Star Wars: Bounty Hunter review (PS5)

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, published by Aspyr on modern consoles, brings the classic third-person action-adventure game into the modern era. Players can once again step into the boots of Jango Fett, the Prime Clone of the Grand Army of the Republic, in a prequel story set before the events of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. This remaster offers a chance to relive a beloved narrative – let’s see how it stood the test of time.

The premise of Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is a compelling one for fans of the films, allowing them to explore the origins of Jango Fett. The storyline is rich with Star Wars lore, providing a deeper understanding of Jango’s motivations and the dangerous world of bounty hunting – though of course recent TV shows have deepened our understanding of this world as well. Players are tasked with capturing a rogue Dark Jedi, navigating through various underworld locales filled with enemies and challenges. The narrative is well-crafted, engaging players with its blend of action and intrigue and strong ties to the films.

Gameplay mechanics are a mix of classic third-person shooter elements and acrobatic platforming. Jango Fett is equipped with an arsenal of weapons, including dual blasters, a flamethrower, and his whipcord. These tools allow for diverse combat strategies, from close-quarters brawling to taking down enemies from a distance – and combining these feels rewarding. The controls have been updated to suit modern gaming standards, making movement and combat more fluid than they did two decades ago. However, some of the game’s age still shows through in its mechanics, which can feel dated compared to contemporary titles.

Visually, the remaster of Star Wars: Bounty Hunter benefits from enhanced graphics that make the environments more vibrant and detailed. The game’s art style retains its original charm while being polished for modern displays. Despite these improvements, however, the game does still exhibit some of the graphical limitations that are inherent to early 2000s titles. Characters and environments, in particular, still lack the detail and polish of newer games.

The audio experience is a highlight, featuring a soundtrack that captures the essence of the Star Wars universe. The sound effects, from blaster fire to the iconic jetpack noises, also immerse players in the role of Jango Fett. Voice acting is solid, with Temuera Morrison reprising his role, adding authenticity and depth to the character. However, the audio mix can occasionally feel uneven, with certain effects overshadowing dialogue or music – and we’d love to see this tweaked a little in a post launch update.

Despite its age, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is able to effectively transport players into the gritty underworld of the Star Wars galaxy. The game’s level design encourages exploration and offers a variety of missions that keep gameplay interesting. The balance between action-packed sequences and quieter moments of investigation is well-handled, providing a pacing that keeps players engaged. However, the difficulty spikes in certain levels can be frustrating, potentially deterring some players from fully enjoying the experience – something that was present in the original game and is still apparent in this remaster.

In conclusion, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter on PlayStation 5 is a nostalgic journey for fans of the original game and Star Wars enthusiasts alike. While some aspects of the game show their age, the remaster does a commendable job of updating the visuals and controls for a modern audience. Its engaging narrative, coupled with the thrill of playing as one of the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunters, makes it a worthwhile addition to any Star Wars collection – and a must-play for fans of the films looking to deepen their appreciation for its characters.

Score: 7.2/10