Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike Impressions 

Chicken Walker Mayhem!

Rebel Strike is the newest installment of the Rogue Squadron series, which was last seen at the GameCube's launch with Rogue Leader. The challenge for an installment in any series is to remain true to what defines it while at the same time adding new elements to keep the game fresh. Rebel Strike adds a new bag of graphical tricks, an additional level of refinement, and several new mission types.

The biggest addition are the missions that take place on foot in a third person perspective. Most of the reaction I have seen to these missions has been negative, but I think they aren't too bad. They give a new perspective on the events of the original trilogy, but the third person control is not implemented well enough and often makes these missions either too easy or too frustrating.

 The third person missions do, however, give the player a chance to get a look at Rebel Strike's awesome graphics. This game upholds and even surpasses the standard set by Rogue Leader, which is no mean feat. The graphical presentation clearly benefits from the additional time the developer, Factor 5, had to devote to it. One noticeable improvement is that the cinemas are much more smoothly integrated than they were in Rogue Squadron 2.

This game features multiplayer modes, something I have felt should have been a part of the game since the N64 (and I know I am not alone in that sentiment). They seem to be pretty well implemented from what I have played thus far, but dog fighting is awfully tough! One final note I would like to make is that Rebel Strike places a much heavier emphasis on unlocking missions than previous games. On the other hand medals (yeah, you still have to earn them) seem to be much more easily attainable.

It is too early for me to decide if Rebel Strike represents advancement or stagnation for the Rogue Squadron series. For now, though, it is time to go and stick it to the Empire once again!

By: Andy Rucker