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In the early 2000s, the Star Wars universe was expanding. While the prequel trilogy was setting its sights on Anakin Skywalker's epic arc from good to evil (or from 'Yippee’-ing child actor to underappreciated grown-up actor, depending on your point of view), LucasArts turned to the video game scene to provide some 'wider reading' for those who wanted to know their Midi-chlorians from Mandalorians.
One such release in this era of new characters and lore was Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, a 2002 (2003 in Europe) GameCube and PlayStation 2 action-adventure that put you in the Beskar boots of badass bounty hunter Jango Fett — before his all-too-brief head-to-head (or, head-to-no-head) with Mace Windu in Attack of the Clones. It's generally remembered for its clunky controls and unfairly difficult combat encounters, but it was a fun romp around the galaxy that provided some much-needed, non-canon backstory for the short-lived bounty hunter.
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Scraped up from the fiery floors of Mustafar after being torched by the release of Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection on Switch earlier this year, Aspyr set its sights on this Jango-centric tale as its next porting project. The result is a mixed bag, dripping with early-2000s charm but never packing enough to stop it from feeling very, very dated.
For the most part, this is the same old game from 2002, just now on Switch. Aspyr has worked with the original GameCube source code to create a native port complete with a visual facelift and some new features, but everything you remember about the original is still here, warts and all.
The story has been left unchanged. To find the ideal genetic template for the clone army, Darth Tyranus (Count Dooku) hires acclaimed bounty hunter Jango Fett to neutralise a rogue Dark Jedi. The ensuing hunt sees Fett get wrapped up in a Death Stick distribution plot, take down gangsters for the Hutt crime family, and instigate prison riots all while picking up optional bounties of his own across some of the universe's most recognisable locales.
While rather safe by today's standards, the central Dark Jedi mystery was enough to keep us playing and it's genuinely exciting to hear Temuera Morrison get the chance to play a proper badass bounty hunter (we're looking at you, Book of Boba Fett). The plot whiffs of the early 2000s, complete with casual misogyny and sidelined female sidekicks, but taken as a product of its time, it keeps things moving along.
It's fortunate that the story provides such a hook because the accompanying combat-heavy gameplay didn't do much to hold our attention. The six chapters have enough variety to feel distinct and different environments, enemy types and mission objectives help keep things interesting. But all of them are approached in the same way: shoot a big group of enemies from a distance before their animations have loaded in, or get swamped by attacks from all sides while trying to find something that vaguely resembles cover.
Jango has a plentiful arsenal at his disposal including grenades, a flamethrower, rockets, and his iconic blaster pistols, but each feels equally useless when the central structure calls for you to hold down 'Fire' and hope auto-aim serves you well. We imagine the intention was to make Jango look as cool as possible when in action, which he undoubtedly does, but we quickly grew weary of trying to use all of these additional weapons.
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At least firing is easier this time around! The original game is renowned for its fiddly control scheme, with attacks and actions mapped to the face buttons leaving the triggers for other bizarre inputs. This 'Legacy' layout is still useable in the new port for those after the full classic experience, too — easily swapped in the settings. However, Aspyr has also added a 'Modern' scheme for those after something substantially less painful and closer to what we'd expect from a contemporary third-person shooter — shooting and aiming mapped to the triggers and weapon selection to the D-pad, for example.
That's not to say Star Wars: Bounty Hunter ever feels like a completely 'modern' experience, mind you. The visuals, while upgraded with more details and fancier lighting, are still very much of a long-gone era and they brought us some low-poly smiles throughout as our thoughts drifted to a simpler time. Still, without the ability to swap between old and new visuals (as Aspyr previously delivered with Tomb Raider I-III Remastered), at a glance it isn't easy to see just how much things have improved.
There is a certain nostalgic charm to this visual clunkiness, and the generally strong performance — bar some noticeable frame drops when using the flamethrower — keeps them mostly on the 'charming' side of the nuisance spectrum. Yet we'd rather the problems weren't there at all. Enemies regularly clip through the environment or walk on thin air, the camera, while redesigned for the port, is still prone to getting stuck in narrow corridors or high ledges, and aiming Jango's weapon at certain angles will make the fearsome bounty hunter jiggle up and down as if his Mandalorian jetpack has been left on vibrate mode. It's not something we love to see in a remaster, but it certainly feels faithful to the original experience.
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While certain quirks made us smile in an, 'Oh, 2002, what were you like?' way, others almost drove us to the point of insanity. Each level offers five retries from start to finish where, if you die, you respawn at your last checkpoint with all progress stored (enemies you had defeated stay dead, for example). After the fifth attempt, the level resets regardless of how far you got. On multiple combat-heavy missions, our 35 minutes of progress were wiped in front of our eyes after being swarmed by enemies or succumbing to an aged platforming challenge. It was part of the original game and it's part of the challenge, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating.
Equally frustrating is the level design. This was originally made in an era before objective markers, constantly nagging NPCs, or yellow paint. While you might have some fun navigating the missions as you would have done back in 2002, unfortunately, there isn't all that much to explore and certain larger levels struggle with a sense of aimlessness where we were never 100% sure if we were heading in the right direction or blasting up the wrong tree.
Aside from the minor visual enhancements, this port also delivers a Boba Fett skin which you unlock after finishing the campaign. It's a nice addition, one that was promised as an Easter Egg in the original game but never materialised, though its use is somewhat limited by the absence of much post-game content. Sure, you could go back and clean up any remaining optional bounties or find each level's secret token (most of which are glaringly apparent on a first playthrough anyway), but the hair-pulling retry system made most missions a one-and-done deal for us. Sorry, Boba.
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Oh, and we can't wrap up without mentioning the most important addition: a flashlight. Yes, Jango now has a flashlight. We found it useful all of two times, but if you remember the original game being particularly dark (which it really isn't), it's now... not as dark.
Conclusion
Over two decades after its original release, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter still brings a decent amount of fun from the galaxy far, far away. The updated control scheme and visuals undoubtedly make this the best way to experience Jango Fett's backstory. But Aspyr's sparing upgrades can't hide a noticeably dated game underneath. With repetitive combat, occasionally confusing level design, and a regularly iffy script, this is a prime example of how far gaming has come in the past 20 years. It's a product of a simpler time, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating.
Comments 41
6/10 is about as good as this game could expect without some more work put into it.
In the seemingly unlikely event it gets a retail release (KOTOR I & II didn't so why would this?) then I'll probably end up with it at some point, otherwise I'll be waiting on a chunky eshop discount some day.
in 2024 this game offers the graphics of a PS2, what a waste
Thanks for the review, personally I'll take a port faithful to the original warts and all with some quality-of-life additions and extras over questionable changes and/or notable porting issues, especially considering this is from Aspyr which has done both of those in the past (just not sure when I'll actually buy this myself between all the games I'm currently playing, those I already have that I'm going to play next and other Star Wars games appealing to me more)!
@gcunit Star Wars: Heritage Pack - 7 Classic Games is a retail release which got KOTOR I & II (although they need to be downloaded to play).
@Yosti Yeh, I don't count that one because of the download. Can't remember what actually comes on the game card, but have to admit to having dismissed it because half the games had already released separately, and it wasn't a complete physical package.
It's a good game but definitely flawed. For completionists it's a nightmare trying to get all bounties. So what if it's non Canon. Doesn't mean you can't still enjoy it. The Kotor games aren't Canon either anymore.
For me, Star Wars canon ended in 2012. Canon is what you want it to be. Once you realize that, you are freeeee.
Glad to hear this. I plan on buying it on PC but I decided to hold off for now especially after the way they did the dirty on the Battlefront Classic Collection.
definitely excited.
I still mourn the loss of Star Wars 1313. The Fett game we all deserved.
shakes fist at Disney
This was THE game I wanted to love as a kid because it's so cool and the mechanics are fun, but it has a lot of flaws and missed opportunities. It really needs a full blown remake. RIP 1313.
The EU was never canon.
I’m still interested, but on the fence. The frustrating difficulty is giving me pause.
Outdated? It was naff when it released!
The Rogue Squadron trilogy is the only SW remaster I want
The old EU was never canon. Why are you complaining about what everyone already knew? That said, so what if it isn't canon? You can still enjoy the game.
The last two levels in this game are nightmares that live in my head years late, absolutely nullifying any desire I might have to pick this up and revisit one of the cooler narrative offshoots from the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Probably safest just to watch someone suffer through it on Youtube.
Edit: This is the game that gave us the hilariously named Longo Two-Guns though, so I can't truly bring myself to hate on it for long.
@Rooty Haha same. It was like playing a Horror game by that point wasn't it.
This is pretty much the score that I expected. It's a fair one because the game has many flaws and was frustrating in some things even when it came out, but wow, is it fun. It's hard to put into words, it's simply very enjoyable despite of that and in some cases, maybe because of said flaws. Something like the Sam Raimi Spiderman movies. You have weird dialogue in some parts and other things, yet they are still the most fun and engaging Spiderman movies.
For less than $20 on pre-order, I figured I'd give it a try. They might patch up some of the issues mentioned above at a later date.
Also, X-Wing and Dark Forces are no longer "cannon" and those games were great. Cannon is kind of meh these days anyway.
I’m glad they’re remaking so many games for modern consoles, but this one definitely shows its age. It’s a very frustrating and clunky game held together by the badassery of Jango lol
No mention of 30fps for handheld or did I miss it?
Yeah. Felt like big deal back in the day but now it would be too much of a chore to play. Maybe one for the bargain basement. Cheers for the review.
"Not canon" Disney's canon. The one to ignore.
Having played through this on PS2 for the first time a few years ago I was expecting something like this. Bounty Hunter is an excellent concept with some very fun mechanics (that jetpack basically saves the whole game tbh) but its one of the lesser Star Wars titles from the 2000s imo.
Once again Aspyr bloated the game to 9 GBs. Does the Boba Fett skin and flashlight warrant the game's size quadrupling? The original game was less than 2 GBs on PS2.
So long as the remaster wasn't botched, that's all I care about. This has always been a 6/10 game, even back when it came out. I just want that hit of nostalgia.
@PKDuckman the other 7GB is part of the Disney+ package! 🤣
Just for information if anybody else tried with this - I recently got my download code in place of the canceled KOTOR2 DLC from Aspyr. You might need to chase them a bit but they did deliver on what they said, just in case any of you have an outstanding claim (they were very polite about it all too)
@Warioware thank you for that, I had forgotten to chase them for it.
@Dr_Corndog Truth.
@Dr_Corndog
That would include the prequels which already destroyed the canon back in the day so nope.
I swear the whole prequels redemption arc of the last few years is only due to people who were kids when they were released now being grown-ups active on the internet.
They were so blatantly flawed and disrespectful of not only the characters but even the universe that was built before. Indeed Lucas did pretty much the same thing to his own creation as Disney has done after him.
So yeah, there is no star wars canon. It doesn't exist apart from the originals and some extended universe stories that actually took great care of respecting the source material. That doesn't mean there is nothing to like in the prequels though. Actually learning to appreciate the positive aspect of the prequels made me appreciate the sequels better too. In the meantime prequels fans are still stuck with hating them, poor jar jar binks fans.
@SirWalrus Yes I heard that the game runs in 30fps for portable play in an online review, seems strange it's not mentioned here, if that is correct.
This game wasn't a high flier to begin with, so a 6 is a fair score. I'd probably add 1 point if you're a big Star Wars fan, like me. But I agree, the game had some dubious level design and felt unfair at some points. I don't think I ever properly finished it. Maybe I'll bite at some point, but sometimes gaming experiences are best left alone. Some revisits I did were painful. Nostalgia can be a bitch.
I’d like some more QOL improvements like objective markers and infinite retires (maybe there’s a code for that).
@mlt I don’t deny the prequels are flawed-especially the first two. During rewatches I sometimes cringe so hard my face caves in, or I have a blast. Sometimes I can easily look past the issues, other times I can’t take it. In general I find them fun-and that’s just it-they retain the ethereal Star Wars fun that the sequels lack.
Moreover, I’m certain you and most will disagree but I find Revenge of the Sith far superior to Return of the Jedi in almost every way save for the Anakin/Padme scene in their apartment.
I was introduced to Star Wars by reading the novels first. Weird, I know, but my parents didn’t have the movies because they hated them. My point in bringing that up is to say that ALL Star Wars movies are deeply flawed except Empire and Revenge.
My short list of things that bothered me about the movies once I saw them.
*Luke is extremely whiney
*Obi-Wan can hardly be called a character. He’s one dimensional and when he dies Luke is somehow torn up over it when he knew the man a few days to a week at most?
*Vader kills Luke’s childhood friend and he doesn’t react at all save for a momentary look of horror.
*Luke reacts more to Kenobi’s death than Biggs’
*The Jabba’s palace scene is not well-paced and drags WAY too long
*Ewoks
*Ewoks kill armored soldiers with spears
That barely scratches the surface. All I’m saying is these are all kinda silly, campy films, yet despite all that I love them. Prequel warts and all. However the sequels while having issues that aren’t particularly WORSE than the other films they lack the Star Wars feel and a central core plot to the trilogy.
id give it a 7/10 personally. its actually a really fun game you get in to. not complete yet, but honestly better and more fun than expected
Canon is whatever you want it to be. Star Wars has so many plot holes even in “canon” so just enjoy what you want. I love Star Wars and can’t wait to replay this game. Got it on steam deck for now. I’ll pick up physical if it gets one in the U.K.
@Rhum17 you can do this with any story and movie. Pick holes. Star Wars “fanbase” is bonkers especially on YouTube. I sit down: watch or play Star Wars content and do this crazy crazy thing….
Enjoy it.
Just be entertained.
It’s cracking. Much better than Pulling it apart and saying it’s all rubbish.
Also I like the ewoks lol
@Stocksy Completely agree. That was ultimately my point. The Originals are deeply flawed and are put on a high pedestal while the issues of the other movies are under a microscope as if the same criticisms don’t apply to the OG trilogy.
My wife loves ewoks, have at it! 😊
Anyway hopefully that clears things up. Have a wonderful day.
retry system is great (finally a game that does not hold your hand), the level design is absolutely perfect.... i liked this game a l lot
Seems pretty interesting, I'll have to try this out.
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