Shadows of the Empire is an interquel which tells the story between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and it featured a new hero, Dash Rendar, a pilot of The Outrider, and a mercenary as well. This is one Star Wars game that recieved mixed to positive reviews since it's release, making it known as a decent game.
Plot. Before the Battle of Hoth, a mercenary named Dash Rendar and his droid partner Leebo, arrive to Echo Base to deliver supplies that are vital for the Rebellion. He has a brief conversation with Han Solo, who offers him a position with Rogue Squadron. He participates in the epic battle, but returns to base when the shield generator has been destroyed. He escapes into the asteroid field on his ship, the Outrider, and some time later he begins a search for Boba Fett, to rescue his friend Han Solo, who was delivered to Jabba the Hutt. Prince Xizor, a leader of the criminal organization "Black Sun", orders Jabba to kill Luke Skywalker, to recieve the approval of Emperor Palpatine, and lead Darth Vader to his downfall. Only Dash, Luke, and many others can prevent the plans of Xizor and the Empire from coming into fruition.
Dash Rendar can also use a jetpack to reach the other places that are far away, or way up high as well. If Dash Rendar's health drops to zero, falls to a precipice, or lands from a very high distance, he will lose a life. He can recover health with health items. The jetpack can recharge after being overused, but in Xizor's Palace during the boss fight, it will malfunction.
Concept. The game was originally going to have 19 stages, but later it was reduced to 10 stages. The first three stages are based on the Empire Strikes Back, while the rest take place before the events of Return of the Jedi. In missions such as the Battle of Hoth, The Asteroid Field, Mos Eisley and Skyhook Battle, players can pilot the vehicles such as: The speeder, the bike, and even the Outrider.
Design. The graphics were rendered in 3D, and the game can be switched to first person, third person, and eagle eye perspective. Players can change the view of the ships from outside, to the cockpit. However, the game was criticized due to it's dark and blurry graphics.
Rantings. The graphics as said earlier are dark and blurry. Gamers couldn't even see a thing at times like in missions within the Sewers of Coruscant, and Xizor's Palace. Also, the first person, and third person mechanics were more excruciating than fun, as well as the camera angle. Also, the ending in the Nintendo 64 version leaves players hanging.
Good Aspects. The game's storyline was decent for a Star Wars game, but most people would say that the book is actually better. I find the game to be not perfect, but decent for a game in the Star Wars expanded universe.
Overall. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is a good decent game. This game gets a 6 out of 10.