Donutta's Blogs

Graphics Over Gameplay?

Published: Mon 18 Aug, 2008 | 29 Comments
Tags: Star Wars, The Force Unleashed

For a while now, I have had a little dilemma: which version of The Force Unleashed do I get?  Do I go with the PS3/360 version, which has better graphics/physics as well as traditional controls, or do I go with the Wii version, which has less impressive graphics/physics, but a more immersive control scheme, extra plot, and a duel mode?

 

Unfortunately, watching trailers hasn't really helped much.  Sometimes I look at the cool things you can do in The Force Unleashed on the 360/PS3 version and just think how awesome it will be with that physics engine.  Case in point:

 

 

 

Then, unfortunately, I see videos like the following and I think to myself how repetitive it all my get very quickly.  I was expecting more enemies on screen, ala Heavenly Sword, but I seem to just get the impression that the game can be rather barren at times...

 

 

 

I also notice a lot of framerate dips and screen tearing, which isn't very inspiring...

 

Then, I look at the Wii version and I suddenly feel like I want that version more:

 

 

 

The graphics aren't as good, obviously, but they're still pretty crisp for a Wii game.  And if you watch halfway through that video, you'll see a bit where you get to visit the Jedi temple that is exclusive to the Wii and PS2 versions.  That's very, very tempting.

 

I also find that I don't really notice the downgrade in physics, especially as everything is moving so fast -- and I really, really like the idea of using the Wii Remote as a lightsaber.

 

Ultimately, I still don't know which version to get.  I'm thinking that maybe I'll get the 360/PS3 version first, and if my fears play out then I can take it back thanks to a seven-day return policy and get the Wii version. 

 

I guess it still goes to show that I'm shallow and that I'll take pretty first.  Yet at the same time, if the game isn't going to deliver where it counts, I'll take the plain version that offers more depth.  Kind of like women, really...

 

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