Summary
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter comes to modern platforms with modernized controls, and minimal visual improvements. If you are looking to relive what you remembered 22 years ago from its original release on GameCube or PlayStation 2, then it's perfect for you. Otherwise, this game could use more polish visually.
Developer – Aspyr
Publisher – Aspyr
Platforms – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher
It has been the decade of new Star Wars games including bringing back some of the classics that were enjoyed 20 years ago on PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube. Aspyr has brought back Star Wars: Bounty Hunter which was originally released in 2002 and has ported it over to all modern platforms.
In Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, you assume the role of Jango Fett, a bounty hunter operating before the creation of the clone army. The story takes place ten years before the events of Attack of the Clones and the game provides a deeper understanding of Jango Fett, who is Boba Fett’s father and well-liked in the Star Wars universe. Jango is also voiced by Temuera Morrison in the game.
When you hear the word port in regards to games these days you have to think there will be some visual and gameplay improvements with it. Since this is a port, visually, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is not going to impress you with stunning new visuals like a proper remaster would.
While there are some modern upgrades to the game such as its performance, it is still lacking some other gameplay upgrades. What’s surprising to me is that this port of Star Wars: Bounty Hunter does not feature a mini-map so you can tell where you are and possibly need to go. It would be nice to have some sort of a waypoint system so you can tell where to go next. There are times when you’ll circle the same area to figure out where to go next to complete an objective.
The camera controls were a much-needed improvement in Star Wars: Bounty Hunter and Aspyr nailed it with this port.
Another option that is not featured for this native port is for different difficulties. As you progress through the story, the game will gradually become more challenging, as it always has. It would have been nice to have the option to choose a higher difficulty if I wanted to challenge myself more than what the game offers.
The game definitely could have used more polish for its gameplay and visuals. I would have loved to see a full remaster that included significant graphical updates. It almost feels like a missed opportunity to give Bounty Hunter the proper remaster that it deserves.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter in 2024 comes with nothing drastically different than it did 22 years ago. If you are feeling nostalgic and want to relive what you remembered on the Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2, this port from Aspyr will be perfect for you.
