Star Wars ( Starfighter, LucasArts, PC )

By PETER ELEY

There are so many Star Wars games that it's hard to keep track of them. The latest for the PC, Starfighter, has already done a tour of duty on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox and certain similarities with N64's Rogue Squadron are obvious.

There haven't been any really awful Star Wars games, although they have been a mixed bag. The better ones usually seem to have strong links to the plot, and Starfighter scores on that count.

The plot deals with the events leading up to the opening scenes in the Phantom Menace, and the action is set on the Planet Naboo where three space pilots are trying to stop the Trade Federation taking over.

The graphics are quite outstanding in the way Naboo is recreated — it's almost like a rerun of the movie at times. The missions based on the planet are the best, with tight twists and turns at supersonic speed in cramped environments.

Shades of the first levels in Rebel Assault, which was way ahead of its time.

The space missions are fun enough, but there is a certain sameness about them. Space is black, and asteroids are rocky, period.

You play three characters, rookie Rhys Davies in his Starfighter, mercenary Vana Sage in the better-armed Guardian and pirate Nym in the rock solid but slower Havoc.

The action jumps back and forth between them, which is a neat twist on the more standard single character style of gameplay.

The Star Wars games tend to be slick, highly playable and fairly short. Starfighter is no exception, although you will need to spend some time learning a complex control system.

There are just 14 missions, although some come with bonus levels that extend the game. There is no multiplayer mode, either.

It's really one for Star Wars fans who want a slice of the action on their PC.

peter_eley@nzherald.co.nz