Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Atari, Atari Games
- Publishers: Atari, Domark Software
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1984)
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is a side-scrolling action game developed by Atari Games and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1984. It is the third and final installment in the Star Wars trilogy of NES games, following Star Wars (1983) and The Empire Strikes Back (1985).
The game is based on the 1983 film of the same name and follows the Rebel Alliance as they launch a massive assault on the second Death Star, while Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine on the forest moon of Endor.
Gameplay
Return of the Jedi is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls one of three characters: Princess Leia, Chewbacca, or Lando Calrissian. Each character has their own unique abilities and weapons.
- Princess Leia: Leia is armed with a blaster pistol and can jump and climb ladders. She is the only character who can use the Force, which allows her to push and pull objects.
- Chewbacca: Chewbacca is armed with a bowcaster and can jump and climb ladders. He is also stronger than Leia and can push heavier objects.
- Lando Calrissian: Lando is armed with a blaster pistol and can fly the Millennium Falcon. He is the only character who can shoot in all directions.
The game is divided into three levels. In the first level, the player controls Leia as she rides a speeder bike through the forest of Endor. The player must avoid obstacles and enemy fire while collecting power-ups.
In the second level, the player controls Chewbacca as he walks through the forest and fights Imperial troops. The player must use Chewbacca’s strength to push boulders and other objects to clear a path.
In the third level, the player controls Lando as he flies the Millennium Falcon through the Death Star. The player must shoot down enemy TIE fighters and avoid obstacles while flying through the narrow corridors of the Death Star.
Development
Return of the Jedi was developed by Atari Games, which had previously developed the arcade game of the same name. The game was designed by Howard Scott Warshaw, who also designed the previous two Star Wars NES games.
Warshaw wanted to create a game that was faithful to the film, while also being fun and challenging to play. He spent a lot of time studying the film and working with Lucasfilm to ensure that the game accurately captured the look and feel of the movie.
Reception
Return of the Jedi was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and faithfulness to the film. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
Return of the Jedi is considered to be one of the best Star Wars games ever made. It is a classic example of a side-scrolling action game and is still enjoyed by fans today.
Legacy
Return of the Jedi has had a lasting impact on the Star Wars video game franchise. It established the side-scrolling action format that would be used in many future Star Wars games. The game also introduced several new characters and vehicles to the Star Wars universe, including the Ewoks and the B-wing starfighter.
Return of the Jedi is still considered to be one of the best Star Wars games ever made. It is a classic example of a side-scrolling action game and is still enjoyed by fans today.
Additional Information
- The game was originally released in Japan under the title Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Ewoks no Mori (Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Forest of the Ewoks).
- The game was re-released in 2019 as part of the Star Wars Classic Collection for the Nintendo Switch.
- The game is also available on the Wii Virtual Console and the PlayStation Network.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
