Finally a game that begins to show off what PS2 can do! Excellent graphics, speed and control in one sweet game. Sure, this is just another flight based shoot 'em up game, but it's the first game I've played on the PS2 that really shows off what the PS2 is all about. This game is set a standard above such great titles as SSX and DOA2 Hardcore.

Starfighter is set in the time of Star Wars Episode one and follows three different pilots; the military dude Rhys Dallows, the rebel Vana Sage and the space pirate Nym.

Play starts with you playing as Rhys for training and starts the first mission, placing you in a Naboo Starfighter. As the game continues, you cross paths with Vana's ship and you then take control of her vessel, the Guardian Mantis. You finally end up behind the controls of Nym's ship, Havoc bomber.

Besides the difference in their weapons, there is little other difference between the three ships.

The analog thumbsticks on the PS2 controller offer excellent maneuverabillty. Left stick controls direction and the right stick controls the roll. Using these combinations, you can make turns on a dime and gives you great control during intense situations.

But as I said earlier, the GRAPHICS are what finally made me say WOW about a PS2 game. The blackness of space, which typically offers little to say "ooh" and "aah" about has a great view, with far off suns providing colorful sparkles and colorful fog of the nebulae. The detailing on the ships is first rate and have smooth display as the move across the screen.

The planet surfaces have great detailing, providing a terrain that is nice to look at while providing a first class challenge to play. The enemy ships themselves though aren't always a challenge, using a cluster attack rather than providing a response towards the players actions.



Recommended: Yes