Aspyr has been on a tear as of late with re-releases of Star Wars games. We’re still waiting for the Rogue Squadron games to get a chance. But, for now, we have another good adventure to dig into.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter initially released in 2002. It introduced us to an in-depth Jango Fett adventure, one filled with enemies galore. Of course, Jango is more than ready, with twin blasters in hand.
The game is now available for modern consoles, with a few new twists. It’s now easier to play, thanks to a revised control scheme. And, yes, being a bad-ass bounty hunter has its moments. That said, some aspects are still dated, particularly when it comes to platforming.
That said, it’s still a success, and a rousing reminder that the Fetts deserve their own video game legacy. Now about a next-gen Boba Fett release…
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter Brings the Jango
In the game, Jango sets out to capture a Dark Jedi with ill intentions. But the job is easier said than done, thanks to an armada of baddies. Luckily, this mighty Fett is more than ready for them.
The gameplay feels more modern here, thanks to touches added by Aspyr. While targeting takes some getting used to, the combat feels great. Unloading twin blasters on larger enemies is a blast, and the jetpack works very well for upper levels.
That said, there are moments when the platforming feels off, and it’s easy to get lost in levels. I mean, you really have to do some exploring to find the next grate to cut through. Also, the level design is still a bit on the old side compared to newer adventures. But I’m sure LucasArts fans – myself included – won’t mind that too much.
But it feels great to hunt after bounties and bring down prey. Not to mention that there’s a cool unlockable here – being able to get a Boba Fett skin. I would’ve liked to see some gameplay touches suited to him, but it’s still awesome nevertheless.
It’s on an old-school level, but Bounty Hunter feels nice. Plus you can unleash a flame thrower on some undeserving crook. I mean, who wouldn’t want that?
Flying High With a Pretty Good Presentation
The visuals do look good, remastered with some mild touches and a smooth frame rate. The camera is screwy at times, but a mild readjustment puts you back on the right track. I’m also a fan of the weapon effects, particularly the torch. It’s cool to watch ol’ Jango cut through metal plates like butter, kicking his way through.
Audio is good too, albeit a bit mis-timed. There are moments when the soundtrack will miss its cue by like one second. The voicework is a mixed bunch, though. Some enemies sound generic, while other characters nail their performances out of the park. At least the music is faithful and the sound effects are nostalgic. Just the right speed for Star Wars fans.
So there are mild annoyances, but hardly any true problems to speak of. Those of you that fondly remember the original game will mostly love its treatment here. And if you’re new to the fray, you’ll jump in with very little problem.
The Force Is With Fett
While there are nuances that could use repair, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter makes a solid transition to modern consoles. It’s fun to play, mind some hiccups; and Jango has some righteously cool abilities. Not to mention being able to rip through the galaxy to hunt down your prey. It looks good and sounds good as well; and the $20 price tag guarantees you won’t pay much for this bounty.
It’s not the quintessential Star Wars game, but Bounty Hunter is a satisfying side adventure. Besides, the Fetts deserve more respect. I hear they actually have a Vette, too. (What, you’ve never heard of MC Chris?!)
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Aspyr for the review code! Get the game now for Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch!
