Force Commander differs from traditional RTS games by eliminating resource gathering. Instead, players receive command points for accomplishing mission objectives, controlling key buildings, or blowing up enemy units. Command points are used to requisition troops and buildings from an orbiting Star Destroyer.

Star Wars fans will find much to love in the plot. Force Commander begins with your small training platoon being ordered to investigate a certain escape pod that has crashed on Tatooine. Caught up in events that will forever change the galaxy, your career takes you to such far away worlds as Tatooine, Yavin, Hoth, Endor--even Coruscant. With each successful mission comes an increase in rank and larger forces of Storm Troopers, speeder bikes, TIE Fighters, and AT-ATs. Being able to take part in the Echo Base assault on Hoth (and other key conflicts from the movies) is a Star Wars fan's dream come true, and we'll be forever grateful to LucasArts for giving us the opportunity to hunt down Ewoks on Endor. --Mike Fehlauer

Pros:

• Play as the Imperials or the Rebels, in single player and online
• Fully 3-D units and terrain
• Units gain experience, and surviving units can be used in subsequent missions
• Perfectly authentic sound effects
• Storyline puts you in the pivotal battles of Star Wars

Cons:

• Hefty system requirements
• Occasional texture breaks on the 3-D terrain
• Units not from the movies look out of place
• Ugly interface