View source for Star Wars: Jedi Knight

{{Short description|Series of video games}}
{{use mdy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{Infobox video game series
| width          = 256px
| title          = Star Wars: Jedi Knight
| image          = Star Wars Jedi Knight II Jedi Outcast Logo.svg
| image_size     = 100px
| caption        = The logo for ''Jedi Knight'' games, used in ''Jedi Outcast'' and ''Jedi Academy''
| developer      = [[LucasArts]]<br />[[Raven Software]]
| publisher      = LucasArts<br />[[Activision]]
| genre          = [[First-person shooter]], [[third-person shooter]]
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[MS-DOS]], [[Macintosh]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Linux]], [[GameCube]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]]
| first release version = ''[[Star Wars: Dark Forces]]''
| first release date    = 1995
| latest release version = ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy]]''
| latest release date   = 2003
| parent         = [[List of Star Wars video games|Star Wars video games]]
}}

'''''Star Wars: Jedi Knight''''' is a series of first- and third-person shooter video games set in the fictional [[Star Wars expanded universe|''Star Wars'' expanded universe]]. The series focuses primarily on Kyle Katarn, a former [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Imperial]] officer who becomes a [[mercenary]] working for the [[Rebel Alliance]], and later a [[Jedi]] and instructor at [[Luke Skywalker]]'s Jedi Academy. While the first game is set a year after the events of ''[[Star Wars (film)|A New Hope]]'', the sequels take place in the decade following ''[[Return of the Jedi]]''.

The ''Jedi Knight'' series began in 1995 with the release of ''[[Star Wars: Dark Forces]]'' for [[DOS]], [[Macintosh]], and [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. This was followed in 1997 by ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]'' for [[Microsoft Windows]], in which Katarn learns the ways of a Jedi. In 1998, ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith]]'' was released as an [[expansion pack]] for ''Dark Forces II'', this time giving the player control of [[Mara Jade]] as well as Katarn. In 2002, ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast]]'' was released. ''Jedi Outcast'' was developed by [[Raven Software]] and powered by the [[id Tech 3]] [[game engine]]. It was released for Windows, Mac, [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] and [[GameCube]]. ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy]]'' followed in 2003 on Windows, Mac and Xbox. It was powered by the same game engine as its predecessor. ''Jedi Academy'' was the first game in the series where the player does not control Katarn at any point, although he is featured prominently in the storyline.

The games in the ''Jedi Knight'' series have received generally favorable reviews. Multiple publications have commented on the quality of the series as a whole. The use of the [[lightsaber]] in the series, a prominent gameplay element in all but the first game, has received specific praise for its implementation.

==Games==
{{Video game timeline
| 1995 = ''[[Star Wars: Dark Forces]]''
| 1997 = ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]''
| 1998 = ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith]]''
| 2002 = ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast]]''
| 2003 = ''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy]]''
}}

*'''''[[Star Wars: Dark Forces]]''''' was developed and published by [[LucasArts]], and released in North America on February 28, 1995 for [[MS-DOS]] and [[Macintosh]],<ref name="GR-DF-PC">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/3397.asp?q=dark%20forces|title=Star Wars Dark Forces for PC|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=August 22, 2013}}</ref> and on November 30, 1996 for [[PlayStation]].<ref name="GR-DF-PS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/197046.asp?q=dark%20forces|title=Star Wars: Dark Forces for PlayStation|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=August 22, 2013}}</ref> It was the first officially produced [[first-person shooter]] set in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' universe.
*'''''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]''''' was again developed and published by LucasArts, and released in North America on October 10, 1997 for [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-10-06.html|title=Now Shipping|author=Staff|date=October 10, 1997|website=[[PC Gamer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980218070450/http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-10-06.html|archive-date=February 18, 1998|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2019}}<br>"In stores today [is] LucasArts' Jedi Knight..."</ref><ref name="GR-JK">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/24354.asp?q=Jedi%20Knight | title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II | publisher=[[GameRankings]] | access-date=August 22, 2013}}</ref><ref name="MC-JK">{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/starwarsjediknightdarkforces2?q=Jedi%20Knight | title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II| website=[[Metacritic]] | access-date=August 22, 2013}}</ref>
**'''''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith]]''''' is an [[expansion pack]] for ''Dark Forces II''. Developed and published by LucasArts, it was released on February 24, 1998 for Microsoft Windows.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/star-wars-jedi-knight-mysteries-of-the-sith/|title= Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith |publisher=[[GameSpy]]|access-date=October 20, 2013}}</ref> The expansion includes a [[Single-player video game|single-player]] mode and fifteen [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] [[Level (video gaming)|map]]s.
*'''''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast]]''''' was developed by [[Raven Software]] for PC and [[Vicarious Visions]] for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] and [[GameCube]]. LucasArts published the Windows version worldwide and the Xbox and GameCube versions in North America,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/516547-star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/data|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (PC) release data|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=August 19, 2013}}</ref><ref name="XB JO release" /><ref name="GC JO release" /> [[Activision]] published the Xbox and GameCube versions in Europe,<ref name="XB JO release">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/xbox/561554-star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/data|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (Xbox) release data|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=August 19, 2013}}</ref><ref name="GC JO release">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/gamecube/561552-star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/data|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (GameCube) release data|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=August 19, 2013}}</ref> and [[Aspyr]] published the Mac version worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/mac/583350-star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/data|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (Mac) release data|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=August 19, 2013}}</ref> The PC version was released in North America on March 26, 2002,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/related/release/platform/pc/|website=[[GameSpot]]|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (PC) Release Summary|access-date=August 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605232645/http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/related/release/platform/pc/|archive-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> the Mac version on November 5,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/mac/action/starwarsjediknight2jo/index.html |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (Mac) |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=October 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102210614/http://www.gamespot.com/mac/action/starwarsjediknight2jo/index.html|archive-date=November 2, 2011}}</ref> and the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] and [[GameCube]] versions on November 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (Xbox) |access-date=October 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (GameCube) |access-date=October 20, 2013}}</ref>
*'''''[[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy]]''''' was developed by Raven Software for PC and [[Vicarious Visions]] for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. LucasArts published the Windows and Xbox versions in North America,<ref name="PC JA release">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/914574-star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/data|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (PC) release data|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=August 20, 2013}}</ref><ref name="XB JA release">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/xbox/914575-star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/data|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Xbox) release data|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=August 19, 2013}}</ref> Activision published them in Europe,<ref name="PC JA release" /><ref name="XB JA release" /> and Aspyr published the Mac version worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/mac/929004-star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/data|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Mac) release data|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=August 20, 2013}}</ref> ''Jedi Academy'' was released on September 16, 2003 for Mac,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/related/release/platform/mac/|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Mac) |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730062946/http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/platform/mac/|archive-date=July 30, 2012 }}</ref> on September 17 for Windows,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/related/release/platform/pc/|website=[[GameSpot]]|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (PC) Release Summary|access-date=August 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730062946/http://www.gamespot.com/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/related/release/platform/pc/|archive-date=July 30, 2012 }}</ref> and on November 18 for Xbox.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Xbox) |access-date=October 20, 2013}}</ref>

==Overview==

===Gameplay===
The ''Jedi Knight'' series is composed primarily of first/third-person shooter gameplay elements, with a number of variation on the norms of the genre within each game. All of the games use a [[Level (video gaming)|level]] based system which contains a series of objectives that must be completed before the player can continue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/starwars_hs/dark.html|title=GameSpot's History of Star Wars Games|last1=Chin|first1=Elliott|last2=Kasavin|first2=Greg |website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007230844/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/starwars_hs/dark.html|archive-date=October 7, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecritics.com/node/1891|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II – Review|last=Kong Lui |first=Chi|date=February 12, 1998|publisher=GameCritics|access-date=December 17, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200205/R03.0805.1108.48280.htm|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast Review|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=December 17, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616182754/http://gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200205/R03.0805.1108.48280.htm|archive-date=June 16, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/17/1066364474588.html|title=Something to saber|last=Toose|first=Dan|date=October 18, 2003|newspaper=[[The Age]] |access-date=December 17, 2008}}</ref> From ''Dark Forces II'' onwards, the games have included lightsaber combat and the use of [[the Force|Force]] powers,<ref name=DF2-Manual>{{cite book|last1=Boero |first1=Mollie|last2= Yunker |first2= Jason|last3= Gilstrap|first3= Doyle|last4= Tosti|first4= Brett|last5= Gleason|first5= Barbara|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II Manual|publisher=[[LucasArts]]|year=1997}}</ref> which have been tweaked and modified as the series has progressed.<ref name=saber/>

In the first game, ''Dark Forces'', the focus is on combat against various creatures and characters from the ''Star Wars'' universe, and includes environmental puzzles and hazards, whilst following a central storyline outlined in mission briefings and [[cutscene]]s.<ref name=PCGamer>{{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> For combat, the player may use fists, explosive [[land mine]]s and thermal detonators, as well as [[List of Star Wars weapons|blasters and other ranged weapons]], with the gameplay leaning more towards ranged combat.

In ''Dark Forces II'', the player has the option of a [[Third-person (video games)|third-person view]], plus an option to switch automatically to third-person when the lightsaber is the selected weapon.<ref name="DF2-Manual"/> Three types of Force powers are introduced in this game: Light powers provide non violent advantages, [[Dark side (Star Wars)|Dark powers]] provide violent ones, while Neutral powers enhance athletic abilities.<ref name=nydn>{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/money/1997/10/26/1997-10-26_jedi_game_a_force_to_be_reck.html|title=Jedi Game A Force to be Reckoned With|last=Li|first=Kenneth|date=October 26, 1997|newspaper=[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]]|access-date=December 14, 2008}}{{dead link|date=August 2013}}</ref> The game has two endings, depending on whether the player chooses to focus on the Light Side or the Dark Side.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jedi-knight-dark-forces-ii-review/1900-2535572/ |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II Review |last=Dulin |first=Ron |date=October 9, 1997 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=April 30, 2017}}</ref>

Unlike its predecessor, ''Mysteries of the Sith'' has a single, morally positive course,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/27729210.html?dids=27729210:27729210&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+23%2C+1998&author=AARON+CURTISS&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=PERSONAL+TECHNOLOGY%3B+Gamers%27+Corner%3B+The+Sound+and+the+Story%3A+%27Quake%27+Sequel+Rocks&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111075750/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/27729210.html?dids=27729210:27729210&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+23,+1998&author=AARON+CURTISS&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=PERSONAL+TECHNOLOGY;+Gamers'+Corner;+The+Sound+and+the+Story:+'Quake'+Sequel+Rocks&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 11, 2013|title=PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY; Gamers' Corner; The Sound and the Story: 'Quake' Sequel Rocks|last=Curtiss|first=Aaron|date=March 23, 1998|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times|LA Times]]|access-date=December 10, 2008}}</ref> as the player progresses through the game in a linear fashion. The game includes most of the enemies featured in ''Dark Forces II'', plus some new monsters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lucasarts.com/products/sith/splash.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050824044611/http://www.lucasarts.com/products/sith/splash.htm | title=Official LucasArts ''Mysteries of the Sith'' website|publisher=[[LucasArts]] | archive-date=August 24, 2005|access-date=December 12, 2008}}</ref> The player has access to Force powers and projectile weapons such as a [[Blaster (Star Wars)|blaster]] or [[railgun]], as well as a lightsaber.

''Jedi Outcast''{{'}}s gameplay is similar to that of its predecessors, with some small additions, such as access to [[gun turret]]s, or the use of [[Combo (video gaming)|combos]] unique to each of the three lightsaber styles in the game; fast, medium and strong. As with ''Dark Forces II'' and ''Mysteries of the Sith'', the use of Force powers is restricted by a "Force Meter", which depletes when the powers are used.<ref>{{cite book|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast PC Manual |publisher=[[LucasArts]] |year=2002}}</ref>

''Jedi Academy'' features very similar gameplay to ''Jedi Outcast'', although one new feature is that the player may customize their lightsaber at the outset of the game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38197-2003Sep20.html|title=The Bat 2.0; Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy; Cabela's Deer Hunt: 2004 Season|last=Ham|first=Tom|date=September 21, 2003|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=November 24, 2008}}</ref> Later, the player has the option of choosing dual sabers, or a "saber staff", similar to [[Darth Maul]]'s double ended lightsaber in ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace|The Phantom Menace]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/news/2003/11/61393 |title=Jedi Academy Can't Feel the Force |date=November 26, 2003 |magazine=[[Wired (website)|Wired.com]] |access-date=November 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223105724/http://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/news/2003/11/61393 |archive-date=December 23, 2008 |df=mdy }}</ref> Instead of moving linearly from one level to the next, the player chooses from a selection of different missions which can be played in any order.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/reviews/review.phtml/234/1258/star-wars-jedi-knight-academy.phtml|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy - PC. Full Review|last=Miles|first=Stuart|date=December 16, 2003|publisher=Pocket-Lint.co.uk|access-date=November 24, 2008|archive-date=December 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227024129/http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/reviews/review.phtml/234/1258/star-wars-jedi-knight-academy.phtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> The game also introduces player-controllable vehicles and vehicle-based levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/games/sfw10329.html|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy |last=Baker|first=Eric T.|date=October 27, 2003|publisher=[[Syfy#SciFi.com|scifi.com]] |access-date=August 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304093555/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/games/sfw10329.html|archive-date=March 4, 2009}}</ref>

Starting with ''Jedi Knight'', a multiplayer mode has been included in every game, in which up to eight people can compete with one another via a [[local area network|LAN]] or up to four people online.<ref name="DF2-Manual"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1997/12/18/DD49853.DTL&hw=Home+swapping+network+grows&sn=025&sc=166|title=The Name of the Game is the Same: Video and computer game sequels stay with what works|last=Evenson|first=Laura|date=December 18, 1997|newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle|sfgate.com]]|access-date=December 14, 2008}}</ref> In ''Jedi Knight'', the player creates an [[avatar (computing)|avatar]], and then selects a ranking, with higher rankings having access to more Force powers. There are two types of multiplayer game available; "[[Capture the flag]]" and "[[Deathmatch (video games)|Jedi Training]]".<ref name="DF2-Manual"/> ''Mysteries of the Sith'' includes fifteen multiplayer maps,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=3113|last=Mallinson|first=Paul|title=Jedi Knight: Mysteries Of The Sith Review|date=August 13, 2001|magazine=[[PC Zone]]|access-date=August 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914010937/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=3113|archive-date=September 14, 2007}}</ref> four of which only allow players to battle with lightsabers,<ref name="Gamespot">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jedi-knight-mysteries-of-the-sith-review/1900-2535604/ |title=Mysteries of the Sith Review |last=Ryan |first=Michael E. |date=February 17, 1998 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=April 30, 2017}}</ref> and a ranking system that tracks the player's experience. The multiplayer mode allows the use of pre-set characters featured in both ''Jedi Knight'' and ''Mysteries of the Sith'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:5693|title=Star Wars: Jedi Knight -- Mysteries of the Sith|publisher=[[Allgame]] |access-date=December 12, 2008}}</ref> as well as characters from the ''Star Wars'' films, such as [[Luke Skywalker]], [[Darth Vader]] and [[Boba Fett]]. In ''Mysteries'', the "Capture the flag" mode is altered, with the gradual reduction of the Force powers of the player who is carrying the flag.<ref name="Gamespot" />

''Jedi Outcast'' features several multiplayer modes, which, in the PC and Mac versions, can be played over a LAN or the [[internet]]. Multiplayer mode is limited to two players on the Xbox and GameCube versions of the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox.ign.com/objects/482/482081.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020606072847/http://xbox.ign.com/objects/482/482081.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 6, 2002 |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (Xbox) |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=June 15, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/objects/482/482285.html |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (Gamecube) |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=June 15, 2007 |archive-date=May 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518185854/http://cube.ign.com/objects/482/482285.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Game modes include "Free-For-All", "Team Deathmatch", "Capture the Flag", "Power Duel" and "Siege", all of which can be played with other players, [[Artificial intelligence|bots]], or both.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ajami |first=Amer |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast-review/1900-2859529/|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast PC review |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=June 15, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/starwarsjediacademy/default.htm|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Xbox.com)|publisher=Xbox.com|access-date=December 6, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080804044139/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/starwarsjediacademy/default.htm |archive-date = August 4, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.www.thetigernews.com/media/storage/paper863/news/2003/08/29/Timeout/Same-Ole.Game.Brand.New.Title-1990309.shtml|title=Same Ole' Game, Brand New Title|last=Morrison|first=Bruce|date=August 29, 2003|publisher=thetigernews.com|access-date=November 24, 2008}}{{dead link|date=August 2013}}</ref> ''Jedi Academy'' introduces several multiplayer modifications, such as ''[[Movie Battles|Movie Battles II]]'' which allows players to take part in lightsaber duels that featured in the ''Star Wars'' films.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/f/20-kickass-mods/a-20071219132644438089/p-2|title=20 Kickass Mods|last=Nagata|first=Tyler|date=December 19, 2007|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|access-date=November 14, 2008}}</ref> ''Movie Battles'' also lets players choose different classes of character, ranging from Jedi Knight to [[Wookiee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Sky-News-Archive/Article/200806413209702 |title=The Importance Of Mods |last=Turpin |first=Darren |date=August 31, 2004 |publisher=[[BSkyB|sky.com]] |access-date=November 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408074552/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Sky-News-Archive/Article/200806413209702 |archive-date=April 8, 2009 }}</ref> Another popular modification, [[Evolution of Combat IV|''Evolution of Combat'']], allows players to use more movie-realistic saber combat along with other additions such as a movie accurate class system featuring tens of new characters.<ref>{{Cite web|title = EoCIV - Preview 4 news - Evolution of Combat IV mod for Star Wars: Jedi Academy|url = http://www.moddb.com/mods/evolution-of-combat-iv/news/eociv-preview-4|website = Mod DB|access-date = 2015-12-08}}</ref>

===Story===
The ''Jedi Knight'' video games are set in the ''Star Wars'' universe. For the majority of the series, the player controls Kyle Katarn, who begins as a [[mercenary]], eventually learning the ways of The Force, becoming a Jedi Master and teaching at the Jedi Academy.<ref name="overview">{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/starwarsjediacademy/storyline.htm|title=Head to Jedi Academy|publisher=xbox.com|access-date=December 17, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080618030612/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/starwarsjediacademy/storyline.htm |archive-date = June 18, 2008}}</ref> 
[[File:Kylekatarn jasoncourt.jpg|thumb|left|The Jedi Knight storyline revolves around the character Kyle Katarn (seen here portrayed by [[Jason Court]] in ''Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II'').]]

Prior to the events of ''Dark Forces'', Katarn was a student studying to follow in his father's career of agricultural mechanics. However, while at an academy, he was told by officials that the [[Rebel Alliance]] had killed his parents. His anger led him to enlist in the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Imperial army]], where he soon met [[List of Star Wars Legends characters#Jan Ors|Jan Ors]], an undercover [[double agent]] working for the Alliance. Ors uncovered the real information about Katarn's parents; they had actually been killed by the Empire. Shortly thereafter, Ors' cover was blown, and she was taken prisoner. Katarn helped her escape, thus ending his career with the Empire. He then became a mercenary, and due to his hatred for the Empire, regularly took on jobs for the Alliance.<ref>{{cite book| title=Star Wars: Dark Forces Manual | last1=Ashburn|first1= Jo|last2= Cartwright|first2=Mark | year=1995 | publisher=[[LucasArts]]}}</ref>

In the first level of ''Dark Forces'', which is set prior to ''[[Star Wars (film)|A New Hope]]'', Katarn recovers the plans to the [[Death Star]], a heavily armed [[space station]] capable of destroying entire planets. The Rebel Alliance uses the plans to find a weakness in and then destroy the Death Star. Katarn then aids the Rebels in stopping the threat of the Imperial "Dark Trooper" project. Despite the successful missions on behalf of the Alliance, however, Katarn does not join their cause.<ref name="Kyle">{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/kylekatarn/|title=Katarn, Kyle|publisher=starwars.com |access-date=August 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912124400/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/kylekatarn/|archive-date=September 12, 2011}}</ref> ''Dark Forces II'' begins several years after the destruction of the second Death Star in ''[[Return of the Jedi]]'', when Katarn is informed of the exact details of his father's death. His father, Morgan Katarn, had discovered the location of "The Valley of the Jedi", a source of great Force power, but a [[Dark Jedi]] named [[List of Star Wars characters#J|Jerec]] murdered Morgan in an attempt to find the location. Katarn travels to the Valley of the Jedi while learning the ways of the Jedi himself. Eventually, he confronts and defeats Jerec, avenging his father's death.<ref name="Kyle" /> However, Katarn still does not join the Jedi Order, instead using his powers for the [[New Republic (Star Wars)|New Republic]], and taking on an apprentice with a similar history to himself; [[Mara Jade]]. During this time, Katarn learns of a [[Sith]] temple on the planet [[Dromund Kaas]]. There, Katarn is corrupted by the Dark Side of the Force. However, Jade is able to convince him to return to the Light and they leave together.

This incident causes Katarn to distance himself from the Force and return to mercenary missions with Jan Ors.<ref name="overview"/> In ''Jedi Outcast'', Ors is captured by [[List of Star Wars characters#D|Desann]], a former pupil of Luke Skywalker who has turned to the Dark Side. Katarn believes Desann to have killed Ors, and so he returns to the Valley of the Jedi in an attempt to reconnect to the Force so as to stop Desann.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast |developer=[[Raven Software]] |publisher=[[LucasArts]] |year=2002}}</ref> Eventually, it is revealed that Ors' death is a ruse by Desann for the express purpose of having Katarn return to the Valley, so Desann may learn of its location. Desann, in league with the [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)#Expanded Universe|Imperial Remnant]], uses the power of the Valley to endow his troops with Force power, before using them to launch an attack on the Jedi Academy. However, Katarn defeats Desann and discovers his true path, becoming a tutor at the Academy. In ''Jedi Academy'', Katarn takes on two students: Jaden Korr and Rosh Penin.<ref name="JA">{{cite video game | publisher=[[LucasArts]] | developer=[[Raven Software]] | date=2003 | title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy}}</ref> The protagonist of the game is Jaden, who is dispatched on various peace-keeping missions across the galaxy, sometimes with Katarn, sometimes alone. Jaden eventually encounters a Sith cult led by [[List of Star Wars characters#T|Tavion]] (Desann's former apprentice) who plans to restore the Sith to power by using stolen Force energy to resurrect an ancient Sith Lord, Marka Ragnos.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jedi-knight-jedi-academy-review/1900-6075140/ |last=Beers |first=Craig |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy PC review |access-date=August 22, 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=April 30, 2017}}</ref> After learning that Rosh has betrayed the Jedi and joined Tavion, Jaden may either kill him and turn to the Dark Side or let him live and remain on the Light Side.<ref name="JA" /> If Jaden chooses the Dark Side, they kill Tavion, defeat Katarn, and flee with Tavion's staff, which is capable of absorbing the Force. The game ends with Katarn setting out in pursuit of Jaden. If Jaden chooses to spare Rosh, they ultimately defeat both Tavion and the spirit of Ragnos, and are lauded for their actions by Katarn and Luke.

==Development==
Production of ''Star Wars: Dark Forces'' began in September 1993, with Daron Stinnett as project leader and Justin Chin as lead writer. The developers wanted to adapt the first-person shooter format to include strategy and puzzles, which at the time, had never been done. ''Dark Forces'' thus features numerous [[logic puzzle]]s and parts of the game requires a strategic method to progress, often involving manipulation of the environment. This style of gameplay has remained constant in all ''Jedi Knight'' games.<ref name=PCGamer /> Another aspect that has remained the same since ''Dark Forces'' is the use of [[John Williams]]' soundtrack from the ''Star Wars'' films. In ''Dark Forces'' the music was implemented using [[LucasArts#iMUSE|iMuse]],<ref name=PCGamer/> software that alters the music depending on what is happening at any given moment in the game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/97013822.html?dids=97013822:97013822&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Dec+27%2C+2001&author=ALEX+PHAM&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Game+Design%3B+Music+Takes+on+a+Hollywood+Edge|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525123128/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/97013822.html?dids=97013822:97013822&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Dec+27,+2001&author=ALEX+PHAM&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Game+Design%3B+Music+Takes+on+a+Hollywood+Edge|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 25, 2011|title=Game Design; Music Takes on a Hollywood Edge|last=Pham|first=Alex|date=December 27, 2001|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=December 18, 2008}}</ref> Lucasarts developed the [[Jedi (game engine)|Jedi game engine]] to power ''Dark Forces'', adding features to the first-person shooter genre that were uncommon at the time, such as multi-level floors and [[free look]], as well as athletic abilities such as running, jumping, ducking and swimming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-9378725_ITM|title=Dark Forces|last=Staten|first= James|date=December 4, 1995|publisher=[[MacWEEK]]|access-date=August 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719013800/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-9378725_ITM|archive-date=July 19, 2009}}{{subscription required|via=AccessMyLibrary}}</ref> Original plans for the game had Luke Skywalker as the main character, but due to the limitations this would impose on the story, the developers designed a new character, Kyle Katarn.<ref name="Kyle" />

Even before the release of ''Dark Forces'', Justin Chin had planned out Katarn's role in ''Dark Forces II'', indicating that Katarn would face a "big trial" in a game that would be a "rite of passage."<ref name=PCGamer/> Chin became project leader for ''Dark Forces II''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/086/086427p1.html|title=PC Retroview: Jedi Knight|last=Tom|first=Chick|date=October 16, 2000|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=December 11, 2008}}</ref> In the game, the [[digital audio]] from ''Dark Forces'' was replaced with [[Compact Disc Digital Audio|CD audio]]. ''Dark Forces II'' adds two "Jedi" aspects to the series; the use of The Force and the lightsaber. The Force plays an integral role in how the player plays the game.<ref name="nydn"/> The method of allocating credits to Force powers was designed with an [[role-playing video game|RPG]] style in mind, allowing the player the choice of which powers to improve. Chin said in an early interview that progress through the game is based upon the abilities the player develops.<ref name=gspotp>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/jedi-knight-jedi-academy-review/1900-6075140/ |title=Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II Preview |website=[[GameSpot]] |author=Dulin, Ron |date=September 24, 1996 |access-date=April 30, 2017}}</ref> A new game engine, the [[Sith (game engine)|Sith engine]], was developed for ''Dark Forces II'', which uses both [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]] and [[Surround sound|sound]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gooddealgames.com/interviews/int_Dave_Levison.html | title=Interview With Sound Designer Dave Levison | publisher=GoodDealGames | access-date=April 2, 2008}}</ref> It was one of the first games to adopt the use of 3D graphics [[hardware acceleration]] using [[Microsoft Direct3D]].<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=Microsoft |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1997/apr97/d3dgmspr.mspx |title=Microsoft Direct3D Scores Big With Game Developers |date=April 28, 1997 |access-date=December 14, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125013859/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1997/apr97/d3dgmspr.mspx |archive-date=January 25, 2009 |df=mdy }}</ref> Another development was that ''Dark Forces II'' moved on from the static images between levels used in ''Dark Forces'' to [[full motion video]] cutscenes. The characters are represented by live actors while the backgrounds are [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20000103/fmv_02.htm |title=The State of the Industry |last=Waggoner |first=Ben |date=January 3, 2000 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=December 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201123803/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20000103/fmv_02.htm |archive-date=December 1, 2008 }}</ref> The cutscenes included the first lightsaber footage filmed since ''Return of the Jedi'' in 1983.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/trustedreviews-top-5-games-of-all-time_Page-15| title=TrustedReviews Top 5 Games Of All Time | date=September 12, 2006| last=Emeran|first= Riyad | publisher=TrustedReviews | access-date=April 2, 2008}}</ref> ''Dark Forces II'' also introduced multiplayer gaming to the series, allowing players to play online or via a LAN.

Nearly four years after the release of ''Dark Forces II'', LucasArts announced at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] 2001 that ''Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast'' would be released in 2002.<ref name=JO1>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/jediknight2jedioutcast/news.html?sid=2761597 |last=Ajami |first=Amer |title=E3 2001: LucasArts announces Jedi Outcast: Jedi Knight II |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=June 20, 2007|date=May 17, 2001}}</ref> Unlike previous games in the series, ''Jedi Outcast'' was not developed in-house by LucasArts, but by Raven Software. The subsequent success of ''Outcast'' led LucasArts to continue the partnership with Raven, leading to the development of ''Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy'' a year later; "With the overwhelming success and critical acclaim of ''Star Wars: Jedi Outcast'', continuing an alliance with Activision and Raven Software was a clear and very easy decision," said then-president of LucasArts, [[Simon Jeffery]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/jedi-academy-announced-for-the-xbox-pc/1100-6024571/|title=Jedi Academy announced for the Xbox, PC|last=Varanini|first=Giancarlo| date=April 3, 2003|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=December 18, 2008}}</ref> ''Jedi Outcast'' and ''Jedi Academy'' are both powered by the ''[[id Tech 3|Quake III: Team Arena]]'' game engine, with modifications for the use of a lightsaber and The Force.<ref name=JO1/> ''Jedi Academy'' is the only game in the ''Jedi Knight'' series that does not give the player control of Katarn at any point. Instead the focus is on Jaden Korr, a student of the Force under Katarn. The decision to change protagonist was made by the developers for gameplay reasons.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy-designer-diary-1/1100-6073921/ | title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy Designer Diary #1 | website=[[GameSpot]]| date=August 25, 2003| access-date=April 26, 2008}}</ref>

Many years later, games from the series were [[video game remaster|remastered]] for later high-definition generations of video games, starting with remasters of ''Jedi Outcast'' and ''Jedi Academy'' for [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[PlayStation 4]] in 2019 and 2020 respectively by [[Aspyr]].  In 2024, the first game in the series, ''Dark Forces'', was remastered on all major [[eighth generation of video game consoles|eighth]] and [[ninth generation of video game consoles|ninth-generation]] consoles released after the Wii U by [[Nightdive Studios]], currently leaving the PC-exclusive ''Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II'' to be the last, only game in the series to not be available on any [[video game console|console]]s or remastered for later platforms.

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
|updated = August 22, 2013
|gr = yes
|game1 = Star Wars: Dark Forces {{small|(PC)}}
|gr1 = 77%<ref name="GR-DF-PC" />
|game2 = Star Wars: Dark Forces {{small|(PS)}}
|gr2 = 60%<ref name="GR-DF-PS" />
|game3 = Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II {{small|(PC)}}
|gr3 = 89%<ref name="GR-JK" />
|mc3 = 91/100<ref name="MC-JK" />
|game4 = Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith {{small|(PC)}}
|gr4 = 76%<ref name="GR-MOS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/197671.asp|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=December 18, 2008}}</ref>
|game5 = Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast {{small|(PC)}}
|gr5 = 87%<ref name="GR-JO-PC">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/516547-star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/index.html|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast for PC|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=August 22, 2013}}</ref>
|mc5 = 89/100<ref name="MC-JO-PC">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/starwarsjediknight2jedioutcast?q=Jedi%20OutCast|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (PC)|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=August 22, 2013}}</ref>
|game6 = Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast {{small|(Xbox)}}
|gr6 = 79%<ref name="GR-JO-XB">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/561554-star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/index.html|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast for Xbox|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=August 22, 2013|archive-date=October 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025140258/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/561554-star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|mc6 = 81/100<ref name="MC-JO-XB">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (Xbox) |access-date=August 22, 2013 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>
|game7 = Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast {{small|(GameCube)}}
|gr7 = 75%<ref name="GR-JO-GC">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/561552-star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/index.html|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast for GameCube|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=August 22, 2013}}</ref>
|mc7 = 75/100<ref name="MC-JO-GC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (GameCube) |access-date=August 22, 2013 |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>
|game8 = Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy {{small|(PC)}}
|gr8 = 80%<ref name="GR-JA-PC">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/914574-star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/index.html| title = Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy for PC | publisher = [[GameRankings]] | access-date = August 22, 2013}}</ref>
|mc8 = 81/100<ref name="MC-JA-PC">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/starwarsjediknightjediacademy?q=Jedi%20Academy|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (PC)|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=August 22, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|game9 = Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy {{small|(Xbox)}}
|gr9 = 75%<ref name="GR-JA-XB">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/914575-star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/index.html| title = Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy for Xbox | publisher = [[GameRankings]] | access-date = August 22, 2013}}</ref>
|mc9 = 76/100<ref name="MC-JA-XB">{{cite web | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox | title = Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Xbox) | website = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = August 19, 2013}}</ref>
}}
The ''Jedi Knight'' series as a whole has been well received. The series itself has been described as "highly acclaimed,"<ref>{{cite web | author = Rgerbino | url = http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21844.htm | title = Jedi Academy PC review | publisher = GameZone |date=September 23, 2003| access-date = August 22, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080408063051/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21844.htm| archive-date = April 8, 2008}}</ref> and has been noted by [[IGN]] as one of few ''Star Wars'' themed video game franchises that is of consistently high quality on the PC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/377/377807p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021210075625/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/377/377807p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 10, 2002 |last=Boulding |first=Aaron |title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast Xbox review|date=November 19, 2002 |access-date=June 16, 2007|website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> GamersMark.com called the series "rather entertaining,"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamersmark.com/reviews/view/699/ |title=Quake 4 Review |last=Dounis |first=Elias |date=December 7, 2005 |publisher=GamersMark.com |access-date=December 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510133611/http://www.gamersmark.com/reviews/view/699 |archive-date=May 10, 2007 }}</ref> whilst ''[[GameNOW]]'' rated it as "consistently great."<ref>{{cite journal|title=Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy|journal=[[GameNOW]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1, 2003}}</ref>

Individually, each game in the series has been generally well received. In 1995, ''Dark Forces'' became LucasArts' highest [[Sell-through|sell-in]] with more than 300,000 copies accounted for at launch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lucasarts.com/company/about/page3.html|title=LucasArts Milestones|publisher=[[LucasArts]]|access-date=December 18, 2008}}</ref> Games in the series have achieved consistently favorable review scores from most publications, and hold high aggregate scores on both [[Metacritic]] and [[GameRankings]]. The only exceptions are the PlayStation version of ''Dark Forces'', which was perceived to have graphical problems<ref>{{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 }}</ref> and the GameCube version of ''Jedi Outcast'', which was seen as considerably inferior to the PC and Xbox versions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ie.ign.com/articles/2002/11/19/star-wars-jedi-knight-ii-jedi-outcast-review |last=Boulding|first=Aaron|title=Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast GameCube review |access-date=August 19, 2013 |website=[[IGN]]|date=November 19, 2002}}</ref>

Games in the ''Jedi Knight'' series have also received specific commendation and awards. ''Dark Forces II'' was judged the best game of the year for 1997 by five publications, and was number one in ''[[PC Gamer]]''{{'}}s "50 best games ever" list in 1998.<ref name=Awards>{{cite web|url=http://www.lucasarts.com/company/about/page5.html |title=LucasArts Awards |publisher=[[LucasArts]] |access-date=December 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507064852/http://www.lucasarts.com/company/about/page5.html |archive-date=May 7, 2008 }}</ref> ''Jedi Outcast'' was a finalist in the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] "Interactive Achievement Awards" in the 2002 Computer Action/Adventure Game of the Year category. The game also received commendations from ''PC Gamer'' and ''[[Computer Gaming World]]''.<ref name=Awards/>

Gameplay aspects of the series have also been well received. The lightsaber charted at number 7 in [[UGO Networks]]'s countdown of the 50 best weapons in video games. The publication commented that using such a weapon in a game was "extremely satisfying," and stated that lightsaber usage had been refined as the series continued.<ref name=saber>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/best-video-game-weapons/shows.asp?groupID=shows10-1&showID=lightsaber-jediknight|title=Top 50 Video Game Weapons of All Time: 7. Lightsaber|publisher=[[UGO Networks]]|access-date=December 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816050311/http://www.ugo.com/games/best-video-game-weapons/shows.asp?groupID=shows10-1&showID=lightsaber-jediknight|archive-date=August 16, 2009}}</ref>

Kyle Katarn has also received a positive reception. [[IGN]] placed him as their 22nd top ''Star Wars'' character, praising him as "a gamer's reliable blank state," a feature which they felt made him one of the most "human" ''Star Wars'' characters. They also stated that Katarn's endearence with fans was because of his "mishmash of quirks and dispositions."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/star-wars-characters/22.html |title=Top 100 Star Wars Characters |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=April 2, 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603193858/http://uk.ign.com/star-wars-characters/22.html|archive-date=June 3, 2012}}</ref> In [[GameSpot]]'s vote for the all-time greatest videogame hero, Katarn was eliminated in round two when faced against [[Lara Croft]], garnering 27.5% of the votes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/vote/index.html?battle_id=34 |title=All Time Greatest Game Hero |date=September 16, 2009 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018144826/http://uk.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/vote/index.html?battle_id=34|archive-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> In round one he defeated [[Dig Dug]], with 67.6% of the votes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/vote/index.html?battle_id=3 |title=All Time Greatest Game Hero |date=September 8, 2009 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018144856/http://uk.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/vote/index.html?battle_id=3|archive-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> Previewing the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] version of ''Star Wars: Dark Forces'', ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' called Katarn "a perfect character to star in a first-person shoot-'em-up in the ''Star Wars'' universe", and said the character has the same rogue-with-a-heart appeal as [[Han Solo]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Dark Forces: No One Will Force You to Play this One |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=85|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=August 1996 |pages=70–71}}</ref> On the other hand, [[GamesRadar]] was critical of Katarn, calling him the third worst character in video gaming, saying "he's bearded, he's boring, he's bland and his name is Kyle Katarn," comparing his outfit to that of a "beige-obsessed disco cowboy." They also commented that while "originally a genuinely interesting character in the Han Solo mold," they felt that the character had become "emotionless" after he gained force powers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/getting-into-characters/a-2008052810263157029/p-4 |title=Getting into characters... |date=23 June 2012|publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |access-date=20 August 2013}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

{{Jedi Knight series}}
{{Star Wars games}}

{{good article}}

[[Category:Jedi]]
[[Category:LucasArts franchises]]
[[Category:Star Wars: Jedi Knight]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1995]]