The original Force Unleashed was a huge success. Managing to shift over 6 million copies, it found a dedicated audience thanks to its engaging story and tremendous cut-scenes. Of course, LucasArts’ 2008 tale of Dark Vader’s secret apprentice was far from perfect. Riddled with frustrating bugs and a certain star destroyer section that we’re still certain was designed to induce heart attacks, the obvious hard work it had given to win an individual over was lost simply due to irritation. Thankfully, such problems were not enough to take away from the game’s clear potential and the end result was extremely satisfying, hence a sequel.

Ride the lightning.

Above all else, the most exciting aspect of The Force Unleashed II is LucasArts’ approach towards it. Clearly realising that 1) it had a major franchise on its hands and 2) the previous errors were disliked by nearly everyone who bought into it, and the only real path a follow-up could take would be one that received far more polish – ignoring such avenues simply wouldn’t be tolerated a second time around. With that said, it’s a little mysterious that a second in the series is even headed towards the light of day.

For those who joined Starkiller two years ago, you will know that one of two things occurred before the credits rolled. You either saw the hero of the piece die a martyr and inspire the Rebel Alliance or be crushed in a fight with The Emperor and rebuilt as the Sith Stalker. Those that have watched the trailer will have gathered that neither of these events seem to have taken place with our protagonist looking rather healthy for a man who is dead. As ever, it’s Yoda who comes to the rescue…

The start of the footage begins with the wise Jedi reminding us that ‘death is a natural part of life’ and not necessarily the end. Considering the canon it’s built off, it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine that Starkiller has risen from the grave in some fashion. The back-and-forth debate between the sides of light and dark also seems to hint at a much stronger sense of choice in the sequel. With the likes of BioWare leading the charge with decisions and consequence – and let’s not forget KOTOR proves the Star Wars universe is easily adapted into such a template – there’s a fair chance The Force Unleashed II will assume a similar course.

Broken, beat and scarred.

After all, who wouldn’t want their heartstrings pulled apart as both Vader and Yoda try and shape your future? Considering the period it will be set – fitting nicely in between Revenge Of The Sith and A New Hope – there’s also some scope to toy around with the narrative, an area LucasArts has already shown it’s willing to have fun with thanks to the last batch of DLC. Ensure the Alliance’s future or crush them before one Luke Skywalker ever gets a chance to lead them to victory? Star Wars fans across the globe may be faced with the most daunting judgment in videogames. We can only hope.

… continued