Remember booting up your Super Nintendo, the satisfying click of the power switch, and the iconic LucasArts logo appearing on screen? For a generation of gamers, that was the gateway to experiencing the Star Wars saga in a whole new, incredibly challenging way. Among the trio of classic SNES titles, Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back SNES holds a special place – a notoriously difficult, yet undeniably cool, adaptation of arguably the best film in the original trilogy.
Released in 1993, following the surprise success of the first Super Star Wars, this sequel doubled down on the run-and-gun action, tricky platforming, and stunning (for the time) Mode 7 effects. It promised an interactive journey through the icy plains of Hoth, the murky swamps of Dagobah, and the gleaming (and dangerous) corridors of Cloud City. But did it deliver on the promise without breaking your controller? Let's take a nostalgic look back.
A 16-Bit Retelling of a Masterpiece
Just like its predecessor, Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back SNES loosely follows the plot of the movie. You start on Hoth, battling AT-STs and Snowtroopers as Luke Skywalker. The game uses scrolling text and digitized stills from the film to push the narrative forward, giving you just enough context before throwing you into the next gauntlet of enemies and environmental hazards.
You primarily play as Luke, but fan favorites Han Solo and Chewbacca are also playable characters, each with their own unique abilities (though Luke's lightsaber and Force powers often feel like the go-to). While it hits the major plot points – escaping Hoth, training with Yoda, heading to Cloud City – don't expect a perfectly faithful adaptation. Luke gets his lightsaber way earlier than in the movie, and let's just say the game takes some creative liberties with certain character encounters.
Blasters, Force Powers, and Platforming Peril
At its core, Empire Strikes Back on SNES is a side-scrolling action-platformer. You'll spend most of your time running, jumping, and shooting everything that moves. Luke starts with a blaster but quickly acquires his lightsaber, which can be upgraded. Han and Chewie rely on their trusty blasters, which can also find temporary power-ups like rapid fire or spread shots. Thermal detonators provide screen-clearing explosions.
The platforming is often precise and unforgiving. Missing a jump over a chasm or into a lava pit usually means instant death, sending you back to the start of a level or checkpoint. Levels are filled with enemies coming from all directions, requiring quick reflexes and pattern recognition.
Beyond the standard run-and-gun, the game throws in some vehicle sections utilizing the SNES's Mode 7 capabilities. Piloting a Snowspeeder on Hoth or the Millennium Falcon through an asteroid field offers a visual spectacle and a change of pace, though the controls in these segments can feel a bit slippery compared to the tight platforming.
The Challenge is Strong with This One (Seriously, It's Hard)
If there's one thing everyone remembers about the Super Star Wars trilogy on SNES, it's the difficulty. Empire Strikes Back is no exception. Enemies soak up damage, bosses have seemingly random and punishing attack patterns, and the platforming demands near perfection.
Many players recall specific pain points: the relentless boss fights (Boba Fett, AT-ATs, Darth Vader), tricky jumps, and levels that just seem designed to drain your lives. Unlike modern games with frequent checkpoints or easy modes, this was a product of its time – challenging to the point of frustration for many. Beating this game without relying on save states (if playing via emulation or on modern re-releases) is a badge of honor among retro gamers.
Sounds of the Rebellion (and the Empire)
One area where the Super Star Wars games consistently shine is the audio. The 16-bit renditions of John Williams' iconic score are fantastic. Hearing the Imperial March kick in during a tough boss fight or the classic Star Wars theme on the title screen immediately transports you back to that galaxy far, far away.
The sound effects are also surprisingly good, with satisfying blaster fire, the hum of the lightsaber, and recognizable character grunts and enemy explosions. It truly feels like Star Wars, even within the limitations of the SNES sound chip.
A Visual Feast (for 1993)
Visually, Empire Strikes Back holds up reasonably well for a 16-bit title from 1993. The character sprites are detailed and well-animated, especially the main playable characters and bosses. Levels capture the distinct environments of the movie, from the snowy trenches of Hoth to the vibrant, if blocky, gas platforms of Cloud City.
The Mode 7 effects, while primitive by modern standards, were impressive at the time and added a sense of scale and dynamism to the vehicle levels. While some level designs could feel a bit repetitive or bland, the overall presentation was a solid effort in bringing the movie's look and feel to the SNES.
Reliving the Legend Today
Finding an original cartridge of Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back SNES can be a quest in itself, but it's not impossible. Retro game stores and online marketplaces are your best bet.
For those looking for a more accessible way to play, emulation is a popular route. Emulators allow you to play ROMs of the game on modern PCs and devices (check local laws regarding ROM ownership). Some modern consoles or digital storefronts occasionally feature retro game collections, though Empire Strikes Back hasn't been as widely re-released as the first Super Star Wars on platforms like PS4/Vita.
The Verdict: Is It Worth Revisiting?
Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back SNES is a quintessential slice of 16-bit Star Wars nostalgia. It's tough, sometimes frustratingly so, but it offers solid run-and-gun action, memorable boss fights, fantastic music, and a chance to relive the movie's key moments through a unique gameplay lens.
If you're a retro gamer who appreciates a stiff challenge, a die-hard Star Wars fan, or simply want to experience a classic licensed title from the SNES era, it's absolutely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a difficulty curve steeper than the side of an AT-AT. It might make you yell at your screen, but isn't that part of the retro charm?
FAQ about Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back SNES
Is Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back SNES very difficult?
Yes, it is widely considered one of the more difficult games on the SNES, known for its challenging platforming, tough enemies, and punishing boss fights.
Does the game follow the movie's story closely?
It follows the main plot points and locations of The Empire Strikes Back movie, using stills and text. However, it takes liberties with character abilities and specific events for gameplay purposes.
Can you play as different characters?
Yes, you can primarily play as Luke Skywalker, but Han Solo and Chewbacca are also playable characters in certain levels.
Is the music from the movie in the game?
Yes, the game features excellent 16-bit arrangements of John Williams' iconic score from the Star Wars films, which is often praised as a highlight of the game.
