The International House of Mojo

Star Wars Combine Simulation, a fan-made internet simulation game, has been shut down for the time being by the Antipiracy department of Lucasfilm. While it is important to note that this is not directly related to LucasArts, it does remind us of the copyright laws that exist and how the Lucas companies have dealt with them in the past.

Source: Star Wars Combine Sim

Shacknews has an always-updated list of the best reviewed games on its site. Topping the current list are such LucasArts games as Sam & Max Hit The Road, The Curse of Monkey Island, Grim Fandango, and Rogue Leader. Congratulations to LucasArts for making so many classics.

Source: Shacknews

In the December issue of Gamepro, a not-so-subliminal message was planted for LucasArts to consider. An article previewing the Gameboy Advanced version of Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars discusses how a graphic adventure can be effectively ported to a hand held gaming system. At the end of the article, the writer suggests that "if Sword is successful, don't be surprised if LucasArts starts digging through its graphic adventure archives." So how 'bout it, LucasArts?

According to a recent issue of PC Gamer UK, LucasArts is planning to "revive" their classic titles, such as Day of The Tentacle, Sam and Max Hit the Road, Full Throttle, and Maniac Mansion.

At this point, it is unclear whether they mean to rerelease the old titles or to sequelize them, but we will bring you the latest as it develops.

Source: GFN Forums

LucasArts Recently announced that over the next few weeks they would be unveiling some new titles and new parterships. The first of these was brought to us on Tuesday.

The Collective, the company responsible for developing the anticipated-by-one-and-all Buffy the Vampire Slayer for Xbox, have been chosen by LEC to create the next in a long line of fine Indy games.

The game, expected to release fall 2002, will be available on a variety of next generation console platforms and PC.

The upcoming title follows in the epic tradition of LucasArts' rich Indiana Jones action-adventure legacy. It will feature an all-new intriguing and historically relevant story set amidst the world's most exotic locales. The game will utilize The Collective's proprietary engine technology, bringing to the series a dynamic new level of fighting action and challenging puzzle elements.

You can read all about it in the Press Release, and remember to keep your eyes peeled for any other announcements!

According to Jedi Knote #5 posted on January 24th, former LucasArts composer and sound designer Clint Bajakian is editing the interactive music for Jedi Outcast. Mr. Bajakian, as you may know, has written music for such LucasArts games as Monkey Island 2, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, Day of the Tentacle, Sam and Max, Outlaws, and Escape From Monkey Island. Clint has gone on to start his own company, CB Studios doing freelance work for various companies. Here's a quote from the Jedi Knote:

Musically, Clint Bajakian (who produced music and sound for Star Wars: Dark Forces as well as many other Star Wars titles) has designed an interactive score, adapting John Williams' monumental film score to an interactive medium that dynamically responds to the player's situation.

So it doesn't sound like there will be much, if any, new music in this game. However, it is good to know that an expert on interactive music is on top of things.

Source: Jedi Knotes