Star Wars (1991 video game): Difference between revisions

Star Wars
Star Wars
	European NES cover art
Developer(s)	Lucasfilm Games (NES); Beam Software (NES); NMS Software (GB); Tiertex (GG/MS)
Publisher(s)	JP: Victor; INT: JVC; NA: Capcom (GB); NA: Nintendo (GB Players Choice); NA/EU: U.S. Gold (GG/MS); EU: Ubi Soft (GB);
Designer(s)	Akila Redmer
Programmer(s)	Andrew Carter
Artist(s)	Gary Winnick; Harrison Fong; Armand Cabrera; Jon Knoles
Composer(s)	Marshall Parker
Platform(s)	Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Master System, Game Gear
Release	November 15, 1991 Famicom/NES JP: November 15, 1991; NA: November 1991; EU: March 26, 1992; Game Boy NA: November 1992; EU: June 17, 1993; NA: 1996 (Players Choice); Game Gear NA/EU: 1993; Master System EU: October 1993; ;
Genre(s)	Action, platformer
Mode(s)	Single-player

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Star Wars is an action game based on the film Star Wars. It was released by Victor Musical Industries for the Family Computer in Japan on November 15, 1991 and by JVC Musical Industries for the Nintendo Entertainment System in North America in November 1991 and in Europe on March 26, 1992. An official mail order "Hint Book" was available for the game upon its release.^[8]

Two versions for handheld game consoles were released. The Game Boy port was developed by NMS Software and published by Capcom and released shortly less than a year later in 1992. The Game Gear port was developed by Tiertex Design Studios and published by U.S. Gold and released in 1993.^[9] A Master System version was also released.

The game was followed by a sequel with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 1992. An NES game adaptation of Return of the Jedi never came into fruition. A counterpart of the game for the Super NES titled Super Star Wars was developed and released.

On June 28, 2019, the NES and Game Boy versions were re-released as part of both standard and "Collector's Edition" sets in limited quantities on unlicensed replica game cartridges by Limited Run Games.

Gameplay

The game follows a sequence of events loosely based on the plot of Star Wars, where Luke Skywalker is required to pilot a landspeeder around Tatooine, collect R2-D2 from the Sandcrawler, Obi-Wan Kenobi from a cave, and Han Solo from the Mos Eisley bar, all while fighting stormtroopers, Tusken Raiders, and many other different enemy characters from the movies. After assembling all the game's characters, the player must navigate the Millennium Falcon in a first-person perspective through an asteroid field to reach the Death Star (shields for the Millennium Falcon to withstand the asteroid field must also be collected in the Tatooine levels). Once arriving at the Death Star, the player is required to destroy the tractor beam generator, rescue Princess Leia from the detention block, then proceed to destroy the Death Star with the rebel fighters.

Each character has their own attributes. Han Solo and Leia can also be used to replace Luke in gameplay, but unlike Luke who has numerous lives, Han and Leia only have one life each. Obi-Wan Kenobi can resurrect Han Solo or Princess Leia five times (in the Game Gear and Master System versions, the player is even required to kill and resurrect them in order to earn the last 10% completion points and see the ending), R2-D2 can display a map of the Death Star hallways, and C-3PO can provide information on the current part of the game. Darth Vader makes his only appearance on the Game Over screen.

Chewbacca appears at the end of the Game Boy version, and is mentioned in passing several times in the NES version. It is implied in the game's instruction manual that Chewie flies the Millennium Falcon if Han Solo dies.

The Game Gear version has several exclusive levels, including a level that sees Leia delivering the stolen plans to R2-D2. Additionally, the Tatooine hub world does not appear in this version, and is replaced with three side-scrolling levels through the desert that Luke is required to travel on foot.^{[citation needed]}

Reception

Victor Lucas of The Electric Playground gave the Game Gear version a 7 out of 10 and wrote, "Star Wars does feature some impressive artistic design and a few technical surprises. It's still one of the sharpest looking games available for Sega's 8-bit portable".^[9] Power Unlimited gave the Game Boy version a score of 65% summarizing: "Although this Star Wars game is incredibly versatile, it is hardly manageable. The graphics are too complicated for the Game Boy, the image is too dark and the controls are not precise enough. However, it can be played for a very long time."^[13]

The Game Gear version was a runner-up for GamePro's 1993 Hand-Held Game of the Year award.^[14]

References

^ "NES Games" (PDF). Nintendo of America. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 11, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
^ https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/1903/
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Famicom and NES Information". Retrieved 2013-11-01.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g "Game Boy Information". Retrieved 2013-11-01.
^ "Master System Review" (PDF). Sega Power. Future plc. p. 58. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
^ ^a ^b "Game Gear Information". Retrieved 2013-11-01.
^ ^a ^b "Master System Information". Retrieved 2013-11-01.
^ "Star Wars: Hint Book, publication details". Retrieved 2014-12-29.
^ ^a ^b Lucas, Victor (1997-05-26). "Star Wars (Game Gear) review". The Electric Playground. Archived from the original on 1997-06-18.
^ Christopher Michael Baker. "Star Wars (NES) Review". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
^ Sutyak, Jonathan. "Star Wars (Game Gear) Review". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
^ "Power Unlimited Game Database". Power Unlimited. Archived from the original on October 21, 2003. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
^ "Power Unlimited Game Database". Power Unlimited. Archived from the original on October 21, 2003. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
^ "Editor's Choice Awards". GamePro. No. 55. IDG. February 1994. p. 23.

External links

[NintendoList-1] "NES Games" (PDF). Nintendo of America. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 11, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2015.

[2] ttps://www.famitsu.com/games/t/1903/

[fcnes-3] "Famicom and NES Information". Retrieved 2013-11-01.

[gb-4] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g "Game Boy Information". Retrieved 2013-11-01.

[5] "Master System Review" (PDF). Sega Power. Future plc. p. 58. Retrieved 24 September 2024.

[gg-6] "Game Gear Information". Retrieved 2013-11-01.

[ms-7] "Master System Information". Retrieved 2013-11-01.

[8] "Star Wars: Hint Book, publication details". Retrieved 2014-12-29.

[EP-9] Lucas, Victor (1997-05-26). "Star Wars (Game Gear) review". The Electric Playground. Archived from the original on 1997-06-18.

[10] Christopher Michael Baker. "Star Wars (NES) Review". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 16, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2022.

[11] Sutyak, Jonathan. "Star Wars (Game Gear) Review". Allgame. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2022.

[12] "Power Unlimited Game Database". Power Unlimited. Archived from the original on October 21, 2003. Retrieved December 13, 2024.

[13] "Power Unlimited Game Database". Power Unlimited. Archived from the original on October 21, 2003. Retrieved December 13, 2024.

[gamepro_goty-14] "Editor's Choice Awards". GamePro. No. 55. IDG. February 1994. p. 23.

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@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 |title = Star Wars
 |image = JVC Star Wars.jpg
-|caption = European NES Cover art
+|caption = European NES cover art
 |developer = [[LucasArts|Lucasfilm Games]] (NES)<br>[[Beam Software]] (NES)<ref name=fcnes>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/nes/570604-star-wars/data|title=Famicom and NES Information|access-date=2013-11-01}}</ref><br>NMS Software (GB)<ref name=gb>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/gameboy/563295-star-wars/data|title=Game Boy Information|access-date=2013-11-01}}</ref><br>[[Tiertex Design Studios|Tiertex]] (GG/MS)<ref name=gg>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/gamegear/586823-star-wars/data|title=Game Gear Information|access-date=2013-11-01}}</ref><ref name=ms>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/sms/575967-star-wars/data|title=Master System Information|access-date=2013-11-01}}</ref>
-|publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|[[JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment#Video games|Victor]]<ref name=fcnes/><br>INT: [[JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment#Video games|JVC]]<ref name=fcnes/>}}{{vgrelease|NA|[[Capcom]] (GB)<ref name=gb/>|NA|[[Nintendo]] (GB Players Choice)<ref name=gb/>|[[North America|NA]]/[[Europe|EU]]|[[U.S. Gold]] (GG/MS)<ref name=gg/><ref name=ms/>|EU|[[Ubi Soft]] (GB)<ref name=gb/>|SA|[[Tec Toy]]<ref name=ms/>}}
+|publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|[[JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment#Video games|Victor]]<ref name=fcnes/><br>INT: [[JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment#Video games|JVC]]<ref name=fcnes/>}}{{vgrelease|NA|[[Capcom]] (GB)<ref name=gb/>|NA|[[Nintendo]] (GB Players Choice)<ref name=gb/>|[[North America|NA]]/[[Europe|EU]]|[[U.S. Gold]] (GG/MS)<ref name=gg/><ref name=ms/>|EU|[[Ubi Soft]] (GB)<ref name=gb/>}}
 |designer = Akila Redmer
 |artist = [[Gary Winnick (game developer)|Gary Winnick]]<br>Harrison Fong<br>Armand Cabrera<br>Jon Knoles
 |programmer = Andrew Carter
 |composer = Marshall Parker
-|released = {{collapsible list|title=November 15, 1991|'''Famicom/NES'''{{vgrelease|JP|November 15, 1991<ref name=fcnes/>|NA|November 1991<ref name=fcnes/>|EU|March 26, 1992<ref name=fcnes/>}}'''Game Boy'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 1992<ref name=gb/>|EU|June 17, 1993<ref name=gb/>|NA|1996 <small>(Players Choice)</small><ref name=gb/>}}'''Game Gear'''{{vgrelease|[[North America|NA]]/[[Europe|EU]]|1993}}'''Master System'''{{vgrelease|EU|1993<ref name=ms/>|SA|1993<ref name=ms/>}}}}
+|released = {{collapsible list|title=November 15, 1991|'''Famicom/NES'''{{vgrelease|JP|November 15, 1991<ref>https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/1903/</ref>|NA|November 1991<ref name="NintendoList">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/nes_games.pdf |publisher=Nintendo of America |access-date=August 9, 2015 |title=NES Games |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611225644/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/nes_games.pdf |archive-date=June 11, 2014 }}</ref>|EU|March 26, 1992<ref name=fcnes/>}}'''Game Boy'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 1992<ref name=gb/>|EU|June 17, 1993<ref name=gb/>|NA|1996 <small>(Players Choice)</small><ref name=gb/>}}'''Game Gear'''{{vgrelease|[[North America|NA]]/[[Europe|EU]]|1993}}'''Master System'''{{vgrelease|EU|October 1993<ref>{{cite web|title=Master System Review |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/b/b9/SegaPower_UK_47.pdf|work=[[Sega Power]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|accessdate=24 September 2024 |page=58}}</ref>}}}}
-|genre = [[Two-dimensional|2D]] [[Action game|Action]] [[Platform game|Platformer]]
+|genre = [[Action game|Action]], [[Platform game|platformer]]
 |modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
 |platforms = [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Game Boy]], [[Master System]], [[Game Gear]]
 }}
-'''''Star Wars''''' is an [[action game]] based on the [[Star Wars (film)|1977 film of the same name]]. It was released by [[JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment#Video games|Victor Musical Industries]] for the Family Computer in Japan on November 15, 1991 and by JVC Musical Industries for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] in North America in November 1991 and in Europe on March 26, 1992. An official [[mail order]] "Hint Book" was available for the game upon its release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://openlibrary.org/works/OL17078805W/Star_Wars|title=Star Wars: Hint Book, publication details|access-date=2014-12-29}}</ref>
+'''''Star Wars''''' is an [[action game]] based on the film ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]''. It was released by [[JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment#Video games|Victor Musical Industries]] for the Family Computer in Japan on November 15, 1991 and by JVC Musical Industries for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] in North America in November 1991 and in Europe on March 26, 1992. An official [[mail order]] "Hint Book" was available for the game upon its release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://openlibrary.org/works/OL17078805W/Star_Wars|title=Star Wars: Hint Book, publication details|access-date=2014-12-29}}</ref>
 Two versions for [[handheld game console]]s were released. The [[Game Boy]] port was developed by NMS Software and published by [[Capcom]] and released shortly less than a year later in 1992. The [[Game Gear]] port was developed by [[Tiertex Design Studios]] and published by [[U.S. Gold]] and released in 1993.<ref name=EP/> A [[Master System]] version was also released.
-The game was followed by a sequel, ''[[Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1992 video game)|Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back]]'', but there never was an NES game for [[Return of the Jedi]]. A counterpart of the game for the [[Super NES]], ''[[Super Star Wars]]'', was released as well. On June 28, 2019, the NES and Game Boy versions were officially re-released in both standard and Collector's Edition sets with [[Disney]] and [[Lucasfilm]]'s approval in limited quantities on unlicensed replica game cartridges by [[Limited Run Games]].
+The game was followed by a sequel with ''[[Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1992 video game)|Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back]]'' in 1992. An NES game adaptation of ''[[Return of the Jedi]]'' never came into fruition. A counterpart of the game for the [[Super NES]] titled ''[[Super Star Wars]]'' was developed and released.
+On June 28, 2019, the NES and Game Boy versions were re-released as part of both standard and "Collector's Edition" sets in limited quantities on unlicensed replica game cartridges by [[Limited Run Games]].
 ==Gameplay==
-[[File:Starwars 2.png|thumb|left|NES screenshot]]
+[[File:Starwars 2.png|thumb|left|Gameplay screenshot from the NES version of the game, showing Luke Skywalker navigating a cave on Tatooine]]
-The game follows a sequence of events close to the storyline of [[Star Wars (film)|A New Hope]], where [[Luke Skywalker]] has to pilot a [[landspeeder]] around [[Tatooine]], collect [[R2-D2]] from the [[Sandcrawler]], [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] from a cave, and [[Han Solo]] from the [[Mos Eisley]] bar, while fighting stormtroopers, sand people, and many other different enemy characters from the movies. After assembling all the characters, the player navigates the Millennium Falcon in a first-person perspective through an asteroid field to the [[Death Star]] (shields for the Millennium Falcon to withstand the asteroid field must also be collected in the Tatooine levels). Once arriving at the Death Star, the player is required to destroy the tractor beam generator, rescue [[Princess Leia]] from the detention block, then proceed to destroy the Death Star with the rebel fighters.
+The game follows a sequence of events loosely based on the plot of ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'', where [[Luke Skywalker]] is required to pilot a [[landspeeder]] around [[Tatooine]], collect [[R2-D2]] from the [[Sandcrawler]], [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] from a cave, and [[Han Solo]] from the [[Mos Eisley]] bar, all while fighting [[stormtrooper (Star Wars)|stormtroopers]], [[Tusken Raiders]], and many other different enemy characters from the movies. After assembling all the game's characters, the player must navigate the Millennium Falcon in a first-person perspective through an asteroid field to reach the [[Death Star]] (shields for the Millennium Falcon to withstand the asteroid field must also be collected in the Tatooine levels). Once arriving at the Death Star, the player is required to destroy the tractor beam generator, rescue [[Princess Leia]] from the detention block, then proceed to destroy the Death Star with the rebel fighters.
+Each character has their own attributes. Han Solo and Leia can also be used to replace Luke in gameplay, but unlike Luke who has numerous lives, Han and Leia only have one life each. Obi-Wan Kenobi can resurrect Han Solo or Princess Leia five times (in the Game Gear and Master System versions, the player is even required to kill and resurrect them in order to earn the last 10% completion points and see the ending), [[R2-D2]] can display a map of the Death Star hallways, and [[C-3PO]] can provide information on the current part of the game. [[Darth Vader]] makes his only appearance on the Game Over screen.
-The Game Gear version has a few exclusive levels. The first level has Leia delivering the stolen plans to R2-D2. The speeder overworld is replaced with three side-scrolling levels through the desert where Luke has to travel on foot.
+[[Chewbacca]] appears at the end of the Game Boy version, and is mentioned in passing several times in the NES version. It is implied in the game's instruction manual that Chewie flies the Millennium Falcon if Han Solo dies.
-Each character has different attributes. Han Solo and Leia can also be used to replace Luke in gameplay, but unlike Luke who has numerous lives, Han and Leia only have one life each. Obi-Wan Kenobi can resurrect Han Solo or Princess Leia five times (in the Game Gear and Master System versions, the player is even required to kill and resurrect them in order to earn the last 10% completion points and see the ending), [[R2-D2]] can display a map of the Death Star hallways, and [[C-3PO]] can provide information on the current part of the game. [[Darth Vader]] makes his only appearance on the Game Over screen.
+The Game Gear version has several exclusive levels, including a level that sees Leia delivering the stolen plans to R2-D2. Additionally, the Tatooine hub world does not appear in this version, and is replaced with three side-scrolling levels through the desert that Luke is required to travel on foot.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}
-[[Chewbacca]] appears at the end of the Game Boy version, and is mentioned in passing a few times. It is noted in the instruction manual that Chewie flies the Millennium Falcon if Han Solo dies.
 ==Reception==
+{{Video game reviews
-Victor Lucas of ''[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]'' gave the Game Gear version a 7 out of 10 and wrote, "''Star Wars'' does feature some impressive artistic design and a few technical surprises. It's still one of the sharpest looking games available for Sega's 8-bit portable".<ref name=EP>{{cite web |url= http://www.elecplay.com/portable/starwarsgg.html|title= Star Wars (Game Gear) review|last= Lucas|first= Victor|date= 1997-05-26|website= [[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/19970618055202/http://www.elecplay.com/portable/starwarsgg.html|archive-date= 1997-06-18}}</ref>
+| Allgame = {{rating|4|5}} (NES)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christopher Michael Baker |title=Star Wars (NES) Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=13809&tab=review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116004226/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=13809&tab=review |archive-date=November 16, 2014 |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=Allgame}}</ref><br>{{rating|3|5}} (GG)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sutyak |first=Jonathan |title=Star Wars (Game Gear) Review |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1493&tab=review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115084113/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=1493&tab=review |archive-date=November 15, 2014 |access-date=November 22, 2022 |website=Allgame}}</ref>
+| rev1 = [[Power Unlimited]]
+| rev1Score = 65% (GB)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Power Unlimited Game Database |url=http://www.powerweb.nl/database/img/index.php?page=database&&query%5border%5d=datum&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=140 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031021212640/http://www.powerweb.nl:80/database/img/index.php?page=database&&query%5border%5d=datum&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=140 |archive-date=October 21, 2003 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |website=Power Unlimited}}</ref>
+}}
+Victor Lucas of ''[[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]'' gave the Game Gear version a 7 out of 10 and wrote, "''Star Wars'' does feature some impressive artistic design and a few technical surprises. It's still one of the sharpest looking games available for Sega's 8-bit portable".<ref name=EP>{{cite web |url= http://www.elecplay.com/portable/starwarsgg.html|title= Star Wars (Game Gear) review|last= Lucas|first= Victor|date= 1997-05-26|website= [[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/19970618055202/http://www.elecplay.com/portable/starwarsgg.html|archive-date= 1997-06-18}}</ref> Power Unlimited gave the Game Boy version a score of 65% summarizing: "Although this Star Wars game is incredibly versatile, it is hardly manageable. The graphics are too complicated for the Game Boy, the image is too dark and the controls are not precise enough. However, it can be played for a very long time."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Power Unlimited Game Database |url=http://www.powerweb.nl/database/img/index.php?page=database&&query%5border%5d=datum&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=140 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031021212640/http://www.powerweb.nl:80/database/img/index.php?page=database&&query%5border%5d=datum&ending=ASC&query%5bstart%5d=140 |archive-date=October 21, 2003 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |website=Power Unlimited}}</ref>
+The Game Gear version was a runner-up for ''[[GamePro]]''{{'}}s 1993 Hand-Held Game of the Year award.<ref name="gamepro_goty">{{cite magazine |title=Editor's Choice Awards |magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=February 1994 |issue=55 |page=23 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]}}</ref>
 ==References==
@@ Line 48: / Line 57: @@
 [[Category:1991 video games]]
-[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
+[[Category:Beam Software games]]
-[[Category:Master System games]]
+[[Category:Capcom games]]
-[[Category:Platform games]]
 [[Category:Game Boy games]]
 [[Category:Game Gear games]]
-[[Category:Star Wars (film) video games]]
 [[Category:LucasArts games]]
-[[Category:Ubisoft games]]
+[[Category:Master System games]]
-[[Category:U.S. Gold games]]
+[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
+[[Category:NMS Software games]]
+[[Category:Platformers]]
+[[Category:Single-player video games]]
+[[Category:Star Wars (film) video games]]
+[[Category:Tiertex Design Studios games]]
+[[Category:Victor Entertainment games]]
+[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
 [[Category:Video games developed in Australia]]
+[[Category:U.S. Gold games]]
+[[Category:Ubisoft games]]

Publication	Score
AllGame	(NES)^[10] (GG)^[11]
Power Unlimited	65% (GB)^[12]