Star Wars: The Force Unleashed released in 2008 and offered gamers the chance to play as new Jedi character in training, the Apprentice. The game was probably more appreciated by fans of the Star Wars universe as the game was pretty mediocre even with the cool force powers at players disposal. The game was steeped in moments of sheer frustration, but for those who persevered found a game that was entertaining to play. Cue 2009 and after some downloadable content being released on the Xbox Live Marketplace, namely some more character skins and a new Jedi Temple and Tatooine level, LucasArts have brought one new bonus level into the mix alongside the full game and the bonus downloadable content all under one roof in the form of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Sith Edition. Disk one contains the full original game and disk two the extra three missions and some new costumes.

Gameplay:

The game remains pretty much unchanged and if you want a resume of the gameplay of the main game then simply head on over here to read our full review of the game. What most people will be interested in is how the new missions pan out if you've not downloaded the extras. Firstly the Jedi Temple mission is included and offers about an hour's worth of extra play, although once familiar can be beaten in a far quicker time span. Rather than spoil what's included, you'll start the game pretty much fully powered up and able to use whatever light sabre crystals on offer including the Black coloured sabre if it suits. The mission offers a heady mix of heavy combat and some minor puzzle solving using the force powers we've all come to love. In this respect the mission is quite varied albeit a little confined. At the end of the mission is a boss battle and then if you're compelled to play it again you can do, in fact this is encouraged as the achievements for completion on particular difficulties do not stack, so to get the all you effectively have to play through four times...yikes. It's a bit of a cheap tactic, but the level is fun enough to breeze through multiple times.

The Tatooine level offers a sandy take on the scenes from Return of the Jedi where you meet with Jabba the hut in an almost similar way to how Luke Skywalker infiltrated the base in the movie. In fact it's carbon copy and if you choose the Luke Skywalker skin you can effectively recreate the scene, although there's no cleavage busting Princess Leia to be seen unfortunately. In fact she would have made a nice skin to play with on this level. This mission is pure fan service and although maybe not as varied as the Jedi Temple mission, is good fun to play out a slightly alternate scenario from the familiar movie it's based on.

The Hoth level is a bit underwhelming, simply because once again it follows the path of the movie but as you know most of the action takes place in the tunnels of the Rebel base and is quite frankly claustrophobia and lacking in inspiration. The enemies here range from annoying wampas to cannon fodder rebels and if you mix in some rather tedious ice jumping and you've got some recipe for frustration. However it's short lived and the final boss encounter makes up for it, but no spoilers here.

Graphics:

This is nice looking game and although there were some moments of frame rate dips, the game looks grand in general especially the Tatooine level at the start looking out over the plains. The physics are equally as impressive but these are all hampered by a lack of level design freedom in some sections of the missions. The camera is still a pain in the rear to work with especially in the confined areas, but it's something you wrestle with and get used to. Sadly a lack of blood and gore takes the game away from the likes of Ninja Gaiden which is shame because even in Star Wars the movie we get to see a severed arm.

Sound:

The soundtrack is typical Star Wars fare, and you’ll instantly recognize the music and sound effects lifted from the movies. This creates an authentic Star Wars experience and will please the fans no end. The use of a Vader like voice for the Apprentice is great especially that breathing which carries the character throughout. There's nothing really to fault here and the inclusion of lines such as "you've failed me for the last time Admiral Piet" followed by the sounds of choking is just classic.

Longevity:

Now this is the turning point because if you've rinsed out the original game when it released last year, then to buy this new game for effectively 3 hours worth of new stuff is perhaps not going to sit too well, and more so if you've already downloaded the extra missions and costume packs. The game screams rental in this regard for what would be under an hour's worth of extra play in the Hoth mission. For people new into the fold looking for a slice of Star Wars adventure will find a decent offering here and one that certainly offers very good value for money. However, if you're not going to hunt for all the hidden items and select the lowest Apprentice difficulty then your time is going to be far less than had you properly challenged yourself from the off. Saying that, if you enjoy achievements then it is worth playing through a few times.

Overall:

Sith Edition as a standalone game for players who have not played the original release is pretty decent and well worth picking up. Star Fans will no doubt have already played the extras and will probably want to play the Hoth mission but seems almost pointless so perhaps trading in their old game would be more beneficial for them. If you like action adventure, lots of jumping around and some comedy moments with the force powers, then this is a cracking game despite the moments of frustration which the game seems fond of. It's Star Wars and does what is expected which is place you into familiar shoes and allowing you to unleash your inner desires onto the unsuspecting. Good solid fun.