Super Star Wars: Teikoku no Gyakushuu (1993)
Super Star Wars: Teikoku no Gyakushuu (literally "Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back") is an action-platformer game developed and published by Victory Entertainment (Human Entertainment) for the Super Famicom, released on December 17, 1993. It is the second entry in the Super Star Wars series, based on the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back. The game follows the events of the film, with players controlling Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo through a series of levels that recreate iconic scenes. Victory Entertainment, known for their Fire Pro Wrestling series, brought their action expertise to this licensed title.
Gameplay and Action-Platforming Mechanics
Super Star Wars: Teikoku no Gyakushuu is a side-scrolling action-platformer where players can switch between characters, each with unique abilities: Luke uses his lightsaber, Leia uses a blaster, and Han uses his blaster and can pilot the Millennium Falcon in certain sections. The game features a "force" system for Luke, where he can use force powers to aid in combat and puzzle-solving. The game's levels are diverse, ranging from the ice planet Hoth to the swampy Dagobah and the Cloud City of Bespin, each filled with enemies, traps, and secrets. The game also features a "vehicle" system, where players can pilot snowspeeders and the Millennium Falcon in shooting sections.
The game includes boss fights against iconic villains, including the Wampa, the Imperial AT-AT walkers, and Darth Vader. The game's difficulty is challenging, with a steep learning curve. The game's visual style is detailed and atmospheric, with large, expressive character sprites and beautifully rendered backgrounds. The soundtrack features themes from the film's score, composed by John Williams, adding to the cinematic atmosphere.
Super Star Wars: Teikoku no Gyakushuu received positive reviews for its faithful adaptation and solid action, becoming a popular title among fans of the franchise. It remains a nostalgic classic for Star Wars fans and a standout title in the licensed game genre.