Aesthetics:  
With that said, the graphics in Battle for Naboo are a masterful blend of flash and pizzazz, while the game still maintains a quality frame rate for much of the ride. It occasionally dips a little when there is a lot of explosions (such as buildings exploding), but for all the on screen action, the frame rate turns out to be a non issue. The lighting effects are very akin to the ones already found in Rogue Squadron. For example, in night levels the reflection of your laser shots will be completely seen bouncing off of the mountains, for instance. Vehicles are exquisitely done, and the landscapes in Battle For Naboo are some of the most expansive around. Although there is some draw in on objects such as houses, the landscape impressively stretches off to the horizon. When you take into account this fact, as well as there being at times as many as 20 moving objects on screen, the graphical showcase is mighty impressive.

Equally impressive are the animations in the game. As I’ve already mentioned, the enemies are very shifty. Shifty like lawyers. However, their motions are completely naturally and fluid. Lawyers can be jerky, but the animations… No, they are not jerky.

Sound:  
Factor 5 has produced some of the best sound known to N64 time and time again, and Battle for Naboo is quite possibly their best outing ever. This is without a doubt the most impressive sound I’ve heard in a game this year. Starting with the music, it is crystal clear, orchestral quality, and something that would put a tear in John Williams’ eyes. Really. Plus, it’s especially cool that the epic soundtrack fades in and out to accompany the action, or lack thereof, on the screen. Furthermore, sound effects are equally gorgeous. If there ever was a game to use surround sound for, here it is (well… Perfect Dark too). Enemies buzz in and grow steadily louder from the distance, and the whole mood that is created is extremely ambient. It is superb. Complete voice samples make the mission briefings a thrill to listen to, and it is commendable how often your crew speaks to you during the missions. The first time I strayed away from the mission objectives trying to save more civilians, it was pleasing to hear the captain roar at me, "you can’t save them all, get back to the mission."

Control:
The controls work perfectly for the game, and any Rogue vet should be able to jump right in and play without any trouble. B fire’s blasters, A accelerates, C-left fires the secondary weapon, C-down is a barrel roll, R is a tight turn, and Z breaks. Of these, the barrel roll can be somewhat disorienting at times, but if you struggle with it, I’d just recommend not barrel rolling. You can usually get through situations just fine without barrel rolling. The other aspect indirectly related to control is the radar in the game. Unfortunately, it relates for the wrong reasons… When in the deep space levels, you’ll be yelling force some mercy when you’re getting shot at and can’t find what is taking you down – due to the radar not differentiating what is above you or below you. Clearly, if you are in space, this presents a large problem and leaves you guessing about how to alleviate trouble.

Multiplayer:
N/A

OVERALL:
Star Wars: Battle for Naboo is one of the most complete games to grace the N64 console in the year 2000, and one of the last gems left in the jewelry store. If you are looking to indulge in one of the finer treasures on this console, you’d do no wrong in checking out Battle For Naboo. It’s as good as gold, and much cheaper.

 

The Lowdown on  Star Wars: Battle For Naboo Aesthetics: Awesome Control: Very Good Gameplay: Very Good Multiplayer: Sound: Awesome Innovation: 4/6 Lasting Appeal: 4/6 Overall: Awesome! "Top of the Genre"