Acceso
Acceso
In the early 2000s, LucasArts took a bold approach with their Star Wars games. Instead of sticking solely to movie tie-ins, they ventured into stories that expanded the universe. One such game was Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, which delved into the origins of Episode II’s enigmatic Jango Fett. Originally released in 2002, it aimed to answer how Jango became the template for the Clone Army. While the game had its share of technical issues and received mixed reviews, Aspyr has now brought it back to life on modern hardware. So, does this revival of Star Wars: Bounty Hunter capture the magic or miss the mark?
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter picks up after the Battle of Naboo, with Darth Tyranus (Count Dooku) seeking a worthy genetic template for the Clone Army and a bounty hunter to eliminate a rogue Jedi. Jango Fett, invited personally, takes on the challenge. Armed with his dual blasters, flamethrower, and a jetpack, Jango embarks on a mission that will define his legacy.
The game’s narrative does an excellent job fleshing out Jango Fett’s character. Despite its relegation to Legends continuity, it provides depth to his backstory, exploring his motivations, past traumas, and relationships. Characters like Zam Wesell and rival bounty hunter Montross add layers to the story, while Jango’s pursuit of Komari Vosa, the leader of the Bando Gora, serves as the central plot. Temuera Morrison’s voice acting brings authenticity to Jango, making the storyline a compelling aspect of the game.
Aspyr’s re-release of Star Wars: Bounty Hunter isn’t a remaster but a faithful port of the original GameCube version, complete with its quirks and charm. The game retains all 18 levels, original assets, and gameplay mechanics. While this means it keeps the confusing level designs, limited lives, and occasionally clunky controls, it also means the game stays true to its roots.
Despite being a direct port, Aspyr has made some quality-of-life improvements. The updated control scheme offers greater fluidity and accessibility, making it easier to fire weapons, use the flashlight and scanner, and lock onto enemies. For PC players, new mouse and keyboard controls have been designed to enhance aiming and movement. The legacy controls are still available for those who want an authentic 2002 experience.
The camera system has been improved, allowing for full player control, though it can still be problematic at times. Unfortunately, the enemy AI remains as it was, which can lead to some monotonous combat sequences. However, the game’s performance on modern hardware is smooth, and the visual enhancements, including higher resolution and improved textures, help bring the old game to life.
While Star Wars: Bounty Hunter still shows its age in some areas, such as repetitive enemy models and compressed cutscenes, the overall presentation has been improved. Jango Fett’s model looks sharp, and the game’s environments benefit from the enhanced resolution. The audio, including the iconic Star Wars soundtrack and sound effects, remains a highlight, adding to the immersive experience.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter offers a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s, capturing the essence of Jango Fett’s character and his adventures. While the game’s mechanics and visuals show their age, Aspyr’s updates make it a more enjoyable experience on modern systems. The story is still compelling, and the gameplay, though dated, has a charm that fans of the original will appreciate. For $19.99, this port offers a chance to relive a piece of Star Wars gaming history and dive deeper into the lore of one of its most enigmatic characters.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the game, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is worth revisiting. Strap on Jango’s jetpack, arm yourself with blasters, and embark on a mission that will take you to the heart of the Star Wars universe.
