For every puzzle - be it switch-hunting, platform-reaching or box-dragging - there are one or two action sequences where your light sabre, grenades (futuristic versions of, naturally) or range of pulse rifles and laser machine guns barely seem adequate to handle everything thrown at you. The light sabre moves are slightly simplistic (four variations at most) and the odds on surviving an encounter with a bunch of guards is so remote that you feel undeniable joy when you make it out alive.

Indeed, the entire game is surprisingly tricky, considering the obvious kids market that the new film has created. While it is a bit short, there are a number of challenges, even if some of them are too obscure. Take, for example, the area outside the doors of the Queen's palace, guarded by an indestructible Battle Tank. While it shoots repeatedly at you, you are leaping around like a hyperactive gibbon trying to figure out where to go and what to do.

The game taunts you with possible jumping areas, until you find two switches. For some unknown reason, these can't be operated with your Use button like others in the game, but have to be coerced using your Force Push or a grenade. Stupid, really.

The situation is redeemed, however, with its adventure elements. Conversations give clues or subtly alter future parts of the game, while performing sub-tasks for secondary characters makes some primary tasks easier.

If you can't lap up enough Star Wars goodies then there's no doubt that Phantom Menace does its job with some aplomb. But if you'd rather see the film first, do so and you might hurry this above-average game to the bargain bin, wherein it becomes an infinitely preferable purchase.