Star Wars: Behind the Magic

• Platform: IBM PC Compatible
• Release Date: 1998
• Genre: Home
• Style: Reference
• Similar Games: Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Interactive Technical Manual (IBM PC Compatible), The X-Files: Unrestricted Access (IBM PC Compatible), The X-Files: Unrestricted Access (Macintosh), The Star Trek Encyclopedia (IBM PC Compatible), The Star Trek Encyclopedia (Macintosh), Star Trek Omnipedia (IBM PC Compatible), Star Trek Omnipedia (Macintosh), Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Interactive Technical Manual (Macintosh), James Cameron's Titanic Explorer (Hybrid Windows/Mac), Star Wars: Episode I -- Insider's Guide (IBM PC Compatible), Star Wars: Episode I -- Insider's Guide (Macintosh), Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Interactive Technical Manual [Star Trek Classic] (Hybrid Windows/Mac)

Game Description

You've seen the movies and read the reference guides, novels and comic books. Now all of that information and more is included on two compact discs. Star Wars: Behind the Magic contains all of the facts, music, video clips, maps and interviews you could want involving the original trilogy of films.

Detailed information is included in a variety of categories: characters, locations, technology, events, behind the scenes, expanded universe (books, comics, toys and other media), and even a sneak peak at Star Wars: Episode I. In all, there are over 2,000 images, 20 3D models, 40 minutes of digitized video, 20 minutes of audio and 30 ship schematics. Many fans will also delight in seeing cut footage from the first film.

Behind the Magic also features added highlights that you won't find anywhere else, including a computer-generated Princess Leia fashion show and a 3D walkthrough of the Millennium Falcon. You can also visit the weapons test facility to compare the power of a lightsaber, blaster, Ewok rock, Death Star superlaser and thermal detonator by trying them out on a Stormtrooper. Then, test your Star Wars knowledge by answering 300 trivia questions placed throughout the two discs.

Roots & Influences

The huge popularity of the Star Wars universe inspired the creation of this ultimate reference guide for fans.

Review: Overall

If you enjoy anything to do with Star Wars, then you must have this program. While the interactive elements are limited, there is so much information in Star Wars: Behind the Magic that you can be entertained for a very long time. This is a near perfect reference guide.

The point and click system is simple to use, and everything is organized in an orderly and efficient manner. If you want information on a weapon or vehicle, select technology. Want to know more about Boba Fett? Then visit the characters section. Each section also has its own set of trivia questions for which your score is automatically kept. You just cannot imagine the wealth of detailed information on these two discs.

When accessing particular subjects, you will get more than just text information. Many have image galleries that contain pictures from the movies, behind the scenes information and artist concept sketches. Vehicles each have a 3D model that can be rotated in every direction, while characters have uniform descriptions. One problem I do have, though, is the emphasis on Princess Leia. While Luke Skywalker and Han Solo only have their original uniforms detailed, every single outfit of Leia's is described. She even has a computer-generated fashion show, the tone of which does not match the rest of the program.

George Lucas is featured in many audio clips and can also be seen in some video interviews. Some of the videos have trouble keeping in sync with the audio, but overall they are of good quality. With each area described by C-3PO, the Millennium Falcon walkthrough is nice, though not as interesting as it could have been. Unfortunately you cannot enter each area, only view them through their doors.

Some of the best features are the action figures, weapons test facility and lost video footage. Every original action figure can be viewed, and the mere click of a button reveals the 1990s version. However, I was a little disappointed that the vehicles are not pictured.

The weapons test facility allows you to click on one of five weapons and then watch a Stormtrooper take the blow. While he is too small and acts like an idiot, the feature is still entertaining.

The lost video footage alone is reason enough for any diehard Star Wars fan to purchase this program. There are four short videos, all of which take place on Tatooine. One is black and white and features Luke standing in the desert, while two others primarily feature conversations between Luke and Biggs Darklighter, the future Jedi's best friend. Rounding out the lost footage is the Mos Eisley cantina scene, which features Han Solo with a woman at his table whom he kisses (the only real difference from what you see in the movie version).



Star Wars: Behind the Magic is excellent and should be owned by everyone who enjoys the Star Wars universe.

Review: Enjoyment

Not a lot to interact with, but every fan will enjoy the amount of information and the video footage that was cut from the movies.

Review: Graphics

Lots of video footage. Great images and 3D ship models.

Review: Sound

Includes music from the movies and very clear audio.

Review: Replay Value

{#Star Wars} fans will always be going back to look something up.

Review: Documentation

Clearly describes every aspect of the program.

Production Credits

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