderline a god. If you haven't gotten this game yet, you do need to experience it, but rent it or buy it used.
