Review
Before you read this, you should probably know that it's from the viewpoint of a diehard Star Wars fan -- which makes writing this review all the more difficult. You see, while Star Wars Arcade is an enjoyable game for a fan of the George Lucas space saga, it's really just kind of an average game overall, especially when stacked against other games based on the trilogy.
The game is composed primarily of dogfights, working your way through asteroid fields and destroying really big Imperial property, namely (two Death Stars and a Super Star Destroyer). This is a very cool idea, but it's all been done before -- several times in fact. Sure the approach is a little different this time, but it's still the same thing you've seen before. Basically, just shoot anything that's shooting at you.
Besides the game's overall lack of originality, it is also less engrossing from a story's standpoint. You're not Luke Skywalker. You're not Han Solo. You're not even Rookie One. You're just a generic, nameless Rebel pilot. You're the guy whose X-wing gets shot down in Return of the Jedi just to keep the story moving. Your ship blows up and you really don't even care because you know Luke will get the job done.
However, worse than the character you play are the subpar graphics. Though polygon-based graphics are usually quite impressive, these just don't work. Outside of your cockpit, there is very little attention to detail. As one of the original 32X games, you can't help but feel that this one was rushed.
Still, there's something about this game that could keep you coming back. It's actually a very good team-up game if you've got friend who doesn't mind being the gunner as you pilot, making it difficult for him or her to aim properly. Also, even though you're generic, there's just something exciting about getting out there and kicking some Empire butt. The music is good, too, but that's to be expected in a Star Wars game.
Overall, this game is average at best. If you really want a good Star Wars game where you do the same things, play X-Wing on the computer. However, if you're out for some fast-paced TIE fighter eradication, you could be hooked on Star Wars Arcade for a while.
Graphics 
Very disappointing considering the power of the 32X.
Sound 
The effects are good enough, and the music is John Williams' score. Can't go wrong with that.
Enjoyment 
It's always fun to shoot TIE fighters left and right, and the two-player element adds something. Still, there's nothing new here.
Replay Value 
This kind of depends. If you play solo, you're likely to pick up a different Star Wars game. However, getting a second player will make you a bit more determined.
Documentation
Tells you everything, including detailed rundowns of the ships in the game, both Alliance and Empire. (It does identify a TIE interceptor as a Star Destroyer, though!)
