I LOVE Star Wars and have had alot of fun with this game. Honestly it could be for younger children, but I don't think they would get how the game works, or be able to defeat the villians, becuase to tell you the truth I'm 15 and I'm having a hard time beating the game! It's challenging and if you like the TV show, you'll like this game.
Fun to play if you can work out what you are supposed to do and how. There is no guidance, so could be frustrating for some. Having said that, my 10 yo son managed to complete the game while I'm still struggling with the last level. Annoyingly, you cannot save progress. If you are half way through a level and have to stop, it takes you right back to the start of the level.
I played this for a while and, while I wouln't go through it all again, I liked it. It was easy to play and had a storyline that I had never seen in Star Wars before. wonderful execution of a game. As far a character development, do not expect any. You're daeling with the same characters from season one of the Clone Wars series. You will run into new characters, like the Nightsisters. Pretty good for a beginner, but hardcore gamers may be disappointed.