Publisher: LucasArts

Players: 1

Also On: GC

Genre: Action

ESRB: T

Perhaps the coolest thing about Bounty Hunter is that it lets you play as one of the bad guys from the Star Wars universe. For too long, we’ve been stuck playing as those heroic Jedi Knights with their lightsabers and midi-chlorians and morals and whatnot. Who needs that? This is Star Wars! Let’s shoot up the joint!

That’s why it’s such a treat to control badass bounty hunter Jango Fett in this adventure. You can go wild with Jango’s dual laser pistols, fly around with his jetpack, and not feel guilty about blasting all those pesky R2 units roaming the levels.

I was surprised by how well the jetpack handled. The flying aspect easily could have been screwed up, but it’s simple and fun to use—targeting multiple foes while flying is just as easy as tagging them from the ground. But, the camera does work against you when you jetpack in tight quarters.

Another problem is the somewhat open-ended nature of certain stages. Since Jango doesn’t have a radar, it’s easy to get lost while trying to find the next objective. Prepare to roam empty levels looking for your next destination.

Even with those few problems, I had lots of fun. Completing the missions is enjoyable, hunting for secondary bounties (a subquest that’s handled by scanning people Metroid Prime-style) adds replay value, and like I said before, playing as a bad guy is just plain fun. You hardcore Star Wars nuts out there will also love the cinemas and story, which give some great background on Boba Fett’s pop (you get to see how Jango came to own his ship, the Slave I—awesome).

With a little more polish, this game could have shined brighter than Mace Windu’s noggin. As is, however, it’s flawed, but fun.

TOP SECRET:

This isn’t Jango’s first appearance in a videogame. Use this code to fly his version of Slave I in the GameCube hit, Rogue Leader. First, if you don’t already have Boba Fett’s Slave I, unlock it by entering the password PZ?APBSY and then IRONSHIP. Now, enter these codes, one after another: VV?GXRYP, CNOOQ!ZR, and JFETTSHP.

PROS:

Jango Fett is cool

One word: jetpack

CONS:

It’s easy to get lost

The camera can be difficult

BOTTOM LINE: Bounty Hunter is certainly not perfect, but Star Wars fans will have fun.

RATED: B

Copyright © 2003 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Game Now.