Star Wars Trilogy: Apprentice of the Force

What if the original Star Wars trilogy came to life as a classic platformer? That's exactly what Star Wars Trilogy: Apprentice of the Force attempts — a game that propels the player through the iconic moments of Episodes IV, V and VI in a side-scrolling view on the Game Boy Advance. It's a loving stroll through a galaxy that generations of viewers know by heart.

The gameplay foundation is a platformer with action elements: you jump, slash through enemies with a lightsaber and wield the Force. The side-on perspective gives the game a brisk pace and a traditional platforming rhythm, into which duels and occasional action sequences are woven, all nodding to famous scenes from the films — from Tatooine through Hoth to the final showdown.

The GBA was ideal for this kind of game. Side-scrolling platformers were its bread and butter, and Apprentice of the Force uses that strength of the console to tell a story the whole world knows. Familiar settings and musical motifs serve as a constant reminder of which universe you're moving through.

This is a licensed title that leans on nostalgia and recognizability rather than genre innovation. Its strength lies precisely in that combination of proven platforming mechanics and a beloved source material — the fan gets to revisit the trilogy's most famous moments while jumping and dueling along the way.

Today it's a pleasant nostalgic stop for anyone who loves both Star Wars and classic handheld platformers. Among the many GBA titles set in the Star Wars universe, it holds a special place precisely because it returns to the roots of the whole saga.

Why play: For fans of the original trilogy who want to experience its most famous scenes as a snappy handheld platformer with a lightsaber.