Star Wars Empire at War: Forces of Corruption updated impressions

Not all of the Underworld's new ordnance is so wicked, though. A lot of it's just insanely useful, like bunkers, troop transports and "mobile defense units" - moving build pads that let you create mobile buildings.

The expansion will also add 13 planets, making for a total of 56. Responding to complaints that the battlefields were too bland, the developers made the new worlds larger and added assorted flora and fauna - including deadly, spore-spitting plants that you can lure enemies close to. Additionally, taking the high ground will now give players a rate-of-fire bonus, giving it actual strategic value.

We're not sure yet if Forces of Corruption will fix Empire at War's shortcomings or just add a new gameplay elements, but taking on the galaxy as a the ultimate space pirate sounds like fun. Look for this one to hit stores this fall.

Mikel Reparaz
After graduating from college in 2000 with a BA in journalism, I worked for five years as a copy editor, page designer and videogame-review columnist at a couple of mid-sized newspapers you've never heard of. My column eventually got me a freelancing gig with GMR magazine, which folded a few months later. I was hired on full-time by GamesRadar in late 2005, and have since been paid actual money to write silly articles about lovable blobs.