History VideoGame / JediKnightJediAcademy

* HeavilyArmoredMook: Aside from standard stormtroopers, there are also troopers with bigger armor and jetpacks, armored soldiers with missile launchers and [[BossInMooksClothing Hazard Troopers]], wearing 8-foot tall blaster-proof powered armor and equipped with concussion rifles.

The game was re-released by Lucasfilms Games digitally for the Platform/NintendoSwitch in 2020 and the original Xbox version was added to the Xbox Store for Platform/XboxOne and Platform/XboxSeriesXAndS, where it can be played through backwards compatibility.

** Stormtroopers are some of the worst offenders, as they seem to have zero knowledge as to what dodging and taking cover mean. Then again, though, what do you expect? They're stormtroopers. In fact, the Stormtrooper A.I. seems to have taken a step ''down'' compared to ''Jedi Outcast''[[note]]The ''Outcast''[=/=]Academy A.I. seems dependent on the use of cover nodes for things like dodging, retreating, or hiding behind cover. ''Academy'' seems to have much simpler node placement compared to ''Outcast'', as non-Reborn pretty much only stand still and shoot at you and follow you if you retreat, compared to ''Outcast'' where they could perform basic tactical moves such as dodging, retreating, or running into cover. Presumably the designers figured that, since you start the game out with a lightsaber and force powers, individual non-Reborn enemies simply wouldn't survive long enough for players to notice.[[/note]].

** Stormtroopers are some of the worst offenders, as they seem to have zero knowledge as to what dodging and taking cover mean. Then again, though, what do you expect? They're stormtroopers.

* SquishyWizard: Unarmed cultists can spam Force powers like crazy, but can barely take a hit before dying. Also, [[NoSell Force Absorb render them useless]]

** Some EnemyChatter from the level on the hovertrain copies a cutscene from Raven Software's earlier ''VideoGame/SoldierOfFortune'' series. That particular character is the only one of his type in the game to carry the Heavy Repeater (i.e. machine gun with grenade launcher, much like the usual recommended M4 with grenade launcher in ''[=SoF II=]'') as opposed to an energy weapon.

* CombatPragmatist: Jaden (similarly to Kyle) shows many qualities of this. There's a good chance that a lot of your saber kills will be gained by knocking enemies over and then skewering them while they lie helplessly on the ground, which is perhaps best exemplified by the fact that the secondary attack for a saberstaff is a simple kick, which knocks enemies over if it connects. And let's not even get started on the ways you can use Push/Pull/Grip.

''Franchise/StarWars: Jedi Knight – Jedi Academy'' (2003) is the fourth and final game in the ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends'' ''VideoGame/DarkForcesSaga'' of video games -- released for the PC and UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} in 2003 -- essentially an ExpansionPack [[MissionPackSequel in the body of a true sequel]] to ''VideoGame/JediKnightIIJediOutcast'', featuring a brand new character, Jaden Korr. Jaden has somehow constructed a lightsaber without any prior Jedi training, and news of this remarkable feat results in being transported to Luke's Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4, where you become the apprentice of Kyle Katarn. The story involves a group of Sith Cultists seeking to resurrect an ancient Sith Lord, Marka Ragnos. Like in ''VideoGame/JediKnightDarkForcesII'', there are two endings, one for each side of the Force, though unlike that game which ending you get is entirely your choice when it is presented, rather than it being determined by your power set - as usual with Creator/LucasArts, the light side one was eventually determined to be canonical.

The game was re-released by Lucasfilms Games digitally for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch in 2020 and the original Xbox version was added to the Xbox Store for UsefulNotes/XboxOne and UsefulNotes/XboxSeriesXAndS, where it can be played through backwards compatibility.

* StanceSystem: ''Jedi Academy'' supplements the three styles from ''Outcast'' with DualWielding and the [[DoubleWeapon saberstaff]] styles. You give up access to all but one of the three of the "normal" styles (fast for dual sabers and normal for the saberstaff) in return for an alternate style with both blades active, with its own strengths and weaknesses compared to a single lightsaber.

* DualBoss: The "duel" against [[spoiler:Rosh]] and the Reborn Master twins. Sadly, the twins are unarmed, save for Force Push. With Force Absorb, you could kill them much quicker since you don't have to wait for [[spoiler:Rosh]] to heal, turning this whole duel rather [[AnticlimaxBoss anticlimatic]].

** ''Knights of the Force'', perhaps the most popular mod for the game, has a very long and complex history. It was originally started in 2008 by [=TimFX=], with the goal of presenting the ultimate ''Star Wars'' experience. Unfortunately, though, much of the mod consisted of models and maps used without permission, numerous bugs, files with coding that was so dirty they were mistaken by antivirus software such as Norton as malware, and a clunky NPC spawn system. Despite these flaws, though, it was very popular among machinima makers. Sadly, though, the 3.0 release was delayed constantly, until Disney released the source code for ''Jedi Academy'', at which point [=TimFX=] announced the mod was cancelled, and he refused to let anyone else complete it or release it as-is, instead deleting every file related to 3.0 from his computer. The mod's website remained up until 2016. But it wasn't the end. In November 2016, shortly before or after the site was closed, ''JA'' modder Linken assembled a team to update and improve ''Knights of the Force'', aided by the source code. The new version, 2.1, was released on Feburary 8, 2018 to much anticipation and fanfare. By far, 2.1 is much more stable than 2.0, and features the same features as 2.0 (such as the NPC spawning system, mission select screen, and character select screen), but vastly improved, and expanding its scope to feature characters from ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'' and its sequel, ''The Old Republic'', ''The Clone Wars'', ''Rebels'', ''The Force Awakens'', ''The Last Jedi'', ''The Rise of Skywalker'', ''Rogue One'', ''Solo'', ''The Mandalorian'', ''Republic Commando'', ''The Force Unleashed'', and various comics and novels. The mod hit a bump in the road in April 2020 when disagreements within the development team caused it to split into two distinct mods; ''Knights of the Force'' is now multiplayer-only, while the single-player component is now a separate mod called ''Galactic Legacy''.

** [[AutomaticCrossbow Crossbow]]: The Wookiee Bowcaster--in addition to its single, hard-hitting shots, its ChargedAttack fire also allows the player to charge and fire a SpreadShot with the primartly trigger while SecondaryFire rapidly shoots {{Pinball Projectile}}s.

* {{Stripperific}}: Some of the possible outfits for a Twi'lek or Zabrek female player character are quite revealing. All of the human female player character's clothing selection are entirely practical, though, except perhaps the midriff-baring one. And no matter what you chose during character creation, Jaden will always don insulated winter gear for her mission on Hoth.

* SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome: Following off from the ending of ''Outcast'': [[spoiler:in an issue nicely mirroring similar ones with the Imperial Remnant itself, the Reborn didn't just go away and stop being a problem after their leaders were killed or scattered. There's still a lot of them, and they still have someone to rally around - namely, Tavion, who slipped away on Bespin - who herself has a reason to hold a grudge and continue the work Desann and Fyyar started. Just two years later, more problems are being caused by a "new" cult, and while the rank and file have the same problem of no time or training to adjust to their new powers, the Reborn that survived the initial assault on the Jedi Academy have had two years to grow stronger and become the elite among the new cult.]]

* PrisonLevel: Shortly after arriving on Dosuun, Jaden is captured by Imperial Remnant soldiers, sent to a prison complex and has their lightsaber confiscated. The warden, Rax Juris, then approaches Jaden with an offer... he'll unlock their cell if Jaden agrees to be the prey in a round of HuntingTheMostDangerousGame.

* {{Stripperific}}: Some of the possible outfits for a Twi'lek or Zabrek female player character are quite revealing. All of the human female player character's clothing selection are entirely practical, though, except perhaps [[BareYourMidriff the midriff-baring one]]. And no matter what you chose during character creation, Jaden will always don insulated winter gear for her mission on Hoth.

* ImmuneToBullets: Hazard Troopers are equipped with blaster-proof armor, so blaster shots will just bounce off them. You'll have to use either explosives or your lightsaber[/=]force lightning.
* ImplacableMan: Boba Fett, who you face in one of the late-game missions--no matter how many times you deflect his blaster shots back into his face, Force Push his missiles at him, or cut him down with your lightsaber, the infamous BountyHunter will simple withdraw and fly away to recuperate, then come after you again. Even when you face him for the last time at the end of the stage, he ends up deciding [[PragmaticVillainy that there's no point in continuing the battle]] (as you already destroyed the weapons caches) and [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere jets off into the sky]].
* ImprobableAimingSkills: When using at least Level 2 Force Sense, even the infamous Imperial blaster is somehow able to be fired with pinpoint accuracy.

* KubrickStare: [[spoiler:Jaden in the dark side ending.]]

** The absolute standout is the gas mining platform. Apart from the hangar and inside of the command tower, there is no part of the level where you and/or your enemies are not near a lethal drop. If you have Level 3 Force Grip, or are prone to using the Level 2 Push you're guaranteed to have, this will be your favorite level in the game.

* MissionPackSequel: Alongside ''[[VideoGame/JediKnightDarkForcesII Mysteries of the Sith]]'', which was an actual expansion, this is the only game in the ''Dark Forces'' saga to be based on the same engine as its predecessor. Save for the new levels, the customization of the protagonist and their lightsaber and Force powers, and a few new enemies and weapons, it looks and plays identically to ''Jedi Outcast''.

-->'''Luke''': I sense a disturbance in the force.\\

* {{Nerf}}: Lightsaber deflection has been noticeably de-powered compared to ''Jedi Outcast''. In ''Outcast'' you were essentially impervious to blaster bolts from the front as soon as you got your lightsaber, while in ''Academy'' even when your lightsaber skills are maxed out, blaster bolts can still slip past your guard and hit you if you just stand there and try to tank them. This encourages the player to dodge gunfire instead of standing in place trying to kill everyone with their own weapons, especially early on when your lightsaber skill is at level 1.
* NoCureForEvil: Just as in ''Jedi Outcast'', the player is free to mix-and-match, but all enemy NPC dark side users are unable to use Force Heal. The game adds the dark side power Force Drain, which higher-level dark side enemies do use, but it's entirely dependent on landing a hit on your with it ''and'' easily blocked with Force Absorb. The sole exception is the final boss, [[spoiler:Marka Ragnos]], who has a unique special move that heals his health to full ''and'' makes him invulnerable for a couple dozen seconds. Fortunately, he can only use it 4 times, and not coincidentally there are 4 health[=/=]shield caches in the arena for you to resupply yourself.
* NoGearLevel: There is a mission where Jaden's lightsaber is stolen by an Imperial officer at the very beginning, forcing him/her to fight through the level with nothing except Force Powers and any weapons he/she could get off killed stormtroopers.

* PossessionBurnout: [[spoiler:How Tavion dies in the light side ending.]]

''Franchise/StarWars: Jedi Knight – Jedi Academy'' (2003) is the fourth and final game in the ''VideoGame/DarkForcesSaga'' -- released for the PC and UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} in 2003 -- essentially an ExpansionPack [[MissionPackSequel in the body of a true sequel]] to ''VideoGame/JediKnightIIJediOutcast'', featuring a brand new character, Jaden Korr. Jaden has somehow constructed a lightsaber without any prior Jedi training, and news of this remarkable feat results in being transported to Luke's Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4, where you become the apprentice of Kyle Katarn. The story involves a group of Sith Cultists seeking to resurrect an ancient Sith Lord, Marka Ragnos. Like in ''VideoGame/JediKnightDarkForcesII'', there are two endings, one for each side of the Force, though unlike that game which ending you get is entirely your choice when it is presented, rather than it being determined by your power set - as usual with Creator/LucasArts, the light side one was eventually determined to be canonical.

* CanonDiscontinuity: Due to Disney's say so, this, among many other pre-Disney ExpandedUniverse materials, is officially non-canon.

* TheHeroDoesntKillTheVillainess: [[spoiler:the game averts this trope with Alora, Tavion's own [[TheDragon Dragon]], since she will always die at Jaden Korr's hands, but plays it straight with Tavion: if you stay on the Light Side, Tavion will be possessed by the spirit of Marka Ragnos after beating her the first time, only to be killed by PossessionBurnout once the Ragnos-possessed Tavion is defeated. Jaden Korr will kill Tavion if they turn to the Dark Side, but at that point they hardly qualify as a hero.]]

* AIBreaker: The A.I. is designed so that you're supposed to need to use a lightsaber to defeat any Force user more powerful than the very weakest Cultist rank, as they're capable of deflecting your projectiles with their lightsaber and reflecting explosives with Force push. However, the A.I. cannot do either of these things while they're throwing their lightsaber or when they're knocked on the ground (i.e. from being Force Pushed or jumped on), which allows you to shoot them during these times.

* AIBreaker: The A.I. is designed so that you're supposed to need to use a lightsaber to defeat any Force user more powerful than the very weakest Reborn rank, as they're capable of deflecting your projectiles with their lightsaber and reflecting explosives with Force push. However, the A.I. cannot do either of these things while they're throwing their lightsaber or when they're knocked on the ground (i.e. from being Force Pushed or jumped on), which allows you to shoot them during these times.

* HarderThanHard: The Jedi Master difficulty, in which your health and shields max out at 50 (instead of the usual 100), and enemies fire quicker are a lot more accurate. Plus, the endgame boss enemies ([[spoiler:Alora, Tavion, and Marka Ragnos or Kyle Katarn]]) have 4 times as much health as they do on any other difficulty[[note]]they're actually only 4 times as resistant to lightsaber attacks, but since no other weapon really works on them it pretty much has the same effect[[/note]]. Also, similar to Hard mode, enemy attacks do roughly 25% more damage.

* HarderThanHard: The Jedi Master difficulty, in which your health and shields max out at 50 (instead of the usual 100), and enemies fire quicker are a lot more accurate. Plus, the endgame boss enemies ([[spoiler:Alora, Tavion, and Marka Ragnos or Kyle Katarn]]) have 4 times as much health as they do on any other difficulty[[note]]they're actually only 4 times as resistant to lightsaber attacks, but since no other weapon really works on them it pretty much has the same effect[[/note]].