As one of the launch titles for the Nintendo 64, Shadows of the Empire offers a variety of gameplay elements. The game is platforming and shooting action. There are also some flying and first person segments as well. The game is pretty good but there are some flaws. The platforming and shooting that takes part of most of the game is pretty good. The levels could've been better but they're ok for the most. There are some fun flying segments. But most of the game is only a little or somewhat fun, nothing more and nothing less. The challenge level feels just right but the AI is not the best. The game offers a good amount of levels and hidden items.
The game looks pretty good. There are some vast areas and the characters all look good. There's some very nice detail. But it's also flawed due to some blurry textures and foggy areas. It doesn't really hurt the gameplay though.
The audio quality is pretty bad, it's not even stereo. The mono audio effects do their job fine, just feels a bit underdone. The music on the other hand is really good, definitely feels like Star Wars music.
Final words: A good game all around, but it's full of shortcomings.