Having read TFN's review of this title by Mark Issacson, I (Josh)was really looking forward to playing Jedi Starfighter (Playstation 2 from LucasArts). Little did I know that I would be absolutely be blown away by it. Maybe its just the fact that I'm looking forward to Episode II so much that this game appeals to me on a higher level, maybe LucasArts got it right, or maybe some of both. We gave it a gold review and 95 out of 100 and it deserves it. This game is a triumph, and releasing the title with tons of Episode II coolness is brilliant.

At first I thought to myself, this looks alot like Starfighter, then I seriosuly got into it. So I wanted to give you a quick rundown of a pile of Episode II connections, folks that have played it may also chime in with more observations (many would consider them game spoilers at least, so highlight to read):

In the opening crawl, we get confirmation of Dooku's attempts to gain momentum for his separatist movement. He is willing to gain support with force or voluntarily.

The games opens with a lengthy cinema with Count Dooku plotting to overthrow the Jedi, and using people to accomplish his own end. Dooku is rendered well and looks quite similar to Christopher Lee, and his name is pronounced several times in the game "dough-koo."

Almost all of the Episode II Clone War trailer vehicles make an appearance, including Intergalactic Bank Tanks (Tanks with big wheels, seen briefly in the smoke of the final scenes of the new trailer).

A level called Attack of the Clones features you escorting a squadron of Republic Gunships who swoop down on the battlefield around the spikey planet. The planet Geonosis is pronounced "Geo-knowsis."

One of the objectives in the game at one point is to destroy the Core Ship, the large spherical ships seen in the trailer attempting to blast off.

The Republic Gunships fire lasers that are like beams similar to the Death Star and from high altitudes the sweep paths of destruction on the battlefield. This vehicle also becomes playable later in the game after completing bonus rounds.

The Spider walkers seen in the trailer are called Commerce Guild Droids.

In one battle in the asteroid fields you get to hear Jango Fett and fight Slave I, though he does escape. You get to see the Starfighter in stunning action scenes, similar to the action of the movie trailers and some atmospheric activities as well.

One of the greatest moments is being able to see the new planet of Geonosis close up, the rocky terrain and participating in the battle with Gunships, Clonetroopers and Clone speeders all over the place.

Dooku does escape at the end of the game, and many of the Jedi are killed. The Jedicouncil chamber is nearly empty at the end of the game.

Again, I can't simply state how much I enjoyed this game. Usually licensed games have a hard time getting released when the movie comes out, much less two months before. Jedi Starfighter deserves to be praised for the advanced look at Episode II, a great story to compliment the movie and fantastic all around action. Wow.