Over the years, the Star Wars series has expanded its familiar story through the use of PC and console gaming. The main elements of the Star Wars universe has translated into several different genres ranging from flight simulations (X-Wing series, Rogue Squadron), to adventure games (Super Star Wars, Dark Forces). However, in 1997 Lucasarts wanted to try something new that had never been attempted with the Star Wars license before: A one-on-one fighting game.
This idea raised a lot of questions with fans of the Trilogy: How could Lucasarts pull off a Star Wars fighting game when the company has never developed a fighting game before? How could Han Solo and Darth Vader possibly fit into this particular genre? And how fair of a fight could players realistically have by pitting Chewbacca against Princess Leia? The answers to these questions came in the form of Star Wars: Masters of Teras Kasi.
Set after the events of A New Hope, with the destruction of the first Death Star, Darth Vader enlists the aid of Arden Lyn, master of the ancient fighting art, Teras Kasi, in order to serve his Emperor, and crush the Rebel Alliance once and for all. Teras Kasi draws its energy from the Force, which increases the powers of the Jedi. However, those who dismiss the Force as a "hokey religion", are still able to pick of the basics of combat, (Such as Han Solo or Boba Fett) and fight alongside their allies. Before Arden Lyn is able to take her plan into full effect, the Rebels learn of the Empire's plan, and begin their counterattack. The battle for survival begins.
Players can choose from eight main characters (Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, Boba Fett, Thok - A Gamorrean Guard, Hoar - A Tusken Raider, and Arden Lyn), and five secret characters (Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Mara Jade, Jodo Kast, and Leia in Slave outfit). Visually, Teras Kasi has some very impressive graphic elements, ranging from the CG rendered introduction, to the amount of detail used in the backgrounds. The lighting effects are some of the more notable features, especially when Luke or Vader draw their lightsabers, bathing the surrounding area with the glow of their blade. The backgrounds also add a lot to the game. From Cloud Cars soaring around Bespin's skies, to R2-D2 rolling through the swamps of Dagobah, and AT-ATs lumbering around the landing platform of Endor, there is quite a bit to watch besides the on-screen fighting. The animation, however, is a little less polished with the characters moving somewhat stiffly, although the characters have subtle movements that keep them close to their movie counterparts. The special attacks, once you have built up your power bar to full strength, are by far some of the better sights of the game, purely for the "ouch" factor involved. Additionally, the endings are CG rendered, but last about 3-10 seconds, depending on which character you play. While they look great, it's a real disappointment for all the work that is put into reaching the ending.
The music consists of the familiar, yet expected Star Wars score from John Williams. Although the idea of beating your opponent to a pulp to this classic fanfare may sound a bit strange, the music surprisingly suits and adds to the intensity of the fighting. The sound effects, ranging from blaster firing to the electronic voice distortion of Leia's Boushh helmet are accurate and very cool.
- "Control, Control! You must learn control!"
The gameplay aspect of Teras Kasi is a bit quirky and takes a little getting used to. For starters, the control is very precise, which is certain to endlessly frustrate button-mashers. With practice, however, the control does get comfortable enough to enjoy the game, and the Practice Mode helps. The ability to alternate between weapons is a great feature, as certain moves can only be performed while in a particular gameplay mode. However, some moves in the game are extremely powerful, wearing down enemies in seconds, and "Ring Outs" become commonplace with a well-timed special attack. While it's fun to completely destroy a friend this way while using Darth Vader, it does offset the balance of the game. (Against the CPU, however, the "Ring Out" is something of a blessing at times, although as a gamer, it's still a cheap way to win.) As for any feelings of guilt that you may have about fighting Luke, Han, or your other favorite characters, that will quickly fade after they kick the living Force out of you a few times. The hidden features are sure to be enjoyed by Star Wars enthusiasts, and are accessible by completing the game on the default or harder difficulties, adding replay value to the title.
Despite its problems in control and the disappointing endings, Star Wars: Masters of Teras Kasi is a fun addition to any Star Wars fan or fighting game fanatics collection. Hopefully, Lucasarts will consider a sequel for this title that will offer new features, better control, and more characters to choose from the original Trilogy or even the Prequels. Definitely worth a look.
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