Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/SCEE: No plans to offer PS2 backwards compatibility later as DLC for 40GB PS3http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/scee-no-plans-to-offer-ps2-backwards-compatibility-later-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/scee-no-plans-to-offer-ps2-backwards-compatibility-later-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/scee-no-plans-to-offer-ps2-backwards-compatibility-later-as-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The 40GB PlayStation 3 models, devoid of any PS2-related semiconductors, will likely not have any options for backwards compatibility in the future. Speaking to Joystiq, SCEE Director of Corporate Communications Nick Sharples said that there are no plans to offer emulation software as downloadable content at a later date.

"We have no plans to do so at the moment. The sheer numbers of PS2 titles available, together with the increased complexity of using a software only solution for each and every title means that to ensure accurate software emulation for the majority would be technically challenging, time consuming and costly," he said.

"As we have mentioned on several occasions, our engineering resources are now focused on developing new and innovative features and services for the PS3 and, as a result the 40GB model does not have backwards compatibility with PS2 titles," he said.

When asked about the fate of future emulation updates for 80GB and PAL-territory 60GB models that are running software-supported backwards compatibility, Sharples told us, "the current PS3 system software and future updates will continue to support backwards compatibility for the current 60GB and 80GB models." He later added, "The current solution offers around 90% backwards compatibility with PS2 titles and we are able to help publishers to make sure any new PS2 titles are backwards compatible with the 60GB and 80GB models."

Sharples had no information on today's rumor concerning the 40GB model coming to North America. Included after the break is Sony's statement confirming the loss of PS2 semiconductors in the latest model.

Regarding PSOne emulation

"The PS3 has never been equipped with either the CPU or GPU that were used in the original PlayStation, and the backwards compatibility for PS one titles has therefore been made available through software emulation from the beginning. Therefore backwards compatibility for PS1 titles remains the same no matter how many times the model is changed."

Regarding PS2 emulation

"On the other hand, backwards compatibility for PS2 titles is largely made possible through the use of actual semiconductors, supported by the PS3 system software. The 20GB and 60GB PS3 models launched in Japan and the USA were equipped with both the PS2 Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesiser chips and we could therefore guarantee over 90% backwards compatibility for PS2 titles.

"The 60GB model launched in Europe was a new model (shared with the 80GB model launched subsequently in USA) which contains only a modified version of the Graphics Synthesiser chip from the PS2 and not the Emotion Engine chip. The European launch model therefore used a combination of software and the modified version of the PS2 Graphics Synthesiser chip to deliver backwards compatibility for PS2 titles. As a result the percentage of backwards compatible PS2 titles was slightly reduced.

"The 40GB model, to be launched in Europe on 10th October, is a new model and is not equipped with any of the semi conductors from the PS2, and backwards compatibility would therefore have to be achieved by software emulation alone. The sheer numbers of PS2 titles available, together with the increased complexity of using a software only solution for each and every title means that to ensure accurate software emulation for the majority would be technically challenging, time consuming and costly. As we have mentioned on several occasions, our engineering resources are now focused on developing new and innovative features and services for the PS3 and, as a result the 40GB model does not have backwards compatibility with PS2 titles.

"The current PS3 system software and future updates will continue to support backwards compatibility for the current 60GB and 80GB models.

"Keen gamers in Europe, for whom backwards compatibility is important, can still purchase the existing 60GB PS3 Starter Pack which contains an extra SIXAXIS controller, two first party titles and has extensive backwards compatibility with PS2 titles."

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]]>backwardscompatibilitybcbreakingnewsdlceuropesceesonyRoss Miller2007-10-08T13:26:00+00:00PS3 80GB US backwards compatibility checker onlinehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/08/ps3-80gb-us-backwards-compatibility-checker-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/08/ps3-80gb-us-backwards-compatibility-checker-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/08/ps3-80gb-us-backwards-compatibility-checker-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sony recently updated their US backwards compatibility search website now that the States gets to join in Europe's pain. As we learned during E3, the new 80 GB PS3 does have backwards compatibility issues. All future PS3 models will also have similar BC issues as they'll use the less expensive software emulation program instead of the PS2 native hardware which is currently in the 60GB model. If you're even considering a future purchase of a PS3 and are at all concerned about your consoles' backwards compatibility, it may be well worth it to get the 60GB model while it still exists -- it truly is your best option in case Sony gets lackadaisical about updating their software backwards compatibility like Microsoft was.

A quick search in the database shows cracks in the foundation already:
  • God of War -- 60GB: "No major problems for this title." 80GB: "During various FMV sequences throughout the title, the audio plays overlapped by static audio distortion."
  • Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater -- 60GB: "No major problems for this title." 80GB: "During various FMV sequences throughout the title, the audio plays overlapped by static audio distortion." & "Throughout gameplay, the title performs at a significantly slower than normal performance speed."
  • Final Fantasy X -- 60GB: "No major problems for this title." 80GB: "At various points throughout the Opening FMA sequence, the graphics jitter."
  • Destroy All Humans -- 60GB: "No major problems for this title." 80GB: "At specific points during gameplay, character weapons do not function as intended."
Go look up some of your favorite games, these were just the first four we checked. There is no master list either, every game must be specifically selected by title. If backwards compatibility is something you care about, it's worth taking the 60GB model under consideration.

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]]>BackwardsCompatibilitybceuropepalplaystationps3sonyusAlexander Sliwinski2007-09-08T14:30:00+00:0080GB PS3 has limited backwards compatibilityhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/80gb-ps3-has-limited-backwards-compatibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/80gb-ps3-has-limited-backwards-compatibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/80gb-ps3-has-limited-backwards-compatibility/#commentsFiled under:


We're still attempting to confirm what the new red light means on the PS3 controller from Sony*, but what we can confirm is that the new 80GB PS3 will have limited backwards compatibility. Clearly stated on the box, the system has apparently gotten rid of the chip previously used for US backwards compatibility and switched over to the European software version.

The box states: "This product has limited backwards compatibility with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 format software ... visit www.us.playstation.com for system software update." We're attempting to find out if the new 60GB versions rolling off the assembly line will also switch over to the BC software. So, if you're really into your old PS and PS2 games, might want to check and see if they are compatible with the software or get a system currently available before the switch.

*Update: From Dave Karraker, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications regarding the red light: "It is just a lighting trick. Nothing different or new about it."

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]]>backwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilitybce307europepalrumblesixaxissonyAlexander Sliwinski2007-07-09T16:15:00+00:00Orta, Mercenaries, JSRF join 360 compatability listhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/orta-mercenaries-jsrf-join-360-compatability-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/orta-mercenaries-jsrf-join-360-compatability-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/orta-mercenaries-jsrf-join-360-compatability-list/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Microsoft has supplied 33 more compelling reasons to finally stuff your old friend the Xbox in the closet with their new backwards compatibility update for the 360. How compelling, you ask? How about Jet Set Radio Future and Mercenaries? How's that grab you? No, still not enough? How about Panzer Dragoon Orta? The BC update doesn't seem to be working just yet, but we hope that'll be rectified soon.

The full list is available here with all the new additions, like Return To Castle Wolfenstein and Breakdown. When asked to comment on the update, a Microsoft spokesperson wrote "We'’re continuing to work hard to certify as many original Xbox games to work on Xbox 360 as possible," and don't think we don't appreciate it. In fact, we're so grateful, we're not going to wonder aloud how NFL Fever 2004 snuck on to the list. We're rising above.

Still conspicuously absent from the updates: Your Favorite Game that No One Else Liked. But chin up, we hear it's a lock for the next update. You can see a full list after the break.

[via Snackbar Games]
  • Avatar: The Last Airbender
  • Breakdown
  • Call of Duty 2: Big Red One
  • Call of Duty 3
  • Cars
  • Crash Bandicoot 5: Wrath of Cortex
  • Dai Senryaku VII: Modern Military Tactics
  • FIFA Soccer 2007
  • Full Spectrum Warrior
  • Guilty Gear Isuka
  • Jet Set Radio Future
  • MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf
  • Mercenaries
  • NASCAR 2006: Total Team Control
  • NFL Fever 2004
  • Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee
  • Panzer Dragoon ORTA
  • Phantom Dust
  • Reservoir Dogs
  • Return To Castle Wolfenstein
  • RugbyLeague 2
  • Sonic Riders
  • Soul Calibur 2
  • Star Wars Republic Commando
  • Street Fighter Anniversary Collection
  • The King of Fighters Neowave
  • The King of Fighters 2002 & 2003
  • Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07
  • Tony Hawk's Underground
  • Ultra Bust-A-Move
  • Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict
  • Xiaolin Showdown

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]]>backwardscompatibilitymercenariesortapanzerdragoonxboxxbox360Justin McElroy2007-04-19T16:04:00+00:00Over 1,000 PS2 games to be compatible with Euro PS3http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/01/over-1-000-ps2-games-to-be-backwards-compatible-with-euro-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/01/over-1-000-ps2-games-to-be-backwards-compatible-with-euro-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/01/over-1-000-ps2-games-to-be-backwards-compatible-with-euro-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

In an "exclusive interview" with "semiofficial" Playstation blog, Threespeech, Sony's Phil Harrison provides some clarity regarding the PAL PS3's range of backwards compatibility, not to mention the opportunity to place even more quotation marks into this paragraph. "The situation is changing every day, but on March 23, we expect the list to include over 1,000 PS2 titles." Sony's head of worldwide studios is referring to the list of PS2 games that are expected to be supported by the software emulation found in European PS3s.

This announcement certainly defuses some of the controversy that resulted from Sony announcing the removal of PS2 hardware from European PS3 systems. After promising software support for a "limited" number of titles, many European gamers were feeling rightly cheated for having to pay a higher price for a PS3 with fewer features. Though the specific titles that comprise the list have yet to be announced (Harrison notes that Sony's policy is to focus on popular titles), it seems Sony is already far better equipped than Microsoft when it comes to fighting the inevitable onslaught of gamers complaining about their favorite title not being supported.

Mr. Harrison also promises that an online list of backwards compatible games will be available on March 23, and that it will grow with every PS3 firmware update.

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]]>backwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilityBCPhil HarrisonPhilHarrisonPS3SCEALudwig Kietzmann2007-03-01T12:30:00+00:00Huzzah! Psychonauts on 360, Soul Calibur, Conker toohttp://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/huzzah-psychonauts-on-360-soul-calibur-conker-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/huzzah-psychonauts-on-360-soul-calibur-conker-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/huzzah-psychonauts-on-360-soul-calibur-conker-too/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

for realzWe won't be satisfied until every Xbox title is compatible on 360, but today's backwards compatibility update is a major step in that direction. Sure, we knew the patch was coming, but it's a relief that it's here, Pyschonauts now playable -- as are Shenmue II, Indigo Prophecy, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, Dead or Alive Ultimate, Buffy, Destroy All Humans, and others.

The update's final list of games also features some additional surprises (unrevealed during the premature posting on Xbox.com), most notably Soul Calibur 2 (North America only) and Conker: Live and Reloaded. Still, each of these bc updates is bitter sweet, inevitably lacking games we've been longing for. It's been a year, and still no Panzer Dragoon Orta?

New additions/updates:

  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer
  • Burnout 3: Takedown [updated]
  • Conker: Live and Reloaded
  • Dead Or Alive Ultimate
  • Destroy All Humans!
  • Dynasty Warriors 4 / Shin Sangokumuso3
  • Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick
  • Ex Chaser (Japan only)
  • Family Guy
  • Far Cry: Instincts
  • Fahrenheit / Indigo Prophecy
  • I-Ninja
  • Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude
  • Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
  • MotoGP
  • Incredibles / Mr. Incredible (J)
  • Muzzle Flash (Japan only)
  • MX Unleashed
  • Open Season
  • Pariah
  • Plus Plumb 2 (Japan only)
  • Psychonauts
  • Psyvariar2 Extend Edition (Japan only)
  • Rainbow Six: Lockdown
  • Rapala Pro Fishing
  • Rent-A-Hero No. 1(Japan only)
  • Scarface
  • Shark Tale
  • Shenmue II
  • Soul Calibur 2 (North America only)
  • Splinter Cell: Double Agent
  • Tenerezza (Japan only)
  • The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
  • Ultimate Spider-Man
  • Wakeboarding Unleashed: Featuring Sean Murray
  • Whacked!
  • Winback 2: Project Poseidon
  • Xiaolin Showdown
Complete backwards compatibility games list

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]]>Backwards CompatibilityBackwardsCompatibilityBCConkerDownloadEmulationPsychonautsSoul CaliburSoulCaliburUpdateXbox LiveXboxLiveJames Ransom-Wiley2006-12-14T21:45:00+00:00Pre-huzzah: Psychonauts spotted on back-compat listhttp://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/pre-huzzah-psychonauts-spotted-on-back-compat-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/pre-huzzah-psychonauts-spotted-on-back-compat-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/pre-huzzah-psychonauts-spotted-on-back-compat-list/#commentsFiled under: ,


For a brief moment in time, an updated version of the Xbox 360's backwards compatibility list was exposed for all the internet to see. Though it was yanked in a matter of minutes, one new entry stood out like an atomic mushroom cloud in a serene, children's playground. Not to imply that Psychonauts is capable of melting children or flooding large masses of land with deadly radiation, but its presence was rather devastating to the psyche.

In case you weren't aware (and clearly you aren't much of the time), Tim Schafer and his team at Double Fine did extraordinary things with Psychonauts, managing to take the seemingly incompatible platformer and adventure genres and mash them together like two pieces of clay. That's before they twisted the whole mess into a variety of amusing shapes.

Oh, there's a whole bunch of other new games too. However, when asked about the exact release date of this December update, Microsoft warned us that the list is not final. "We'll have more news soon -- as I'm sure you're aware with any software development, things can change at any time so we want to make an announcement when we're sure we've got the final, solid list."

View the non-final, slightly wobbly list of additions after the break.

[Thanks Nick! Thanks to Richard from Xbox 360 Fanboy for remembering to take a screenshot.]

The following games are listed as "new" in the preliminary December update list:
  • All-Star Baseball 2005
  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer
  • Dead or Alive Ultimate
  • Destroy All Humans!
  • Dynasty Warriors 4
  • Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick
  • Fahrenheit / Indigo Prophecy
  • Family Guy
  • Far Cry: Instincts
  • Incredibles
  • I-Ninja
  • Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude
  • Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
  • Moto-GP
  • MX Unleashed
  • Open Season
  • Pariah
  • Psychonauts
  • Rainbow Six: Lockdown
  • Rapala Pro Fishing
  • Scarface
  • Shark Tale
  • Shenmue II *
  • Splinter Cell: Double Agent
  • The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
  • Ultimate Spider-Man
  • Wakeboarding Unleashed: Featuring Sean Murray
  • Whacked!
  • Winback 2: Project Poseidon
  • Xiaolin Showdown
* Also goes by the name of "How about a game of Lucky Hit?"

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]]>backwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilityEmulationEmulatorMortal KombatMortalKombatPsychonautsShenmueXBLXBLAXbox back compatXbox LiveXboxBackCompatXboxLiveLudwig Kietzmann2006-12-12T18:55:00+00:00The PS3 backwards compatibility listhttp://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/the-ps3-backwards-compatibility-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/the-ps3-backwards-compatibility-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/the-ps3-backwards-compatibility-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sony's PlayStation site now features a handy little Javascript program that lets you check on any compatibility issues the PS3 might have with the PlayStation catalogue. Instead of a list, however, you have to type in the games about which you are curious into the search box to find out all the glitches.

We understand not making a list of every PSOne and PS2 title that has compatibility issues, but at the same time we are not sure to what extent BC problems are prevalent. We are impressed with how detailed every glitch has been chronicled, so that you know exactly how the game will screw up (major or minor) while being played on the PS3. We decided to run of a few searches ourselves:
  • Psychonauts, unlike its Xbox counterpart, "has no major problems" with the PS3. Huzzah!
  • The Ratchet series works fine.
  • The Jak series is okay, except for a handful of issues with Jak X: Combat Racing.
  • Almost surprisingly, every Madden title works well. Only Madden NFL 2007 has some issues with static IP / DHCP and online gaming.
  • Every SOCOM title has at least one or two issues.
  • The Final Fantasy series is a mixed bag. X, XII, and Tactics work, but Anthology, Chronicles, Origins, VIII, and IX have issues. FF VII has one graphical anomaly during one of the first battles in the game. Final Fantasy XI has problems using the PS3's HDD, but a future software update promises to fix that.
Mess around the search box and let us know what else you find. Don't throw out your PS2 until you check your favorite titles first.

[Via CVG]

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]]>backwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilitybcfinal fantasyFinalFantasyjakmaddenpsychonautsratchetsocomRoss Miller2006-11-20T12:25:00+00:00Sony admits 200 PS2 games not working on PS3http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/sony-admits-200-ps2-games-not-working-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/sony-admits-200-ps2-games-not-working-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/sony-admits-200-ps2-games-not-working-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,

PS3 workaroundSony has confirmed reports that several -- like 200* -- PlayStation 2 games are not functioning properly on PlayStation 3. The company claims most of the backwards compatibility inconsistencies relate to audio glitches, but admits that some games do not run at all. SCE spokesperson Satoshi Fukuoka said the issues would be fixed through future patches (likely built into firmware upgrades) distributed online.

Microsoft drew a lot of flak when Xbox 360 debuted with a paltry list of compatible Xbox titles (which shrank before it grew), but at least there was an effort to be honest to the consumer. That's not to say Sony was being overtly dishonest by advertising 100% backwards compatibility; if we had to guess, a team wasn't budgeted to test all of PS2's 8,000+ titles. Sure, you could bitch that Sony did a disservice; but let's be real, anyone lucky enough to score a PS3 during launch probably owns PS2 -- problem solved.

*200 titles account for less than 2.5% of the PS2 software catalogue.

See also: A HUGE backwards compatibility checklist for the PS3

[Thanks Marc]

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]]>backwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilitylaunch06PS2PS3James Ransom-Wiley2006-11-14T12:10:00+00:0027% of top 300 Xbox games are back-compatiblehttp://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/15/27-of-top-300-xbox-games-are-back-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/15/27-of-top-300-xbox-games-are-back-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/15/27-of-top-300-xbox-games-are-back-compatible/#commentsFiled under: ,


Cheap Ass Gamer (and Joystiq's good buddy) CheapyD put on his thinking cap to figure out just what percentage of the top-rated Xbox games work on the 360. With notable classics like Psychonauts still unplayable (did you send out your e-mail?), how far along is the MS team in their ongoing struggle to getting "darn close to that stated goal of every title" backwards compatible?

CheapyD culled the titles from aggregate review-site Metacritic, cross-checked them against Microsoft's list, then threw it all into a chart for those of us who can't read are visual learners. The key points:
  • 80% of the top-10 reviewed titles are backwards compatible. The two missing all-stars: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and Burnout 3.
  • Only 27% of the top-300 reviewed titles are backward compatible. 
Even 300 titles is a far cry from the 800 or so titles currently available for the original Xbox. Wait, Far Cry? Nope, not available.

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]]>Back-compatBackwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilityChristopher Grant2006-06-15T17:25:00+00:00LEGO Star Wars II jumps onto the Xbox 360http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/06/lego-star-wars-ii-jumps-on-to-the-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/06/lego-star-wars-ii-jumps-on-to-the-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/06/lego-star-wars-ii-jumps-on-to-the-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

HanGreedo -- the hybrid that should never beLEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy will now be making an appearance on the Xbox 360, along with its earlier announced platforms (which include pretty much every current-gen system).

Whether creating a Han Solo-Greedo, lightsaber-wielding humanoid hybrid is really the wisest course of action or not is a debate best left to the fan community, however. (A green HanGreedo on the 360 -- it could work.)

Our only hope is that the original LEGO Star Wars will make its way onto the official Xbox backward-compatibility list by the time the sequel's released in September. Getting those unlockable characters from the prequels onto the next generation would be awfully nice. (Transferable saves? Even better.) The complete Lucasfilm press release follows below.

See also:

The Epic Adventure of Star Wars Lives On This September With Exciting New DVD, Videogame and Toy Releases


Available for a Limited Time Beginning Sept. 12, New 2-Disc DVD Sets Include Original Versions of the Star Wars Trilogy as Bonus Feature

 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.  (May 4, 2006) - Star Wars[TM] fans across the galaxy will experience the excitement and adventure of the Star Wars Trilogy as never before on Sept. 12, thanks to the premiere of LEGO(R) Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy; a new lineup of toys; and an event they've been asking to see for years: the DVD debuts of the original versions of the three movies that introduced audiences to the Star Wars saga.

In response to overwhelming demand from Star Wars fans, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will unveil attractively priced individual two-disc DVD sets of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI Return of the Jedi. Making these DVDs truly special is the inclusion, as special bonus material, of the original versions of the movies as seen in theaters in 1977, 1980 and 1983, respectively.

Paired with the spectacular digitally restored and re-mastered movies, these versions will be available on DVD for a very limited time beginning Sept. 12 (international release dates will follow on or about the same day). On Dec. 31, the original movies will be returned to the Lucasfilm Archives. Also included on each two-disc DVD set is commentary by George Lucas and key cast and crew members.

"Over the years, a truly countless number of fans have told us that they would love to see and own the original versions that they remember experiencing in theaters," said Jim Ward, President of LucasArts and Senior Vice President of Lucasfilm Ltd. "We returned to the Lucasfilm Archives to search exhaustively for source material that could be presented on DVD. This is something that we're very excited to be able to give to fans in response to their continuing enthusiasm for Star Wars. Topping it off with a new interactive adventure makes Sept. 12 a red-letter day for Star Wars fans."

The original versions of the Star Wars Trilogy movies feature Dolby 2.0 Surround sound, while the digitally restored films are presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. All three films, both in their original and restored versions, are closed-captioned and subtitled in English, French and Spanish in the U.S.  International sound and subtitling specifications vary by territory. All three films are rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America and are rated PG in Canada.

Also on Sept. 12, LucasArts and TT Games will release LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, the action-packed sequel - filled with tongue-in-cheek humor - to one of the best-selling videogames of 2005.

LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy combines the classic story of Star Wars with the endless customization of LEGO to create a wholly unique gaming experience that puts an unexpectedly comical twist on the Star Wars universe. Players can "build and battle" their way through the galaxy, reliving (and sometimes reinventing) favorite moments from the Star Wars Trilogy.

The epic story, characters and action are all there, and for the first time players can build and ride their own Star Wars vehicles, then get on and off of them to explore the interactive galaxy as envisioned by LEGO. True to the LEGO experience, players can even customize their own Star Wars characters: It's the world's first opportunity to discover a Yodarth, a See-Chewpio or a Princess Obi-Wan Kejawa (or almost any variation imaginable).

Published by LucasArts and created by TT Games, LEGO Star Wars II is slated for release across eight platforms: the Xbox 360[TM] videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft; the Xbox(R) videogame system from Microsoft; the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system; Sony PSP[TM]; Microsoft Windows; Nintendo GameCube[TM]; Nintendo DS[TM]; and Nintendo Game Boy(R) Advance.

"Star Wars remains incredibly popular around the world, and Sept. 12 brings even more excitement," said Tom Warner, Senior Director of Marketing for Lucasfilm Ltd. "Fans love the nostalgia of their first Star Wars experience but are also eager to see new, original entertainment from Lucasfilm, and this fall we're bringing them both."

Debuting day-and-date with the individual Star Wars Trilogy DVDs and LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy are new lines of licensed Star Wars merchandise and toys. Exciting new offerings from the popular Star Wars collections of Hasbro and LEGO will be on shelves, accompanied by TV advertising in the fall.

The successful Star Wars publishing program, which has seen more than 70 titles hit the New York Times Best Sellers list, will see the debut of a new novel, Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn, on Oct. 6. This intriguing new Star Wars adventure is set 1,000 years before Episode IV A New Hope.

Star Wars fans and movie buffs alike will get a thrill from the first-ever publication of The Making of Star Wars: A New Hope in the fall. Both new titles are published by Ballantine Del Rey.

More than 9,000 pages of information about the Star Wars saga can be found at http://www.starwars.com.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion picture and television productions, the company's global businesses include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts Entertainment; Lucas Licensing; Lucasfilm Animation; and Lucas Online. Lucasfilm's feature films have won 19 Oscars and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.

 

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]]>backward compatibilitybackward compatiblebackward-compatibleBackwardCompatibilityBackwardCompatiblebackwards compatibilitybackwards compatiblebackwards-compatibleBackwardsCompatibilityBackwardsCompatiblecharactercharacterscurrent-genGreedoHanHan SoloHanGreedoHanSolohumanoidhumanoid hybridHumanoidHybridhybridLEGOLEGO Star WarsLEGO Star Wars IILegoStarWarsLegoStarWarsIilightsaberlightsaber-wieldingLucasLucasartsLucasfilmnext-genoriginalprequelprequelspress releasePressReleasereleasereleasedsavesSept 12Sept 12thSept. 12Sept. 12thSept.12Sept.12thSept12Sept12thSeptemberSeptember 12September 12thSeptember12September12thsequelsequelstransferabletransferrableTraveller's TalesTraveller'sTalesTT GamesTtGamesunlockunlockableunlockedDan Choi2006-05-06T02:45:00+00:00