Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is a complicated beast. Not content to tell the story of Darth Vader's secret apprentice on Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, and PC hardware, LucasArts even ported it to mobile devices and N-Gage. Yes, we just typed N-Gage.

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The resultant diversity between versions can't be overstated, with LucasArts themselves creating an HD game on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Australia-based developer Krome followed the LucasArts versions' framework and story beats but offered a very different overall experience on Wii, PS2, and PSP. A smattering of smaller studios handled the rest.

With Star Wars: The Force Unleashed out now on Nintendo Switch eShop, remastered for the modern age, it's important to note that it's based on Krome's Wii project, not the more well known in-house HD edition. The graphics, then, aren't the sharpest – but the deal's sweetened by the inclusion of the Wii-only two-player local versus affair known as Duel Mode. Let's see what all the fuss is about.

Straightforward Star Wars Grudge Matches

The Force Unleashed Duel Qui Gon Maul

Duel Mode is precisely as complex as the rest of The Force Unleashed. As in, to a tee. That's because the characters you choose between all function almost identically to the story's protagonist, Galen Marak, so once you've got his combos down you really don't need to worry about faltering with anybody else.

You'll have access to plenty of abilities in Duel Mode right off the bat that poor Galen has to learn over time through the leveling process in the main game. There's no need to find the right costumes and lightsaber crystals for Duel Mode's cast, either; they come pre-packaged with their vintage iconic glam.

Since there are virtually no differences in playability, there's no tier list, nor any arguments to be made for "right or wrong" characters to select. There is, however, an appreciable degree of stage depth that makes each arena fun. Want to zap a computer console near your opponent? Go for it. In the mood to toss a piece of a downed AT-AT at that special someone? Sure. Heck, you can even toss your friend into the cold void of space in at least one stage.

Like Star Wars itself, it's the setting that matters the most. The film franchise does such a superb job establishing alien environments like Tatooine, Hoth, Endor, Naboo, and Mustafar that have become part of the entertainment industry's perennial lexicon. Krome Studio clearly gets this, as players can cycle between nine arenas, each evoking a warmly familiar sensation of visiting a world rich with Star Wars presence.

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Who's Playable in The Force Unleashed Duel Mode?

The Force Unleashed Duel Mode Anakin Obi Wan

Cycles swap the scenery, putting players in the mood to rumble on worlds like Coruscant and Geonosis, but the sizable roster of Star Wars favorites is bound to be the main attraction. Who's on tap in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed?

  • Galen (Starkiller)
  • Qui-Gon Jin
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi
  • Anakin Skywalker
  • Aayla Secura
  • Asajj Ventress
  • Count Dooku
  • Darth Maul
  • Mace Windu
  • Shaak Ti
  • Darth Phobos
  • Maris Brood
  • Darth Vader
  • Rahm Kota
  • Luke Skywalker (A New Hope)
  • Luke Skywalker (Return of the Jedi)
  • Mara Jade

Galen Marek, better known as Starkiller, flexes his muscles as The Force Unleashed's protagonist in Duel Mode with a whopping 11 different outfits, each counting as a selectable 'character' in the menu. Expect to see this guy's mug on over half the character portraits as a result.

Options include Training Gear, Light Training Gear, Corellian Flight Suit, Bounty Hunter Disguise, Jungle Combat Gear, Raxus Prime Survival Gear, Father's Robes, Industrial Explorer Outfit, Ultimate Good, and Ultimate Evil. Most of these will be unlocked throughout the course of your time with the campaign.

As you can see, the only other character with multiple outfits is Luke. He's got his classic farmboy look from A New Hope as well as his epic outfit from Return of the Jedi.

Next:Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - Beginner Tips