Luke Skywalker
The primary playable hero, who fights Imperial forces and develops his Jedi abilities.
Documented for this version
Arrow UpArrow DownArrow LeftArrow Right | Move |
|---|---|
A | Jump |
B | Attack or fire the currently equipped weapon |
Select | Change the selected weapon or ability |
Start | Pause the game |
How it plays
The game uses a side-view perspective. Players move through linear stages, defeat Imperial enemies, avoid hazards, collect useful items, and reach area objectives. Luke is the main playable character, with equipment and abilities changing as the adventure advances.
Stages draw from Hoth, Dagobah, Cloud City, and other film locations. The player uses blaster attacks, jumping, close-range combat, and Force abilities where available. Boss encounters and environmental hazards provide the main progression challenges.
Plan your run
Learn the timing of enemy attacks before advancing, especially in narrow corridors and on Hoth. Keep moving when facing ranged enemies and use the terrain to avoid projectiles.
Explore carefully for power-ups and conserve limited special resources. Against bosses, prioritize safe attack windows rather than repeated close contact, and practice jumps before committing to hazardous platforms.
Meet the cast
The primary playable hero, who fights Imperial forces and develops his Jedi abilities.
A Rebel pilot and key ally whose story is represented during the Hoth and escape sequences.
A leader of the Rebel Alliance and an important member of the escape from Hoth.
Han Solo's Wookiee companion and a member of the Rebel group.
The Jedi Master who trains Luke on Dagobah.
The principal Imperial antagonist and a major late-game opponent.
Before you begin
Use short, controlled jumps near pits and moving hazards.
Do not rush ranged enemies; clear a safe path before advancing.
Save special abilities for difficult encounters when possible.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is a side-scrolling action platformer developed by Sculptured Software and published by JVC Musical Industries for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It adapts the events of The Empire Strikes Back, following Luke Skywalker and his allies from the defense of Hoth through later confrontations with the Empire. The game combines run-and-gun combat, platforming, lightsaber encounters, and Force-related abilities. Its level progression follows major film locations rather than offering an open world. Reception was mixed: players recognized the familiar Star Wars setting and varied stages, while reviews often criticized uneven controls, difficulty, and technical limitations.
Catalog entry maintained by EmuGamers Editorial Team
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