DESCRIPTION

The Trade Federation, under the influence of Darth Sidious, have set up a blockade of the planet Naboo. Naboo is located far from the capital of Coruscant, and thus, the happenings can not be witnessed directly by the Republic. While it is known that the Trade Federation has formed a blockade, it is unknown to the Republic that they are preparing a full-scale invasion of the planet.

You may be thinking that you have already dealt with the Trade Federation in the PlayStation title Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Perhaps you have, but with Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles, players do not need to worry about solving puzzles but will occasionally have to escort characters. Whereas Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace is an adventure game that follows the movie's storyline, Jedi Power Battles sacrifices elements of the movie in order to provide a beat-'em-up action experience.

Players assume the role of one of the five available Jedi: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Mace Windu, Adi Gallia or Plo Koon. Obi-Wan Kenobi is the youngest of the group. He is fast and agile but still has much to learn before becoming a Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon Jinn, known for his excellent lightsaber skills, is a Jedi Master but not a member of the Jedi Council.

Mace Windu is also an expert with a lightsaber but is perhaps best known for his diplomatic skills as a senior member of the Jedi Council. Adi Gallia — the only playable female character — is a Corellian with quick reflexes. Hailing from the planet of Dorin, Plo Koon has incredible strength but is the slowest of the group.

Alone or side-by-side with a friend, players must fight their way through 10 levels. The first level takes place on the Trade Federation Battleship where you must escape with your life. Escape from the battleship and the second level opens in the swamps of Naboo. Level Three takes place in the city of Theed, home to Queen Amidala. In Level Four, players will enter the Theed Palace where they must free the queen who is being held hostage.

Jedi Power Battles' fifth level moves the game off of Naboo and onto the planet of Tatooine. From there the game advances to Coruscant (home of the Galactic Senate) for Level Six. Level Seven takes players back to Naboo for a romp through some ruins. In Level Eight, which takes place on the streets of Theed, your Jedi will have the opportunity to pilot a STAP (Single Trooper Aerial Platform). The palace cliffs are the setting for Level Nine where you will need to rescue six Naboo pilots. Finally, the tenth level takes place in the palace's generator core.

Enemies that will be encountered throughout the game include: Battle Droids, STAPs, Destroyer Droids, Tusken Raiders, Sith Probe Droids, Trade Federation ATTs, Gungan Guards, four types of mercenaries and the Sith Lord, Darth Maul. Players will need to use their lightsabers to slash through the hordes of enemies as well as to deflect incoming laser blasts. Have patience Jedi, use The Force and return peace to the planet of Naboo. ~ Jonathan Sutyak, All Game Guide