The Trade Federation ship is loaded with droids, all bent on one purpose – your destruction. In addition to your physical prowess, you also have a lightsaber, and the power of the Force on your side. But will that be enough?

Star Wars Jedi Power Battles, a LucasArts and THQ release for the Game Boy Advance, takes players from the decks of the Trade Federation battleship to the swamps of Naboo, the city of Theed, Coruscant and Tatooine. This game follows, more or less, the same path taken in Star Wars Episode I as far as the locations are concerned. There is some deviation from the storyline of the feature film, but that is understandable, this program isn’t called Episode I.

Along the way you will battle all manner of droids, Tusken Raiders, thugs, and Darth Maul.

You will need quick reflexes to deflect laser fire with your lightsaber, defend against enemies that appear from seemingly nowhere.

There are 10 levels in all, each gets progressively more difficult.

You begin by selecting which Jedi will present you in the game. You can select from a young Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, or Mace Windu. If you successfully complete level 10, you will unlock Darth Maul.

This game makes great use of the various controls of the Game Boy Advance. The A button is the attack button, but a quick double tap of the button produces a force shield for Qui-Gon Jinn, or a Rising Saber Slice for Obi-Wan. The B button is for jumping, but a double tap produces a Force jump. The R button is a lightsaber block, while the L button is the power attack. Depress both of them and you will use Force power in a Force attack. There are various combinations of keys that produce devastating attacks.

Game play features some arcade elements in that there are power ups to be gathered along the course of the game.

While the static graphics feature photographs from the film. Game graphics are somewhat small, but the map boards seem quite large per level. The game tries to emulate a three-dimensional feel, but comes up a touch short. The environmental graphics feature subdued hues, but they are similar to the scenes of the film.

The sound isn’t bad; the game incorporates some of the Star Wars sound effects and a nice musical score.

With obvious parallels to the Episode I motion picture, Jedi Power Battles distinguishes itself as an action-packed romp through the Star Wars universe. The game flow is very nice, the different levels seem huge, the animated effects are well rendered, and the game offers a nice variety of foes. This game is a lot of fun to play, and will surely appeal to Star Wars fans.

This program is rated Teen for mild violence.

Gameplay: 8
The game moves well through each transitional phase of the combat arena. The map boards for each level seem huge.

Graphics: 7.5
The game seems a little colorless, and tries to emulate a three-dimensional feel, but still – seemingly – has the characteristics of a Star Wars game.

Sound: 7.8
The sound effects are very well done, and the musical overture is excellent.

Difficulty: 7.8
The player interface is wonderful, full of static graphics featuring the actors from the Episode I movie. The controls take some getting used to, and the combination moves will take time, but you will have that as you move through the levels.

Concept: 8
This program is wonderfully realized in this format. It gives players another, and action-packed avenue into the Star Wars universe.

Multiplayer: N/A

Overall: 8
Graphically, it may not be the best Star Wars game ever produced, but it does an excellent job in adhering to the theme of Jedi Power Battles. This is Star Wars, and if you are into that realm, you will enjoy this game.