Review: Star Wars Shadows of the Empire (N64)

Introduction

One of the user's first Nintendo 64 games.
Received with N64 during Christmas alongside Super Mario 64 and Mortal Kombat Trilogy.
Fond memories shared with others who played it.
First console Star Wars game that felt like Star Wars itself.

Opening Level: Battle of Hoth
- Iconic and highly polished level.
- Influenced future Star Wars games to include Hoth levels.
- Visuals, music, sound effects from the movie.
Main Character: Dash Rendar
- Friend of Han Solo, smuggler helping Rebels for money.
- Portrayed as an exaggerated version of Han Solo.

On-Foot Missions
- Controls similar to Resident Evil's tank controls.
- Slippery movements, particularly when turning and jumping.
- Shooting mechanics feel authentic, but aiming is problematic.
- Manual aiming requires standing still, making shootouts difficult.

Echo Base
- Lack of other Rebels besides enemies; deserted feel.
- Introduction of 'cinematic mode' for camera, not very practical.
Boss Fight: AT-ST at Echo Base
- Impressive but can be easily defeated by staying behind it.
Space Battle on the Outrider
- Turret section considered less enjoyable.
- Confusion about Dash Rendar's canonical status.
- Story jumps to the post-Empire Strikes Back events with villain Prince Xizor.
Train Level and Boss Fight with IG-88
- Technically impressive for N64 but marred by muddy graphics and difficult aiming.
Imperial Spaceport with Jetpack Introduction
- Level considered plain but the jetpack is a highlight.
Boss Fight: Boba Fett
- Complicated by floaty jetpack controls and unreliable aiming.
Swoop Bike Level to Save Luke
- Technically impressive but suffer from difficult controls and repetitive design.
Prince Xizor's Palace
- Worst level with poor visibility, complicated jetpack mechanics, and frustrating boss fights.

Final Level: Skyhook Battle
- Fun and well-designed vehicle stage.
- Varying endings based on difficulty, including a secret successful escape for Dash.
Cheat Codes
- Enhanced replayability with transformations into different characters and vehicles.
Overall Assessment
- Game held in high regard due to nostalgia rather than actual quality.
- Final rating: IG-88 out of 10, acknowledging the game's flawed but fondly remembered nature.