UPDATE:
I own both the Steam and GOG versions of this game, and natively, neither one plays nicely with Windows 10. Unless you are prepared to do some extra legwork to get this game to run (and face the possibility that it simply may not run), I would not recommend purchasing it.

For the Steam version, on Windows 7/8/10, the functionality of this game is a crapshoot. Even if you are willing to try the various fixes, patches, and moving/renaming of various installation files, it still feels like the game will only work on its own terms, when it wants to. When I still had Windows 7 back in 2015, I was able to get the Steam version of the game to function after some doing. However, what worked for me in 7 did not work for me in 10.

The top-rated customer review on GOG says that the GOG version works well on modern systems - this may be true for Windows 7, but on Windows 10, I'm having headaches similar to the Steam version.

The best luck I've had on Windows 10 has been using a wrapper that helps smooth the relationship between modern operating systems and the old Voodoo graphics API used in a lot of early 3D PC games. It's called dgVoodoo and is referred to in this Steam discussion thread: http://steamcommunity.com/app/32380/discussions/0/535152511375864645/. You can also download it from the developer's website: http://dege.freeweb.hu/. It's not perfect, but if it works for you, it will make the game much less frustrating to load and play.

Some other fixes which folks have reported success with, but which did not work for me:

* You can try using Compatibility Modes in Windows, and nVidia users may be able to make use of a legacy driver. Check out this guide for more information: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=655616184

* Turning off 3D Acceleration / Hardware Acceleration in the options menu may help solve color/functionality issues with your game. It will limit your resolution options, but it may make the game playable for you. Sometimes the game has crashed while I've had this enabled, and sometimes it has crashed while I've had it disabled.

* Adding the -devmode runtime option enables a debug menu that may have some helpful options. More information in this discussion thread: https://steamcommunity.com/app/32380/discussions/0/846947320679873983/

As for the game, it's a classic. An FPS that puts a lightsaber in your hands was mindblowing in 1997, and the platforming controls still feel good to play with. Once you get maximum points in Force Speed and Force Jump, you can zoom all over the enormous levels and play in big vertical sandboxes. Kyle Katarn is basically a mix of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, and in the Expanded Universe he's supposed to be the best lightsaber fighter out there, so that's cool too.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I love the game itself, but the Steam version is not optimized to run on modern computers and is a real headache to get working, if indeed it will work at all. Seek out alternative purchasing options. I hear the GOG version works well on modern hardware.

UPDATE: The Steam version now includes the fixes from GOG and is now playable, it even opens up in fullscreen.

It is recommended to get the GOG.com version[www.gog.com] instead, as it fixes a lot of compatibility issues (Even the graphics), puts the main menu in fullscreen instead of windowed (Specially cutscenes) and includes the expansion for free while saving your money. The reason for the Negative is due to the fact that the Steam version is just plain bad for modern system. The game is overall really good.

an elegant game from a more civilized age

This game is a classic. Even though the cutscenes look dated, I just love the feel of them. This game feels better put together than the later installments of the Jedi Knight series. If you are going to play any of them I would suggest this one.

Note: You will have to look around on the net to figure out potential problems that may happen due to the fact that this game is so dated. If you think you can put up with that, they why haven't you bought it yet?!

EDIT (JANUARY 29th 2015): Dark Forces 2 is now on GoG. And the version there is vastly superior to the Steam release. The background music works and it finally lets you run the game properly. I HIGHLY suggest you get it there.

http://www.gog.com/game/star_wars_jedi_knight_dark_forces_ii

Original review:

Dark Forces 2 is a game I grew up with. It's an amazing game that I think has aged extremely well and is as enjoyable today as it was back in the 90's.

However as good as Dark Forces 2 is. It is completely ruined by how shoddily the game runs on modern operating systems. It's to the point where if you try and run it in a 64 bit OS you have to trade between getting the game to render with proper colors vs a playable framerate.

This is a major case of buyer beware. It's near impossible to run on Windows 7 and 8 64bit properly, and the only way I got this game to work was by installing a Virtual Machine. Only purchase if you're willing to put up with how badly this game runs.

The sequel to Dark Forces from '95, Dark Forces II improves everything from Dark Forces, with the most important factor being Lightsaber Combat.

Jedi Knight boosts lavish environments, detailed textures, and tight controls. This game is a classic and is a most own for any fan of Star Wars.

FMV cutscenes, while may come off as cheesy, are rather well done and Jason Court, who portrays Kyle Katarn, does a great job at bringing a third dimension to the character. All of the character actors give off a workable and passable performance, with some characters shining more than others.

Gameplay style includes First and Third Person viewpoints, allowing for First Person saber duels for realism and Third person for most control. You've got plenty of weapons options, and multiple force powers to use. Pick your play style and watch the story of Kyle Katarn continue to unravel as he attempts to avenge his father's death and stop Jerric from taking over the Valley of the Jedi.
Overall, this game is a fun and challenging Star Wars game that should leave you fulfilled when you finish it.

I cannot tell you how ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ mystical it was to play this game when it was released. I suggest buying the GOG port as the steam port really doesn't work too well.

I wish I could recommend this. I've thought about buying this game many times, and have just now done so. It runs like absolute crap on modern systems, if you can get it to run at all. I spent more time troubleshooting fixes than playing. When it does work, it seems like a great game. I hear the GOG version runs pretty well on modern machines, and I intend to find out. If you do take a chance and get this, I hope it works for you.


Edit: I bought the GOG version. It works just fine. Great game, crappy Steam version. Won't be buying any older games on Steam anymore.

Honestly steam should be ashamed of themselves for offering this title and the rest of its series without win7/8 support or even at the very least a warning that they don't work.. all you get now is a worthless game less money and no way to ask for a refund.. avoid like the plague!

That said this is possibly the best star wars FPS ever made.


edit*
It appears we have been heard, now it actually lets you know that there is a chance it wont work on modern systems.. of course its hidden pretty well but at least its there.. a drastic improvement from over 2 years ago.

Still a massive case of Buyer Beware.. seriously just get the game on GoG.. they at least make sure their stuff works or refund you if it doesnt.

WARNING: THIS STEAM VERSION HAS NO MUSIC. Others may have mentioned it but I feel the need to reiterate it for those who will undoubtedly feel cheated by Valve's very sneaky lack of a real explanation on the store page. Steam does not emulate Red Book audio, so this game's iconic soundtrack is just deleted. If you look very closely at the store page you'll see that "Full Audio" has been cleverly unchecked, which is their way of protecting themselves while selling a broken half-product. SHAME ON YOU, VALVE. These kinds of things demand a full disclaimer on the store page in big, bold letters. Looks like I'll be buying all of my classic games on GOG from now on.

After playing this game for weeks on end as a child I was pleasantly delighted to see it for sale on Steam and I promptly bought and downloaded it in hopes that it would still be as great as I remembered, which it is. This is one of the few games that still holds its own after all the years. The graphics are obviously dated and the cutscenes are a little cheesy but the gameplay is still entertaining and the levels are challenging enough to keep your interest while being short enough to not make you bored. This is LucasArts at it finest and I would recommend this game to everyone.