Star Wars: Dark Forces
↘ 41%
😊 7.9/10
(Playstation - JP, Action & Adventure)
.png)
Complete
$11.69
Manage Collection
Developed_By:
LucasArts
Published_By:
Bullet-Proof Software Inc.
Released On:
01 Nov 1996
Kyle Katarn is a former Imperial officer turned mercenary, now hired by the Rebel Alliance. After having stolen the Death Star plans from a remote facility, he is tasked with investigating the sudden destruction of a hidden Rebel base. This leads him to face off against Imperial General Rom Mohc and the various iterations of his Dark Troopers - cybernetic soldiers with the armor and firepower to turn the tide of the war.
Star Wars: Dark Forces is a close prequel to the original Star Wars movie trilogy. The game marks LucasArts' first attempt to enter the first-person shooter market. Instead of licensing the DOOM engine, like many competitors, LucasArts created its own internal Jedi engine. The Jedi engine contains advanced features over similar tech, including the ability to look up and down, jump, crouch, and limited support for rooms over rooms. The 3D models also make occasional appearances inside the game, as turrets or Kyle's ship dropping him off or picking him up from each mission.
Most levels have a fairly complex, often maze-like structure, and include various switches that need to be activated to change the layout of the level. Jumping is integrated into the gameplay, as certain areas can only be accessed in that way. In addition to weapons, Kyle can use shields to protect himself from damage, a head lamp to illuminate dark areas, as well as specific items used to counter environmental hazards. The player character is given a certain amount of "lives" per level; he dies permanently once he runs out of all of them. Game progress can be saved only between missions.
The game features fourteen substantial levels as Kyle works to disarm the Dark Trooper project. Many levels reference characters or areas from the Star Wars movie trilogy, such as a visit with Jabba the Hutt, a trip to Coruscant, and a battle through the interior of a Star Destroyer. As opposed to most first-person shooters of the time period, every level has objectives for Kyle to complete, ranging from grabbing a clue and getting out alive, to planting charges around a facility to demolish it. Cutscenes appear between key missions to update the plot.
The Star Wars license gets plenty of use, as the game features imperial officers, stormtroopers, and a collection of aliens seen in the films as enemies. Blaster rifles and thermal detonators are used as weapons, along with other firearms inspired by the tech of the films. Dark Forces also uses the iMuse engine to dynamically change the music during action scenes, with much of the music based off or directly replicating John Williams' original film score.
The game is entirely a single-player campaign; no multiplayer is included or supported.
EAN-13:
4988627010106 (Japan)
Sony PN:
SLPS-00685 (Japan)
YouTube
Reddit
Twitch
Wikipedia
DB
IGDB
RG
RAWG
M
Metacritic
HowLong
GF
GameFAQs
Input Devices Required:
Gamepad
Number of Offline Players:
1 Player
Save Game Methods:
External Storage
Number of Players Supported:
1 Player
Prices as of 17 Sep 2026
Typical $11.69–$19.92 (last 90 days)
New
Complete
Loose
Box
Manual
Smoothed
Log · Auto
Medians
Volume
More JP Playstation Action & Adventure
.png)
10101 Will The Starship
$9.99 (Complete)
Nov 1997
_1.png)
19-03 Ueno Hatsu Yakou Ressha
N/A (Complete)
Mar 1999
.png)
2999-Nen no Game Kids
N/A (Complete)
Dec 1998
_1.jpg)
3D Shooting Tsukuru
$8.99 (Complete)
Dec 1996
 (Disc 2).png)
Aconcagua
$69.96 (Complete)
Jan 2000
Addie no Okurimono: To Moze from Addie
$28.09 (Complete)
Feb 2000
 (v1.0).png)
Akumajou Dracula X
$85.13 (Complete)
Mar 1997
😊 7.8/10
Alive
$34.99 (Complete)
Aug 1998
🙂 7.2/10
Alone In The Dark 2
$25.65 (Complete)
Nov 1996
 (Disc 2).png)
Ankh: Tutankhamun No Nazo
N/A (Complete)
Nov 1997
More from LucasArts
🙂 7.1/10
Ballblazer
$34.77 (Complete)
Jan 1986
🙂 7.1/10
Ballblazer
$37.50 (Complete)
Jan 1988
🙂 7.1/10
Ballblazer
$50.00 (Complete)
Aug 1985
🙂 7.1/10
Ballblazer
$29.89 (Complete)
Mar 1988
🙂 7.1/10
Ballblazer
$79.20 (Complete)
Jan 1988
🙂 7.0/10
.png)
Big Sky Trooper
$145.79 (Complete)
Oct 1995
🙂 7.0/10
Big Sky Trooper
$107.17 (Complete)
Oct 1995
😐 5.8/10
Defenders of Dynatron City
$110.46 (Complete)
Jul 1992
🙂 7.4/10
Eidolon
$63.73 (Complete)
Oct 1985
🙂 7.4/10
Eidolon
N/A (Complete)
Jan 1986
Manual
Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
This is a character-driven narrative, likely from a Star Wars game, detailing the backstory of Kyle Katarn. It explains his journey from Imperial service to becoming a valuable, albeit independent, agent for the Rebel Alliance, driven by his personal vendetta against the Empire. The player will likely embody Kyle Katarn, undertaking missions that leverage his unique skills and complex motivations within the galactic conflict.
Story
CODED TRANSMISSION: JAN ORS TO MON MOTHMA
SUBJECT: Reliability of Kyle Katarn
I understand there are questions regarding our continued use of Kyle as a freelance agent. This is due to his background in Imperial service and his continued status as an occasional non-aligned mercenary, rather than committing to regular service for the Alliance.
It's easy to see how certain individuals, who either encountered him during his time with the Empire or lost friends or loved ones during operations he commanded, could harbor such doubts. However, it is precisely his experience in Imperial service that has turned him solidly against the Empire. I believe this will eventually convince him of the necessity of the Alliance.
I think you'll agree when I fill in more of his personal history.
Kyle's Background
Kyle came from Sulon, the moon of Sullust. Like many of our outworld recruits, he came from farmer stock, with a warm, close-knit family background. He adored his father, an agricultural machine salesman and mechanic with personal ties to the rural community he served.
Kyle sought training at the Academy only to better follow in his father's footsteps when he returned home. At the Academy, he discovered a natural gift for cybernetics systems theory and information engineering.
The time spent on his studies, extra-curricular martial arts, and target-shooting classes left little time to worry about political rumors or changes in curriculum and policy, as the Empire consolidated its hold on the Academy. His quiet student existence was shattered when he received Imperial notification that a Rebel ambush had killed his parents during an Imperial rescue operation. The final blow came when the Academy refused to extend funeral leave.
Imperial Service
At the time, Kyle had no reason to doubt what was clearly an Imperial cover-up. Overwhelmed by pain and a burning hatred for the Rebels who had supposedly killed his parents, he accepted a commission in the special operations division of the Imperial Army. It was here that he learned the true face of the Empire.
I first came to know him several years later, when I was working as a mole and double agent within the Imperial Intelligence Corps. Repeated contacts with Kyle showed me the scars he hid beneath a veneer of quiet competence, and his growing disillusion with the Army and all it represented.
I saw to it that reports detailing the real story of the Imperial raid on Sullust came his way, and our friendship continued to deepen.
Joining the Alliance
When my cover was blown and I was taken prisoner, Kyle ended his service in the Imperial Army by engineering my escape from torture and helping me get off the planet to a Rebel base. He joined me there a few days later on his way to the rim worlds.
There, in the company of smugglers and pirates, he was to acquire the further skills of sabotage and subterfuge that have since made him so valuable to our cause.
I knew then, when we said good-bye, that he was not ready for a full commitment to the Alliance. The emotional manipulation he endured at the hands of the Empire has hardened him against causes. It has made the idealistic, trusting young man into a deadly efficient saboteur whose loyalty must be earned rather than bought.
One thing is certain. He may not totally trust the Alliance, but he will never forgive or forget what the Empire has done to him. Yes, he saved my life and is perhaps the most effective covert agent we have, but it is this hatred of the Empire that will insure his reliability to us. It is sad but true that ongoing Imperial atrocities and disregard for life continue to provide our best hope for recruits.
Jan Ors
How to Play
STARTING UP
1. Set up your Sony PlayStation game console according to the instructions in its Instruction Manual.
2. Insert the DARK FORCES™ disc and close the CD door.
•
Make sure the PlayStation game console's power is off before inserting or removing a compact disc.
3. Plug in one game controller and turn the PlayStation game console ON. After a few moments, the TITLE SCREEN MAIN MENU will appear.
4. Press the Direction Buttons on your controller UP or DOWN to mark your selection. Then press the button to activate.
5. To begin a new game, select START GAME from the MAIN MENU. This will bring you to the SELECT MISSION MENU.
•
Highlight DIFFICULTY LEVEL and select one of the three Difficulty levels by pressing the left or right Direction Buttons.
•
Start the game by pressing "Start".
•
You will now see the Mission Briefing screen. This is where you get your information from your contract within the Rebellion, including the Mission Objective and the goals you have to accomplish to complete the mission.
•
If you're set to go, select START MISSION and press X.
SAVE/RESTORE GAME
1. If you want to save games, insert a memory card in the PlayStation game console before starting play. The option to save occurs whenever you finish a mission. Every time you save a game you over-write the previously saved game.
2. To access a saved game, select and activate RESTORE GAME from the MAIN Menu.
3. To access the passcode screen select NO in the RESTORE GAME MENU. The passcode menu will automatically appear when no memory card is inserted into your PlayStation game console.
PAUSE GAME
1. To pause the game, press the START button on your game controller.
2. Use the Directional Buttons to select RETURN, RESTART, or ABORT GAME.
3. Press START to activate the selection.
CODED TRANSMISSIONS FROM Subject: Your Personal Data Assistant.
We've included in your stores a modular Personal Data Assistant (PDA) for inclusion in your personal onboard system. I know you'll find this an improvement over our old data displays (we've both complained enough about them!).
The new system is a lot easier to use. Just press SELECT on your controller then choose GO TO the PDA. You will see six buttons at the bottom which, when selected, access the six PDA functions (described below). Move left or right with the Directional Buttons.
PDA Functions
•
MAP: Displays all territory you have so far explored.
•
The up or down keys on your Direction Pad allow you to zoom in or out for close-up or overhead shots.
•
The R1 or R2 buttons toggle you through the different floors of the building.
•
A,,, moves the map.
•
WEAP (WEAPONS): Displays each weapon you are currently carrying.
•
INV (INVENTORY): Displays all non-weapon items in your inventory.
•
OBJ: Displays mission objectives and percent of secret areas found.
•
The "bullets" to the left of each objective are filled in as you complete them.
•
You must complete all objectives before proceeding.
•
MIS (MISSION): Displays text of your mission briefing. Scroll up and down with the Direction Buttons.
•
EXIT: Use the up or down button to choose RETURN, RESTART or ABORT MISSION. Press Start to activate selection.
JAN ORS TO KYLE KATARN Subject: The Heads Up Display
The Heads Up Display (or HUD) shows certain vital information you will want to constantly monitor.
HUD Elements
•
The two, green arcs on the left side show your shield status with corresponding numerical measurement below in green.
•
The red, oval monitors your vital signs to give an overall health reading, also with a corresponding numerical value below in red.
•
The red number to the right represents your "lives." (You can get more!).
•
Health
•
Shielding
•
Headlight on/off Indicator
•
Battery Power
•
Rockets
•
Current Weapon's Ammo
Each mission has several invisible check points that are automatically logged when passed so that when you die, you will continue where you left off. If you have lost all your lives, you must replay the mission from the beginning.
The right side of the HUD displays your battery power/weapons status. The red light at the top is on when your head lamp is on. The green dots across the top are the battery power indicator.
The large, red number displays either your power units (the equivalent of ammunition) for pistol/rifle type weapons, or the number of actual units in the case of grenades or mines (timed floor explosives). Certain accessories (such as light goggles) will cause a drain on your battery power, so use them sparingly.
The smaller green number represents the number of rockets for your rocket launcher, and only appears when you use this weapon.
Controls
*
select character
DELETE
erase the last character
ENTER
finish entering the passcode
Left/Right on the Directional Pad
slide the track thumb for sound/music volume
SELECT
activate ITEMS (map, headlight, goggles, gas mask, etc.)
Directional Buttons (up/down)
highlight selected item
controller pad (left/right)
turn item off (red) or on (green)
RUN
causes character to move rapidly
L1
VIEW UP/DOWN
L1 (hold) + up
look up
L1 (hold) + down
look down
L1 (press again)
reset view
START
pauses game
FIRE (Primary)
fires selected weapon
L2
TOGGLE
TOGGLE + JUMP
Crouch
release toggle button first (after TOGGLE + JUMP)
jump out of crouch position
TOGGLE + FIRE (Primary)
Secondary Fire
USE/ACTIVATE
Pull switches, activate elevators, etc.
WEAPON SELECT
Changes selected weapon
WEAPON SELECT + TOGGLE
Rotates through weapons in reverse order
R2
STRAFE
R1
RUN
JUMP
JUMP
Toggle + ▲
CROUCH
Toggle + ■
FIRE (Secondary)
STRAFE (hold) + directional left or right
move character from side-to-side
Enemies & Characters
Stormtroopers
The assault soldiers of Imperial power. They're not overly clever, armed with a standard issue laser rifle, but are fanatically loyal and persistent.
Imperial Officers
These officers pride themselves on not carrying a melee weapon, but their accuracy with a pistol more than compensates for this.
Imperial Commandos
Drawn from the Officer corps, they have an aversion to melee weapons. Their laser rifles give them a longer range of fire and their intensive physical training means they can generally move faster.
Gun Turrets
Stationary, but capable of firing high-powered laser bolts in a complete circle.
Probe Droids
These nasty pieces of Imperial technology have laser blasts that pack as much punch as a standard rifle and explode when disabled, so keep your distance.
Interrogation Droids
The more deadly "cousin" of the probe droid, equipped with a stun device and a power blast for escape-minded prisoners.
Remotes
These small droids carry a relatively mild laser blast, but their speed, both in straight-out acceleration and direction change, is considerable.
Trandoshans
These reptilian bounty hunters, like Bossk, have been known to do odd jobs for Darth Vader and typically prefer a concussion rifle.
Gran
These scoundrels, often attached to Jabba the Hutt's court, are skillful hand-to-hand fighters and usually carry thermal detonators.
Gamorrean guards
These pig-like creatures are incredibly tough and skillful with primitive weaponry like axes, but can be handled with a blaster or laser rifle.
Dianoga (sewer creatures)
These all-too-real predators strike swiftly from below the surface and can swim submerged, so stay well back and shoot fast if you spot one.
Boba Fett
A legendary bounty hunter known for his ruthlessness, knack for escaping tight situations, speed, and mobility enhanced by his jet pack.
QS100 Welding Arms
Though not designed as weapons, these tools can be extremely dangerous, so try to keep your distance.
Mines
If you get too near them, they explode, so keep your eyes open and watch the floor.
Chemical Gas
The Empire's irresponsible handling of industrial waste means gas masks are often stored nearby, and the trick is finding one.
Chemical Storage
The Empire tends to have a surplus of industrial waste in these areas, and a mask won't help you here.
Power Generating Units (P.G.U.)
Keep an eye out for these during a fire fight, as a stray laser can have a devastating effect and can work for or against you.
Items & Weapons
Hand to Hand
This is your basic melee attack with unlimited ammo, as long as you're alive.
Modified Bryar Pistol
A single-fire blaster with high accuracy and a strong, efficient single blast, though its impact diminishes over distance.
Stormtrooper Laser Rifle
Faster than the blaster but less accurate and consumes more ammo, also losing strength over distance.
Thermal Detonator
A grenade-type weapon with two modes: explodes on impact or a 3-second delayed detonation, with throw distance depending on how long you hold the firing key.
Imperial Repeater Gun
A rapid-fire weapon with a primary mode delivering one shot per fire and a secondary mode delivering a cluster of three shots.
Jeron Fusion Cutter
A construction tool that can be used as a weapon, firing 3-shot bursts from one barrel in primary mode or all 4 barrels at once in a cone-shaped trajectory in secondary mode.
I.M. Mines
Primary mode has a 3-second delay before detonation; secondary mode is a proximity trigger with a motion sensor, arming after 1 second and detonating immediately when a moving object enters its radius.
Packered Mortar Gun
Lobs shells that explode on impact.
Stouker Concussion Rifle
Fires compressed bullets of ionized air that explode in shock waves.
Shielding
Provides protection against energy-based weapons but not direct physical assaults or falls from heights.
Key
Opens doors.
Head lamp
Provides personal lighting (requires battery).
Infra-red goggles
Illuminates heat (requires battery).
Ice Cleats
Provides traction on ice.
Air Mask
Filters contaminated air (requires battery).
Battery
Powers headlight, airmask, and infra-red goggles.
Shield units
Powers personal shield.
Energy units
Ammo for various weapons.
Power cells
Ammo for various weapons.
Shells
Ammo for Mortar Gun.
Med kit
Provides a health boost.
Shield Supercharge
Grants invincible shielding.
Revive
Provides full charge health & shield.
Weapon Supercharge
Doubles weapon fire rate.
Life
Grants one (1) extra life.
Tips & Maps
Mission Briefings and Map
Consult your mission briefings to refresh your memory and compare your surroundings to your map to avoid doubling back.
Secret Rooms
Examine your surroundings carefully for subtle changes in wall texture or indentations that may indicate a door to a secret room. Treat suspected doors as you would a regular door.
Ducking/Crouching
Ducking or crouching is useful for low passages or partially raised gates, not just combat situations.
Windows as Exits
When cornered by Imperial forces, remember that windows can serve as a quick exit.
Jumping Over Walls and Ledges
Many Imperial buildings have low walls along balconies that can be jumped, as well as ledges that can be jumped onto and traveled. Always look down to ensure safe footing.
Ammo Management
Acquire as much ammo as possible; if running low, look for secret ammo rooms or switch to a different gun. Your blaster is a reliable backup.
Shield and Health Packs
Stockpile shield and health packs, which can also be found in secret rooms. Don't enter a new area if you're running low.
Enemies Above or Below
Remember that enemies above or below you can be picked off by shooting up or down. Explosives often work well in these situations.
Using Explosives on Barriers
Explosives can occasionally be used to take out walls or other barriers. It's worth trying if you have a decent supply and your objective seems blocked.
Running Away
Don't let foolish courage prevent you from running away from a fight if your health is low. The goal is to achieve your objective and get home alive.
Longer Jumps
Running can help you effect a longer jump; keep running until the last moment, then jump.
Darkness Advantage
Crouching or staying in dark areas when your enemy is in the light can throw off their aim. Keeping your head light on eliminates this darkness advantage.
Crouch and Jump
To crouch and jump at the same time, hold toggle jump. To crouch and then jump, release the toggle button first.
Search Games
Popular Consoles
Trending Now
By Year
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
© 2026 RetroGold. All rights reserved.