Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones on GBA offers a varied gameplay experience that shifts between side-scrolling action, platforming, and semi-3D first-person sequences. You’ll primarily control Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, each with distinct move sets and Force abilities. The side-scrolling levels emphasize precise jumps, combat combos, and timely use of the Force to push crates, activate switches, or pull distant platforms into place.

Interspersed with the 2D levels are first-person sections that emulate a rudimentary 3D engine. These segments appear during key chase scenes, such as the speeder bike race on Coruscant’s rooftops, and inject variety into the pace. While the controls in these sequences can feel a bit stiff, they successfully showcase the Game Boy Advance’s ability to render depth in a handheld title, reminding players of similar tech in games like Doom.

Lightsaber combat is front and center, with Anakin’s aggressive style contrasting Obi-Wan’s more defensive stance. You can string together basic strikes into longer combos, and unlock new Force powers as you progress. Balancing Force points and health makes each encounter more strategic than simply button-mashing, especially during boss fights against Count Dooku’s deadly droids or Jango Fett’s relentless assaults.

Vehicle segments also diversify the gameplay, allowing you to pilot gunships or chase down enemies in speeder bikes. These moments break up the platforming and showcase the movie’s iconic set pieces. Though brief, they add a welcomed shift in perspective and test your reflexes in high-speed situations.

Graphics

Visually, Attack of the Clones captures the essence of the film’s environments within the GBA’s technical constraints. Character sprites are well-detailed and recognizable, with smooth animations that bring lightsaber duels to life. Backgrounds—ranging from the rain-soaked platforms of Kamino to the rocky canyons of Geonosis—are richly colored and layered, adding depth to each level.

The semi-3D sections employ an impressive rendering technique for the handheld. While the draw distance is limited and textures are blocky, these moments still deliver a clear sense of speed during chase sequences. The developers managed to maintain a steady frame rate, ensuring that players won’t be hindered by slowdown when maneuvering through crowded corridors or intense firefights.

Special effects, such as Force pushes or lightsaber clashes, are highlighted with distinct flashes and particle effects. Explosions and energy blasts carry weight, thanks to subtle sprite scaling and flicker effects. Though simple by modern standards, these touches elevate each combat encounter and add cinematic flair to the action.

Attention to detail extends to level environments, where background animations—like water rippling under Kamino’s platforms or the floating droids above Geonosis—help immerse players in the Star Wars universe. While you won’t find high-resolution textures here, the art direction makes clever use of the GBA’s palette to convey mood and atmosphere.

Story

The game closely follows the film’s narrative, beginning ten years after the Battle of Naboo. The Galactic Republic stands on the brink of civil war, and Count Dooku’s Separatist movement threatens to tear the galaxy apart. As the game opens, Senator Padmé Amidala faces a barrage of assassination attempts, prompting the Jedi Council to send Obi-Wan and Anakin to protect her.

Through a series of missions, players visit iconic locations such as the cloning facilities on Kamino—where Jango Fett masterminds the Clone Army—and the gladiatorial arenas of Geonosis, where the epic final battle unfolds. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden plots, interrogate suspects, and confront mercenaries hired to eliminate Padmé. Each level builds on the movie’s scenes, ensuring you experience all the key moments in interactive form.

In addition to the main protagonists, certain chapters allow you to briefly control Mace Windu, showcasing his unique purple lightsaber and specialized Force techniques. These sections, though short, add variety to the storytelling and let fans enact scenes that the film only hints at. Dialogue snippets and cutscenes faithfully adapt the screenplay, reinforcing the connection between the game and its cinematic source.

While the narrative seldom deviates from the movie’s plot, small gameplay-driven expansions—such as side objectives or hidden collectibles—offer extra context to the Clone Wars’ early days. For die-hard fans, these additions provide a glimpse behind the curtain, fleshing out characters and events that the film may have glossed over.

Overall Experience

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones delivers a solid handheld adaptation that fans of the franchise will appreciate. Its blend of platforming, combat, and semi-3D action keeps the experience fresh across multiple chapters. Though the controls can be challenging in tighter platform segments, mastering them rewards you with satisfying lightsaber duels and Force-powered takedowns.

The presentation does an admirable job of transplanting the film’s most memorable locales to the GBA. Sound effects like blaster fire, lightsaber hums, and iconic John Williams themes (in chiptune form) enrich the immersion, even if the hardware’s speakers limit audio fidelity. Occasional slowdown in combat-heavy rooms is a minor downside to an otherwise smooth performance.

Replay value stems from hidden level secrets, alternate paths, and the desire to fully upgrade Anakin’s and Obi-Wan’s abilities. Speedrunners may also find challenge in whipping through the semi-3D sequences with flawless precision. For younger players or newcomers to the saga, the straightforward progression makes it accessible, while series veterans will enjoy spotting Easter eggs and series nods.

Overall, Attack of the Clones on GBA is a commendable handheld tie-in that balances faithful storytelling with engaging gameplay. It may not redefine action titles on the system, but it stands as a must-play for Star Wars enthusiasts seeking to relive Episode II in a portable format.

Retro Replay Score

5.4/10