LucasArts reveal plans for Phantom Menace: The Adventure.

Due for release at the same time as the film in the US (May) are the PC and PlayStation action adventure games of the film. Reported to follow the film very closely, the player is in charge of four of the film’s main characters: the two Jedis, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, and Captain Panaka and Queen Amidala. The characters are controlled individually, with control switching from one character to another at crucial stages of the game as you guide them through a series of quests.

The action’s viewed in solid 3D from an isometric perspective and follows the usual adventure gaming formula of solving puzzles, collecting things and completing mini-tasks. There’s a lot of combat action thrown in for good measure too so be prepared to bone up on your light sabre skills. Don’t expect any multiplayer action though, the game’s designed for solo play only.

As the game’s designed to last a lot longer than the film (LucasArts reckon there’s some 20-40 hours gameplay here) the designers have added a lot of extra material that takes the game away from the film’s plot without deviating from the storyline. The designers are hoping that playing the game will bring you as close to being a part of the film as possible.