Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Knights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/#comments ImageMay the fourteenth be with you: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast are each available on Mac and are 25 percent off on Steam today, in celebration of "May the 10 days after May the fourth be with you" day or something. Each title costs $7.50 with the sale, which ends May 21 at 10 a.m. PST.

Both games first dropped in 2003 but they hold up pretty well nine years on, especially at less than $10 -- at least they've aged better than we imagine The Old Republic will have by 2020.

JoystiqKnights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KOTORmacpcStar-WarsStar-Wars-Jedi-Knight-2star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicSTEAMTue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lucasfilm applies for 'Star Wars 1313' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/lucasfilm-applies-for-star-wars-1313-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/lucasfilm-applies-for-star-wars-1313-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/lucasfilm-applies-for-star-wars-1313-trademark/#comments ImageA strange new trademark application by Lucasfilm portends a new multimedia Star Wars franchise, including video games. The company filed for the name "Star Wars 1313" for use with video games, as well as toys, trading cards, sticker books, pencil sharpeners, online social networking services, and anything else that can possibly bear the Star Wars logo.

The document contains no indication of what "Star Wars 1313" means; we knew the series was set "a long time ago," but don't know if that translates to 700 years in Earth time. However, a quick Wookieepedia search reveals "CT-1313" as a name used by Boba Fett in a Star Wars novel. So it could be a Boba Fett-focused thing. Dengar's still waiting for his big break.

JoystiqLucasfilm applies for 'Star Wars 1313' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lucasartslucasfilmstar-warsstar-wars-1313trademarkusptoMon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq goes hands-on with the Star Wars Xbox (and you can win it!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/joystiq-goes-hands-on-with-the-star-wars-xbox-and-you-can-win-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/joystiq-goes-hands-on-with-the-star-wars-xbox-and-you-can-win-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/joystiq-goes-hands-on-with-the-star-wars-xbox-and-you-can-win-i/#comments Image
Microsoft sent us one those fancy Star Wars Xbox Kinect bundles, so we thought it would be nice to give our readers a closer look. If the video leaves you drooling for the sweet R2-D2 console, C-3P0 controller and white Kinect, you should really make plans to come see Joystiq's live podcast at PAX East ... where we'll be giving it away!

Be sure to come see us on April 7 at 3PM in the Manticore Theatre for your shot at this and some other goodies.

JoystiqJoystiq goes hands-on with the Star Wars Xbox (and you can win it!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinect-star-warspax-east-2012star-warsstar-wars-kinectMon, 02 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Star Wars sticking around for 10 more years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/lego-star-wars-sticking-around-for-10-more-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/lego-star-wars-sticking-around-for-10-more-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/lego-star-wars-sticking-around-for-10-more-years/#comments Lucasfilm has renewed its licensing deal with the Lego Group for 10 more years, meaning if you have a kid right now he can grow up with a guaranteed supply of Lego Star Wars video games and toys. If you don't have a kid any time soon, look at this as an opportunity to delay growing up for another decade.

Lego is currently developing products based on Star Wars: The Old Republic, and will be following up its most recent Lego Star Wars video game, The Clone Wars, some time during the next 10 years, we'd guess. The Lego Star Wars series has sold more than 30 million units worldwide since its launch in 2005.

JoystiqLego Star Wars sticking around for 10 more years originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsLEGOLego-Star-Warslego-star-wars-3-the-clone-warslucasfilmmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicwiixboxMon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Spark Unlimited producing sci-fi sequel, speculation says Battlefront 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/rumor-spark-unlimited-producing-sci-fi-sequel-speculation-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/rumor-spark-unlimited-producing-sci-fi-sequel-speculation-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/rumor-spark-unlimited-producing-sci-fi-sequel-speculation-says/#comments Remember Star Wars: Battlefront 3? It was never really made, but was never officially canceled either, and the idea faded into the background some time in 2010. Not everyone is ready to let the dream go, as PlayStation Lifestyle is reporting a slew of data that it says suggests developer Spark Unlimited is working on Battlefront 3.

Lifestyle's evidence includes a job opening at Spark listing "a 3rd Person Action/Adventure sequel in a high-profile science fiction franchise currently greenlit for full production development for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC markets;" a Spark employee's LinkedIn profile that describes a sword-fighting game for a well-known IP; and another that lists a triple-A third-person shooter that's been in development for three years.

Spark Unlimited's previous projects include 2008's Legendary and Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, and 2004's Call of Duty: Finest Hour. Battlefront 1 and 2 were developed by Pandemic Studios, which was bought by EA and eventually shuttered in 2009. Before closing, Pandemic said it was not working on Battlefront 3, and no developer has officially claimed it since.

Spark's coming title could be one of many unannounced sci-fi sequels, such as Star Wars: Jedi Knight 3, yet another XCOM revamp (why not?) or Asteroids 3D: When Spinning and Shooting Doesn't Work. Spark says it plans on publicly announcing its sci-fi secret this year.

JoystiqRumor: Spark Unlimited producing sci-fi sequel, speculation says Battlefront 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefrontmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sequelspark-unlimitedStar-Warsstar-wars-battlefront-3xboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic hits a million players, 28 million hours played]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-hits-a-million-players-28-million-h/#comments EA has announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic has assembled more than a million registered players in its first week officially live, earning it the self-granted title of "fastest growing subscription MMO in history."

A million players is a solid milestone, but EA and BioWare still have some parsecs to travel to make SW:TOR a resounding success: The beta test, don't forget, was able to pick up twice as many players than are currently registered. EA's management expects at least two million players to call the game successful at all, according to previous reports.

EA says that players have logged in more than 28 million game hours (no word on how many hours spent waiting in login queues, of course), and in that time have created 3.8 million characters, split about evenly across Jedi and Sith. More than 2 billion NPCs have been killed in the eight days since launch as well, which is quite the virtual genocide. You can check out the official stats and announcement below.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic hits a million players, 28 million hours played

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic hits a million players, 28 million hours played originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealucasartsmilllionmmopcplayersprofitstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 23 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare looking into Star Wars: The Old Republic server queues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/bioware-looking-into-star-wars-the-old-republic-server-queues/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/bioware-looking-into-star-wars-the-old-republic-server-queues/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/bioware-looking-into-star-wars-the-old-republic-server-queues/#comments If you're tired of being denied in your attempts to boldly go where no man has gone before in Star Wars: The Old Republic, take heart! BioWare has done the Vulcan mind-meld with you, heard your distress and is trying to figure how where they need to jam more dilithium crystals to solve the problem.

"While we can't promise that there won't ever be queues, we can promise you that we are taking this matter seriously and constantly reviewing them to make sure that they are manageable and reasonable," said Jeff Hickman, executive producer of live services.

Sounds like BioWare is concerned, though not necessarily able to make a sweeping fix. In other words, they're givin' it all she's got, captain!

JoystiqBioWare looking into Star Wars: The Old Republic server queues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsjeff-hickmanpcserversstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 19 Dec 2011 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Star Wars Kinect has 'dance tournaments' mini-games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/esrb-star-wars-kinect-has-dance-tournaments-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/esrb-star-wars-kinect-has-dance-tournaments-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/esrb-star-wars-kinect-has-dance-tournaments-mini-games/#comments
A little known fact about the Padawan training program is that it includes an intense, three-month course on dance. Think about it: dueling with lightsabers is basically dance fighting. Right?

That's why the ESRB rating for Kinect: Star Wars didn't really throw us. The promised "dance tournaments, podracing, and Jedi duels" sound like de rigueur, believe us. We've read extensively on the subject.

Joking aside, there isn't really anything else we can say beyond this: the following is the final excerpt in the ESRB listing for Kinect: Star Wars. "In the dancing mini-game, some female characters perform suggestive moves (e.g., gyrating their hips/buttocks) and wear revealing outfits (partially exposed cleavage/buttocks). The words 'damn' and 'hell' can be heard in the dialogue."

We imagine the "dialogue" in question goes something like this: "What in the damn hell has happened to Star Wars?"

JoystiqESRB: Star Wars Kinect has 'dance tournaments' mini-games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancekinectkinect-star-warsmicrosoftstar-warsstar-wars-kinectxboxFri, 16 Dec 2011 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic early access starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-early-access-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-early-access-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/star-wars-the-old-republic-early-access-starts-today/#comments It's time to put your regimented dragon-killing schedule on hold for a while, replacing it completely with an all new Jedi-killing routine -- early access for Star Wars: The Old Republic opens up today. If you pre-ordered the game through a traditional retailer or virtually through Origin, you'll be able to hop into the game today; assuming you're lucky enough to be a part of one of the waves of entrants BioWare is letting in, periodically, until the game's official December 20 launch.

The game can't allow everyone in all at once, probably because it would crush the servers like the windpipe of a Death Star insubordinate. Persistence should win you your prize, though. Well, persistence, and a pre-order code, and a monthly subscription.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic early access starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareearly-accessmmommorpgonlinepcstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicTue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paper, Scissors, Stone registered by LucasArts and BioWare in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/paper-scissors-stone-registered-by-lucasarts-and-bioware-in-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/paper-scissors-stone-registered-by-lucasarts-and-bioware-in-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/paper-scissors-stone-registered-by-lucasarts-and-bioware-in-au/#comments Ryan Langley is a level designer at Halfbrick Studios, so he's used to putting secret rewards in hard-to-find places, but in this case he found one. He discovered that both LucasArts and BioWare have filed for a classification in the Australian government for a computer game called Paper, Scissors, Stone. Unfortunately, we have no idea what that is at all.

The classification does mention that it's related to "science fiction themes" and that the game will have "online content." When you combine that with the fact that both LucasArts and BioWare are listed on the mark (along with publisher EA), it's possible that, even despite the M rating for mature audiences, this could have something to do with the upcoming The Old Republic MMO. A standalone minigame of some kind? That's just a guess, but yes please on that.

At any rate, we'll probably hear about this one soon. In the meantime, you might want to start practicing your hand signals.

JoystiqPaper, Scissors, Stone registered by LucasArts and BioWare in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarehalfbrick-studiosioslucasartsminigamestar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublictitletwitterWed, 30 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars ads find their way into Deus Ex: Human Revolution loading screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/star-wars-ads-find-their-way-into-deus-ex-human-revolution-load/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/star-wars-ads-find-their-way-into-deus-ex-human-revolution-load/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/star-wars-ads-find-their-way-into-deus-ex-human-revolution-load/#comments Deus Ex: Human Revolution plays host to a wide assortment of advertisements for fictional future-products (like robot eyes and face-installed sunglasses) -- but the game now sports a promo for a real-life, purchasable thing. The game's loading screen occasionally includes a tiny banner announcing the launch of the Star Wars Blu-ray trilogy, as seen in the corner of the image posted above.

Some of the billboards built into the game's environment are equipped to sport dynamic advertisements, but we haven't noticed anything as unsubtle as this. We suppose it could be worse! The advertisement could just pop up during a climactic boss battle. Or Darth Vader could just make a totally out-of-place cameo in one of Detroit's seedy alleyways. Actually, no, wait. That would be rad.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

JoystiqStar Wars ads find their way into Deus Ex: Human Revolution loading screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingdeus-ex-human-revolutionEidos-Montrealin-game-advertisingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixstar-warsxboxThu, 15 Sep 2011 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic supply artificially limited at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-copies-artificially-limited-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-copies-artificially-limited-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-copies-artificially-limited-a/#comments In an attempt to prevent its servers from collapsing under the weight of a million Force-hungry MMO-players, EA will artificially limit the number of copies -- both digital and retail -- of Star Wars: The Old Republic available at launch. An EA representative reportedly revealed the strategy at a Gamescom demo, but didn't divulge any details such as how many copies would be available, or how long it would take for more copies to be released once the quota is met.

We suppose this strategy makes sense, though we can't help but imagine the excuses BioWare and EA are going to have to come up with to explain why their downloads are sold out. "Bits? You want bits? Sorry friend. We're fresh out of those. Bytes too! Sorry about that. The drought's hitting us awful hard. The ... the technodrought."

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic supply artificially limited at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareealaunchlucasartsmmommorpgpcreleasestar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicThu, 18 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Old Republic will not be region locked at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/the-old-republic-will-not-be-region-locked-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/the-old-republic-will-not-be-region-locked-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/the-old-republic-will-not-be-region-locked-at-launch/#comments If you're a Star Wars buff who happens to be Australian, or an arctic explorer, or a space-pilgrim on your way to colonize Hyperion, know that BioWare has totally got your back. In order to ensure that gamers in exotic locations still have access to the highest number of droids possible, BioWare has announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic will not be region or IP locked at launch.

Fresh-faced padawans and burgeoning sith lords will still have latency to content with, as no amount of midi-chlorians can break the laws of physics, but a little inconvenience never killed anyone. What has killed people, however, are the ice-tusked burrowing monstroliths of Hyperion. Be safe, brave explorers.

JoystiqThe Old Republic will not be region locked at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaIPIP-lockedpcRegion-lockedStar-WarsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicSun, 14 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars R2-D2 Xbox 360 priced in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/star-wars-r2-d2-xbox-360-priced-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/star-wars-r2-d2-xbox-360-priced-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/star-wars-r2-d2-xbox-360-priced-in-uk/#comments The Limited Edition Star Wars Xbox 360 console, priced at $449 in the States, has been given a suggested retail price of £349.99 in the UK (ouch, that's $570 US!). The standard 250GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle retails at £299.99.

The rebellious console from a galaxy far, far away was revealed last week at San Diego Comic-Con. It includes a 320GB hard drive, a white Kinect, the R2-D2 inspired console, a C-3PO colored controller, Kinect Star Wars and Kinect Adventures. The console will also feature Star Wars sound effects for operations like powering up, ejecting discs, and setting coordinates for Dagobah. Xboxes can do that, right?

Gallery: Xbox 360 Limited Kinect Star Wars Bundle

JoystiqStar Wars R2-D2 Xbox 360 priced in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bundlekinectkinect-star-warslucasartsmicrosoftStar-Warsstar-wars-kinectukxboxMon, 25 Jul 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[R2D2-style Xbox 360 Kinect bundle rolling out for Kinect Star Wars [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/r2d2-style-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-rolling-out-for-star-wars-kine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/r2d2-style-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-rolling-out-for-star-wars-kine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/r2d2-style-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-rolling-out-for-star-wars-kine/#comments "Beep! Beep beeeeep boop whiiiirrr boop boop (fall over)!"

Or, in English, Microsoft just revealed a new R2D2-styled Xbox 360 Kinect bundle at Comic-Con, in honor of Kinect Star Wars. The Xbox has a special R2D2 look and custom console sounds, and is bundled with a gold, C3P0-style controller (Oh, my!) and an all-white Kinect. It also includes Kinect Star Wars, Kinect Adventures, and a 320GB hard drive!

The bundle will be out this fall. Pre-orders for the $449 bundle are expected to begin today.

Update: Added official pics to the gallery, and moved our Comic-Con snapshot past the break!

Update 2: According to Gavin Spicer of Xbox UK PR, the bundle is coming to the UK as well, though no details have been announced yet.

Gallery: Xbox 360 Limited Kinect Star Wars Bundle

Continue reading R2D2-style Xbox 360 Kinect bundle rolling out for Kinect Star Wars [update]

JoystiqR2D2-style Xbox 360 Kinect bundle rolling out for Kinect Star Wars [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecomic-con-2011kinectkinect-adventureskinect-star-warsmicrosoftstar-warsstar-wars-kinectxboxThu, 21 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Fly Studio layoffs result of canned Star Wars title, resume suggests]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/red-fly-studio-layoffs-result-of-canned-star-wars-title-resume/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/red-fly-studio-layoffs-result-of-canned-star-wars-title-resume/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/red-fly-studio-layoffs-result-of-canned-star-wars-title-resume/#comments After laying off 30 developers, Red Fly Studio CEO Dan Borth told GameSpot, "The reduction of staff was a response to a large high-profile project that was, to our surprise, reevaluated and then canceled." While the identity of that project wasn't known at the time, a resume uncovered by internet uncoverer Superannuation points to development of a "next-gen Star Wars title."

Patrick Doran's LinkedIn profile includes Red Fly Studio under "past" experiences, where the artist worked from April 2008 to this month, as both an artist and environment artist. In addition to work on games like Mushroom Men, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 for Wii, and Thor for both Wii and 3DS, Doran worked as an environment artist from January of this year through June on the aforementioned "next-gen Star Wars title."

With a list of shipped games exclusive to Nintendo's consoles, it's not clear what "next-gen" means in this case. The studio's first HD game for Xbox 360 and/or PlayStation 3 using the high-profile Star Wars license? We've reached out to both Red Fly Studio and LucasArts for comment on the project.

JoystiqRed Fly Studio layoffs result of canned Star Wars title, resume suggests originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lucasartsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3red-flyred-fly-studioresumestar-warswiixboxWed, 20 Jul 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Charity Alert: The Speed Gamers marathon Star Wars games to benefit tornado victims]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/charity-alert-the-speed-gamers-marathon-star-wars-games-to-bene/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/charity-alert-the-speed-gamers-marathon-star-wars-games-to-bene/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/charity-alert-the-speed-gamers-marathon-star-wars-games-to-bene/#comments The 2011 tornado season has been one of the deadliest in recorded history, with hundreds dead and thousands of lives irrevocably changed across the face of the south-east. Over 1,100 confirmed tornadoes have been recorded so far, and the official season hasn't even ended yet.

The Speed Gamers, never ones to rest on their laurels, are once again pledging hundreds of hours of their lives to continuous, charitable gaming. From right now through July 18, TSG will be plowing through a that's-no-moon-sized pile of 25-plus Star Wars games, from Rogue Squadron to Lego Star Wars and everything in-between. That's 168 hours of gaming, with 100 percent of donations going to Direct Relief International. The group aims to raise $30,000 in total, which would bring their lifetime charitable contributions to over $300,000. Hit the source link to find out how you can help, and also how much Jar-Jar Binks someone can take before all of their internal organs shut down.

[Thanks Cody!]

JoystiqCharity Alert: The Speed Gamers marathon Star Wars games to benefit tornado victims originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydisaster-reliefstar-warsthe-speed-gamersthespeedgamerstornadotornado-relieftornadoesSat, 09 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA waffles on Star Wars: The Old Republic launch date, expects it before next March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/ea-waffles-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-date-expects-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/ea-waffles-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-date-expects-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/ea-waffles-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-launch-date-expects-i/#comments EA's fourth quarter investor call today had some Jedi mind tricks going on when it came to the topic of highly-anticipated MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic's launch date. In documentation provided to investors, the company noted the title is "expected to launch in either Q2 FY12 or Q3 FY12." Translation: Second half of 2011, as was previously stated.

However, during the investor call, EA CEO John Riccitiello said, "The launch date, while in our fiscal year (before March, 2012), is not yet certain."

The hedging continued later with CFO Eric Brown, "While we fully anticipate launching Star Wars: The Old Republic in Q2 or Q3, the low end of our guidance range assumes the outside possibility of a January launch."

If you're playing along at home: when the paperwork, CEO and CFO aren't on the same page, it means EA isn't exactly sure when this thing is coming. One thing is for sure: they hope it's by next March.

JoystiqEA waffles on Star Wars: The Old Republic launch date, expects it before next March originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artseric-brownJohn-riccitiellopcStar-WarsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 04 May 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[LucasArts hires back Tomb Raider franchise head Tim Longo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/lucasarts-rehires-tomb-raider-franchise-head-tim-longo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/lucasarts-rehires-tomb-raider-franchise-head-tim-longo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/lucasarts-rehires-tomb-raider-franchise-head-tim-longo/#comments Gamasutra reports that LucasArts has hired Tim Longo, formerly Tomb Raider creative and franchise director at Crystal Dynamics. Longo worked with LucasArts in the past on several Star Wars titles, notably the Starfighter series, Jar Jar's Revenge and Republic Commando. Longo has signed on in order to work on an unannounced project for LucasArts though, given his pedigree (not to mention LucasArts' corporate mandate) a new Star Wars title seems likely.

JoystiqLucasArts hires back Tomb Raider franchise head Tim Longo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicslucasartsstar-warstim-longotomb-raiderFri, 01 Apr 2011 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic's 'Flashpoints' revealed, captured on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/star-wars-the-old-republics-flashpoints-revealed-captured-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/star-wars-the-old-republics-flashpoints-revealed-captured-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/star-wars-the-old-republics-flashpoints-revealed-captured-o/#comments Though your rugged, galactic adventurers in Star Wars: The Old Republic are capable of handling a lot of the situations that head their way, they can't do everything by themselves. Check out a trailer for one of the game's self-contained, multiplayer-centric "Flashpoints" after the jump.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic's 'Flashpoints' revealed, captured on video

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic's 'Flashpoints' revealed, captured on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaflashpointsmmopcstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 28 Jan 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Force Unleashed 2 items hit Avatar Marketplace, PS Home Dec. 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/force-unleashed-2-items-hit-avatar-marketplace-ps-home-dec-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/force-unleashed-2-items-hit-avatar-marketplace-ps-home-dec-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/force-unleashed-2-items-hit-avatar-marketplace-ps-home-dec-9/#comments
 In the galaxy you currently reside in, LucasArts plans on hocking more digital Star Wars wares. On Thursday, avatars can tap into whichever side of The Force their inner fashionista prefers on both Xbox Live and PlayStation Home.

Continue reading Force Unleashed 2 items hit Avatar Marketplace, PS Home Dec. 9

JoystiqForce Unleashed 2 items hit Avatar Marketplace, PS Home Dec. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceavatarshomelucasartsmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-homeplaystation-networkps3psnstar-warsstar-wars-the-force-unleashed-2xblmxboxxbox-live-marketplaceWed, 08 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: Falcon Gunner augmented reality shooter live on App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/star-wars-falcon-gunner-augmented-reality-shooter-live-on-app-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/star-wars-falcon-gunner-augmented-reality-shooter-live-on-app-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/star-wars-falcon-gunner-augmented-reality-shooter-live-on-app-s/#comments Ever wondered what it would have been like to ride shotgun with Han and Chewie? We're guessing -- based entirely on the fact that you're reading a video game blog right now -- that you're the type of person who has harbored this desire. Well, THQ's offering the next best thing: Augmented reality shooter Star Wars: Falcon Gunner, available today for $5 on iPhone and iPod Touch (and coming to iPad next month).

As the title suggests, you'll be in the gunner's seat of the Millennium Falcon during moments like the destruction of the Death Star and the Kessel Run (12 parsecs or bust!), aiming by actually moving your iOS mobile device around, blasting TIE fighters out of your immediate surroundings.

If you're a fan of canon, you might want to shy away from Falcon Gunner, as it takes some creative liberties with these historic Star Wars events. If you're a fan of cannons, however, you should jump right in, because, hoo boy, there are so many cannons.

Continue reading Star Wars: Falcon Gunner augmented reality shooter live on App Store

JoystiqStar Wars: Falcon Gunner augmented reality shooter live on App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeaugmented-realityipadiphoneMillennium-Falconmobilestar-warsstar-wars-falcon-gunnerthqthq-wirelessFri, 19 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA assumes all publishing duties for Star Wars: The Old Republic from LucasArts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/ea-assumes-all-publishing-duties-for-star-wars-the-old-republic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/ea-assumes-all-publishing-duties-for-star-wars-the-old-republic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/ea-assumes-all-publishing-duties-for-star-wars-the-old-republic/#comments BioWare co-founder Dr. Ray Muzyka announced at an EA Games showcase event in San Francisco this evening that Electronic Arts is assuming all publishing duties for the developer's forthcoming Star Wars MMO, The Old Republic. In a press release, EA stated that "certain publishing, marketing and distribution responsibilities previously designated to LucasArts will shift to EA, so that all publishing, marketing and distribution responsibilities can be centralized for efficiency," something that Muzyka expounded on when we spoke with him.

"There's not going to be any obvious change for gamers," Muzyka said of the immediate implications of the deal, adding that, "It makes things easier for us to have everything under one roof, and that will eventually benefit players." How so? Customer service was one example given. As for the role LucasArts will have in the game's development going forward, Muzyka told Joystiq that the company will still be "very involved" in ensuring that the final experience is 100 percent Star Wars in content and tone.

What Muzyka wouldn't tell us: When we can expect Star Wars: The Old Republic to ship. Canadians, it turns out, are not susceptible to Jedi mind tricks.

JoystiqEA assumes all publishing duties for Star Wars: The Old Republic from LucasArts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artslucasartsmmopcstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicThu, 11 Nov 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic's PvP 'Warzones' detailed in video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/star-wars-the-old-republics-pvp-warzones-detailed-in-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/star-wars-the-old-republics-pvp-warzones-detailed-in-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/star-wars-the-old-republics-pvp-warzones-detailed-in-video/#comments Though we're still confused how Star Wars: The Old Republic's non-lightsaber-swinging classes are supposed to best their lightsaber-swinging counterparts in combat, we're looking forward to checking out the objective-based, player vs. player "Warzones" previewed in the trailer posted below.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic's PvP 'Warzones' detailed in video

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic's PvP 'Warzones' detailed in video originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareelectronic-artsmmommorpgpcpvpStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublicSat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How Star Wars: The Old Republic tackles the grind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/star-wars-the-old-republic-tackles-the-grind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/star-wars-the-old-republic-tackles-the-grind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/star-wars-the-old-republic-tackles-the-grind/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Star Wars: The Old Republic systems director Damion Schubert hosted a panel at GDC Online 2010 this week about that excruciating aspect of gameplay known as "The Grind," which he defined as any time developers ask players to do something they don't enjoy in order to open up something that they will enjoy.

Most developers use the grind to fill out gameplay content -- handcrafted, "gold standard" content is much tougher to make, whereas grindy content is cheap to put together. But sometimes it comes in handy, said Schubert. While making SWTOR, BioWare actually found that it was putting "too much gold-quality content into the game." Players would be confronted with a Star Destroyer to fight through, a lost Wookiee to save, and a Sith quest to complete; and Schubert said that "we had, by jamming all of this good stuff together, actually made it grindy."

So to fix the issue, BioWare first cut some of the least powerful stories (the lost Wookiee didn't make the cut, Schubert confirmed), and then spaced the rest of them out. Additionally, a feature called "bonus quests" will create optional tiny grinds -- players will be offered extra grind-style goals ("Kill 10 Stormtroopers") while running other quests. That "keeps the activity level up, but lets the gold-standard content breathe," according to Schubert.

He admitted that the grind isn't always a bad thing -- developers sometimes have great reasons to add grinding, and there's a perception factor to consider, as well (one player's maximum effort is another's boring grind). But developers should be able to balance the grind with content and activities that players do care about, Schubert urged, creating a full experience that requires different kinds of efforts for equally different kinds of rewards.

JoystiqHow Star Wars: The Old Republic tackles the grind originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredamion-schubertelectronic-artsgdc-online-2010grindmmopcstar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 lets a demo loose October 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-lets-a-demo-loose-october-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-lets-a-demo-loose-october-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-lets-a-demo-loose-october-12/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Those of you eager to get just a taste of the fast-paced life of a cloned, insane Jedi should look forward to October 12. That's when LucasArts will unleash just a little of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2, in the form of a demo on both PSN and Xbox Live.

In the demo, you'll follow Starkiller - who's having a pretty awful day on the rainy planet of Kamino - as he escapes from Darth Vader and deals with the memories rushing into his head. We suspect he'll deal with his troubles through the careful application of dual lightsabers to things.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 lets a demo loose October 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demolucasartsmicrosoftplaystationps3star-warsstar-wars-the-force-unleashed-2xboxTue, 05 Oct 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 preview: Force Majeure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-preview-force-majeure/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-preview-force-majeure/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-preview-force-majeure/#comments Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 is little over a month from launch and during my time playing it here at PAX, it was pretty obvious how far along the game has come. LucasArts has shown the same area of the game both at E3 and Comic-Con, but now it's been fleshed out and, more importantly, we were finally able to play it.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2

Continue reading Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 preview: Force Majeure

JoystiqStar Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 preview: Force Majeure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lucasartsmicrosoftpax-2010playstationps3star-warsstar-wars-the-force-unleashed-2xboxFri, 03 Sep 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures public beta accepting recruits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/star-wars-clone-wars-adventures-public-beta-accepting-recruits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/star-wars-clone-wars-adventures-public-beta-accepting-recruits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/star-wars-clone-wars-adventures-public-beta-accepting-recruits/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Launching on September 15, Sony Online Entertainment's free-to-play MMO Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures has gone into public beta. You can head to the official site (linked below) and play right now. Three character races are available, but you are not (able to be) a Jedi ... yet.

JoystiqStar Wars: Clone Wars Adventures public beta accepting recruits originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafree-to-playmmopcpublic-betaSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresFri, 20 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Empire Strikes Back at PlayStation Home with new avatar items, bundles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/empire-strikes-back-at-playstation-home-with-new-avatar-items-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/empire-strikes-back-at-playstation-home-with-new-avatar-items-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/empire-strikes-back-at-playstation-home-with-new-avatar-items-b/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tomorrow, PlayStation Home enthusiasts will be able to pick up some Empire Strikes Back gear for their virtual pad. Pictured above are the upcoming items, available as part of the 30th celebration of Episode V in the Star Wars saga. The odds of successfully navigating an asteroid field may be 3,720 to 1, but the odds your pad will look totally badass with a carbonite Han Solo hanging on the wall? Definite.

Coincidentally, LucasArts will also release two PlayStation Home bundles tomorrow. The "Everything Empire Strikes Back Bundle" includes everything related to the movie released in PlayStation Home so far for $24.99 -- a total of 51 items. Then there's the "All Furniture Items Bundle," a specific collection of ten specific Empire Strikes Back items for $9.99.

Oh, and if you find yourself in PlayStation Home today, stop on by the LucasArts shop for a free "Yoda Ears" cap. Today's the last day you can snag one!

JoystiqThe Empire Strikes Back at PlayStation Home with new avatar items, bundles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>empire-strikes-backlucasartsplaystationplaystation-homeps3sonystar-warsstar-wars-the-empire-strikes-backWed, 18 Aug 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 unleashes Yoda, too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/in-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-yoda-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/in-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-yoda-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/in-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-2-yoda-is/#commentsThrilled, Star Wars fans will be, when in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 a beloved character appears.

... okay, we're not going to do the Yoda voice the whole time. We'd like you guys to be able to read this stuff. LucasArts revealed that Yoda will appear in The Force Unleashed 2, in a segment taking place on his home planet of Dagobah. Angsty Force unleasher Starkiller senses a powerful presence, and goes to the planet to investigate. There, he finds everyone's favorite Jedi Master, who helps him deal with, you know, all the angst. With this being ... a Star Wars game, the presence of Yoda actually makes sense this time.

If more Yoda you would like to see (we can't help it, apparently!), we have screens in our gallery and a video after the break.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 (Yoda)

Continue reading Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 unleashes Yoda, too

JoystiqStar Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 unleashes Yoda, too originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LucasArtsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonyStar-WarsStar-Wars-The-Force-Unleashed-2wiixboxYodaFri, 13 Aug 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Scott Pilgrim Strikes Back against the Xbox Live Avatar store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/scott-pilgrim-strikes-back-against-the-xbox-live-avatar-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/scott-pilgrim-strikes-back-against-the-xbox-live-avatar-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/scott-pilgrim-strikes-back-against-the-xbox-live-avatar-store/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So, Xbox 360 owners can't get their hands on Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game for about two more weeks -- however, rather than stew in a broth of your own jealousy, you can recreate all the action of the game by dressing your Avatar up like its mischievous protagonist. Well, maybe not all the action. A whole mess of stylish, Pilgrim-inspired duds were recently added to the Avatar storefront, including Scott's ruby red bass guitar, Ramona Flowers' begoggled outfit and a handful of tees featuring sprites from the game.

Also added to the storefront were a whole bunch of Star Wars outfits as part of The Empire Strikes Back's 30th Anniversary celebration. If you felt like shelling out the cash, you might be able to mix and match the ensembles of Scott Pilgrim and Han Solo, thereby creating the raddest fictional character on the planet.

JoystiqScott Pilgrim Strikes Back against the Xbox Live Avatar store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarcostumesmicrosoftscott-pilgrim-vs-the-worldstar-warsthe-empire-strikes-backxblmxboxThu, 12 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Force Unleashed 2 canceled on PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/force-unleashed-2-canceled-on-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/force-unleashed-2-canceled-on-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/force-unleashed-2-canceled-on-psp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though Star Wars: The Force Unleashed sanctioned the abuse of stormtroopers on your PSP, The Force Unleashed 2 has jettisoned Sony's handheld system before its multiplatform launch on October 26th. According to IGN, LucasArts did not offer an explanation for the late cancellation.

The PSP version of the original game didn't fare too badly with critics, so we're left wondering where the sequel's development took a wrong turn -- assuming it wasn't simply a consideration of profitability on a platform that has been known to struggle with piracy. We'll let you know if we hear anything that more closely resembles an actual reason.

JoystiqForce Unleashed 2 canceled on PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancellationlucasartsplaystationpspsonystar-warsstar-wars-the-force-unleashed-2Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Today will be a day long remembered: Haden Blackman resigns from LucasArts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/today-will-be-a-day-long-remembered-haden-blackman-resigns-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/today-will-be-a-day-long-remembered-haden-blackman-resigns-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/today-will-be-a-day-long-remembered-haden-blackman-resigns-from/#commentsFiled under: , ,

13-year LucasArts vet Haden Blackman, the writer and producer on Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, and creative force behind Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 and Star Wars: Galaxies, has resigned today, IGN reports. "I've had a fantastic time working with the team at Lucasfilm and am really grateful for their ongoing support," Blackman said. "While the decision to leave LucasArts did not happen overnight or come easily, I really feel that now is the best time for me to move on and explore new creative challenges and I look forward to the next phase of my career."

"Oh, sure, Joystiq," you might say, "go with a Star Wars joke as the headline. Real original." Well, look, we spent all freakin' day down at Toshii Station because Luke had to have this one power converter -- no, this one wasn't good enough, it's gotta be that one -- so excuse us if we're a bit off our game ... uh, this is kinda getting weird.

If you wanna join us in pouring one out for our departed comrade, we'll be down at the local hive of scum and villainy.

JoystiqToday will be a day long remembered: Haden Blackman resigns from LucasArts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haden-blackmanlucasartsstar-warsstar-wars-the-force-unleashed-2Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ takes Star Wars' Battle for Hoth to the iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/thq-takes-star-wars-battle-for-hoth-to-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/thq-takes-star-wars-battle-for-hoth-to-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/thq-takes-star-wars-battle-for-hoth-to-the-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tired of Star Wars games being set on Tatooine? You'll be glad to hear, then, that the just released iPhone Star Wars game -- Star Wars: The Battle for Hoth -- takes place on the far snowier lands of Hoth. Okay, okay, you got us -- Hoth is actually in every single Star Wars game ever made. Fine. But did those games only cost $2.99, and were they meant to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back film release? Yeah, we didn't think so.

The game is said to be strategy-based and will have players strategically defending against oncoming waves of the Empire's worst for 15 levels (read: tower defense). In case the snow-laden planet hadn't already indicated as much to you, yes, there will be snowspeeders. Also, everyone's favorite giant walking war machines (AT-ATs, silly) will make an appearance. Remember: Use your tow cable on the legs!

Gallery: Star Wars: The Battle for Hoth


JoystiqTHQ takes Star Wars' Battle for Hoth to the iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fluffy-logichothmobilestar-warsstar-wars-the-battle-for-hoththq-wirelessThu, 15 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/preview-star-wars-clone-wars-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/preview-star-wars-clone-wars-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/preview-star-wars-clone-wars-adventures/#comments
Two years ago, I sat in a ballroom at the Las Vegas Hilton, listening to the crowd go nuts over Sony Online Entertainment's official Free Realms announcement. Right at the front was a little boy who freaked out whenever the publisher said anything about the game; the kid looked at his father (a huge SOE fanatic) for approval and went bonkers whenever papa bear gave the thumbs up. The excessive enthusiasm was a bit odd, given that Free Realms was a virtual unknown in the competitive MMO space. I thought about him when SOE let me play the newest member of the family, Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures.

You don't have to be a 12 year old to get excited about this (mostly) free-to-play video game. Although it follows the Clone Wars TV series and characters, you're able to customize an avatar using a wardrobe of Star Wars costumes from all six movies, including Boba Fett's helmet and Tusken Raider fatigues. And no, no word yet on the famous slave Leia outfit.

Gallery: Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures (Minigames)

Continue reading Preview: Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures

JoystiqPreview: Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playMMOpcSOESony-Online-EntertainmentStar-Warsstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresFri, 09 Jul 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Star Wars: The Old Republic closed beta this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/rumor-star-wars-the-old-republic-closed-beta-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/rumor-star-wars-the-old-republic-closed-beta-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/rumor-star-wars-the-old-republic-closed-beta-this-weekend/#comments Sith sister site Massively is picking up chatter from the Star Wars: The Old Republic forums (and evidence from readers) that a closed beta for the game is occurring this weekend, June 25-27. Allegedly, only 100-200 invitations were sent out, so check your email to find out if you had enough midi-chlorians for acceptance.

We're following up with LucasArts for details and confirmation, but it's like trying to reach Alderaan.

JoystiqRumor: Star Wars: The Old Republic closed beta this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BetabiowareeaElectronic-ArtsLucasArtsMMOpcStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 25 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic trailer follows the evolution of a Bounty Hunter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-trailer-follows-the-evolution-of-a-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-trailer-follows-the-evolution-of-a-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-trailer-follows-the-evolution-of-a-b/#comments What, you think every Bounty Hunter just starts out as a Boba Fett? You think they get that dope Mandalorian armor on day one? Don't be ridiculous -- you've gotta earn that stuff. Check out the trailer below to see one of Star Wars: The Old Republic's Bounty Hunters get put through his paces, and see how the game's (ever-important) loot improves as his level increases.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic trailer follows the evolution of a Bounty Hunter

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic trailer follows the evolution of a Bounty Hunter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareLucasArtspcStar-WarsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicTue, 22 Jun 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic trailer is impressive, most impressive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/star-wars-the-old-republic-trailer-is-impressive-most-impressi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/star-wars-the-old-republic-trailer-is-impressive-most-impressi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/star-wars-the-old-republic-trailer-is-impressive-most-impressi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Remember last year at E3, when there was a new trailer for Star Wars: The Old Republic, and it was basically the coolest thing with lightsabers since Vader fought Luke on Bespin? Turns out Bioware has topped themselves this year with a brand new cinematic, featuring a badass Republic soldier, a scarred-up Sith, and the hottest Jedi we've seen battling it out on Alderaan.

Apparently there's also a game of some kind associated with these cinematics. We'd go down to the E3 show floor and check it out, but we're too busy watching this cinematic again.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic trailer is impressive, most impressive

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic trailer is impressive, most impressive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaree3-2010ealucasartspcstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublictrailerTue, 15 Jun 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: LucasArts quietly scraps multiplayer in The Force Unleashed 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/rumor-lucasarts-quietly-scraps-multiplayer-in-the-force-unleash/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/rumor-lucasarts-quietly-scraps-multiplayer-in-the-force-unleash/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/rumor-lucasarts-quietly-scraps-multiplayer-in-the-force-unleash/#comments Earlier this year, when Slant Six enacted "temporary" layoffs to its studio, reports circulated that it meant the cancellation of a current-gen Star Wars Battlefront title rumored to be in development at the Vancouver-based studio. According to a Joystiq source the April 7, 2010 layoffs were a direct result of LucasArts canceling production of the online-only title and, in the same fell swoop, the publisher canceled a multiplayer mode said to be included in the upcoming sequel to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

The supposedly canceled multiplayer component in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 was said to have been in development separately at Vancouver-based developer Blue Castle Games (currently developing Dead Rising 2 for Capcom) and was set to be included along with the LucasArts-developed single-player title; similar to the development process of Bioshock 2's multiple game modes.

A Blue Castle representative told Joystiq it does not comment on potential business relationships. Today, during a Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 demo, executive producer Haden Blackman told Joystiq that the team "definitely talked about all possible features" for a Force Unleashed sequel but ultimately they decided to focus on a "really solid" single-player experience. Blackman says he personally feels that multiplayer and co-op are "hugely important" and he would be "surprised if we didn't see some multiplayer and co-op somewhere down the line" in the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed franchise.

Specifically addressing the rumored Blue Castle-developed multiplayer mode, Blackman said he "can't talk any specifics about that or even whether they were doing it." A full interview with Blackman is forthcoming.

JoystiqRumor: LucasArts quietly scraps multiplayer in The Force Unleashed 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3-2010lucasartsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3star-warsstar-wars-the-force-unleashed-2wiixboxTue, 15 Jun 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Kinect Star Wars too accurate for Sand People?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/is-kinect-star-wars-too-accurate-for-sand-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/is-kinect-star-wars-too-accurate-for-sand-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/is-kinect-star-wars-too-accurate-for-sand-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you want a slight idea of what the Kinect Star Wars game looked like at last night's "Project Natal Experience," take a look at the video after the break. What you're missing is the opening that showed some Force powers (with the player pulling a door open) and some lightsaber slashing. The television premiere of the Project Natal Experience will be on Tuesday, June 15, at 3:30PM on MTV and at 9PM on Nick at Nite, MTVu, MTV Hits, and Logo.

Continue reading Is Kinect Star Wars too accurate for Sand People?

JoystiqIs Kinect Star Wars too accurate for Sand People? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010kinectkinect-star-warsmicrosoftstar-warsstar-wars-kinectxboxMon, 14 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST