Parents' Guide to

Star Wars: Republic Commando

By Jeremy Gieske, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Fast-paced, squad-based Star Wars combat.

Game Windows , Xbox 2005
Star Wars: Republic Commando Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 7 parent reviews

IanW 1
IanW 1 Adult
July 13, 2015
age 2+

I love and my baby also loves

Really easy to learn a two year can do

This title has:

Great messages
Easy to play/use
Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
Mi3
Mi3 Adult
February 4, 2011
age 13+
blood, violence, a few d--ns

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 7 parent reviews

What’s It About?

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (36 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the Star Wars franchise. How does the game help to promote interest in the upcoming film?

Game Details

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