Star Wars: Bounty Hunter for the Nintendo Switch is a remastered version of the 2002 game of the same name. Now, I’m using the term “remastered” about as loosely as a Jawa clinging to a half-busted droid. The core game remains largely untouched, with only a light sprinkling of graphical polish to make it shine a bit brighter in today’s world. But here we are, 22 years later, ready to jetpack into the galaxy far, far away once again. So, how does this nostalgic blast from the past hold up?
First off, full disclosure: I’m a Star Wars fan through and through. Grew up watching the original trilogy, with The Empire Strikes Back holding a special place in my heart. And yes, I’m one of those rare creatures who actually enjoyed The Acolyte. But what’s great about Star Wars is that it’s not just confined to the films and shows. It’s a sprawling universe packed with books, comics, and of course, video games that add layers upon layers to the lore. Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is one of those intriguing side quests in the ever-expanding saga.
For the uninitiated, this game puts you in the helmet of Jango Fett, the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunter and father of the equally infamous Boba Fett. But here’s the kicker: Jango isn’t just some random tough guy. He’s the genetic template for the entire Clone Army, making him a pretty big deal. Bounty Hunter serves up the origin story of how Jango Fett found himself on Kamino, the waterlogged planet of cloners, and became the basis for an entire army. If you’ve ever wondered how this Mandalorian mercenary ended up in the crosshairs of galactic history, this game’s got you covered.
Now, let’s talk about what Bounty Hunter does well. The story is the star of the show, weaving an engaging tale that pulls you across the galaxy as you tangle with dark-side adversaries and other unsavory characters. The cutscenes are packed with fully voiced dialogues, bringing characters like Count Dooku and Emperor Palpatine to life. Sure, the actors might not be the same ones from the movies, but they do a solid job. And let’s not forget Jango himself—voiced by the one and only Temuera Morrison, who also plays Boba Fett in the newer Star Wars content. That authenticity adds a nice touch, making the experience feel like it’s part of the larger Star Wars tapestry.
The gameplay is classic third-person action, with a mix of combat and exploration. You’ll be blasting enemies left and right, sneaking through shadowy corners, and puzzling your way through tricky scenarios. The game really opens up once you strap on Jango’s jetpack. There’s something incredibly satisfying about zipping around as an angry Mandalorian with a vendetta. And let’s not forget one of the coolest features: scanning NPCs for bounties. Yes, you can hunt down wanted criminals, taser them into submission, and cash in on those sweet credits. It’s a simple mechanic, but there’s a certain thrill to it that never gets old.
However, as with all things from a galaxy far, far away, not everything is perfect. Remember, this game is two decades old, and it shows in some areas. For instance, there’s no in-game map. For someone like me, who has the directional sense of a malfunctioning droid, this can be a real pain. I spent way too much time wandering in circles, hoping to stumble across the right path. A map would have been a game-changer, but hey, maybe maps just weren’t cool in 2002.
Another gripe? The lack of a save function. I’m the kind of gamer who likes to hop between titles, and nothing grinds my gears more than a game that doesn’t let me save whenever I want. The levels in Bounty Hunter aren’t exactly short, so you’d better set aside some solid playtime or risk losing your progress. Or, you could just put your Switch in sleep mode and pray it doesn’t die on you. But seriously, a proper save feature would have been a nice modern touch.
Despite these hiccups, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter still delivers a fun, action-packed experience. Sure, the graphics are a bit dated, and the combat is more basic than you might be used to, but there’s something undeniably charming about it. And let’s be honest—the jetpack is just plain awesome.
In conclusion, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is a classic title that, while showing its age, still manages to offer an enjoyable romp through the darker corners of the Star Wars universe. The story alone makes it worth a playthrough, as it dives deep into Jango Fett’s backstory and his entanglement with the galaxy’s shadier elements. A full remaster with modern features like save points and maps would have been ideal, but this lightly remastered version still holds up, making it a worthwhile revisit for fans old and new.
