Star Wars Episode 1: Battle for Naboo - N64

The dark shadow of the Trade Federation has cast itself over Naboo. In the capital city of Theed, a force of invaders has landed, known as the Droid Army. If you can still see the horizon, you will quickly realise that there is trouble on it. Big trouble. You play the role of Lieutenant Gavyn Sykes of Naboo’s Royal Security Forces, charged with navigating the treacherous, narrow-winding streets of occupied Theed in order to outrun the Droids and form a movement of resistance.

Which is all very well as scene-setting goes, but only the most ardent fan of the N64 could possibly find any redeeming factors in this title. Compared to the PC and PlayStation versions released alongside this one, the Nintendo conversion sounds tinny and looks washed out colour-wise. The less said about the controls, and more specifically, the N64 controller, the better. Put it this way, if you really must have a copy of Star Wars Episode One: The Battle For Naboo, go for a shiny disc rather than a cartridge.

The game itself involves aerial dog-fighting in the Naboo Starfighter, navigating mine-laden rivers in a stolen Federation gunboat, and chasing enemy forces across huge stretches of land while piloting a Heavy STAP. All told, a great deal of fun if you’re a fan of uncomplicated mission-based ‘blast ‘em ups’, but as the latest attempt to save the N64 from dying a death? Must do better!
more