Star Wars: Republic Commando (Windows, Xbox)

In STAR WARS: REPUBLIC COMMANDO, you and your squad mates are elite commandos of the Republic's clone forces. You have been chosen to lead your squad through three distinct but connected campaigns. You take on the varied and sometimes frightening forces of the trade federation, including Trandoshan Slavers, Battle Droids and Geonosian Warriors.

The game encourages teamwork and strategy. Even though your squad members are generally controlled by the computer, you must occasionally direct them to perform specific, tactical moves -- advising them to take a sniper position, set demolition charges or hack computer systems. In addition, if your character goes down, the game isn't quite over; the computer-controlled buddies can come over and attempt to protect you and then revive your character.

Fans will be pleased with the relatively well-written storyline; however, they may be surprised to find the game lacks some Star Wars elements -- meaning no Jedi, no Force and no X-wings. Commanding the squad is typically as easy as pressing one button, and the game's artificial intelligence is surprisingly robust, with the computer's characters typically making smart decisions.

However, it is still a first-person shooter, and violent: Enemies killed up-close will splatter guts over your helmet, making it difficult to see. In a lot of ways, the gross violence zaps some of the Star Wars feel, which was never strictly about the battles. Star Wars: Republic Commando is fun to play, and the squad-based aspect adds an interesting approach, differentiating it from many other first-person shooters. Nonetheless, parents should be aware that the game's grittier and more graphic approach makes it unsuitable for younger players.