Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation
- Developers: LucasArts
- Publishers: LucasArts
Star Wars: Rebel Assault II – The Hidden Empire (1995)
Introduction
Star Wars: Rebel Assault II – The Hidden Empire is a space combat flight simulator game developed by LucasArts and released for MS-DOS, Macintosh, and PlayStation in 1995. It is the sequel to the popular Star Wars: Rebel Assault game. The story is set in the Star Wars universe and follows the adventures of Rookie One, a new recruit to the Rebel Alliance.
Gameplay
Rebel Assault II is a first-person shooter game in which the player controls Rookie One as he flies a variety of Rebel starfighters, including the X-wing, A-wing, and Y-wing. The game features a variety of missions, including escort missions, bombing runs, and space battles. The player must use their piloting skills and weapons to defeat Imperial enemies and complete their objectives.
One of the unique features of Rebel Assault II is its use of full-motion video (FMV) cutscenes. These cutscenes advance the story and provide a cinematic experience. The game also features voice acting by some of the original Star Wars cast members, including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher.
Story
The story of Rebel Assault II takes place after the events of the Battle of Yavin. The Rebel Alliance has established a new base on the planet Hoth, but the Empire is still a threat. Rookie One is a new recruit to the Rebel Alliance, and he is eager to prove himself in battle.
Rookie One’s first mission is to investigate the disappearance of several Rebel spacecraft near the Dreighton Nebula. As he investigates, he discovers that the Empire is somehow responsible for the disappearances. Rookie One must team up with other Rebel pilots to stop the Empire and save the day.
Reception
Rebel Assault II was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and story. The game was also nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year.
Legacy
Rebel Assault II is considered to be one of the best Star Wars games ever made. It is still enjoyed by fans today, and it has been re-released on several platforms. The game has also inspired several sequels and spin-offs.
In-Depth Review
Graphics
Rebel Assault II features some of the best graphics of any game released in 1995. The game’s use of FMV cutscenes was groundbreaking at the time, and it helped to create a more immersive experience for the player. The game’s environments are also very detailed and well-rendered.
Gameplay
Rebel Assault II’s gameplay is fast-paced and exciting. The player must use their piloting skills and weapons to defeat Imperial enemies and complete their objectives. The game’s missions are varied and challenging, and they provide a lot of replayability.
Story
Rebel Assault II’s story is well-written and engaging. The player is quickly drawn into the story and invested in the characters. The game’s cutscenes are also very well-made, and they help to advance the story and provide a cinematic experience.
Overall
Rebel Assault II is a classic Star Wars game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and story are all top-notch, and it provides a lot of replayability. If you are a fan of Star Wars games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Rebel Assault II.
Pros:
- Stunning graphics
- Fast-paced and exciting gameplay
- Well-written and engaging story
- Lots of replayability
Cons:
- Can be difficult at times
- Some of the FMV cutscenes are a bit dated
Review Score
8.5/10