Star Wars - Battle for Naboo (PC)

By PETER ELEY

(Herald rating: * * * *)

Another title from the Star Wars assembly line and, like most LucasArts games, Battle for Naboo is well-crafted and fun to play.

The title first came out for the Nintendo 64 and the crossover version is essentially the same — slick graphics and fast action, although only for a somewhat short 15 levels.

The plot picks up from the Phantom Menace movie, with the Trade Federation invading the peaceful haven of Naboo and enslaving the population.

The Jedi have rescued Queen Amidala, who has gone to summon help from the Galactic Counsel on Coruscant.

You play Lieutenant Gavin Sykes of Naboo's Royal Security forces, who, along with his superior Captain Kael, must try to halt the invasion.

The first mission sees you escape from the occupied capital Theed, and subsequent levels see you build an army and return to deal to the Trade Federation.

The plot's okay, and there are lots of good cut scenes and dramatic story twists, but the game is all about flying some cool spaceships.

There are seven usable vessels, ranging from nimble starfighters to heavy gunboats. All vessels use lasers as their primary weapon, but each has different secondary weapons, ranging from the starfighter's photon torpedoes to the gunboats concussion missiles.

Rating: G
LucasArts

e-mail: peter_eley@nzherald.co.nz