As one of three Jedi Knights (or more than one, if you have a second player for cooperative mode), you take on the entire Trade Federation battle droid army in an attempt to reach Naboo, save Jar Jar and the Queen (and yes, you do have to save Jar Jar), and safeguard these two and a certain young potential Jedi from battle droids, Darth Maul and other menaces. And these aren't your wimpy battle droids who short circuit if you tell 'em you're taking the queen to Coruscant, either - these are kick-ass droids with slick martial arts moves who can inflict some serious damage. But then again...so can you. (LucasArts/THQ, 2001)

When I first heard the title Jedi Power Battles in connection with the Game Boy Advance, my initial reaction was, more or less, "You've got to be kidding me." The Playstation edition (which we reviewed already in Pixel Fiction) was itself a graphic and sonic marvel, and compared to the albatross that was the first Star Wars Episode I video game, it was relatively easy to play. The Game Boy Advance edition is even easier to play, with its somewhat simplified controls and a clearer idea of where you can explore: no longer a free-floating-camera environment, your surroundings are rendered in a three-quarter isometric view (think the classic arcade game Zaxxon here); you have a clearer idea of what's explorable territory and what isn't. Occasionally, in scenes such as the conveyor belt and the catwalk grid aboard the Trade Federation control ship, the view switches to more of an overhead angle, which can pose a bit of a problem at times...but not much. The sound is remarkable, with John Williams' invasion theme - reproduced with amazing clarity - driving the action.

It's truly remarkable to see this much game on this small a console. Very highly recommended!

Rating:  Four quarters - a couple of minor irritants, but mostly a compelling and addictive game.