George Lucas speaks with Walt Mossberg at the D: All Things Digital Conference. Watch out for Lucas Arts’ Jim Ward give a presentation on next year’s Force Unleashed and new AI technologies being developed.
Read More | Leave A Comment »FlickrGaming.net has a ‘how-to’ on getting the old Tie Fighter Collector’s CD edition game to work on Windows XP.
The miracle answer to all of this is an OpenSource DOS emulation tool called The VDMSound Project. It works with Windows XP (SP2 – not sure about SP1), 2000, and NT, but not Windows 95. Unlike most DOS emulators, this one also includes a complete emulation package for sound – so you don’t have to mess with crazy extra configurations just to get some audio going.Read More | 2 Comments »
Lucas Arts announced their upcoming products in a pre-E3 press release [via VE3d]. While familiar titles surrounding the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises are presents, a few interesting titles have sprung up with as Lucas Arts looks to a future with less dependence on its past.
Indiana Jones 2007 (working title) – PS3/XBOX360
Indiana Jones returns in 2007 for his most incredible interactive expedition ever. Set in 1939, this epic, original story – written for the first time under the direction of George Lucas – puts you in the fedora of the legendary adventure hero as he unravels the clues found in ancient artifacts spanning the globe. From San Francisco’s Chinatown to the world’s most sacred ground, Indy must use his fists, whip and trusty revolver to fight through ruthless opposition and piece together a mystery of biblical proportions. Indiana Jones 2007 is LucasArts’ first internally developed project for PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360. [...] Indiana Jones 2007 debuts the revolutionary new euphoria technology from NaturalMotion, which delivers never-before-seen lifelike action and awareness to every character in real time – so you’ll never see the same thing twice.
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy – XBOX/XBOX360/PS2/PSP /GameCube/PC/GameBoyAdvance/NintendoDS/
LEGO Star Wars II takes the fun and endless customization ability of the LEGO play pattern and combines it with the epic story, characters and action from the revolutionary Star Wars: Episodes IV, V and VI. With a unique tongue-in-cheek take on the Original Trilogy, LEGO Star Wars II lets you build and battle your way through your favorite film moments. From Darth Vader’s pursuit of Princess Leia aboard her Blockade Runner to Luke’s final confrontation with Emperor Palpatine, the game includes even more of the family-friendly LEGO action, puzzles and humor that earned the original LEGO Star Wars its ranking as the 10th best-selling video game in 2005.
Star Wars Empire at War: Forces of Corruption – PC
There is an expansion pack in the pipeline for Star Wars Empire at War titled Forces of Corruption.
The Rebels have just destroyed the Death Star, and the galaxy is in turmoil. As an aspiring Underworld figure named Tyber Zann, spread corruption throughout the galaxy using new strategic gameplay elements to influence other factions, steal their funds, slow their production, spy on them and more, all en route to becoming the most notorious criminal leader since Jabba the Hutt. Exciting new land-tactical options like customizable, upgradeable bases and guerilla warfare allow for innovative battlefield tactics. Take command of and confront new fighting units for all factions (Rebel B-wings, Imperial TIE interceptors, Darth Vader’s Executor Super Star Destroyer and more), and take down anyone who stands in your way of ruling the Underworld, be they new battlefield heroes like Luke Skywalker and Yoda or the forces of your most bitter rival – Jabba.
Which brings us to the non-franchise announcements from Lucas Arts. Thrillville sounds novel and fun while Traxion targets a demographic that Lucas Arts has not reached for before.
Thrillville – PS2/PSP/XBOX
Visit Thrillville for a nonstop party in a theme park you create. An all-access pass to adventure and fun, Thrillville lets you experience a fully interactive and customizable amusement park where you can play dozens of midway minigames, interact with your park guests, and even build and ride roller coasters and over 100 attractions. [...] You can also tour the park on foot – a first for theme-park titles – chatting and joking with all the guests to help them out and make sure they’re enjoying themselves. Slated for a fall release, Thrillville is being developed by Frontier Development for PlayStation 2, Xbox and PSP.
Traxion – PSP
Gaming and music combine like never before on your PSP in Traxion – where your tracks drive the action. Loaded with dozens of minigames and a variety of music from leading artists – and fully compatible with every MP3 file on your memory stick – Traxion sucks you in as the music not only provides the soundtrack, but also changes the way the games are played! Imagine the rocking guitar chords of heavy metal, the strong beats of rap, the smooth tones of jazz, or even the crazy pace of polka – all impact gameplay in a different way.
Lucas Arts will be at Booth 152 in the Concourse Hall at E3. All tours are by appointment only until the booth is open to all attendees after 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12.
Read More | 2 Comments »We have brought back some of the classic games we had on the site for download! If anyone knows of any others we should include or any compelling reason (legal, moral) that we should remove the ones we have, let us know.
Available Downloads (click on the title for game, download and installation instructions)
UPDATE: Very cool deal on the game this week at Toys R’ Us. You get a $10 gift card if you buy the game for the PS2 or XBox or if you buy the Episode III controller pack for either console. The offer is valid until the 21st of May.
For all you Episode III spoiler junkies, go get the game so you can play the movie before it comes out! For those of you avoiding spoilers, treat anything with the phrase ‘episode three’ in it as kryptonite. Must resist at all costs… you’ve done well so far- just 12 days to go.
The game, by the way, seems quite good from what I’ve heard; more accessible for those who aren’t superfans and still fun for those who are. It’s out on the PS2 and the XBox.
Read More | 1 Comment »Remember the great CD-ROM Encyclopedia’s Behind the Magic and Episode I Insider’s Guide? Unfortunately there is no version scheduled for Attack of the Clones. This was confirmed by LucasArts itself. Hopefully someone will soon change his or her mind and give the order for a fourth version of the Magic series.
Read More | Leave A Comment »Today, LucasArts Entertainment Company celebrates its 20th birthday. Expect some interesting movies and articles from them the coming weeks. You can go to the special celebration page here.
Back in 1982 LucasFilm Games (the company’s previous name) produced several Star Wars games for platforms as the Atari and the Commodore. From 1993, LucasArts began designing games for the PC, starting with the world-famous X-Wing.
Imagine: without LucasArts this very section would never have existed. Happy birthday, guys.
Read More | Leave A Comment »Today THQ released the Attack of the Clones game for the GameBoy Advance. The game closely follows Episode II’s story and brings you to under more Tatooine, Coruscant, and Geonosis. Read the full article here.
With the power of the Force, players assume the role of three different “Attack of the Clones” heroes: Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi. “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones” is now available at major retailers nationwide.Read More | Leave A Comment »“Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones” closely follows the storyline of the film and allows players to command Republic gunships, Speeders and Jedi Starfighters in space combat. Players must wield their lightsabers in side-scrolling lightsaber action combat against the mysterious Jango Fett, evil Count Dooku and various other enemies from the “Star Wars” universe. Eleven unique levels take gamers to various “Attack of the Clones” locations, such as Tatooine, Geonosis and the streets of Coruscant.
At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) LucasArts revealed some information about the development of some new games. Bounty Hunter, The Clone Wars, Galaxies, and Knights of the Old Republic were discussed.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter (GameCube, PlayStation 2)
You are Jango Fett, the galaxy’s most dangerous bounty hunter, hired to hunt down the elusive leader of a mysterious cult – dead or alive. Through 18 action-packed levels across six diverse worlds, face off against galactic scum, fearsome beasts, and brutal competition that stand between you and your prey: a deranged dark Jedi. This hunt will lead you to the darkest corners of the Star Wars universe where no one else has dared to go, but you are the fearless, ruthless, and relentless Jango Fett. For the galaxy’s most wanted, there is no place to hide…Star Wars: The Clone Wars (GameCube, PlayStation 2)
It starts where Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones ends. As Jedi Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu or Obi-Wan Kenobi, you lead the Republic Army in the greatest battles of the epic Clone Wars. Your directive: to stop the Separatists from reassembling an ancient Sith weapon of mass annihilation.Star Wars: Galaxies: An Empire Divided (PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox)
LucasArts today announced its intent to develop versions of the company’s highly anticipated first game of its Star Wars® Galaxies™ online series for Xbox™ Live and PlayStation®2. Specific release dates for the Star Wars Galaxies-branded massively multiplayer games for the two next generation console platforms will be announced at a later time. This December LucasArts will release a Windows PC version of the game, developed by Sony Online Entertainment, titled Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided™.Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (PC, Xbox)
Engage in this saga set in the Golden Age of the Republic – over 4,000 years before the first Star Wars film, when both Jedi and Sith number in the thousands. With the Galaxy reeling from a recent conflict with the Dark Lords, the ongoing battle between the Jedi and the Sith rages on. Your actions determine the outcome of this colossal galactic war – and your destiny as a Jedi.
Not sure whether to buy the new Jedi Outcast or not? Read our review of this splendid game; it’ll help you make the decision.
Read the Review
I just got this from the Official LucasArts newsletter:
LucasArts.com is pleased to announce that the playable demo for Star Wars® Jedi Knight II®: Jedi Outcast™ will be available for download on Friday, May 10th!Gameplay takes place in a COMPLETELY NEW LEVEL not found in the actual retail version of Jedi Outcast! An early version of this level originally premiered at E3 2001. Scores of fans have asked about it since then, so the team cleaned it up and added more dialogue, cutscenes, textures and doubled the size of the map.
In the demo, Kyle not only has access to five different weapons (Bryar Pistol, Stormtrooper Rifle, Flechette, Thermal Detonators and the Seeker), but he also has his lightsaber and various Force Powers
including Force Jump, Push, Heal and Mind Trick.
Alternate characters:
Select a save game slot and enter Wampa_Stompa as a case-sensitive name. Note: The name is case-sensitive, with “_” indicating as a space, and two spaces between both words. Select the medium difficulty level. Begin game play and change the control option to the “Traditional” setting. Use the following actions to transform into the corresponding “character”. Note: This will also allow access to the Lebo Scanner in any first person mode level by holding C-Left + C-Right + C-Up + C-Down + L + R + Z + Left.
AT-ST
Wait until the AT-STs appear in the second stage of the “Battle of Hoth” level. Press Left + C-Right, Up. Press C-Right button to change camera views until the AT-ST is displayed. Use the D-pad to move the AT-ST and Up to attack. The AT-ST may attack Rebel ships. Press C-Right button to switch back and forth to Dash. Dash may still be controlled with the Analog-stick while using the AT-ST.
Wampa
Press Left + C-Right, Up during the “Escape from Echo Base” level. Press C-Right button to change camera views until the Wampa is displayed. Use the D-pad to move the Wampa and press Down to attack. Press C-Right button to switch back and forth to Dash. Dash may still be controlled with the Analog-stick while using the Wampa. Note: This may also be done by pressing Left + C-Right during the “Gall Spaceport” level.
Storm Trooper
Press Right + C-Right, Up during the In “Escape from Echo Base”. Press C-Right button to change camera views until the Storm Trooper is displayed. Use the D-pad to move the Storm Trooper and press Down to attack. The Storm Trooper may attack other Storm Troopers or Wampas. Press C-Right button to switch back and forth to Dash. Dash may still be controlled with the Analog-stick while using the Storm Trooper. Note: This may also be done by pressing Right + C-Right during the “Gall Spaceport” or “Imperial Freighter Suprosa” levels.
Prince Xizor’s armored guard
Press Right + C-Right during the “Sewers Of Imperial City” or “Xizor’s Palace” levels. Press C-Right button to change camera views until the Wampa is displayed. Use the D-pad to move the guard and press Down to attack. Press C-Right button to switch back and forth to Dash. Dash may still be controlled with the Analog-stick while using the guard.
Debug mode:
Enable the “Alternate characters” code and pause game play. Hold C-Up + C-Down + C-Left + C-Right + Z + L + R + Left and the Analog-stick Left halfway for approximately five seconds. A sound will confirm this part of the code. Keep the buttons held and hold Analog-stick Right halfway until the same sound is heard. Keep the buttons held and hold Analog-stick Left halfway until the same sound is heard. Keep the buttons held and hold Analog-stick Right halfway until the same sound is heard. Keep the buttons held and hold Analog-stick Left halfway until the same sound is heard. A message will appear at the top of the screen to confirm correct code entry. Press L, R, Analog-stick Up or Analog-stick Down to select a debug mode option. Press A to activate the selected option. After the debug mode code has been activated, the debug menu can be redisplayed by pausing game play and holding C-Up + C-Down + C-Left + C-Right + Z + L + R + Left and Analog-stick Left halfway for approximately five seconds. The debug options include selections for all items, invincibility, stopped opponents, killing Dash, teleporting within current level, level selection, and disabling collision detection. Note: Some versions of the game have additional debug options including changing the fog color, gravity settings, and toggling the textures.
View the ending sequence:
Select the rename option and enter Credits as a case-sensitive name. Note: The name is case-sensitive, with “” indicating a space. After any level is chosen, the ending sequence will be displayed.
No flight sequences:
Select the rename option and enter Joe as a case-sensitive name. Set the difficulty level to “Easy” and begin game play. The Hoth, Asteroid Field, and Skyhook sequences will be skipped.
View development staff:
Enter the name to view the ending sequence. After the credits are completed, the game will return to the title screen. Press the Analog-stick to the Up/Right position.
Select X-Wing or TIE fighter:
Configure the controller to the “Traditional” setting. Hold Left + C-Left + C-Down + C-Right + L + R + Z and press Analog-stick Up or Analog-stick Down during game play.
Wampa sounds:
Select a save game slot and enter R_Testers_ROCK as a name. Note: The name is case sensitive, with “_” indicating as a space. The sound of Wampas will be heard while the game displays any menu.
Challenge point bonuses:
Collect all challenge points on Easy difficulty. Hold Camera for five seconds during the game play to get the Leebo Scanner. This will allow Dash to access a map view that displays enemies and items.
Collect all challenge points on Medium difficulty. Hold Camera for five seconds during the during the SkyHook Battle to fly as an X-Wing. Hold Camera again to fly as a Tie-Fighter. Hold Camera again to return to an Outrider.
Collect all challenge points on Hard difficulty. Hold Crouch for fifteen seconds during game play. Dash will be invincible for thirty seconds and have each weapon at 100.
Collect all challenge points on Jedi difficulty. The Wampas in the Escape from Echo Base stage will follow Dash and attack enemies.
Hold down the camera button in the Doom-like sections for five seconds to reveal a ‘map’ view that lets you see enemies and items.
Ending credits conversation:
Complete the game and hold C-Right during the entire ending sequence. Look at the bottom of the screen during the credits for a hidden text conversation.
Keep Dash Alive:
Dash can be kept alive at the end of the game after the Skyhook station explodes. When the Skyhook begins to explode, pause game play and use the “Debug mode” code to teleport. A different ending should appear.
View the Millennium Falcon fly away:
Play the Escape From Echo Base level with the “Debug mode” code activated and use the invincibility and all item options. Switch to the Disruptor and, without entering the room that contains the Millennium Falcon, try to kill all the Snowtroopers inside. Then, switch to the Seeker. Make sure the seeker camera is on, then enter the room with the Millennium Falcon. Quickly run towards the door through which the Millennium Falcon leaves. After getting in range, fire one seeker. It will barely make it through the door before being passed by the Millennium Falcon. You will be able to keep the ship in view until the seeker explodes.
Fly through the Skyhook:
Play the Skyhook level with the “Debug mode” code activated and use the invincibility option. You must be in the free pilot part of the level. Take the Outrider, and angle it so it is perpendicular to one of the Skyhook’s walls. Fly towards the wall directly, until you hit it. If you are at a perpendicular angle, the Outrider will get stuck against the wall. Pull up slightly while you are stuck to fly through the Skyhook.
Fly a Naboo Starfighter: Enter “HALIFAX?” as a passcode. Ignore the incorrect entry sound. Then, enter “” as a second passcode. A Naboo Starfighter from Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace will now be between the X-Wing and V-Wing at the ship selection screen and available in any mission that does not require a Snowspeeder or T-16 Skyhopper. To disable this code, enter “HALIFAX?” as a first passcode and anything else as a second passcode.
Unlimited lives:
Enter IGIVEUP as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry.
Level select:
Enter DEADDACK as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry. All the levels, including the three bonus levels, will be unlocked.
All power-ups:
Enter TOUGHGUY as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry.
View credits:
Enter CREDITS as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry.
Alternate radar display:
Enter RADAR as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry. Differences in altitude will be indicated by various brightness levels.
Control AT-ST:
Enter CHICKEN as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry. Use the Analog-stick to move, hold Z to aim, and press B to fire during the AT-ST level.
Weaker shields:
Enter ACE as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry.
View intermission sequences:
Enter DIRECTOR as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry. Then, select the “Showroom” option, and choose “At The Movies” to view the intermission sequences.
Fly the Millennium Falcon:
Enter FARMBOY as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry.
Fly the TIE Interceptor:
Enable the “Fly the Millennium Falcon” code. Then, enter TIEDUP as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry. Go to the craft selection screen, highlight the Millennium Falcon for approximately three seconds, then press Analog-stick Up. The screen will move behind the Millennium Falcon and allow the TIE Interceptor to be selected.
Fly a car:
Enter KOELSCH as a password. A 1969 Buick Electra 225 convertible will replace the V-Wing at the ship selection screen.
Music test:
Enter MAESTRO as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry. Then, select the “Showroom” option, and choose “Concert Hall” to listen to the game music.
Alternate title screen:
Enter HARDROCK as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry. Allow demonstration mode to start after returning to the main menu, then press A. Luke will have a different face.
View development team:
Enter BLAMEUS as a password. A sound will confirm correct code entry.
Beggar’s Canyon level:
Earn a Bronze medal or better in all missions to fly a T-16 Skyhopper through Beggar’s Canyon on Tatooine.
Death Star Trench level:
Earn a Silver medal in all missions to fly in a trench on the surface of the Death Star.
Battle of Hoth level:
Earn a Gold medal in all missions to fly a Snowspeeder in the Battle Of Hoth.
Ship select:
Earn a Gold medal in the Battle of Hoth level to select most ships in any mission.
Debug mode:
At the main menu, highlight “Options”, but do not select it. Press Triangle, Circle, Left, L1, R2, Square, Circle, Left. If you entered the code correctly, you will hear a beep. Then, hold L1 + Select + Triangle to access a droid test debug menu with level select, FMV sequence, sound test, and invincibility options. To start on a new selected level, exit the cheat menu and start a new game. The game will begin on the level selected. To watch the FMV sequences or hear the game sounds, highlight the desired clip and press X. Hold L1 + Select + Triangle to return to the menu at any time.
All levels, easy difficulty:
Enter X, Circle, X, Circle, X, Triangle as a password.
All levels, medium difficulty:
Enter X, Square, Triangle, Triangle, X, Triangle as a password.
All levels, hard difficulty:
Enter X, Circle, Square, Triangle, X, Triangle as a password.
Level skip:
Enter Triangle, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Square, Square as a password.
View FMV sequences:
Enter Triangle, Square, Circle, Triangle, Circle, Circle as a password.
Master mode:
Enter X, Triangle, Triangle, Square, X, Triangle as a password.
Hard mode:
Enter Triangle, Square, Square, Square, X, Triangle as a password.
Ending winning credits (with cantina music):
Enter Triangle, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Square, Square as a password.
on Twitter
via RSS Feed
by Email
on Facebook