STAR WARS Dark Forces

How I Discovered the Game

  I discovered Star Wars: Dark Forces while searching for games similar to the original DOOM. I wanted something that captured the fast-paced, intense action of id Software’s classic but with a different setting. That’s when I found Dark Forces, a game that takes the core gameplay of DOOM but blends it perfectly with the Star Wars universe. Instead of demons from hell, I was blasting through stormtroopers, dark troopers, and various Imperial threats, all while immersing myself in the aesthetics and sound design of Star Wars. What stood out to me immediately was how Dark Forces wasn’t just a DOOM clone with a Star Wars skin—it had its own mechanics, such as the ability to look up and down, jump, and interact with more complex level designs. It was exactly what I was looking for: a game that delivered DOOM-style action but within one of the most iconic sci-fi universes of all time.

Gameplay

   If you're familiar with DOOM, you'll feel right at home in Dark Forces. However, while it follows a similar fast-paced, run-and-gun style, it brings key improvements that make it stand out. Unlike the original DOOM, Dark Forces introduced jumping, crouching, and the ability to look up and down, which were revolutionary features for an FPS at the time. This added more verticality and complexity to level design, making exploration more engaging.

   The shooting mechanics are solid, with a satisfying arsenal of Star Wars-themed weapons, from the classic Imperial blaster to more powerful explosive weaponry. Enemy AI is fairly simple but effective, with stormtroopers often moving in groups and attempting to overwhelm you. Boss encounters are also a highlight, offering memorable fights against some of the most feared figures in the Empire.

   The game’s pacing is excellent, with each mission feeling distinct, whether you’re infiltrating an Imperial base, sabotaging a secret project, or escaping enemy forces. The difficulty is well-balanced, providing a challenge without feeling unfair, though some missions can become quite tricky due to complex level layouts and limited ammo.

Story and Atmosphere

   For an FPS of its time, Dark Forces actually put some effort into storytelling. You play as Kyle Katarn, a former Imperial officer turned mercenary working for the Rebel Alliance. The game follows his mission to uncover and stop the Empire’s Dark Trooper Project, a secret initiative to develop deadly new battle droids and power-armored stormtroopers.

The narrative unfolds through briefing cutscenes between missions, featuring voiced dialogue and cinematic-style storytelling, which was fairly advanced for a mid-90s shooter. While the story isn’t incredibly deep, it’s engaging enough to keep you invested, especially if you’re a Star Wars fan. The game does a fantastic job of capturing the gritty, lived-in feel of the Star Wars universe, from the oppressive corridors of Imperial bases to the neon-lit underworld of Nar Shaddaa.

Graphics and Art Direction

   By today’s standards, Dark Forces is obviously dated, but for its time, it was visually impressive. It used the Jedi Engine, which allowed for more detailed environments and higher resolution textures compared to DOOM. The game featured multi-level structures, sloped surfaces, and interactive elements that helped create more immersive and believable environments.

The sprite work is solid, with iconic Star Wars characters and enemies being instantly recognizable despite the pixelated aesthetic. The levels do an excellent job of replicating the look and feel of Star Wars environments, making you feel like you’re truly infiltrating Imperial bases or sneaking through secret facilities.

Music and Sound

   One of the biggest strengths of Dark Forces is its authentic Star Wars sound design. The game features remastered versions of John Williams’ iconic soundtrack, which instantly immerses you in the Star Wars universe. The sound effects are spot on, from the distinct hum of a blaster shot to the mechanical breathing of Dark Troopers.

   Voice acting is also present, which was a rarity for FPS games at the time. While the performances are somewhat limited due to the technology of the era, they add a nice cinematic touch that enhances the storytelling.

Star Wars: Dark Forces on Steam Deck

   One of the key aspects of my reviews is testing how well games run on the Steam Deck, rather than simply trusting Steam’s Deck Verified labels. My goal is to help Steam Deck owners understand whether a game is truly playable.

   Thankfully, Dark Forces runs perfectly on the Steam Deck without requiring any modifications. The game is lightweight and runs at a locked 60 FPS even with high-resolution mods applied. Additionally, the controls translate well to the handheld, with easy customization options available to improve the experience.

Recommended Settings for Steam Deck:

• Resolution: 1280x800 (native Steam Deck resolution)
• Frame Rate: 60 FPS locked
• Mods: High-resolution texture packs work without issues
• Battery Life: Around 5+ hours due to low hardware demand

If you want a portable Star Wars FPS experience, Dark Forces is an excellent choice.

Final Verdict

   Star Wars: Dark Forces is more than just a DOOM clone—it’s a fantastic Star Wars shooter that still holds up today. With its engaging gameplay, strong atmosphere, and solid level design, it’s a must-play for both classic FPS fans and Star Wars enthusiasts. If you’re looking for fast-paced blaster action with a nostalgic feel, this is one of the best Star Wars games from the 90s. Highly recommended!