Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
Release Date: September 16, 2003
Action, TPP, science fiction, Star Wars, movies, splitscreen, Game Pass, EA Play, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN
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Steam
This installment of the Jedi Knight video game series has been developed by Raven Software. The action of the game takes place 6 years after the events shown in the previous Jedi Knight game. The player gets the opportunity to become a student at the Jedi Academy led by Luke Skywalker and Kyle Katarn on Yavin IV.
Videos and Screens
[0:43] Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy Nintendo Switch launch trailer
Push Square: 8 / 10 by Graham Banas
Despite the relative lack of polish, wildly swinging lightsabers at one another is a blast. The multiplayer is just as fun as you remember it being.
Pure Nintendo: 7 / 10 by Jennifer Sheffield
I think this game offers quite a bit of nostalgia. And even with all of its faults, I found ways to cheese the system or use the Force in fun ways to get through the missions. However, as fun as it was, I don't know that it's an accessible title for gamers who aren't fully versed on how games in 2003 played or are expecting a current-gen SW gaming experience.
Sequential Planet: 8.3 / 10
Underneath its aging kinks there waits a game that’s utterly compelling that is infinitely re-playable. The combat has no match in Star Wars games to this day, and it offers countless possibilities to suit yourself with. It manages to capture so many different facets of Star Wars and does so with a genuine love for every bit of it.
The main pros of the game
- Nostalgia and Classic Status: Many users regard the game as a classic, evoking fond memories from the time when Star Wars was at its peak. It's often described as a must-try for fans of the series.
- Engaging Combat System: The lightsaber combat and Force abilities are praised for being fun and challenging. Players enjoy the sense of progression and empowerment as they grow stronger in the Force.
- Modding Community: The game has a dedicated modding community that keeps the game alive with various mods and servers, enhancing replayability and enjoyment.
- Multiplayer Experience: The multiplayer mode is noted for its challenging gameplay, attracting skilled players and adding a competitive element.
- Story and Setting: Users appreciate the storyline and the connection to the original Star Wars films, along with the nostalgic locations and characters.
The main cons of the game
- Outdated Graphics: Several reviews mention that the graphics are dated, which may deter some players, especially those used to modern visuals.
- Control Issues: Some players report that the game can be difficult to control, particularly with mouse and keyboard setups. There are complaints about sensitivity and lack of proper controller support.
- Final Mission Critique: A few users found the last mission to be less satisfying or "childish," expressing disappointment in how it was executed compared to the rest of the game.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Desire for a Remaster: Players express a strong desire for a remaster of the game to bring it up to modern standards, particularly in terms of graphics and gameplay mechanics.
- Improved Controls: Users wish for better control options, especially for those who prefer using controllers over keyboard and mouse.
- More Choice in Gameplay: While players appreciate the ability to choose between good and evil paths, some feel that the decision-making could be more impactful throughout the game rather than just before the final mission.
Summary
- Overall, STAR WARS? Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy? is celebrated for its nostalgic value, engaging gameplay, and strong community support, while also facing critiques regarding its age and control mechanics.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 4858 votes.
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy Description
Plot
The action of this game takes place 6 years after the events shown in the previous part of the Star Wars Jedi Knight series. The player has the chance to become a student at the Jedi Academy located on Yavin IV and led by Luke Skywalker (assisted by Kyle Katarn – the protagonist of the previous parts of the Star Wars Jedi Knight series). The single player campaign includes a training session, during which the player learns the ways of the Force along with numerous fighting techniques. The training section of the game is followed by a number of interrelated missions.
Mechanics
Before jumping into the whirl of adventure, one has to appreciate a new element that has been introduced to the series, namely character creation. Player can choose the race, sex, clothing and physical appearance of his character. Moreover, one has to construct their own lightsaber, either a single or a double bladed one (like the one used by vicious Darth Maul). It is also possible to wield two single bladed lighsabers. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy also teems with more “conventional” weapons such as blaster pistols, energy rifles, electromagnetic launchers, etc., however only about 30% of the playthrough requires players to utilize them. The remainder of the game (app. 70%) focuses upon lighsaber combat.
Apart from the aforementioned character creation and the amount of lightsaber combat, the game introduces new Force powers and the ability to combine these powers when fighting the opponents. The player can choose what powers to develop and which path to follow – either the light or the dark side of the Force. The last few missions of the single player campaign, along with the game ending itself, differ depending on the chosen path.
Technical Aspects
The Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy single player campaign offers approximately 30 hours of gameplay, during which missions can be completed in a non-linear manner – after each of them a player can choose one out of a couple available missions to start, thus players can enjoy unprecedented in the Jedi Knight series freedom. Each mission takes place in a separate location (in Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast certain missions are located within the same location), allowing players to visit a number of places we all know from the movies, books and comic books, such as Tatooine or Hoth. The game has been built on a significantly modified and enhanced version of the “Quake 3 Team Arena engine”.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy Summary
Game Series: Star Wars Jedi Knight
Platforms:
PC / Windows September 16, 2003
Switch March 26, 2020
PlayStation 4 March 26, 2020
Xbox November 18, 2003
Developer: Raven Software
Publisher: LucasArts
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Processor Pentium III 750 MHz, 256 MB RAM, 32 MB graphic card compatible with DX9.0a
Xbox
Uses: Xbox Live
Star Wars: Jedi Knight Series Will Hit PS4 and Nintendo Switch
Good news for Star Wars fans. Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast and Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy will be released on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. The first of the games comes out this year.
video games
Konrad Serafinski
September 5, 2019
Games with Gold in February: Jedi Academy and Assassin's Creed Rogue
Microsoft has published a list of games that will be available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers in February as part of the Games with Gold program.
video games
Christian Pieniazek
January 29, 2019