Yes, the game has bright and shiny graphics that take advantage of the Dreamcast's extra processing muscle. The music and sound effects also are excellent, and probably are the elements that capture the atmosphere of the films most effectively. But the game relies heavily on the basic walk-from-left-to-right-and-chop-up-the-baddies formula. Jedi Power Battles really hasn't moved this style of gameplay forward from the now-ancient Double Dragon and Final Fight games of yore.

Fortunately, LucasArts made quite a few wise tweaks for this new version. In addition to the original playable characters (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Mace Windu), the Dreamcast version adds the speedy Ki-Adi-Mundi. In addition to distinctive speed, strength, and personal style of saber attack, each character has special Force powers that get stronger as the game progresses. Of course, using your lightsaber like a Louisville Slugger to hit laser blasts into line drives is the coolest Jedi trick in the game.

The Dreamcast version runs very quickly and smoothly (supposedly at 60 frames per second), no matter how much action is taking place on the screen. New to this version are training levels for up-and-coming Jedis and a cool mano a mano fighting mode (think Street Fighter with lightsabers) that's good for a few laughs.

Without the Star Wars name, this game could've been considered rather ordinary. But Jedi Power Battles delivers the fun for all who ever wanted a chance to go toe-to-toe with Darth Maul and all of his friends from the Dark Side. Neither original nor deep in gameplay, Jedi Power Battles does show that the Force is still strong in the Dreamcast. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• Very good graphics, music, and sound
• Nice extras like hidden characters, training mode, and one-on-one fight mode add to its value

• It's basically yet another mindless beat-'em-up with lots of jumping
• Could've been a bit longer