STAR WARS™ Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy™ Reviews

Has one of the best translations of saber combat known.

Though this game and it's mechanics must have been amazing in 2003, now the game is just really janky and has awful keybinds, but if you do like those kinds of old games this would be a great game for you, on the other hand, anyone who dislikes old janky mechanics, I'd say it's better to stay away from these kinds of games.

Great game! Old and clunky and you end up having to find good ways to essentially abuse the computer jedi in order to win. Fights with them are kind of random whether you win or not otherwise. Buts still fun.

The game allows players to control a customizable character, Jaden Korr, who trains at Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy. Players can choose the species, gender, and design of Jaden, enhancing immersion. Combat is primarily focused on lightsaber action, with the ability to unlock new styles and Force powers as the game progresses. The transition between third-person and first-person views depending on the weapon used adds variety to gameplay. While the graphics may feel dated compared to modern titles, the nostalgic experience of playing as a Jedi is still enjoyable for long-time fans. The game features a mix of hack-and-slash mechanics with shooter elements, providing a balanced gameplay experience. Level design improvements over its predecessor, "Jedi Outcast," make navigation more intuitive, reducing frustration from hidden switches or complex layouts. The narrative follows Jaden Korr as they confront the Disciples of Ragnos, a Sith cult threatening the Jedi. Although the story may not be as compelling as in previous titles, it still offers engaging missions and character interactions. The absence of Mark Hamill voicing Luke Skywalker in the game is noted as a disappointment by some players.

This game was released 2003 during my first week of school. Yeah, its old and yet playing it for the first time over 2 decades later I can honestly say that the gameplay has aged very well. Sometimes when you play an older game you'll find that they weren't properly playtested and are in fact quite frustrating. Not this game; STAR WARS Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy (horribly verbose name) is a joy to play and was clearly tested very heavily to ensure that the player is never bored and or frustrated. To begin with, yes this game is visually dated and the first level (training) is particularly scripted, ugly, and boring. Do NOT be perturbed by this! Stick with it! It gets so much better. It has many of the all the design decisions that early 2000s / 90s games had which I think modern games are missing. The levels are very varied, and you constantly get to see new parts of the STAR WARS universe. The combat isn't super hard but it isn't too easy either and most importantly its really fun (especially the lightsabre combat). And finally, the game doesn't unnecessarily take control away from you (only in cutscenes) and nor does it treat you like you're stupid. Its not like gaming in 2025 where you there will always be a big flashing beacon telling you where to go, what button to press etc. No, you have to figure it out for yourself. I love it. This no excessive handholding is also true for combat - if you want to hit an enemy with your lightsabre then you have to align your blade to strike him. There's no auto-targeting like in modern third-person melee games. I should add, the lightsabre combat is third person (and so are the vehicle sections), the shooting is all first person. You get a good selection of weapons and lightsabres to choose from. I particularly liked how with the double-ended lightsabre you could click your mouse wheel and it would become just a single blade (useful as you swing faster and you can throw it). Enemies are quite varied too, with some strange aliens and monsters appearing on specific levels. The sith enemies are perhaps a little too common towards the end of the game, although I personally absolutely loved the lightsabre duels with them. It was always so satisfying managing to slice one's arm off with a quick over the shoulder slash. The levels and pacing in this game are absolutely superb. Probably one of my favourite aspects is that the vast majority of the game is comprised of short side quest missions each of which was short, sweet, and unique. It felt fantastic to just be able to play a quick 15 minute mission when I had free time and then get on with whatever I needed to do. I truly love how this game respected my time and didn't drag on. More games need to be like this; short, action-packed missions. The levels are mostly pretty great too, with you travelling to some diverse locations with lots to see and do. Most of the locations have really good level design, with not really any backtracking and lots of verticality. I will say however, if you're looking for a top-notch story then this game isn't really that. The story here is pretty simplistic with only handful of characters. Gameplay is king here.

I have a great love for Jedi Academy, spending countless hours playing this before buying it again on steam. This steam version is sadly not quite up to par, particularly the in-engine cut-scenes. Sometimes they work, but often the character models just stand in fixed positions while there is no dialogue. These cut-scenes can still be skipped, but if I was a first time player I would definitely be annoyed. Supposedly this problem can be fixed by changing the resolution and restarting, but it doesn't seem like a permanent solution. I still recommend the game overall, the lightsaber combat is still fun and I enjoy the missions. It's a good medium-sized Star Wars game, one of my favorites.

This game is super nostalgic for me, and holds up incredibly well as far as gameplay goes.

Has always been one of those games I occasionally return to. Yet for some reason, no matter what I try, it keeps getting stuck in cut scenes. Genuinely a game I would recommend (if mostly for the MP) but don't get it on a brand new computer, It just refuses to work.

This is one of the best and unique star wars experience i have enjoyed. Definitely feels awesome to be one with the force. Recommended: KOTOR if you like RPGs, Republic Commando/Battlefront 2 (there are 2, the original and the vice one(Shooters), Galactic Battlegrounds if you like RTS. However.. these one is like a dance. It reminds me of another game I enjoy alot: Exanima. For those who train and appreciate martial arts.. many concepts are to be practiced in here. The modding community, OH MY GOD, talk about true passion and love for the universe. Truly a Marvel, I do recommend it. May the enjoyment and love be conscious and whole in all of you. -Jhadiel -Pd... Try To set Console commands to RealisticSaberCombat /SaberMoreRealistic... enjoy the REALISTIC Dismemberment... Actually feels like having a lightsaber... so much fun!!!

Man this is a major throwback! My childhood best friend and I had this game on CD-ROM, and we easily spent over a thousand hours on it. We’d stay up late on the phone (before discord and voice chat) playing through the campaign and building bases on modded servers. Good times. The lightsaber combat is incredible. Graphics were great for the time period and still hold up to this day. I honestly can’t recommend this game enough.