"Immerse yourself in frantic dogfights, low-flying stealth missions, and heavy bombing sorties."

Now This Is Not Podracing

Sleek starships. Capital juggernauts. Souped-up freighters. Armored assault vessels. All at your command.

In Star Wars Starfighter Special Edition, you enter that universe as one of the unsung pilot heroes of Episode I The Phantom Menace. Immerse yourself in frantic dogfights, low-flying stealth missions, and heavy bombing sorties. Fight to defend Naboo from the droid armies and mercenary ships of the Trade Federation. Test your skills in an engrossing single-player game, or challenge a friend to one of several multiplayer games like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. Do well, and you might find yourself behind the stick of some of the coolest bonus ships in any game—including Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator.

The peaceful Galactic Republic is just this side of erupting into a conflict spurred by the Trade Federation invasion of tiny Naboo. You'll begin the game as Rhys Dallows, a rookie Naboo fighter pilot with an affinity for the N-1 starfighter (those slick yellow starships from the end of the movie). The N-1 is fast, nimble, and armed with blasters and powerful missiles. Success in the Naboo levels soon puts you in the cockpit of the stealthy Guardian Mantis as you take on the role of heroic mercenary Vana Sage. The Mantis sports cannons and an ion tag system that drains an enemy's shields. Finally, you'll become Nym, Feeoprin pirate, as he pilots the heavy bomber Havoc on missions of revenge and justice.

In addition to a gripping storyline, intuitive controls, and all the action of a fast-paced arcade shooter, Starfighter Special Edition is loaded with features only available on the Xbox. Five bonus missions await you if you have the skills. Multiplayer has been greatly expanded above and beyond the PS2 version, and Xbox-quality graphics and performance keep this game right on target.

Whether you want to pummel fellow gamers in space, race down a treacherous Naboo canyon, or simply save the Republic from a fate worse than Palpatine, Starfighter Special Edition is the space sim to own.

Your astromech is charged, your starfighter is fueled, and your mission is clear. Punch it!