Star Wars space and ground combat never looked better   Screenshot Gallery

Star Wars: Episode I Starfighter
(PlayStation 2)
Developer: LucasArts (internal)
Publisher: LucasArts

Although there were only a handful of PlayStation 2 games that really made any impact at E3, Star Wars: Episode I Starfighter was one of those.  Three months ago we wouldn't have believed you if you said LucasArts was going to have one of the best PS2 games at E3, but now we are full believers.  Developed in-house, this game finally puts to rests rumors of how LucasArts was going to continue the X-Wing and Tie Fighter legacy in the Episode I universe. 

While Starfighter is admittedly more Rogue Squadron than X-Wing, the game allows for completely free flight both on ground and in space using a stunning 3D engine.  Most PS2 games were very early in development at E3, but the Starfighter demo was fully playable, easy to control, and visually impressive.

The developers at LucasArts plan to let players fly in 14 different environments -- although you  unfortunately will not be able to seamlessly transition between ground and space environments.   Three different fighter pilots are available to use throughout the game with each one having their own personality and Starship.

Unfortunately Starfighter is only planned for release on the PlayStation 2 at this point, but nonetheless, it was easily one of the best-looking and most-playable PS2 games at the show.   LucasArts has had a somewhat spotty history with Episode I games, but Starfighter looks to turn the tide later this year.