Star Wars: The Force Unleashed allows the player to experience what it is to be a Sith lord through the protagonist, Starkiller. Though this name suggests that Starkiller possesses planet-crushing capabilities, these powers can only be harnessed through the appropriate knowledge of his skill sets.
Starkiller's powers in the force evolve throughout the events of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, but his skills during the opening segments of the game showcase only a fraction of what he will become. These powers, as basic as they are, can destroy all obstacles in Starkiller's path, especially during the beginning of the game.
10 Force Lightning
Unlike a typical Jedi, One of Starkiller's most iconic traits is his ability to conjure lightning in his hands. This ability is particularly effective while engaging a lone enemy, though once Starkiller's powers increase he can direct this energy at groups, as the bolts will spread between them.
The Force Lightning ability is ideal for those who choose to engage an enemy from a distance as it allows one to remain out of the line of fire. The ability is unlocked on Raxus Prime, the second location Starkiller ventures to.
9 Force Gripping
The Force Grip ability is arguably one of the most effective means of respite in the game. It allows the player to select a foe and dangle them in the air. Though it can be quite comical when executed correctly, it also permits the player a moment to relax.
While suspended in midair, the players do not have to worry about any oncoming blaster bolts, as the target will be preoccupied with their newfound abilities in aviation. The enemy hovers above the ground, giving the player the option to throw them at other enemies, vehicles, or structures. Force Grip is undoubtedly one of the handiest abilities the player has during the early stages of the game.
8 Force Pushing
Though Force Push and Force Grip are most effective when paired together, Force Push is an astronomical power when used on its own. Most enemies in the game are susceptible to this power, particularly in the early stages, so it is only logical that the player will regularly utilize it throughout the beginning of the story. It is such a spectacle that it could easily be mistaken for a quick time event.
It can open reinforced doors with ease and decimate environments in seconds, so one can easily imagine its use in combat. When facing off with large groups of enemies, this ability will blow them away. It can even be used during boss fights when times correctly.
7 Lightsaber Throwing
The Lightsaber Throw has always been an iconic combat feature in Star Wars with the portrayal of Darth Vader casually tossing his own at his son Luke in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Though this ability is regularly used in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, this game's depiction of it is unlike any other.
The player can throw their lightsaber at individual enemies and groups of them, though its most exciting utilization is seen when Starkiller projects an enemy into the air before quickly firing his blade at them. It makes for quick and satisfying combat and will benefit the player attempting to deal with large numbers.
6 Force Repulsing
If Starkiller gets surrounded by enemies it may seem difficult to escape. Luckily, upon completing the first mission to Raxus Prime, Starkiller will learn the Force Repulse ability. This power operates similarly to Force Push, but on a far grander scale.
If the player deploys this move while surrounded by enemies Starkiller will produce a shield-like wave. This wave will quickly expand, knocking all enemies away from the player. It can also be used on bosses to briefly stun them. Force Repulse is a necessity in Starkiller's arsenal.
5 Lightning Shields
If enemies are proving to be a bigger problem than anticipated, Starkiller can form a Lightning Shield around him. This is an exclusive ability native to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 that allows the player to conjure a shield around their character, negating oncoming blasts and attacks. Starkiller is one of the few Jedi in the series with this power.
It has the power to block attacks from all angles, all while damaging foes who draw too close by electrocuting them. Lightning Shield assists players who refuse to admit defeat. For those who master the skills, it can also be utilized offensively.
4 Airship Destruction
-2.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=500&dpr=1.5)
For a game that focuses primarily on lightsaber combat, it may be difficult to believe that Starkiller's abilities permit him to wreak havoc on starships. Through the utilization of his Force Lightning abilities, Starkiller is capable of obliterating space shuttles by shocking them with lightning. Zone 1 of the TIE Factory allows the player to execute this skill continuously on low flying TIE Fighters.
There are seldom chances to do this during the game, but it does come into play later in the story and proves to be an essential ability for Starkiller.
3 Collecting Spheres
For Starkiller's powers to evolve, the player is required to collect spheres. These spheres allow the player to upgrade Starkiller's combat abilities and are incredibly useful if collected during the beginning of the game.
The TIE Factory offers spheres for those willing to look. If the player destroys five Tie Fighters they will be awarded a Talent Sphere, if they achieve 200,000 Force Points they will be given a Combo Sphere, and if they collect fifteen Holocrons they will be gifted a Power Sphere. These spheres can be used to increase Starkiller's vitality, damage output, and force abilities, and will benefit the player as the narrative progresses.
2 Movement Is Key
Starkiller is an extremely powerful character during cutscenes and quick-time events, but it is hard to deny his resemblance to a glass cannon during gameplay. Though his abilities are frighteningly strong, they will not benefit the player if he is gunned down before he can use them.
For boss fights and large enemy groups, the player must not remain in one place. The enemies of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed can easily swarm Starkiller and if this happens, the outcome may not be one the player desires. The player must approach each battle strategically to be crowned to villain.
1 Force Dashing
For players who want to quickly speed through sections of the game, the Force Dash ability will prove to be a fantastic ally. It can also be an addition to combat, allowing players to quickly zone in on a target to deal with before quickly retreating to avoid incoming attacks. This ability is included in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, confirming that it is canon in the Star Wars universe.
It is one of the best abilities the game offers that has uses in both movement and combat, making it a must-have for beginners. It can also be used while jumping as a means of accessing secret areas. It is undoubtedly one of the most important skills at the player's disposal. The Force Dash skill can later be upgraded to Double Dash, making it three times more powerful.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is available for Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and Nintendo Switch.