Developer: Sculptured Software Publisher: JVC Released: 06/01/94 Genre: Action
And so we have reached the finale. Lucas Arts Star Wars series for the SNES are some of the best representations of the original trilogy for their time. While I had my issues with Empire Strikes Back it did manage to capture the essence of the film. Super Return of the Jedi is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy that fixes most of its predecessor’s flaws while also introducing cool elements of its own.
In terms of gameplay there have been minor tweaks overall. Luke no longer uses a blaster, staying in line with the movie. His list of force powers has been paired back to five but they are all far more useful to compensate. You will also find more force refills making them a more active part of gameplay. Luke gains one crucial skill, the ability to block with his lightsaber. This one sees a lot of use throughout the game. Both Han Solo and Chewbacca remain the same although their blasters don’t start at level two like the previous game.
Return of the Jedi adds two new characters, Wicket and Leia. I know the Ewoks get a lot of hate but Wicket is an excellent addition. His arrows are strong and double as makeshift platforms. In addition he is incredibly agile, able to jump very high and hang from platforms. Leia is the most interesting as her attire and weapons change three times. She begins as a bounty hunter with a striking staff, spin attack, and can block like Luke. Slave Leia has a whip that I found frustrating to use. Lastly she dons rebel gear with a blaster and plays like Han Solo. You have more opportunity to choose characters up until the end where you must play as Luke, keeping in line with the movie. I like the balancing they have done with the characters as it feels like everyone is a worthwhile choice now.
Return of the Jedi differs from its predecessors in that it offers a nice mix of straightforward stages and large open ended levels. The Endor stages are a virtual playground as Wickett swings from treetop to treetop. Jabba’s palace was already an interesting location in the film but the game manages to eclipse it by letting you explore all facets of its interior and exterior. Your choice of character will have a significant impact on your experience in each although the game does a good job of balancing every character pretty well. By virtue of the movie featuring a larger range of settings Return of the Jedi also avoids lingering in one location too long like Empire Strikes Back.
The Mode 7 vehicle stages return and outside of one are all nice diversions. The approach on Jabba’s barge is the easiest as there are no enemies and focuses on making simple jumps. The millennium falcon sequence is a simple first person turret battle that works surprisingly well as the cursor is reasonably fast. The second is not as intuitive but at least it is over mercifully fast. The final Deathstar escape should never have been included. It is absolutely awful and a blemish on an otherwise great package.
Where Super Empire Strikes Back was relentless in its difficulty Return of the Jedi goes in the opposite direction. A number of adjustments and additions help pair back the challenge. Life restoring hearts are in greater supply and you can find extra lives frequently with a little exploration. Luke can use force healing in place of hearts as well. Emblems have been added and collecting one hundred grants an extra life as well. This is pretty easy and the greatest source of lives. The biggest impact and most welcome change is the removal of the ridiculous number of turrets and exploding debris. That right there makes Return of the Jedi far more enjoyable to play. To an extent it can feel too easy but I prefer this over the cruel punishment of its predecessor.
The game does have its moments of frustration however. Some of the beginning levels like Jabba’s Dance Hall spike hard for such an early level. The larger stages like Endor and the inside of the Death Star can be confusing in their layout. And once again boss battles are far too long and drawn out. Emperor Palpatine in particular is frustrating as the room falls apart little by little, putting a hard time limit to the fight. And that final escape sequence is far too long for such a confusing segment. Someone was a little too in love with their technical accomplishment and we all suffer as a result. But as a whole I would still say this is the best designed package of the trilogy.
In Closing
Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is an excellent adaptation of the movie and a great action game overall. This is far and away the best of SNES trilogy and offers something for fans of both action and platformers. Exceptional production values make this one of 1994’s better titles and a gem in the SNES library.
