I suppose there are a few readers out there wondering why Gaming Age is reviewing a product that quite simply doesn't qualify as a game. Well, I figured that most gamers out there are interested in all things Star Wars so when LucasArts asked if I wanted the software I wasn't about to turn them down. Keep in mind that since there really aren't any gameplay elements such as control or challenge, I based my overall score on the interface and overall value of the product. In other words, I answer whether or not you should fork out 30 bucks to buy this double CD package. On with the review…
Episode One Insider's Guide combines many features to give the end-user a much better understanding of the Star Wars universe. There are several sections available to peruse through, depending on your interests. The sections are broken down into "Characters", "Technology", "Vehicles", "Locations", "The Phantom Menace", "Glossary", "The Saga", and "Behind the Scenes". Each category is self explanatory, but some have more to offer than others. I found myself spending most of my time looking at the various characters. Most of them have a biography and include extras such as concept drawings, behind the scenes pictures, stills from the movie, video excerpts, and sound clips. Some of the major characters even have 3D models that you can rotate around to get a better look.
Easily the best parts of Insider's Guide are "The Phantom Menace" and "Behind the Scenes" sections. It's here that you'll find the script in its entirety. For each page there are script revisions, adaptations, and a slew of still pictures taken from the scene you're currently reading. There are literally hundreds of pictures to look at while reading the script and it is quite entertaining. Some of the revisions and adaptations are amusing to read about as well. The "Behind the Scenes" will show you the people involved in making this huge film. You can learn about the movie making process through interviews and images. There's even a timeline that provides a detailed account of all the production events. For all of the big fans of Star Wars out there, this will probably be one of the best reasons to buy this program.
Really the only "game" part of Insider's Guide is the trivia questions that are scattered throughout the various areas of the program. You are given only one chance to answer correctly so you'd better know your stuff (actually you can reset the scores, but you lose all of your points). Some of the questions are quite easy, but there are a few that are sure to tax even Star Wars buffs. The program keeps a running total of how many questions you answered correctly. I don't think anything special will occur if you happen to answer all of the questions correctly, but it's a nice little addition to keep you busy.
Even with all it has to offer, Insider's Guide just didn't entertain me the way I had hoped it would. I was hoping for more interesting stories from the cast and crew and more behind the scenes than what was given. The script and revisions are really cool to read and will probably make the purchase worthwhile for those who collect anything and everything Star Wars. The average gamer probably won't utilize most of the program's features and will most likely become bored with it after a few hours. Even veteran Star Wars fans will probably already know most of the information that's contained here. If you loved The Phantom Menace and are looking for behind the scenes information with a ton of pictures to boot, then by all means purchase Insider's Guide. The rest of you should save your money for Episode One Racer.
-- Craig Majaski
