Half Life‘s introduction is famously slow. Long tram rides and lengthy speeches from co-workers preparing Gordon Freeman for an experiment that would destroy the world. An atmospheric start, for sure, but it’s a pain for folks trying to beat the game as quickly as possible. For one speedrunner, though, those dead minutes aren’t an obstacle – they’re the perfect opportunity to start practising for a record-breaking Star Wars run.

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Star Wars is, for me, first and foremost a video game franchise. I know there are films, I ve seen some of them (seven of the eleven by my count), but I m far more likely to tell you that A New Hope took place between the events of Jedi: Fallen Order and Dark Forces II than the other way around. When I see that title fade away, and the yellow letters begin to scroll, I have that warm glowy feeling of familiarity and happy memories, but they re of the nefarious deeds of Darth Malek or the ripping yarns of Kyle Katarn, rather than Luke and his naughty daddy. (Sorry, spoilers.)

It is a peculiar relationship I ll concede, where two of my all-time favourite games have Star Wars in their titles (Knights Of The Old Republic, Dark Forces), but the films wouldn t even be thought of when making my movie list.

When I boot up the backwardly named Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II, there s immediately a hefty dose of nostalgia. Meanie old droid 8T88, mentions of Dark Jedi (as opposed to Sith?), Kyle Katarn s beard, it s all a warm bath of teenage years. But, I was wondering, is it actually as good as I remember?

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