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The Basics:
Platform: PC/Xbox
Developer: LucasArts
Price: $49.99
ESRB rating: T (Teen)

Summary: Fast-paced, squad-based combat in the Star Wars universe.

Note: Parents will appreciate that there are few language concerns or sexual references. Also the game encourages team work and some creative thinking. However, there are significant amounts of violence, some of it graphic and gory.

Further Breakdown:

Overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Best for ages: 14+
Playability: Very Good. Commanding your squad is as easy as hitting a button.
Graphics: Very Good. Detailed and well-designed environments.
Entertainment value: Very Good. Fast reflexes as well as some strategy are used to win this game.
Educational value: Some encouragement of team work.
Reading Level: 5+. Most of the game's storyline is delivered through animated cut scenes.

Ages 3-7: Red
Ages 8-12: Yellow
Ages 13-17: Green
Violence Amount: Red
Fear: Yellow
Illegal/harmful: Green
Language: Green
Nudity: Green
Sex: Green

Review:
The Star Wars universe continues to grow with STAR WARS: REPUBLIC COMMANDO, the latest installment from LucasArts. You and your squad-mates are elite commandos of the Republic's clone forces. Named only by your batch number, "Delta 38," you have been chosen to lead your squad of four through three separate, but interconnected campaigns. Throughout the game you will be taking on the varied and sometimes frightening forces of the trade federation-including Trandoshan Slavers, Battle Droids and Geonosian Warriors. Star Wars fans will be pleased with the relatively well-written storyline, which provides a subtle preview to the upcoming Star Wars Episode III movie; however, they may be surprised to find the game lacks some "typical" Star Wars elements-meaning no Jedi, no Force and no X-wings.

There are several positive aspects to Republic Commando. Although the game is violent, there are few language concerns or sexual references-which could not be said for many of the current, popular first-person-shooter types of games. The highlight of the game, however, is the emphasis on team work. Even though your squad members are generally controlled by the computer, you must occasionally direct them to perform specific, strategic actions-advising them to take a sniper position, set demolition charges or hack computer systems. In addition, if your character goes down, the game isn't quite over-the computer-controlled buddies can come over and attempt to protect you and then revive your character. Despite the potential complexity of squad-based play, the game is a breeze to control-commanding the squad is typically as easy as pressing one button, and the game's AI (Artificial Intelligence) is surprisingly robust, with the computer's characters typically making smart decisions and requiring little micro-managing.

Despite the positives there are some things parents may wish to be aware of. The battles can get a little frenetic at times. Enemies that are killed up-close will splatter guts over your helmet, making it difficult to see. Corpses can be kicked around or if killed on a platform, slide to the floor-disappearing a few moments later. In short, the game has plenty of violence and some of it can be a bit gross. In a lot of ways, this is a detriment-it really takes away from the Star Wars feel, which at least in this reviewer's mind, was never strictly about the battles. Perhaps this is a nod to the direction of the latest movie, which is slated to be the first PG-13 Star Wars film.

Also, as mentioned earlier, your character (along with the rest of the squad) is a clone, which considering all of the recent concerns and questions regarding human cloning is not as fanciful or as futuristic as it may seem. Although little real emphasis is placed on the player being a clone, it may be an opportune time for parents to discuss the moral/social implications of cloning.

Overall, Star Wars: Republic Commando still ends up being a good game for teens and above. It's fun to play, and the squad-based aspect adds an interesting approach, differentiating it from many other first-person shooters. Nonetheless, parents should be aware that the game's grittier and more graphic approach makes it unsuitable for younger players.