Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|1997 video game}}

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{{Infobox CVGAbout|the titlevideo =game|the series|Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II}}

{{Good article}}

|image = [[Image:DarkforcesIIbox.jpg|250px|]]

{{Use American English|date=June 2024}}

|developer = [[LucasArts]]

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}}

|publisher = [[LucasArts]]

{{Infobox video game

|designer =

| title = Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II

|engine =

| image = JediKnight-cover.jpg

|released = [[October 7]], [[1997]]

|genre developer = [[First-person shooterLucasArts]]

| publisher = LucasArts

|modes = [[Single player]], [[Multiplayer]]

| director = Justin Chin

|ratings = [[ESRB]]: Teen (T)

| designer = Peter Chan

|platforms = [[Personal computer|PC]]

| writer = Peter Chan

|media =

| composer = [[Peter McConnell]]

|requirements =

| released = {{vgrelease|NA|October 9, 1997<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 1997 |title=Releases and Masterings |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-09-15.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980218070511/http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-09-15.html |archive-date=February 18, 1998 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |quote=LucasArts has announced that the official on-sale date for ''Dark Forces II - Jedi Knight'' will be October 9th, as we had previously reported.}}</ref>|EU|October 17, 1997<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1997 |title=Software - All the Latest Releases |pages=10 |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/260866786/?terms=%22dark%20forces%202%22&match=1 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215213059/https://www.newspapers.com/image/260866786/?terms=%22dark%20forces%202%22&match=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

|input =

| genre = [[First-person shooter]], [[third-person shooter]]

| series = ''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight]]''

| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]

| platforms = [[Windows]]

}}

'''''Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II''''' (often abbreviated '''''JK''''' by fans) is a [[first person shooter]] [[Computer and video games|computer game]] released on [[October 7]], [[1997]], by [[LucasArts]]. It is based on the [[Star Wars]] franchise. This is also the first game in the series to include [[multiplayer]] capabilities over the [[Internet]] or over a [[Local Area Network]]. It was the first [[Computer and video games|computer game]] to allow players to take control of a [[Jedi]] character using both the [[Force (Star Wars)|Force]] and [[Lightsabers]] in a multiplayer setting. It is also known for its use of live-action cutscenes.

'''''Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II''''' is a 1997 [[first-person shooter]] video game developed and published by [[LucasArts]] for [[Windows]]. It is the sequel to 1995's ''[[Star Wars: Dark Forces]]'' and the second installment in the ''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight]]'' series. The story, set in the [[Star Wars expanded to other media|''Star Wars'' expanded universe]] one year after the film [[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi|''Return of the Jedi'']], follows returning protagonist [[Kyle Katarn]], a [[mercenary]] working for the [[New Republic (Star Wars)|New Republic]], who discovers his connection to [[the Force]] and "The Valley of the Jedi", an ancient source of power. With his father having been murdered years prior by the [[Dark Jedi]] Jerec and his followers over the Valley's ___location, Katarn embarks on a quest to confront his father's killers and find the Valley before they do.

==Storyline==

{{spoiler}}

The plot of this game places the player in the role of [[Kyle Katarn]], who made his first appearance in ''[[Star Wars: Dark Forces]]'' (1995). ''Jedi Knight'' begins several years after the events in ''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi]]''. It begins as Kyle is being interrogated by a [[droid]] named [[8t88]] ('88' for short). Kyle is informed by 88 that his father was killed by a [[Dark Jedi]] named [[Jerec]]. He escapes from a gun to the head (from a [[Gran]]) and chases 88 for a stolen data disk meant only for Kyle from his father. Afterwards, he recovers a [[lightsaber]] from his father's workshop, compelling him on a journey to confront his father's murderers and to discover his own latent Force abilities. While on this journey, Kyle learns that seven Dark Jedi ([[List of minor Star Wars villains#Yun|Yun]], [[List of minor Star Wars villains#Pic|Pic]], [[List of minor Star Wars villains#Gorc|Gorc]], [[List of minor Star Wars villains#Boc|Boc]], [[List of minor Star Wars villains#Maw|Maw]], [[List of minor Star Wars villains#Sariss|Sariss]], and [[Jerec]], the leader), his father's killers, are intent on finding the [[Valley of the Jedi]], a focal point for Jedi power in the universe.

''Jedi Knight'' made some technical and gameplay improvements over its predecessor. It uses a more powerful game engine, the Sith engine, which supports [[3D computer graphics|3D acceleration]] using [[Microsoft Direct3D|Direct3D 5.0]]. The story features branching paths and [[cutscene]]s recorded with live actors as [[full motion video]]s. The game introduces the [[lightsaber]] and the Force as prominent gameplay elements in the series, as well as a [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] mode that allows players to compete over the internet or a [[local area network]].

Kyle starts the game with no knowledge of [[Force (Star Wars)|The Force]]. As the player progresses through the game, Kyle gains Jedi abilities, known as "[[Force Powers]]". These powers fall in three general categories: Neutral, Light, and Dark. The game awards one "Force point" upon the completion of each level, and an additional point if the player finds all of the secret areas. These skill points can be allocated towards any Force power, boosting that power's effects.

''Jedi Knight'' received critical acclaim for its gameplay additions, narrative, and improvements over ''Dark Forces'', and has been cited as [[List of video games considered the best|one of the best video games of all time]]. An [[expansion pack]], ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith|Mysteries of the Sith]]'', was released in 1998, and a sequel, ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast|Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast]]'', in 2002.

''Jedi Knight'' is noted for the ethical decisions integrated into the gameplay. Kyle is a neutral character for most of the game, neither fully Light nor Dark. Actions against unarmed civilians throughtout the game, as well as what Force powers a player chooses throughout the game, will sway Kyle towards the Light or the Dark sides. Eventually, the character Kyle must choose between Light and Dark; how he chooses depends on the player's actions throughout the game. A "Force meter" displays Kyle's progress towards either side during breaks in the action.

==Gameplay==

In case the player chooses the dark side, the alternate ending is triggered: Kyle kills [[Jan Ors]] and then becomes the rival of Jerec, this time for dominion over the Valley. This scenario however is alternate and not canonical.

===Single-player===

==Expansions and mods==

''Jedi Knight'' is primarily a first-person shooter, although it does offer the choice of a [[Third-person shooter|third-person view]].<ref name=Manual>{{cite book|last1=Boero |first1=Mollie |last2=Yunker |first2=Jason |last3=Gilstrap |first3=Doyle |last4=Tosti |first4=Brett |last5=Gleason |first5=Barbara |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II Manual |publisher=[[LucasArts]] |year=1997}}</ref> The game consists of twenty-one [[Level (video gaming)|levels]] with objectives which the player must complete before being able to continue to the next level. There are weapons available in each level and after level three, the player has the use of a [[lightsaber]], along with [[the Force]].<ref name=sfgate>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1997/12/18/DD49853.DTL&hw=Home+swapping+network+grows&sn=025&sc=166 |title=The Name of the Game is the Same: Video and computer game sequels stay with what works |last=Evenson |first=Laura |date=December 18, 1997 |newspaper=[[SFGate]] |access-date=December 14, 2008}}</ref> In addition to being an effective weapon, the lightsaber is also a useful tool for the player, providing light in dark areas,<ref name=IGN2/> deflecting incoming blaster fire and cutting through some obstacles.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=October 1997|title=NG Alphas: Jedi Knight|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/6f/NextGeneration_US_34.pdf|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|issue=34|page=133|access-date=June 2, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702190239/https://retrocdn.net/images/6/6f/NextGeneration_US_34.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Just four months after Jedi Knight's initial release, LucasArts released ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith]]'', an official [[expansion pack]], created by the LucasArts team that worked on "[[Outlaws (game)|Outlaws]]" (a spaghetti western themed first person shooter) which features the opportunity to play as [[Mara Jade]] for a signifigant portion of the game. This expansion significantly improved the original Jedi knight engine by adding aesthetic features such as coloured lighting, new enemies and force powers (and more controversially, doing away with the Dark/Light side duality). There were several under-the-hood changes as well, the most significant being that ''[[COG]]'', the programming language that Jedi Knight uses to create scripted in-game events and interactivity (doors, elevators, weapons, in-game cutscenes, enemy behaviour, and many other things in Jedi Knight are controlled by COG scripts) was expanded with new functions and capabilities, which the Sith engine took full advantage of. Mysteries of the Sith also featured new types of multiplayer action such as the gamemode KFY ("Kill the Fool with the Ysalamiri" based on KFC, "Kill the Fool With the Chicken" a fabulous "tag" based game mode from Outlaws), and included several new weapons, such as flash grenades, a seeking railgun, remote sequencer charges (mines), electro (sniper) scope for the Stormtrooper rifle, and a carbonite gun. A few Force powers such as Throw and Lightning were replaced with Chain Lightning (to attack multiple opponents), Force Push, Saber Throw, Projection (decoy), Defense (lessened Force attacks but without giving back Force mana like Absorb), and Far Sight (leaving one's body to spy, with the novel side effect of allowing a person to avoid damage from long falls by slowing his descent). Unfortunately, ''Mysteries of the Sith'' multiplayer never was as popular as ''Jedi Knight'' multiplayer because the Sith Expansion was typically sold separately from ''Jedi Knight'' (but required the original game to install) and was often difficult to come by unless it specifically came bundled with ''Jedi Knight''.

[[File:darkforcings.jpg|left|thumb|A battle with [[Imperial stormtrooper]]s]]

There are three types of Force powers; light, [[Dark side (Star Wars)|dark]] and neutral. Light Force powers provide nonviolent advantages such as being able to restore health or persuade enemies to ignore the player. Dark Force powers are violent and give the ability to throw objects or choke enemies. Neutral powers enhance athletic abilities such as being able to jump higher or run faster.<ref name=nydn>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/money/jedi-game-force-reckoned-article-1.774479 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510135855/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/money/jedi-game-force-reckoned-article-1.774479 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |title=Jedi Game A Force to be Reckoned With |last=Li |first=Kenneth |date=October 26, 1997 |newspaper=[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]] |access-date=December 14, 2008 }}</ref> There are fourteen powers in total, four of each type and a bonus power in each light and dark if the Jedi stays true to that path.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jediknight.net/trail/force.html |title=Trail's Guide to Jedi Knight - Force Powers |last=St. Jean |first=Scott |date=July 12, 1999 |access-date=August 26, 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317151804/http://www.jediknight.net/trail/force.html |archive-date=March 17, 2010 }}</ref> Players earn stars to allocate toward Force powers by completing specific levels. By finding all the secrets in a level, players can gain one bonus star to use. Between levels, the player can choose which Force powers to enhance by allocating stars to that power. Stars cannot be reclaimed from powers later on.<ref name=PCZone>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=3112|title=PC Review: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II |last=McCandles |first=David|date=August 13, 2001 |publisher=[[PC Zone]] |access-date=August 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126071919/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=3112 |archive-date=January 26, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jediknight.net/trail/faq.html |title=Trail's Guide to Jedi Knight - FAQ |last=St. Jean |first=Scott |date=July 12, 1999 |access-date=August 26, 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703171056/http://www.jediknight.net/trail/faq.html |archive-date=July 3, 2010 }}</ref>

Some levels contain puzzles that may require use of the Force to overcome, or by locating certain objects in the level.<ref name=Manual/> There are a variety of hostile and non-hostile [[non-player character]]s (NPCs) within each level with whom the player can interact. Other enemies include monsters and vehicles.<ref name=Manual/> There are two endings to ''Jedi Knight'', depending on how the player plays the game. If the player does not harm non-hostile NPCs and focuses on collecting light Force powers, the player will get the light side ending. Conversely, if the player harms non-hostile NPCs and collects dark Force powers, the game will end with the dark side ending.<ref name=gspotr>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jedi-knight-dark-forces-ii-review/1900-2535572/ |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II Review |last=Dulin |first=Ron |date=October 9, 1997 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 31, 2014 |archive-date=February 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219064910/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jedi-knight-dark-forces-ii-review/1900-2535572/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Over time, unofficial editing tools were developed for this game, thus attracting a wide audience of level editors that still make levels for this game today. Countless [[mod (computer gaming)|modifications]] have been made to ''Jedi Knight'' by way of software products such as Jed, the map editor created by Alexi Novikov (with help rumored to have been provided by at least one JK team member). Less popular but somewhat more user friendly was JKEdit, which was recently released free to the public. Avid JK modders and fans have released new multiplayer levels, [[single-player]] levels, character models, and even weapons. Sites like the Code-Alliance (formerly DarkJedi.com) were host to lots of activity with regard to modding tools and enthusiasm. The most reliable source of these mods today is popularly thought to be [http://www.massassi.net The Massassi Temple]. Unlike many other fps games, Jedi Knight still enjoys a wide fanbase even after nearly nine years, primarily due to the fact that Jedi Knight and its Mysteries of the Sith companion game are extremely editor-friendly (in how nearly anything about the JK engine can be changed or modified, with only a few exceptions, plus the wide enthusiasm of level designers at Massassi and at other groups. The other strengths and contributors to the games longevity with fans could be attributed to the large and expansive often "vertigo inducing" levels, the excellent third person option (within the context of a traditional first person shooter, a real novelty at the time of its release), the incredible fast pace of online play, and the complexity of the use of Force Powers and Melee combat (lightsabers) in the mix of more traditional First Person Shooter combat. Finally, the inclusion of the Dark/Light duality, morality scale and alternate endings made Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight stand out from the FPS crowd and made a lasting impression on many fans.

==Online play=Multiplayer===

''Jedi Knight'' includes a multiplayer mode that allows up to eight people to compete with one another on a local area network and up to thirty two people [[Online and offline|online]].<ref name=Manual/><ref name="sfgate"/> Online gaming was hosted by the [[MSN Games|MSN Gaming Zone]].<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/newsroom/msn/factsheet/gaming.mspx | title=MSN Gaming Zone Fact Sheet | date=October 29, 1998 | access-date=December 15, 2008 | publisher=[[Microsoft]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113020429/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/newsroom/msn/factsheet/gaming.mspx | archive-date=January 13, 2009 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The player creates an [[avatar (computing)|avatar]] within ''Jedi Knight'' and selects a ranking, with higher rankings having access to more Force powers. The player can edit their avatar's "skin" and lightsaber color. There are two types of game in ''Jedi Knight''{{'}}s multiplayer mode, "[[Capture the flag]]" and "Jedi Training", similar to [[Deathmatch (video games)|deathmatch]]. The players can customize the settings to play a deathmatch the way they desire; for example, by limiting the use of Force powers or playing on teams.<ref name=Manual/>

An often looked over, but extremely important part of Jedi Knight's longevity was the astounding and addictive online mode. The game lacked a dedicated server and was hosted by the [[MSN Gaming Zone]], although several "IP boards" were hosted on fan sites such as JediKnight.net and Qtracker. Most games were confined to the Nar Shadda (Nar) game room which became a hilarious refuge for clan wars, recruitment, and challenge. Although the game itself offered a wide range of choices in play, there were only four actually played regularly. The choice of the 'elite' or those aspiring to be were, Full Force (FF) Battle Ground Jedi (BGJ) and Canyon Oasis (O) and No Force (NF) Battle Ground Jedi and JI Oasis (an add on level created by the Jedi Infantry clan). A few clans also specialised in the Capture the Flag (CTF) feature but it was a lot less popular than the four key settings. There were a small set of skills that had to be mastered to be a top player in each setting. These skills were definitely not known by most which led to a massive gap between the more skilled players and the average player. No Force Sabres was particularly guilty of this with the best known players being accused of being hackers on a regular basis.

==Plot==

The game did suffer from extensive cheating, especially in the period from 1999-2000 (which even included the absurd creation of so-called "hacking clans") until the third party program known as "Kicker Helper" was released to combat the cheating, by allowing the host to rename players and remove certain hacks, restore levels and kick them. JK's permissive checksum system was what allowed most of the "hacks" (as the cheats were commonly called) to work, an unfortunate side effect of the ease of editing. Another problem was the font display made it extremely easy for cheaters to use long ascii-laden names in order to avoid being kicked (the primary problem which Kicker Helper addressed). In all, the cheating created an atmosphere of paranoia, in which accusations were much more common than the cheating itself.

''Jedi Knight'' takes place in the year 5 ABY, one year after ''[[Return of the Jedi]]'' and four years after ''Dark Forces''. The [[Dark Jedi]] Jerec and his followers capture Jedi Master Qu Rahn, whom they interrogate over the ___location of the sacred Valley of the Jedi. After learning that Rahn's old friend, Morgan Katarn, knew the Valley's ___location, Jerec executes Rahn.

Meanwhile, [[Kyle Katarn]], now working as a [[mercenary]] for the recently established [[New Republic (Star Wars)|New Republic]], meets with an information broker droid called 8t88 on [[Nar Shaddaa]] for information regarding his father's death. 8t88 explains that Jerec killed Morgan and plans to reform the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]] before double-crossing Kyle, revealing himself to be on Jerec's payroll. After questioning Kyle about a data disk from Morgan that he cannot decipher, 8t88 runs away, but Kyle chases him to his shuttle. Before 8t88 can escape, Kyle shoots off his right arm, sending it and the disk plummeting into Nar Shaddaa's lower levels. Kyle recovers the disk before reuniting with his partner, Jan Ors, who takes him to a medical frigate to recover. While asleep, Rahn's [[Force Ghost|Force spirit]] visits Kyle and explains that the disk contains information to lead him to the Valley and on the path to becoming a Jedi.

To this day, [[GameSpy Arcade]] and Qtracker support JK and MotS online play, to its remaining devoted fans, and many mod projects keep interest alive.

On Sulon, Jerec's Dark Jedi removed the map to the Valley from Morgan's workshop just as Kyle and Jan arrived. While exploring the workshop, Kyle finds his family's droid, WeeGee, who decodes the disk, unlocking a message from Morgan. He reveals that the map to the Valley was carved into the ceiling tiles of the workshop and that he has left Rahn's old [[lightsaber]] for Kyle to use. Traveling to the city of Barons Hed, now a stronghold for the Imperial Remnant, Kyle fights his way to 8t88's chambers, where he finds the droid sending the deciphered map to Jerec. Before retrieving the map, Kyle is attacked by Yun, the youngest of Jerec's Dark Jedi. Kyle defeats Yun, but chooses to spare his life.

==Places visited==

* [[Nar Shaddaa]]

* [[Sulon]]

* [[Barons Hed]]

* [[List of Star Wars planets (R-S)#Ruusan|Ruusan]] and [[Valley of the Jedi]]

Kyle and Jan follow 8t88 to Jerec's ship, the ''Sulon Star'', where the droid was told to come to collect his payment. With the ship docked at a refueling station, Kyle infiltrates it through the fuel lines and finds that Jerec has double-crossed and destroyed 8t88. After defeating two of Jerec's Dark Jedi, Pic and Gorc, Kyle retrieves 8t88's head, which still contains the map to the Valley. After WeeGee deciphers it, Kyle and Jan head to the Valley, finding the ''Sulon Star'' docked above. Kyle boards the ship again, battles another Dark Jedi, Maw, and kills him. Jerec arrives, holding Jan hostage, and orders Kyle to kill her.

==Cast/crew==

*[[Jason Court]]--[[Kyle Katarn]]

*[[Angela Harry]]--[[Jan Ors]]

*[[Christopher Neame]]--[[Jerec]]

*[[Bennet Guillory]]--[[Rahn]]

*[[Valerie Wildman]]--[[Sariss]]

*[[Time Winters]]--[[Boc]]

*[[Morgan Hunter]]--[[Maw (Jedi)|Maw]]

*[[Denny Delk]]--[[Pic]] (voice)

*[[Rafer Weigel]]--[[Yun]]

*[[Jacob Witkin]]--[[Morgan Katarn]]

*[[Daniel Bloom]]--[[Bounty hunter]]

*[[Dylan Haggerty]]--[[Bounty hunter]]

*[[Roger L. Jackson]]--Computer/[[Greedo]] (voice)

*[[Scott Ewers]]--Director

*[[Justin Chin]]--Writer

If the player has followed the Light Side until this point, Kyle refuses to do so; otherwise, he executes Jan and declares his intentions to absorb the Valley's power. Either way, an enraged Jerec uses the Force to incapacitate Kyle and disable the ''Sulon Star''. As the ship crashes into the canyon below and explodes, Kyle narrowly escapes in his ship, the ''Moldy Crow''.

If Kyle follows the Dark Side, he is again confronted by Yun, whom he defeats and executes before heading off to find Jerec. If Kyle has followed the Light Side, he is captured by Jerec's remaining Dark Jedi: Yun, Sariss, and Boc Aseca. After Boc destroys Kyle's lightsaber, a redeemed Yun tries to protect him, but Sariss kills him. Using Yun's lightsaber, Kyle defeats Sariss and Boc before confronting Jerec. Partially empowered by the Valley, Jerec battles Kyle, but is ultimately defeated.

==Trivia==

*The game is notable for including nearly an hour of live-action (FMV combined with CG, much like Emperor: Battle for Dune would do four years later) involving characters such as [[Kyle Katarn]] for the first time.

If Kyle has followed the Dark Side, he executes Jerec and takes over the new Empire with Sariss at his side. If Kyle has followed the Light Side, he spares Jerec, having overcome his desire for revenge, but the Dark Jedi tries to attack him from behind, forcing Kyle to kill him. He then reunites with Jan and builds monuments in the Valley to honor his father and Rahn.

*Perhaps the first non-RPG Star Wars game to feature a "morality scale" of Dark/Light Force alingment that changed depending upon how you played. This also changed the content of later levels and the ending of the game.

==Development==

*The game establishes that Lightsabers work under water, and there are more than four blade colors to choose from. Of course that doesn't mean it's the final statement on canon, but it's interesting nonetheless!

Development of ''Jedi Knight'' was led by Justin Chin, who had also worked on the previous game.<ref name=IGN2>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/16/pc-retroview-jedi-knight |title=PC Retroview: Jedi Knight |last=Chick |first=Tom |date=October 16, 2000 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 31, 2014 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016210502/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/16/pc-retroview-jedi-knight |url-status=live }}</ref> The most significant developments for ''Jedi Knight'' are the use of the Force and the lightsaber. The Force plays an integral role in how the player plays the game and shapes the way the game is played.<ref name=nydn/> The method of allocating credits to Force powers was designed with a [[role-playing video game]] style in mind, allowing the player the choice of which powers to improve. Chin said in an early interview that progress in the game is based upon the abilities the player develops.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/jedi-knight-dark-forces-ii-preview/1100-2558806/ | title=Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II Preview | website=GameSpot | last=Dulin | first=Ron | date=September 24, 1996 | access-date=August 31, 2014 | archive-date=October 16, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016210502/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/jedi-knight-dark-forces-ii-preview/1100-2558806/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Anchor|Sith engine}}''Jedi Knight'' uses both [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]] and [[surround sound]] through the Sith [[game engine]], replacing the [[Jedi (game engine)|Jedi game engine]] used in ''[[Star Wars: Dark Forces]]''.<ref name="maximumpc">{{cite news |url=http://www.maximumpc.com/doom-to-dunia-a-visual-history-of-3d-game-engines/#page-2 |title=Doom to Dunia: A Visual History of 3D Game Engines |author=Paul Lilly |date=2009-07-21 |work=maximumpc.com |publisher=[[Maximum PC]] |access-date=2016-01-16 |archive-date=July 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708052743/http://www.maximumpc.com/doom-to-dunia-a-visual-history-of-3d-game-engines/#page-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> While the Jedi engine is a sector-based "2.5-D" engine similar to the Doom and Build engines, the Sith engine is a "true" 3D engine similar to the Quake and Unreal engines. It is one of the early games to adopt the use of 3D graphics [[hardware acceleration]] using Microsoft Direct3D.<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=Microsoft |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1997/apr97/d3dgmspr.mspx |title=Microsoft Direct3D Scores Big With Game Developers |date=April 28, 1997 |access-date=December 14, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125013859/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1997/apr97/d3dgmspr.mspx |archive-date=January 25, 2009 }}</ref> The 3D sound technology was tweaked extensively to give an immersive feel to the game. This was achieved by experimentation using many different sound effects and playback styles.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gooddealgames.com/interviews/int_Dave_Levison.html | title=Interview With Sound Designer Dave Levison | publisher=GoodDealGames | access-date=April 2, 2008 | archive-date=September 22, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922185203/http://www.gooddealgames.com/interviews/int_Dave_Levison.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Between levels, ''Jedi Knight'' features [[full motion video]] cutscenes. The characters are represented by live actors while the backgrounds are [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered graphics]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20000103/fmv_02.htm |title=The State of the Industry |last=Waggoner |first=Ben |date=January 3, 2000 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=December 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201123803/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20000103/fmv_02.htm |archive-date=December 1, 2008 }}</ref> The cutscenes included the first lightsaber footage filmed since ''Return of the Jedi'' in 1983.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/trustedreviews-top-5-games-of-all-time_Page-15 | title=TrustedReviews Top 5 Games Of All Time | date=September 12, 2006 | last=Emeran | first=Riyad | publisher=TrustedReviews | access-date=April 2, 2008 | archive-date=June 21, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621195625/http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/trustedreviews-top-5-games-of-all-time_Page-15 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===''Mysteries of the Sith''===

{{Main|Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith}}

After the release of ''Jedi Knight'', LucasArts developed ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith]]'' as an expansion pack. It was released on February 17, 1998 and received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/star-wars-jedi-knight-mysteries-of-the-sith/mobyrank |title=Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Mysteries of the Sith for Windows (1998) MobyRank |publisher=[[MobyGames]] |access-date=December 11, 2008 |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928105418/https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/star-wars-jedi-knight-mysteries-of-the-sith/mobyrank |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/197671-star-wars-jedi-knight-mysteries-of-the-sith/index.html |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith for PC |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=August 31, 2014}}</ref> The expansion includes a single-player mode and fifteen multiplayer maps. There are technical improvements over ''Jedi Knight'', including colored lighting, new textures and [[3D modeling|models]], and developments to the [[artificial intelligence]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avault.com/reviews/pc/jedi-knight-mysteries-of-the-sith-pc-review/ |title=Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith - PC Review |last=Pagliarulo |first=Emil |date=February 10, 1998 |publisher=The Adrenaline Vault |access-date=August 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912224709/http://www.avault.com/reviews/pc/jedi-knight-mysteries-of-the-sith-pc-review/ |archive-date=September 12, 2012}}</ref>

The single-player story in ''Mysteries of the Sith'' is set five years after the events of ''Jedi Knight''. The player once more takes control of Kyle Katarn, but later in the game is given control of [[Mara Jade]], one of the most popular [[Star Wars expanded universe|''Star Wars'' expanded universe]] characters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/marajadeskywalker/?id=eu |title=Skywalker, Mara Jade |access-date=August 17, 2013 |publisher=starwars.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628201919/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/marajadeskywalker/?id=eu |archive-date=June 28, 2011}}</ref>

==Reception==

===Sales===

In the United States, ''Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II'' debuted at #3 on [[PC Data]]'s monthly computer game sales chart for October 1997.<ref name=oct1997>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980204090955/http://www.next-generation.com/news/120497e.chtml | url=http://www.next-generation.com:80/news/120497e.chtml | title=''MS Flight Sim'' Tops PC Data Charts | date=December 4, 1997 | author=Staff | work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] | archive-date=February 4, 1998 | url-status=dead | access-date=December 3, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> It secured sixth place in November;<ref name=nov1997>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980204085151/http://www.next-generation.com/news/123097a.chtml | url=http://www.next-generation.com:80/news/123097a.chtml | title=Cyan Takes Top Two | date=December 30, 1997 | author=Staff | archive-date=February 4, 1998 | work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] | url-status=dead | access-date=December 3, 2018 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> by the 30th, the game had sold 155,060 copies and earned $7.36 million in the United States alone.<ref name=wsjsales>{{cite news | archive-url=https://archive.today/20180419005812/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB885323376490522500 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB885323376490522500 | title=Has Game Maker Found The Secret of Siliwood? | date=January 21, 1998 | author=Muto, Sheila | newspaper=[[Wall Street Journal]] | archive-date=April 19, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> After a 14th-place finish in December,<ref name=cdmag1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050502205940/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/009/198/top_20_december.html | url=http://www.cdmag.com:80/articles/009/198/top_20_december.html | title=December's hottest games | author=Ocampo, Jason | work=[[Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]] | date=January 20, 1998 | archive-date=May 2, 2005 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''Jedi Knight'' reached lifetime sales of 247,036 units in the country and became its 21st-best-selling computer game of 1997.<ref name=pcgsales1>{{cite journal |author=Staff |date=April 1998 |volume=5 |issue=4 |title=The Best-Selling Games of 1997 |journal=[[PC Gamer US]] |page=44}}</ref>

In 1998, ''Jedi Knight'' placed 20th in January and 16th in February.<ref name=cdmag2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050217004828/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/010/178/titanic_pc_data.html | url=http://www.cdmag.com:80/articles/010/178/titanic_pc_data.html | title=Re-release rides movie's coattails on PC Data charts | author=Ocampo, Jason | date=March 18, 1998 | work=[[Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]] | archive-date=February 17, 2005 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> It was absent from March's top 20.<ref name=cdmag3>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406150037/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/011/084/pcdata_march.html | url=http://www.cdmag.com:80/articles/011/084/pcdata_march.html | title=Do the PC Data figures prove lower is better? | date=April 21, 1998 | author=Ocampo, Jason | archive-date=April 6, 2005 | work=[[Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]] | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Critical reviews===

{{Video game reviews

|MC = 91/100<ref name=MC/>

|Allgame = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11647&tab=review |title=Star Wars: Jedi Knight -- Dark Forces II - Review |last=House |first=Michael L. |publisher=[[AllGame]] |access-date=November 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119015513/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11647&tab=review|archive-date=November 19, 2014}}</ref>

|GameRev = A−<ref name="Revolution">{{cite web |last=Hubble |first=Calvin |date=May 6, 1998 |title=Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II Review |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/games/pc/action/jedi.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041025174441/http://www.gamerevolution.com/games/pc/action/jedi.htm |archive-date=October 25, 2004 |access-date=August 16, 2013 |website=[[Game Revolution]]}}</ref>

|GSpot = 8.9/10<ref name=gspotr/>

|IGN = 8/10<ref name=IGN2/>

| NGen = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name=NG/>

|PCGUS = 94%<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/586.html |title=Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II |last=Whitta |first=Gary |authorlink=Gary Whitta |date=December 1997 |page=174 |journal=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=August 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991221041906/http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/586.html |archive-date=December 21, 1999 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

|PCZone = 94%<ref name=PCZone/>

}}

''Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II'' received "universal acclaim" from critics, according to review aggregator [[Metacritic]]. The game holds an aggregate score of 91 out of 100, based on ten reviews.<ref name=MC>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-jedi-knight-dark-forces-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II for PC Reviews | website=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=August 31, 2014 | archive-date=December 4, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204033355/https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-jedi-knight-dark-forces-ii/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | url-status=live }}</ref> The combination of puzzles and action drew praise from the ''[[New York Daily News]]'', who indicated that the game builds upon the qualities found in ''Dark Forces''.<ref name=nydn/> [[Gary Whitta]] of ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' stated that "The game has little to no faults; one could nitpick about the overacting or the rushed look of the menu interface, but in the end, ''Jedi Knight'' is to first-person shooters what sliced bread is to wheat products."<ref name=NG>{{cite magazine|date=December 1997|title=500 Forcepower|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/8/84/NextGeneration_US_36.pdf|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|issue=36|page=173|access-date=January 6, 2024|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417020444/https://retrocdn.net/images/8/84/NextGeneration_US_36.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[GamePro]]'' gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in all four categories (graphics, sound, control, and fun factor), summarizing, "While ''Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II'' doesn't add much more to the corridor-shooter mix, it does once again infuse the genre with familiar ''Star Wars'' characters and lots of laser-blastin' excitement. The bottom line is that Jedi Knight is probably the most fun you'll have with a corridor shooter this season."<ref name=GPro111>{{cite magazine |author=Scary Skywalker |title=PC GamePro Review (Win 95): Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=111 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=December 1997|page=110}}</ref>

The user control of the game was praised in ''[[GameSpot]]'',<ref name=gspotr/> and most critics were enthusiastic about the effectiveness of the lightsaber.<ref name=Revolution/><ref name=gspotr/><ref name=PCZone/><ref name=GPro111/> [[Game Revolution]]'s Calvin Hubble gushed, "The use of the lightsaber is just awesome. Not only is it the most powerful weapon, it can be used as a light source, to deflect blasts and to reveal secrets."<ref name=Revolution/>

Tom Chick of [[IGN]] criticized the layout of the levels: "The levels can be awfully linear, throwing you up against some frustrating brick walls where you don't know where to go or what you're supposed to do next. There are some bald key hunts."<ref name=IGN2/> The artificial intelligence of enemies received mixed reactions. ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Ron Dulin said that the AI is realistic, helping the suspension of disbelief.<ref name=gspotr/> Chi Kong Lui of Gamecritics.com, however, gave the opposite view: "Enemy artificial intelligence is still pretty mindless and blasting them doesn't require much skill."<ref name=GC>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecritics.com/review/jediknight/main.php |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II |last=Kong Lui |first=Chi |date=February 12, 1998 |website=Gamecritics |access-date=August 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225112624/http://www.gamecritics.com/review/jediknight/main.php |archive-date=February 25, 2012}}</ref>

Some critics stated the game looks poor when played on computers without 3D acceleration.<ref name=nydn/><ref name=gspotr/> Hubble argued that the low detail is a necessary trade-off to maintain a high frame rate in the game's exceptionally wide-open levels, but noted that the difference a 3D card makes is high enough to strongly recommend its use.<ref name=Revolution/> ''GamePro'' likewise held that the game should be commended for playing at a high speed even without 3D acceleration, while warning that "playing ''Jedi Knight'' without graphical enhancement is like watching ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' on a nine-inch black-and-white TV."<ref name=GPro111/> ''Next Generation'' lauded not only the wide-open nature of the levels but their high level of functionality and organic feel.<ref name=NG/> Dulin considered the character animations more detailed than similar games.<ref name=gspotr/> The graphical presentation of the levels received specific praise from IGN: "No other first person shooter has come close to ''Jedi Knight''{{'}}s dizzying sense of scale and its vast levels."<ref name=IGN2/> Several critics found the game's story interesting.<ref name=PCZone/><ref name=gspotr/><ref name=Revolution/>

The use of [[John Williams]]' soundtrack from the ''Star Wars'' films was met with praise,<ref name=IGN2/><ref name=gspotr/><ref name=GPro111/> though Lui believed that the music is overused in ''Star Wars'' video games.<ref name=GC/> The sound effects were also lauded, and seen as providing a good atmosphere.<ref name=Revolution/><ref name=gspotr/><ref name=IGN2/><ref name=GPro111/>

The addition of a multiplayer mode to ''Jedi Knight'' was met positively,<ref name=Revolution/><ref name=NG/><ref name=sfgate/> though Dulin questioned why there are so few multiplayer maps and why single-player maps cannot be used in the multiplayer mode.<ref name=gspotr/> Tom Chick of IGN believed this was corrected with the release of ''Mysteries of the Sith''.<ref name=IGN2/> ''Next Generation'' said that the "Healing" and "Force Pull" powers added great depth to the multiplayer action, elevating it above the formulaic techniques used in most games of the genre.<ref name=NG/>

The editors of ''[[Computer Games Strategy Plus]]'' named ''Jedi Knight'' the best first-person action game of 1997.<ref name=cgmawards1997>{{cite web|author=Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050206152953/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/009/194/1997_cgsp_awards.html |url=http://www.cdmag.com:80/articles/009/194/1997_cgsp_awards.html |title=The winners of the 1997 ''Computer Games'' Awards |date=January 19, 1998 |work=[[Computer Games Strategy Plus]] |archive-date=February 6, 2005 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Jedi Knight'' won ''[[Computer Gaming World]]''{{'}}s 1997 "Game of the Year" award. The editors wrote, "As did ''[[Diablo (video game)|Diablo]]'' the year before, ''Jedi'' rose above the crowd in appealing to gamers across all genres. The Force was definitely with LucasArts when they made ''Jedi Knight Dark Forces II''." The magazine nominated ''Jedi Knight'' as the best action game of 1997, but it lost to ''[[Quake II]]''.<ref name=cgwpremier1997>{{cite magazine|author=Staff|date=March 1998|title=''CGW'' Presents The Best & Worst of 1997|url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_164/page/n77/mode/2up|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]|issue=164|pages=74–77, 80, 84, 88, 89}}</ref>

The game was a finalist for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|PC Action Game of the Year]]" and "Computer Entertainment Title of the Year" at the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]' [[1st Annual Interactive Achievement Awards|inaugural Interactive Achievement Awards]], but lost to ''[[Quake II]]'' and ''[[StarCraft (video game)|StarCraft]]'', respectively.<ref name="Finalists1998">{{cite web |title=The Award - Updates |url=http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardupdate.htm |website=Interactive.org |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=28 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980615090128fw_/http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardupdate.htm |archive-date=June 15, 1998 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Winners1998">{{cite web |title=The Award - Winners |url=http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardwin98.htm |website=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980615090115/http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardwin98.htm |archive-date=June 15, 1998 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1998, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' declared it the best computer game ever released, and the editors called it "such a class act from start to finish that even people who know nothing about PC games can tell they're looking at greatness. It's a fantastic game, and one we never hesitate to recommend to any kind of gamer".<ref name=pcgtop50>{{cite journal | author=The ''PC Gamer'' Editors | title=The 50 Best Games Ever | date=October 1998 | volume=5 | number=10 | journal=[[PC Gamer US]] | pages=86, 87, 89, 90, 92, 98, 101, 102, 109, 110, 113, 114, 117, 118, 125, 126, 129, 130 }}</ref>

In 1999, ''Next Generation'' listed ''Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II'' as number 28 on their "Top 50 Games of All Time", commenting that, "More than any other LucasArts game, ''Jedi Knight'' makes you feel like you are actually operating in the ''Star Wars'' universe."<ref>{{cite magazine|date=February 1999|title=Top 50 Games of All Time |url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_50|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|issue=50|page=[https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_50/page/n78 77]}}</ref>

In 2017, ''[[IGN]]'' ranked getting the lightsaber in ''Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II'' at the 92nd place of "Top 100 Unforgettable Video Game Moments".<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911224802/https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-video-game-moments/92 |url=https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-video-game-moments/92 |title=Top 100 Unforgettable Video Game Moments|date= 2017 |work=[[IGN]] |archive-date=September 11, 2017}}</ref>

==References==

{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==

*{{IMDb title|160910}}

* [http://www.lucasarts.com/products/jediknight/default.htm Lucasarts Official Site for Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]

*{{moby game|id=/windows/star-wars-jedi-knight-dark-forces-ii}}

* [http://www.massassi.net The Massassi Temple]

* [http://www.jkhub.net The Jedi Knight Editing Hub]

* [http://www.jediknight.net JediKnight.Net]

* [http://www.jediknight.net/jkmag Jedi Knight Multiplayer Addon Group (JKMAG)] - includes link to Kicker Helper]

* [http://www.qtracker.com Qtracker] online server browser/launcher (supports Jedi Knight/MotS)]

* [http://www.magicforce.com MagicForce.com] home of JKEdit, a level editor (now free)

{{Jedi Knight series}}

{{Expanded Universe}}

{{Star Wars games}}

{{Template:Sw jediknight cvg}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1997 computer and video games]]

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[[Category:Star Wars computer and videoLucasArts games|Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]

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[[Category:Novels based on video games]]

[[Category:Sith (game engine) games]]

[[Category:Star Wars: Jedi Knight|Dark Forces II]]

[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]

[[Category:Video games scored by Peter McConnell]]

[[Category:Video games with user-generated gameplay content]]

[[Category:Video game sequels]]

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[[fr:Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]