Sun Never Sets on This 'Empire'

Gain control of the universe in "Star Wars: Empire at War." (Lucasarts)

Without question, the folks at LucasArts have given "Star Wars" fans an excellent range of game titles, spanning all genres and platforms. We've seen everything from first-person shooters and role-playing games to racing games. One genre that has been lacking in the "Star Wars" universe is real-time strategy. We've seen a few, but none have wowed us. Introducing "Empire at War" -- the "Star Wars" strategy game we've been waiting for.

"Empire at War" is incredibly deep and robust. Along with the usual land-based skirmishes, it incorporates space battles and galactic conquest scenarios into a seamless experience befit for any armchair general. For the first time, players can relive and control every aspect of the galactic civil war between the Empire and the rebellion. The creators have taken the emphasis off micromanagement and let players concentrate more on strategy and tactics. Although the game has a steep learning curve, once you get a handle on everything, it all comes together nicely.

The heart of the game is the Galactic Conquest mode in which you engage in land and space battles to gain control of the universe. Players start with a bit of cash, a handful of units and a few planets. As you mine for resources, you earn credits, which let you build structures, which allows you to build troops, armor and space stations. Space stations produce fleets, which are used to take over other planets.

As the Empire, you can play with Star Destroyers, AT-ATs and even the Death Star. As the rebels, you can control X-Wing fighters, ion cannons and, our personal favorite, the Millennium Falcon. Players will battle across 40 locations from the films, including Tatooine, Nal Hutta, Naboo, Yavin and Dagobah.

"Empire at War" is like watching a "Star Wars" movie come to life. Imagine a space battle with hundreds of ships on screen, each firing their weapons with explosions everywhere. Then add John Williams's brilliant musical score blaring in the background -- it's all rather breathtaking.

Throw in quality voice acting, spot-on sound effects and online multiplayer capability, and what you have is an epic strategy game that will keep you indoors for a while.

-- Tom Ham

Star Wars: Empire at War Teen, PC ($49.99) LucasArts/Petroglyph