JA had simpler story, but this game makes me feel like a Jedi much more. Choosing assignments, traveling the galaxy, doing all kinds of crazy shit. And multiplayer in JA was light years superior to OutcastAw man, that sucks.
edit: Funny, I spent a ton of time playing Jedi Outcast but I don't remember ever playing Jedi Academy. I watched a vid and it looks very similar being a sequel and all so not too sad now.