System: Game Boy
Release date: November 1992

Blast off into a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars on the Game Boy, the November 1992 action-platformer from Capcom that condenses the original film’s epic tale into a pocket-sized saga. Follow Luke Skywalker from Tatooine dust to Death Star destruction—but does it still force-choke the competition in 2025? Let’s dive in and see if this lightsaber classic is a Jedi triumph or a stormtrooper stumble.

Gameplay: Swing Sabers and Shoot Ties

Star Wars retells the ’77 film’s story in side-scrolling glory, letting you control Luke, Leia, and others through levels like the Death Star trench run or Cloud City duel. The controls handle jumps, shots, and saber swings with decent zip, while power-ups like proton torpedoes and force fields add tactical flair. Switchable characters bring unique skills—Luke’s saber slices, Han’s blaster sprays—and boss fights against Vader or the Emperor demand pattern mastery. It’s a faithful adaptation packed with movie moments.

The dark side? Some sections—like the AT-AT dodge or tight platforming—feel fiddly with imprecise controls. Lives are stingy, and passwords mean no saves mid-run. Still, the cinematic progression and power fantasy keep you locked in like a tractor beam.

Graphics: Greyscale Galaxy with Grit

Star Wars captures the film’s icons—Luke’s farmboy strut, Vader’s cape swirl—with solid detail. Levels evoke Tatooine sands, Yavin jungles, and starry trenches, with parallax scrolling adding depth. Animations are snappy for saber clashes and X-wing dives, though dithering tricks the eye. It’s not a visual spectacle, but the faithful designs make every pixel feel like a frame from the movie.

Sound: Beeps That Echo the Score

Chiptune renditions of John Williams’ iconic themes, from the main crawl fanfare to the Imperial March, loop with retro flair. Sound effects—laser zaps, saber hums, and TIE fighter screeches—are punchy and nostalgic, fitting the action perfectly. The music’s repetition might wear thin during grinds, but it nails the epic vibe.

Replayability: A Saga Worth Rewatching

With multiple characters, hidden 1-ups, and branching paths (like rescuing Han), Star Wars encourages replays to max scores or unlock extras. The difficulty curve ramps smartly, rewarding mastery of bosses and secrets. No multiplayer, but the short campaign suits quick sessions, and password challenges add bite. Casual fans might bail on the frustration, but Jedi hopefuls will chase that perfect run.

The Retro Looney Verdict

Star Wars on the Game Boy is a cracking portable tribute that captures the film’s spirit in platforming form. Its engaging levels, iconic moments, and nostalgic tunes shine, even if the clunky controls and greyscale haze feel dated.