The series so far: The Definitive 50 GameCube Games.

When the original Rogue Squadron hit the N64 back in 1998, it was one of the first titles on that system to take advantage of the Expansion Pak, and so became remembered as one of its graphical high water marks.

Rogue Squadron II similarly pushed the GameCube to incredible graphical heights. Despite being a launch game, Rogue Leader tasked the new system like few other titles ever would. Rogue Squadron II doesn’t just look good for a game, it looks like a Star Wars movie.

It’s not just pretty though, Rogue Squadron II is an intense and enjoyable arcade-style shooter.

The game puts you in some of Star Wars’ most famous cockpits: those of the X-Wing, Snowspeeder, and even Millennium Falcon, among many others.

From those beloved vantage points, it’s up to you to fulfill the many duties of Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles. In the first mission, you’ll reenact Luke’s historic Death Star trench run, that’s followed by the likes of trips to Bespin, Endor, and the very core of the second Death Star. Oh, and the requisite Hoth mission is included.

The quest for Gold Medals, based on performance, as well as ship upgrades and other unlockables will keep you coming back.

Rogue Leader was followed by a third installment in the Rogue Squadron series, Rebel Strike. Although that game includes the same intense action as its predecessors, it also features some awkward on-foot missions that really take away from the experience. Still, the game is worth picking up for GameCube collectors and those who enjoy the other titles in the series.