Software

• This includes the hit StarCraft, the incredible StarCraft - Brood War, and two official strategy guides, for hours & hours of space-based action and combat
• Over 175 player maps over a wide variety of battlefields
• Battle for control of the galaxy with the StarCraft Battle Chest!

• A group of alien races called the Covenant is wiping out human bases and colonies across the galaxy. You and a few fellow soldiers are all that's left of a devastated colony-world called Halo. Built for combat, trained for war, you'll do the only thing you can -- wage guerilla war on the Covenant and help other humans escape!
• Control your Character during massive firefights as you eliminate as many Covenant soldiers as possible
• Incredible all-new multiplayer maps for up to 16 people, with brand new armaments you've never seen before

• Homeworld 2 continues the epic struggle of the Hiigarans and their leader Karan S'jet.

• A massive conflict between Jedi&Sith has left the Republic weakened. Into this chaos steps a young Jedi on a mission. His mission will determine the outcome of this colossal galactic war - and your destiny as a Jedi
• Recruit other to your cause&train them in exciting mini-games like racing swoop bikes or manning turret guns
• Customizable and evolving characters keep the story fresh and the gameplay interesting -- especially when you have to choose between the Light&Dark Sides of The Force

The storyline could have been a standard coming-of-age yarn but is instead a genuinely interesting adventure told with humor, compassion, and respect for the source material. Your character has a mystical bond with Bastila, and the two of you share some kind of connection to the Sith villains Darth Malak and Darth Revan. The game's planet-hopping adventures are driven by your exploration of these connections and how they relate to your larger goal of discovering the source of the Sith's sudden fleet. During your adventure you can explore side quests minor (such as racing swoops or gambling) and major (such as uncovering the fascinating back stories of your companions). Star Wars fans will get a kick out of the rich lore introduced in the game, particularly the Tatooine storyline that reveals the origin and history of the Sand People.

Gameplay is an abbreviated form of Wizards of the Coast's d20 Star Wars RPG game system--anyone who has played Dungeons & Dragons will be familiar with the abilities, stats, feats, and bonuses in this game. The player creates a character as a member of one of three starting classes (soldier, smuggler, scout) and then later chooses a Jedi class (guardian, consular, sentinel). Joining the player's character are other Jedi, warriors, thieves, droids, a wookiee, and even a Mandolorian. Unlike the faceless non-player characters of other games, each member of the supporting cast has an intriguing history and even agenda. Up to two of these other characters can join your character at any time. Depending on who you chose to take with you, new dialogue and even intra-party arguments come into the game (put the Mandalorian veteran with the Republic patriot and you'll see sparks fly). Combat is real-time turn-based, meaning the turns are seamless but the player has the option of pausing the action at any time to issue orders or direct any character to use a certain Force power, ability, feat, or item.

Graphics range from adequate to exceptional. Building and character models are not impressive--about what you get in GTA 3. Lightsaber graphics and environmental effects (like waving grass, clouds, and weather) bring the world to life. Battles are just brilliant, with characters pumping out blaster fire at Jedi who dash, dodge, and even deflect the bolts back toward their assailants. Complete with sounds straight out of the movies, the thrilling combat is pure Star Wars.

All in all, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a masterpiece of Star Wars gaming. The pacing, balance of action and dialogue, clever puzzles and quests, and loving attention to detail have set the bar very high for role-playing games in general and Star Wars games in particular. Consider this a must-have game.--Mike Fehlauer

Pros:

• Captivating storyline
• Clever dialogue
• Star Wars feel
• True story and dialogue support for either Light Side or Dark Side play
• Brilliant combat graphics
• Fascinating characters (the loyal--and homicidal--droid HK-47 is truly unique)

• Occasional bugs in dialogue, movie playback
• Cannot transfer equipped gear between characters while on your ship

• As the military leader for your species, you must gather the resources you need to train and expand your forces and lead them to victory. 30 unique missions will challenge you across three different campaigns as you control the fate of the galaxy
• Multiplayer games for up to 8 players over IPX Networks and Battle.net, 4 players with Direct Cable Connection, and 2 players with Modem Connection
• Advanced weapons, graphics and more features

• Three all new campaigns continue the epic StarCraft storyline
• Original cinematic scenes and new music tracks
• New weapons of war

• Engage in 16 single-player missions, or play on-line with up to seven others.
• Construct 54 ships ranging from light fighters to huge carriers.
• Detailed weapons systems including ion cannons, guided missiles, and space mines.

• Real-time strategy game takes place between the two trilogies through "A New Hope"
• Control the battle between Rebel and Empire forces on both land and in space
• Play campaign across more than 40 planets, or play multiplayer with up to 8 players

• Direct your people's military as you battle to control the galaxy
• Research and design new ships -- full customization lets players create completely unique ships
• Multiple planets to explore and colonize - pick and choose what your planets will be used for