View source for Star Wars: Dark Forces

{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{Redirect|Dark Forces}}
{{use mdy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Star Wars: Dark Forces
| image = Dark Forces box cover.jpg
| caption = MS-DOS cover art
| developer = [[LucasArts]]{{efn|The remastered version was developed by [[Nightdive Studios]].}}
| publisher = LucasArts{{efn|The remastered version was published by [[Nightdive Studios]].}}
| director = Daron Stinnett
| designer = Daron Stinnett<br>Ray Gresko<br>Justin Chin
| artist = Justin Chin<br/>Collette Michaud
| writer = Justin Chin
| programmer = Daron Stinnett<br/>Ray Gresko<br/>Winston Wolff
| composer = [[Clint Bajakian]]
| released = {{Collapsible list
| title = {{nobold|March 8, 1995}}
| '''MS-DOS'''
| {{vgrelease|NA|March 8, 1995<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-new-game-features/133995119/ |title=New game features 'Star Wars' universe |first=Mike |last=Snider |agency=[[Gannett News Service]] |newspaper=[[Battle Creek Enquirer]] |date=March 10, 1995 |page=8A |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=October 24, 2023 |archive-date=October 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024163852/https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-new-game-features/133995119/ |url-status=live}}</ref>|EU|March 10, 1995<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/games-world-12/page/8/mode/2up |title=The Game Brain |magazine=Games World: The Magazine |issue=12 |date=June 1995 |publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]] |page=93 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=October 24, 2023 |quote=Dark Forces is already on sale matey, it was released on 10th March and retails at around £49.99. As for the leather-clad Full Throttle, that will see the light of day on 1st May and will also cost £49.99.}}</ref>}}
| '''Mac OS'''
| {{vgrelease|NA/EU|1995<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lucasarts.com/static/milestones.html |title=LucasArts Milestones |year=1996 |publisher=[[LucasArts]] |archive-date=December 23, 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961223155059/http://www.lucasarts.com/static/milestones.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
| '''PlayStation'''
| {{vgrelease|NA|November 26, 1996<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 11, 1998|title=The PlayStation Galleria|url=http://www.vidgames.com/ps/software/release.html#1996 |access-date=October 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980611181118/http://www.vidgames.com/ps/software/release.html#1996 |archive-date=June 11, 1998 }}</ref>}}
| '''Nintendo Switch, Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S'''
| February 28, 2024
}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| series = ''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight]]''
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| engine = [[Jedi (game engine)|Jedi]]{{efn|[[KEX Engine]] was used for the remaster.}}
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[MS-DOS]]|[[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]]|[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}}
}}

'''''Star Wars: Dark Forces''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] video game developed and published by [[LucasArts]]. It was released in 1995 for [[MS-DOS]] and [[Macintosh]], and in 1996 for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. The story is set in the [[Star Wars expanded to other media|''Star Wars'' expanded universe]] and begins shortly before the original ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' film, before flashing forward to a year after the film's events. The game's protagonist and playable character is [[Kyle Katarn]], a mercenary working on behalf of the [[Rebel Alliance]] who discovers the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]]'s secret Dark Trooper Project, which involves the development of a series of powerful new [[battle droid]]s and [[Power Armor|power-armored]] [[Stormtrooper (Star Wars)|stormtroopers]].

''Dark Forces'' uses the [[Jedi (game engine)|Jedi game engine]], which was developed specifically for the game. The engine adds gameplay features that were uncommon to the first-person shooter genre at the time of release, including level designs with multiple floors, and the ability to look up and down.

Upon release, the PC and Macintosh versions of the game received generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised its level design and technological advances, though the PlayStation version was criticized for having poor graphics and slow [[frame rate]]s which make it much less enjoyable than the computer versions. The game also did well financially, selling almost 1 million copies in the United States by 1999. The game's success launched the ''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight]]'' series, beginning with the direct sequel ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]'' in 1997.

A remastered version of the game was developed by [[Nightdive Studios]], and was released on [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]],  [[Xbox One]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]] on February 28, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McCaffrey |first1=Ryan |title=Dark Forces Remaster Announced for PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dark-forces-remaster-announced-for-pc-xbox-playstation-and-switch |website=IGN |date=August 23, 2023 |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=25 August 2023 |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825143304/https://www.ign.com/articles/dark-forces-remaster-announced-for-pc-xbox-playstation-and-switch |url-status=live }}</ref> A community made port entitled The Force Engine reached 1.0 on December 20, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/classic-fps-star-wars-dark-forces-has-gotten-a-well-deserved-glow-up|website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|title=Classic FPS Star Wars: Dark Forces has gotten a well deserved glow-up|first=CJ|last=Wheeler|date=2022-12-20|access-date=2024-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/star-wars-dark-forces-is-now-playable-in-4k-thanks-to-fan-made-engine-3369666|title='Star Wars: Dark Forces' is now playable in 4K thanks to fan-made engine|first=Cheri|last=Faulkner|date=2022-12-20|access-date=2024-05-19|website=[[NME]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/use-force-engine-10-to-play-star-wars-dark-forces|title=Use The Force Engine 1.0 To Play Star Wars: Dark Forces|date=2022-12-20|first=Patrick|last=Perrault|access-date=2024-05-19|website=TechRaptor}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/this-is-the-remastered-star-wars-game-ive-waited-27-years-for/|website=[[GamesRadar]]|title=This is the remastered Star Wars game I've waited 27 years for|first=Dustin|last=Bailey|date=2022-12-19|access-date=2024-05-19}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
[[File:Dark Forces Gameplay.png|thumb|left|The player engaging a Dark Trooper]]
''Dark Forces'' is a first-person shooter (FPS). The player controls Kyle Katarn from a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]], with a focus on combat against various creatures and characters from the ''Star Wars'' universe, although the game also includes environmental puzzles and hazards. ''Dark Forces'' follows a central storyline outlined in mission briefings and [[cutscene]]s.<ref name="PCG" /> Each mission includes specific objectives which are related to the story.<ref name="Manual" /> The missions take place in a variety of environments across the ''Star Wars'' universe, including a [[Star Destroyer]] interior, [[Jabba the Hutt]]'s yacht, and the planet [[Coruscant]], where the player must infiltrate a computer vault.

''Dark Forces''{{'}} gameplay expands on the FPS standards set by ''[[Doom (1993 video game)|Doom]]'' in 1993, and features gameplay elements that are now common in the FPS genre. These include the ability to look up and down, duck, and jump.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/7-a-brief-history-of-star-war-games-part-1-3.html|title=A Brief History of Star War Games, Part 1|date=May 20, 2007|publisher=[[Tom's Hardware]]|page=3|access-date=January 3, 2009|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114043447/https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/7-a-brief-history-of-star-war-games-part-1-3.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Mac" /> A variety of [[power-up]]s are made available to the player, including health, shields, weapons and ammunition. The game also features several non-combat items to aid the player. The head lamp illuminates the area in front of the player, but will reveal the player's position to enemies in dark rooms. Ice [[Cleat (shoe)|cleats]] provide traction in icy areas, and an air mask protects the player from areas with toxic atmosphere. Many inventory items are powered by batteries (separate from weapon ammunition types) which can be found around the levels.<ref name="Manual" />

For combat, the player may use fists, explosive [[land mine]]s and thermal detonators, as well as [[Blaster (Star Wars)|blasters]] and other ranged weapons.<ref name="EGM85">{{cite magazine|date=August 1996|title=Dark Forces: No One Will Force You to Play this One|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a0/EGM_US_085.pdf|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|issue=85|pages=70–71|access-date=April 3, 2020|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625015226/https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a0/EGM_US_085.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> All player weapons except the fist require ammunition, which can be collected in power-ups. All weapons, again with the exception of the fist, have a secondary mode which makes it have a different effect than in primary mode.<ref name="EGM85" /> The player has health and shields which are damaged by enemy attacks and some environmental hazards, and may be replenished through power-ups.

In addition to combat, ''Dark Forces'' provides physical obstacles for the character, such as jumping from ledges or traversing across flowing rivers,<ref name="Mac" /><ref name="KR" /> and includes multi-step puzzles such as mazes controlled by switches.

==Plot==
The storyline of ''Dark Forces'' follows [[Kyle Katarn]], a [[mercenary]] employed by the [[Rebel Alliance]]. Before the game's events, Kyle was preparing for a career in agricultural mechanics like his father, but ended up joining the Imperial Academy after his parents were supposedly murdered by Rebels, whom he grew to hate. After graduating from the Academy and joining the Imperial Army, Kyle met Jan Ors, a [[double agent]] working for the Rebels, who had uncovered the truth about his parents' death: the Empire had them killed, and not the Rebels, as Imperial officials had told him. This revelation caused Kyle to distrust the Empire, and he eventually defected to rescue Jan, who was arrested for supplying information to the Rebels. Escaping from the Empire together, the pair became mercenaries, and eventually began taking jobs from the Rebel Alliance, because of Kyle's hatred towards the Empire.<ref name="Manual">{{cite book|last1=Ashburn|first1=Jo|url=https://www.mocagh.org/lucasfilm/lucasartsarchives1-darkforces-manual.pdf|title=Star Wars: Dark Forces Manual|last2=Cartwright|first2=Mark|publisher=[[LucasArts]]|year=1995|access-date=April 3, 2020|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917113531/https://mocagh.org/lucasfilm/lucasartsarchives1-darkforces-manual.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Dark Forces'' begins with Kyle and Jan being hired by the Alliance to recover the plans to the [[Death Star]], the Empire's [[space station]] outfitted with a superlaser capable of destroying an entire planet. The Rebels use the plans to find a weakness in the station and eventually destroy it.<ref name="Kyle">{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/kylekatarn/|title=Katarn, Kyle|publisher=starwars.com|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912124400/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/kylekatarn/|archive-date=September 12, 2011}}</ref> 

1 year later, the Alliance hires the pair again, this time to investigate an assault on one of their bases by a new type of Imperial soldiers. Kyle's investigation unveils the Dark Trooper Project, headed by General Rom Mohc. His mission to stop the project takes him to the sewers of [[Anoat|Anoat City]], where he captures Moff Rebus, an Imperial weapons specialist who developed the weapons used by Dark Troopers. Rebus' interrogation leads him to a weapons research facility in the mountains of Fest and the Gromas mines, where minerals are extracted for the Dark Troopers.

Kyle and Jan later learn that [[Crix Madine]], a former Imperial Commander who defected to the Alliance, has been captured by the Empire, and the former infiltrates a high-security detention center on [[Orinackra]] to rescue him. After Kyle saves him from execution, Madine informs the Alliance of an operation to smuggle Dark Trooper materials, leading Kyle and Jan to investigate the Ramsees Hed docking port on Cal-Seti. Afterward, Kyle also destroys a robotics facility on the icy planet Anteevy, the second stage of the Dark Trooper production line.  Kyle and Jan's mission is temporarily halted when they are captured by the crime lord [[Jabba the Hutt]], one of the main financiers of the Dark Trooper Project. After escaping from Jabba's clutches and an encounter with the [[bounty hunter]] [[Boba Fett]], hired by General Mohc to kill Kyle, the pair travel to [[Coruscant]], where Kyle infiltrates a computer vault which reveals the location of the Ergo fuel station, the final stage of the smuggling route.

Masquerading as a smuggler, Kyle infiltrates the [[Super Star Destroyer]] ''Executor'' and then the ''Arc Hammer'' starship, General Mohc's headquarters, and the location of the Dark Trooper Project's final stage. After killing Mohc (wearing Dark Trooper armor), Kyle destroys the ship and escapes. At the same time, [[Darth Vader]] watches from the ''Executor'', commenting that the Dark Trooper Project's destruction is an unfortunate setback and that [[the Force]] is strong with Katarn. For his bravery and heroic actions, Kyle is awarded the Star of [[Alderaan]] by the Alliance.

==Development==
Development of ''Dark Forces'' was led by Daron Stinnett. The programming was led by Ray Gresko, and the graphics and storyline by Justin Chin.<ref name="Manual" /> Production began in September 1993, at a time when the first-person shooter genre was very popular.<ref name="PCG">{{cite journal|last=Mizell|first=Leslie|publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]]|journal=[[PC Gamer]]|date=October 1994|title=Star Wars: Dark Forces preview|pages=34–37}}</ref> The idea of creating a first-person shooter in the Star Wars universe was inspired by fan [[Mod (video gaming)|mods]] of ''[[Doom (1993 video game)|Doom]]'' which had levels set on the [[Death Star]].<ref>{{cite magazine|date=August 1996|title=Behind the Screens|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a0/EGM_US_085.pdf|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|issue=85|page=71|access-date=April 3, 2020|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625015226/https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a0/EGM_US_085.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The developers of ''Dark Forces'' wanted to adapt the FPS format into an [[adventure game]]. To do this they introduced puzzles and strategy, along with a ''Star Wars'' plot.<ref name="PCG" /> Originally [[Luke Skywalker]] was intended to be the main character in the game, however the developers realized that this would add constraints to gameplay and storyline. Instead a new character, Kyle Katarn, was created.<ref name="Kyle" />
[[Image:DF Gromas.gif|thumb|right|The Jedi game engine used in ''Dark Forces'' allows atmospheric effects such as red haze.]]
New gameplay mechanisms that were not common in the first-person shooter genre at the time of release include the ability to look up and down, duck, jump, and swim.<ref name="Mac" /> The use of multiple floor levels is another technical advance in the first-person shooter genre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/december03/doom/clones/index2.shtml|title=Bringin' in the DOOM Clones|last1=Turner|first1=Benjamin|last2=Bowen|first2=Kevin|date=December 11, 2003|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127062845/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/december03/doom/clones/index2.shtml|archive-date=January 27, 2012}}</ref> To produce these new features, the developers wrote a [[game engine]] from scratch.<ref name="Byte" /> The [[Jedi (game engine)|Jedi game engine]] can create gameplay and graphical elements such as fully [[3D computer graphics|3D objects]], atmospheric effects such as fog and haze, animated textures and shading.<ref name="KR">{{cite web|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-6328855_ITM|title=Video game of the week: 'Star Wars: Dark Forces'|date=March 21, 1995|publisher=[[Knight Ridder|Knight-Ridder]]|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719013655/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-6328855_ITM|archive-date=July 19, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Stinnett indicated that the developers wanted these elements to be part of an "active environment," and features were included to create this: "ships come and go at the flight decks, rivers sweep along, platforms and conveyor belts move and much of the machinery functions."<ref name="PCG" />

The Dark Troopers in ''Dark Forces'' were created specifically for the game by Justin Chin and Paul Mica. Chin notes that they were designed as a more advanced enemy when compared to standard stormtroopers: "Instead of just beefing up the stormtroopers, I designed them to be more efficient. I wanted something more terrifying and more omnipotent." Three designs for the Dark Troopers were produced for ''Dark Forces''. [[Lucasfilm]] licensing department initially rejected two of the designs for looking too much out of character, so Chin produced new designs which were ultimately approved.<ref name="PCG" /> The development team collaborated with staff at [[Skywalker Ranch]] for the sounds, music, and costumes used in the cutscenes.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=July 1996|title=Tales from the Darkside|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/8/87/EGM_US_084.pdf|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|issue=84|page=51}}</ref>

''Dark Forces'' was [[Porting|ported]] from DOS to Apple Macintosh. This presented several challenges for the developers. LucasArts requested the game to be produced for both DOS and Macintosh with the same [[system requirements]], specifically the [[random-access memory]] (RAM). The [[Mac OS]] runs a [[graphical user interface]] which uses up RAM while DOS does not, meaning the Macintosh version has less RAM available for ''Dark Forces'' to use. Aaron Giles, who was the Macintosh programmer for ''Dark Forces'', explained that to resolve this problem the memory had to be managed more efficiently.<ref name="Byte">{{cite web|url=http://www.byte.com/art/9512/sec10/art1.htm|title=Today's hot first-person 3-D shoot-'em-ups|last=Baldazo|first=Rex|date=December 1995|publisher=[[Byte (magazine)|Byte.com]]|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123045145/http://www.byte.com/art/9512/sec10/art1.htm|archive-date=November 23, 2008}}</ref>

===Music===
Music for ''Star Wars: Dark Forces'' was mostly original works composed by [[Clint Bajakian]], though they are based on cues from [[John Williams]]' original ''Star Wars'' works through the utilization of the [[LucasArts#iMUSE|iMUSE]] system to create interactive music.<ref name="PCG" /> The game also features full speech and sound effects in stereo.<ref name="KR" />

==Release==
''Dark Forces'' achieved a strong following on the internet, and custom levels and maps were created for the game.<ref name="Mac" /> The popularity of characters from ''Dark Forces'' resulted in LucasArts licensing toys based on the game. [[Hasbro]] produced Kyle Katarn and Dark Trooper toys, which are among [[Star Wars in other media]] items to be turned into [[action figure]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/droid/darktroopers/?id=bts|title=Dark troopers|publisher=starwars.com|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629004810/http://www.starwars.com/databank/droid/darktroopers/?id=bts|archive-date=June 29, 2011}}</ref> The Dark Troopers were also included in books and comics,<ref name="PCG" /> and later became [[Canon (fiction)|canon]] in ''[[The Mandalorian]]'''s [[Chapter 14: The Tragedy]]. [[William C. Dietz]]'s novelizations of the ''Dark Forces'' storyline were adapted to full-cast audio dramatizations.<ref name="Kyle" />

LucasArts extended ''Dark Forces'' with ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]'' in 1997, and later two more sequels. The [[Star Wars: Jedi Knight (series)|''Jedi Knight'' series]] continues the story of Kyle Katarn and has been praised for its quality as a whole.<ref>{{cite journal|date=November 1, 2003|title=Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy|publisher=[[Ziff Davis Media]]|journal=[[GameNOW]]}}</ref>

In September 2009, ''Dark Forces'' was re-released as a [[Digital distribution|downloadable]] version on [[Valve Corporation|Valve]]'s [[Steam (service)|Steam]] network for [[Windows]] XP, 2000 and Vista, and [[OS X Mavericks]]. The game is available to purchase individually or as part of a package including all of the games in the ''Jedi Knight'' series.<ref name="Steam">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3176072|title=Jedi Knight Collection Now Available On Steam|last=Bailey|first=Kat|date=September 16, 2009|website=[[1UP.com]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917000503/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3176072|archive-date=September 17, 2009|access-date=December 31, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/4373/STAR_WARS_Jedi_Knight_Collection/|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight Collection|publisher=[[Steam (service)|Steam]]|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-date=June 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629025346/https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/4373/STAR_WARS_Jedi_Knight_Collection/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical reviews===
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Platforms -->
| PC = true
| PS = true
| MAC = true
<!-- Aggregators -->
| GR_PS = 60%<ref name=GRPS>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/197046.asp?q=dark%20forces|title=Star Wars: Dark Forces |website=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=August 15, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410050350/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197046-star-wars-dark-forces/index.html |archivedate=April 10, 2016}}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| Allgame_PC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=765&tab=review|title=Star Wars Dark Forces (PC)|last=Mauser|first=Evan A.|publisher=[[AllGame]]|access-date=October 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116080305/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=765&tab=review|archive-date=November 16, 2014}}</ref>
| EGM_PS = 4.875/10<ref name="EGM91">{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Dark Forces|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=91|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=February 1997|page=64}}</ref>
| GSpot_PC = 7.6/10<ref name="GspotDOS" />
| GSpot_PS = 5.4/10<ref name="GspotPS">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dark-forces-review/1900-2547207/|title=Star Wars Dark Forces Review (PlayStation)|last=Wiggins|first=Wiley|date=December 23, 1996|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916001216/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dark-forces-review/1900-2547207/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN_PS = 5/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|url=http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/150/150027p1.html|title=Dark Forces - PlayStation review|date=December 13, 1996|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=December 16, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005325/http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/150/150027p1.html|archive-date=July 13, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| PCGUS_PC = 92%<ref name="MG" />
| PCZone_PC = 95%<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 1995 |title=PC-ROM Review - Dark Forces |url=https://archive.org/stream/PC_Zone_24_March_1995#page/n55 |access-date=October 20, 2015 |magazine=[[PC Zone]] |page=56 |issue=24}}</ref>
| NGen_PC = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="NG5" />
| NGen_PS = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="NGen26">{{cite magazine|title=Dark Forces|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=26|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=February 1997|pages=120, 122}}</ref>
| NGen_MAC = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NG9" />
| rev2 = ''[[MacUser]]''
| rev2_MAC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="top50">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010726184334/http://www.macuser.com/mu_1095/cdrom.html|url=http://www.macuser.com:80/mu_1095/cdrom.html|title=Top Spins: 50 New CD-ROMs|date=October 1995|last1=Echler|first1=Nikki|last2=Olson|first2=Rebecca|work=[[MacUser]]|archive-date=July 26, 2001|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
}}

The PC and Macintosh versions of ''Star Wars: Dark Forces'' were well received.<ref name="MG">{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/star-wars-dark-forces|title=Star Wars: Dark Forces|publisher=[[MobyGames]]|access-date=December 15, 2008|archive-date=December 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225122620/http://www.mobygames.com/game/star-wars-dark-forces|url-status=live}}</ref> Publications compared ''Dark Forces'' to ''Doom'', a significant video game in the first-person shooter genre at the time, but also indicated that ''Dark Forces'' improved upon ''Doom''{{'}}s features.<ref name="Mac">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-9378725_ITM|title=Dark Forces|last=Staten|first=James|date=December 4, 1995|magazine=[[MacWEEK]]|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719013800/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-9378725_ITM|archive-date=July 19, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="GspotDOS">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/darkforces/review.html|title=Star Wars Dark Forces Review|last=Dulin|first=Ron|date=May 1, 1996|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018150903/http://uk.gamespot.com/star-wars-dark-forces/reviews/dark-forces-review-2538507/|archive-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> Criticisms tended to focus on the game being too short, as well as lacking a [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] feature.<ref name="GspotDOS" />

Steven Kent of ''[[The Seattle Times]]'' believed that the general aspects of the game appeal to most computer gamers, not just ''Star Wars'' fans. Kent argued that the ''Star Wars'' setting is a high point for the game, saying that the level designs recreate the ''Star Wars'' style well: "Though most of the ''Dark Forces'' sets are original to the game, they were created in the {{'}}''Star Wars''{{'}} spirit."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19950319/2111023/cd-rom----dark-forces|title=Tech Reviews CD-Rom -- Dark Forces|last=Kent|first=Steven L.|date=March 19, 1995|work=[[The Seattle Times]]|access-date=December 15, 2008|archive-date=July 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719012008/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19950319&slug=2111023|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Dark Forces''{{'}} gameplay has been described as "challenging" and has generally received praise.<ref name="Mac" /> Ron Dulin, reviewing the game for [[GameSpot]], highlights the implementation of puzzles within levels: "The levels are diverse and ingenious, with plenty of creative obstacles standing between you and your goal. While they can be occasionally frustrating, ''Dark Forces''{{'}} diverse gameplay requirements make this title more mentally challenging than your average key hunt."<ref name="GspotDOS" /> The graphics and sound were both praised as helping to immerse the player in the environment.<ref name="Mac" />

The [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] version of ''Dark Forces'' received less positive reviews. It held an aggregate score on [[GameRankings]] of 60%.<ref name=GRPS /> GameSpot wrote, "Though the speed of the Playstation allows for smooth movement, ''Dark Forces'' boasts a horrendously choppy [[frame rate]]."<ref name="GspotPS" /> [[IGN]] made a similar point; "Unlike the PC and Mac versions, PlayStation ''Dark Forces'' is grainier than a loaf of bread. Close up, everything is blocky and pixelated, but even from far away the walls and textures look like big, chunky blocks. Even worse than the graphics, though, is the frame rate. Or lack thereof. The choppy motion takes so much away from the enjoyment of actually playing the game."<ref name="IGN" /> The four reviewers of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' agreed that the choppy frame rate interferes with the gameplay, which in combination with some control issues make the game frustrating to play, and a disappointment in light of its strong performance on PC.<ref name="EGM91" /> Alex Constantides of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' offers the same view, saying that the game is "visually dated."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=7816|title=Star Wars: Dark Forces PlayStation Review|last=Constantides|first=Alex|date=August 15, 2001|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|access-date=August 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719023130/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=7816|archive-date=July 19, 2009}}</ref> ''[[GamePro]]''{{'}}s Major Mike praised the action, depth of gameplay, weapons, sound effects, music, and graphic effects, but said the choppy frame rate and slowdown "plague most of the game", and compared the game unfavorably to ''[[Official versions of Doom#PlayStation|Doom]]'' and ''[[PowerSlave]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=PlayStation ProReview: Dark Forces|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=101|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=February 1997|page=68}}</ref> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' noted that "''Dark Forces'' fails on some technical levels as a port", but commented positively on the variety of level designs, challenge level, and use of audio, and concluded more favorably, "Not quite as intense as ''Doom'' or ''[[Disruptor (video game)|Disruptor]]'', but surely better than crap like ''[[Kileak]]'', ''Dark Forces'' will certainly satisfy ''Star Wars'' fans looking for their own little touch of the force."<ref name="NGen26" />

''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' reviewed the PC version of the game, and stated that "''Dark Forces'' will be judged by ''Doom'''s standards and, in most of the crucial areas, it falls just short."<ref name="NG5">{{cite magazine|date=May 1995|title=Finals, Luke Warm|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-005/page/n95/mode/2up|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|issue=5|page=94}}</ref> ''Next Generation'' reviewed the Macintosh version of the game, and stated that "Purposeful mission objectives [...] and various neato features [...] lift ''Dark Forces'' out of the faceless swamp of first-person crawlers and into a place of honor. A very classy job."<ref name="NG9">{{cite magazine|date=September 1995|title=Finals, Death Startling|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-009/page/n101/mode/2up|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|issue=9|page=100}}</ref> ''[[MacUser]]'' named ''Dark Forces'' one of the top 50 CD-ROMs of 1995.<ref name="top50" />

''[[PC Gamer]]'' gave ''Dark Forces'' the award in the best sound effects of 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Year's Best Games - Special Achievement in Sound |journal=[[PC Gamer]] |date=March 1996 |issue=22 |page=75 |url=https://archive.org/details/UneditedPCGamer_marktrade/PC_Gamer_022u/page/n75/mode/2up |publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref> It was also a runner-up in the best action game category.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Year's Best Games - And How Could We Forget... |journal=[[PC Gamer]] |date=March 1996 |issue=22 |page=73 |url=https://archive.org/details/UneditedPCGamer_marktrade/PC_Gamer_022u/page/n73/mode/2up |publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref>

===Sales===
''Dark Forces'' shipped more than 300,000 copies in preparation for its launch, a record for LucasArts at that time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lucasarts.com/company/about/page3.html|title=LucasArts Milestones|publisher=[[LucasArts]]|access-date=December 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207165334/http://lucasarts.com/company/about/page3.html|archive-date=December 7, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> It debuted at #1 on [[PC Data]]'s monthly computer game sales chart for March 1995.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Electronic Entertainment|title=Leaderboard|date=August 1995|issue=20|page=18}}</ref> In 1998, it was the third-highest-selling game for [[Mac OS]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/19990421082229/https://www.macobserver.com/news/99/january/990127/pcdata.html The Mac Observer-Mac Software Makes Resurgence In 1998<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

According to PC Data, which tracked sales in the United States, ''Dark Forces'' had sold 928,469 units and earned $37.1 million in revenue in the United States. This led [[PC Data]] to declare it the country's ninth-best-selling computer game for the period between January 1993 and April 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Player Stats: Top 10 Best-Selling Games, 1993 – Present|date=September 1998|issue=170|magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]|page=52}}</ref> Sales in the region rose to 952,033 copies by September 1999; by that time, it was the country's 11th-best-selling computer game since January 1993.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000302112243/http://pc.ign.com/news/11728.html|url=http://pc.ign.com:80/news/11728.html|title=PC Data Top Games of All Time|date=November 1, 1999|work=[[IGN]]|archive-date=March 2, 2000|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==Reviews==
*''[[Pyramid (magazine)|Pyramid]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html?id=4455|title=Pyramid: Pyramid Pick: Dark Forces|access-date=January 14, 2022|archive-date=January 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114204943/http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html?id=4455|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Notes===
{{Notelist}}

==External links==
* {{MobyGames|/star-wars-dark-forces}}
* {{IMDb title|0163281}}

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{{Jedi Knight series}}
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[[Category:1995 video games]]
[[Category:Classic Mac OS games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Games commercially released with DOSBox]]
[[Category:LucasArts games]]
[[Category:Novels based on video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Sprite-based first-person shooters]]
[[Category:Star Wars: Jedi Knight|Dark Forces]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Clint Bajakian]]
[[Category:Video games with 2.5D graphics]]
[[Category:Windows games]]