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IGN has posted its E3 Best of Show awards for PC and LucasArts pretty much ruled them all. Not bad for a pack of Star Wars games :).
On the PC front Star Wars: Galaxies won "Best PC Game of Show," "Best Online PC Game," and "Best PC Graphics." Also LEC's entire E3 2001 lineup won the "Biggest PC Suprise of Show" award.
LEC also had an impresive showing in the IGN Gamecube awards. Rogue Leader went home with "Best Gamecube Game" and "Best Gamecube Graphics." IgnPC said it pretty well with their comments for the "Biggest PC Suprise" award:
It's kind of a backhanded compliment, we suppose, but this really took everyone by surprise. In past years, Lucas has relied on the Star Wars license to sell games. Now they've finally decided to recruit the industry's top developers to help them out. Verant, Ensemble, Bioware, and Raven have all been brought on board to make this year's crop of Star Wars games better than even. And after last year's batch, that's a welcome change.
This evening, LucasArts held a chat with the LEC resident Star Wars expert, Haden Blackman. Many interesting Star Wars questions were asked and answered, but let's face it... here's the bit most of you want to see:
Dogma972: Is there any chance that a Star Wars Adventure game could be produced?
jHof: Do you know if LEC plans to start the 50/50 adventure to SW games soon? Because right now, all we see are SW games and a Monkey port. =)
Haden Blackman: We are definitely moving towards more original titles - we'll have more to talk about at next E3. At the same time, we love Star Wars games. I wouldn't rule out a Star Wars adventure game in the future.
Sounds great, although I believe that LEC only stated that a 50/50 ratio between Star Wars games and original titles would be introduced, not between Star Wars and adventure games. Either way, the chat log should be up soon at the official LucasArts website.
I fear that I'll never be able to show my face in polite soceity for announcing this to everyone. So this could be my final ever news item as the egging shall probably promptly start around about now...
Without further ado, I can announce that the final E3 title to be revealed tomorrow will be for Star Wars - Jedi Outcast. This game will effectively be Jedi Knight III built using a modified version of the Quake III arena. As of yet the timescale for the game is unsure. So it could be Prequel, Original or something completely different like the Sith Wars or after Star Wars. Who knows?
Sorry... I'm just doing my job...
Update: LucasArts has posted the product spotlight for Jedi Outcast here on their E3 page.
I recieved my copy of subscriptiopn copy of PC Gamer (UK) to day and this is just on the DVD there are 5 LucasArts Demos (The Curse of Monkey Island, Grim Fandango, Rogue Squadron, X-Wing Alliance and Jedi Knight 2).
They also have 6 page preview of STAR WARS: Battle Ground, I have looked at the screenshots and there seems to be some new screenshots.
Today's mystery E3 title was just announced. What is it? Star Wars Racer Revenge: Racer II, a PlayStation 2-bound sequel to last years Episode 1: Racer. Developed by Rainbow Studios, makers of "Motocross Madness" and "ATV Off-Road Fury," SWRR:R2 is set 8 years after the original Racer game (and therefore 8 years after Episode 1 the film), with a basic running story going something like this:
It has been eight years since the first spectacular Podracing showdown between Sebulba and the young Anakin Skywalker. Seeking payback for his humiliating loss, Sebulba has a new beefed-up Podracer and lust for revenge. But it's not going to be easy: Anakin has grown into a boldly skilled Podracer pilot.As usual with the new console titles the artwork is pretty nice looking, a step up from the original Racer game for sure. As for gameplay, we'll just have to see.
The current LEC Question of the Week is about making your own mods based on their (somewhat) newly announced title, Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds.
There are certain games that allow the player to create there own levels, opponents, and objects to be used in the game. Has LucasArts looked at including programmable attributes to is games?Now you can make that DOTT themed RTS like you've always dreamed! That is, of course, unless you get sued. :PWhen Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds comes out this winter, it will be the first LucasArts game to ever ship with a scenario editor. The editor will allow players to choose from an extensive library of Star Wars units, vehicles, locations and armaments (from classic and prequel time periods) to create their own real-time strategy battlegrounds to play and share with others online. We know that customers have really wanted this kind of functionality over the years, and we're excited to have the chance to offer it for the first time with Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds.
Update: After rereading what I just posted (I'm smart like this, you'll discover), I realised that the editor lets you create your own maps using the Battlegrounds characters and landscapes, not your own art. So, as it turns out, while you may not be able to create the Total Conversion of your dreams, you should be able to make some pretty sweet Battlegrounds maps!
Just preceeding the (re?)announcement of EMI for the PS2, LucasArts linked to this LA Times interview with EMI Project Leaders Mike Stemmle and Sean Clark about the upcoming port.
The article, like most non-gaming press articles, has some errors. For instance it opens with "Never before has this long-running PC comedy adventure series [...] made an appearance on home consoles," but obsessive fans all know that Monkey Island 1 was ported long ago to the SegaCD (I think it was SegaCD :).
Anyway, it does have some interesting questions as well. Or at least I thought so...
Q: How has the franchise survived over a decade relatively unchanged save for a couple of face-lifts?Clark: I'd disagree with that face-lift assessment. Though it looks that way on the player's end, each game was completely brand new. Tons of new characters were added, the artwork was converted to 3-D, etc. "Monkey Island" has gone through more evolutions than you'd think.
For those of you who missed the chat or haven't yet comitted it to memory LucasArts has put up a transcript of the questions and answers. As usual with the LEC chats the actual rooms weren't logged, just the questions and answers sent through the moderator. Some people would probably be embarassed if that stuff was logged anyway. ;)
Also dont forget to check LucasArts.com tomorrow for their first E3 game announcement!
Source: CROC
If you've already visited LucasArts today you've already seen the monsterous, very cool (and very Star Wars) E3 teaser which has temporarily replaced the first page. Additionally, www.lucasarts.com/e3 has been updated with a real web page, promising two game announcements the first and second of May, followed by what appears to be five more at a later date (the additional 5 titles are covered by a slightly clipped off panel). As to what kind of games will be announced, who knows.
Of note is the new slogan this year. Last year's LucasArts E3 slogan was something along the lines of "As long as there are new worlds to discover... we'll take you there." This years appears to be "Never underestimate the power of the force." Who knows though, last years theme reeked of "Original Title" but all were franchise games except one (EMI). Maybe we'll get the opposite this time around (heh heh)?
LucasArts updated their site with a few interesting tidbits. firslty the 3rd piece of concept art for upcoming games to be announced at E3. this one is particularly odd.
There is news of another chat with Mike and Sean, project leaders of Escape from Monkey Island, this time in honour of the playstation2 release.
Finally a new poll, "Where would you like to spend spring break?" With options ranging from tatooine, to Monkey Island, and "my Couch" which of course i voted for.
Well me and a team of intrepid mojoites will be at e3 to bring you the scoops, but LucasArts will not be waiting for the show to announce all their titles. Last year LEC ran a "road to E3" run up type thing, where they announced one new game a week leading up the Expo. This year a similar tactic will be used, so keep your eyes peeled and your brains in gear - for new titles at LucasArts.com in the next few weeks!
During our downtime over the last couple days LucasArts has updated their Screen of the Week, again with an image from (presumably) one of their yet-to-be-announced Star Wars titles. This shot, as well as the last one are from games which will likely be unveiled at E3, the Los Angeles gaming-industry trade show which runs from May 16th - 19th. Also, lucasarts.com/e3 now has a miniature site up, instead of the redirect page mentioned in last week's update.
JustAdventure+ has put up the first part of an interview with LucasArts project lead (amongst other things) Hal Barwood. You may remember him from such games as Fate of Atlantis, Infernal Machine, Rebel Assault II, and Yoda Stories. The interview doesn't talk about one specific game but more about Barwood's thoughts on various aspects of the gaming industry. Here's his thoughts on "interactive movies:"
Personally, I think they're a failed experiment. And not just because it's tough even for talented writers to whip out reams of dialogue. I think interactive movies made an unexpected discovery about the human psyche: people don't want to be in charge unless there's something to be in charge of--unless we can meet a challenge. The equation seems pretty simple to me: interactivity minus goals equals boredom.Read the rest here.
Source: Blues
It seems LucasArts is warming up for E3 slowly this year, one pic at a time! The LEC featured screenshot this week is titled "E3.2001" and shows some concept art of an Episode 1-esque droid. You can see the screenshot by clicking the "Screenshot of the Week" thumbnail in the upper left corner of lucasarts.com, or directly, here. Also of note is lucasarts.com/e3, which currently redirects to LEC's main page (instead of giving a 404). Possibly something to watch?
April Fools!
Sadly, this year, we don't seem to have had anything on the fools front from lucasarts.com, but it's made up for by sister-site Starwars.Com, with a brilliant green 1979 feel!
Check it out: www.starwars.com.
News reaches me that a petition has been set up to release LEC's Adventure creation engine: SCUMM to the public.
Lucas Arts has made classic adventure games using SCUMM. We are asking Lucas Arts to give SCUMM to people for free or even sell it to the public.You can sign the petition here
Source: Snader
Just thought I'd bring you a quick update on the Lawsuit situation. Anyone who read the comments from the last post will have already learned that this has come about from LucasArts using the term "Starfighter" in the recent PS2 game. This phrase was copyrighted by 3DO in 1995
Yesterday, ieMag.com reported that The 3DO Co. had recently filed a trademark infringement suit against LucasArts Entertainment Co. LLC and Lucas Licensing Ltd. We have learned that the suit involves LucasArts using the word ?StarFighter? in its PlayStation 2 game Star Wars StarFighter.Thanks to Huz, and Iemag
LucasArts? Tom Sarris sent ieMag.com this comment: ?The term ?Starfighter? has been part of the Star Wars lexicon since the 1980s and there is no basis for any claim against Star Wars Starfighter. LucasArts' game continues to enjoy critical and commercial success, and furthers LucasArts? proud tradition of providing Star Wars fans and game players alike the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe and play out roles, scenes, etc. inspired by events first depicted in the Star Wars films.?
The 3DO Co. will still not provide comment on the lawsuit.
IE Magazine have reported news of a lawsuit filed against LucasArts:
ieMag.com has received word that The 3DO Co. last week filed a trademark infringement suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against LucasArts Entertainment Co. LLC and Lucas Licensing Ltd. A 3DO spokesperson refused to provide any information, citing a company policy against discussing pending litigation, and requests for comment to 3DO?s attorney and LucasArts representatives weren?t returned by the time this story was posted.
I'll keep you posted, any ideas what this could concern?
This is strictly speaking Starwars news, but i thought that those of you who are opposed to SW would want to read this too.
LucasArts have set up this survey which asks a lot of questions about Starwars gaming. Go and share you views. - I know you all do in these comments anyway! So go tell them!