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Darth Vader PS4 bundles cater to your 'Star Wars' cravings
Between The Force Awakens, Battlefront and Disney Infinity, you're about to get your fill of Star Wars -- and Sony is determined to capitalize on that sci-fi feast with some special PlayStation systems. It's releasing two limited edition Darth Vader PS4 bundles that each include a distinctive 500GB console (emblazoned with the Sith Lord's face, naturally) and a controller whose red and white accents mimic Vader's chest panel. The core Battlefront Vader bundle includes both a Deluxe edition of its namesake shooter as well as a voucher for four vintage Star Wars games (Super Star Wars, Bounty Hunter, Jedi Starfighter and Racer Revenge). Head to Walmart, meanwhile, and you can spring for a Disney Infinity 3.0 Vader bundle that replaces Battlefront with Infinity and a matching figurine kit. And if you're just interested in software, there will be a plain PS4 bundle that includes Battlefront and the classic games.
Star Wars villains get a moody re-imagining by Square Enix
Square Enix, the gamesmaker that gave us the Final Fantasy series (alongside plenty of other games), also has a sideline in fancy high-end action figures. Its latest collection tackles the Star Wars universe, well, the darker side of said universe. Alongside Darth Vader (which was teased late last year), Play Arts Kai (the brand Square Enix releases them under) has revealed two more additions: a particularly stoic-looking Stormtrooper and Boba Fett. But reimagining action figures (or perhaps licensing) ain't cheap: Each one retails for around 12,000 yen (roughly $100), but (but!) they can be articulated at 14 different points, with three joints on each arm for maximum dramatic posturing... not to mention reminding yourself (and younger family members) that these aren't for kids.
SMS Audio is back with more 'Star Wars' special edition headphones
Last year, when 50 Cent's SMS Audio released a line of Star Wars-themed headphones, it was something for the fans. This year, 50's riding on some good timing. With the movie trailer for The Force Awakens still lingering in many people's retinas, SMS Audio is launching a second line of on-ear cans inspired by the franchise. This year it's R2D2, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and the TIE Fighter that get immortalized as headphones (joining Rebel Alliance, Stormtrooper, Galactic Empire and Boba Fett models from 2014). There's mention of passive noise canceling, as well as 40mm drivers to deliver the sound. Each pair costs $200 and will available sometime in Q2 this year -- much less of a wait than for the next movie installment, at least.
Hyperspace Beacon: Star Tours [updated]
If you're a regular Massively reader, you're no doubt aware of the recent tour of BioWare Austin given to fan sites. For two fun-filled days, the staff members of Star Wars: The Old Republic fan sites were flown to Texas to play what is hopefully their favorite as-yet-unreleased game. I have to admit my slight jealously because I was not able to participate in this venture (or the similar press event because of scheduling issues). I am left to live vicariously through these very lucky individuals. The first day saw primarily PvE-related events. The developers let the fans play through about the first 10 levels of SWTOR with either the Bounty Hunter or Imperial Agent class. Most players were able to progress to the Black Talon flashpoint, which is the infamous kill-the-captain/save-the-captain flashpoint. The second day was all about PvP and the Alderaan Warzone. After the break, I have gathered up an array of videos, articles, and even a couple of songs about this incredible experience. This way, I am not the only one imagining a tour of the BioWare studios; you can dream along with me.
Star Wars Blu-ray to get a 'most impressive' announcement at CES from Vader, Fox & Panasonic
Seeing that Lucas & Co. already announced that the Star Wars series would be coming to Blu-ray we're not exactly sure what will be announced on Thursday at Panasonic's CES booth -- please, please, please don't say it's another Avatar-style two year pack-in exclusive -- but the invite promises it will be most impressive. Darth Vader and a number of Stormtroopers will be on hand and you know we'll be ready to pass all information revealed onto you (given the parties involved we're leaning towards some news about a home release of the 3D converted flicks), even if it's just that ol' George has decided to release the prequels ahead of the original trilogy.
Luke, I am your smartphone (video)
NTT DoCoMo recently launched the Samsung Galaxy S in the Japanese market and now we've come to discover that it's chosen a very forceful personality to represent the product to its discerning audience. Darth "roundabound" Vader has been starring in the carrier's latest round of "always with you" ads, wherein he serves as a (sort of) human representation of the phone, thus lending some anthropomorphic qualities to the cold slab of technology awaiting you in the shops. This whole outlandish idea really shouldn't work, but somehow it does -- we want a little Vader in our lives too now. Video after the break.
Found Footage: Darth Vader calls Apple Support
The idea of connecting Darth Vader and the iPhone 4 has become a meme. Videos abound on the topic, like the ones found here, here, here, and even here. The newest one comes from Russell Arch. It has its moments, especially the idea of the Death Star being run on a first generation iMac and OS 9. Take a look and see what you think.
Darth Steve deploys the RDF in latest Taiwainese news animation
This cinematic masterpiece is well beyond any comment or explanation we can provide, but I'll try. 3D animated re-enactments of the news are popular in Taiwan, and several top stories from the past few months have broken out as viral videos. In this case, the animators decided to give visual life to Steve Jobs' legendary Reality Distortion Field as the power of the dark side of the Force, complete with Darth Vader's trademark helmet (earned in single combat with another tech legend). From eager buyers in a line for 'iCrap,' to Darth Steve force-choking a certain blogger, to a rather permanent lightsaber-based solution to the iPhone 4's antenna issues -- this one's got it all. Enjoy. [via Daring Fireball]
TomTom strikes back with Darth Vader voice pack (video)
We guess TomTom was listening when we said it had to respond to Nokia's Own Voice app for custom turn-by-turn navigation instructions, as the Dutch company has announced a new Darth Vader voice pack. Following in the footsteps of such luminaries as Homer Simpson and Burt Reynolds, the Sith Lord has contributed his vocal stylings to the cause of guiding the lost and confused down the right path. Though it wasn't without hiccups -- check out the video after the break for the recording session -- the pack is now complete and ready for download, provided you have $13 handy to smooth the transaction. Yoda, C3PO and Han Solo packs are set to follow in the coming months. May the farce be with you.
Nao performs Star Wars homage, scores mad geek cred
While we're still busy thinking up legitimate uses for a humanoid robot, Aldebaran Robotics keeps finding newer and zanier ways to play with its Nao. The latest is a pre-programmed Star Wars routine that should have all you aging loyalists positively moist with glee, and even includes a terrific R2D2 impersonation that is not to be missed. Past the break, you shall find it. Oh, and as to real world uses, there are further videos of Nao reading out your emails and doing balancing acts, which may be found at the source link.
Darth 64 mega-mod results in portable N64 that breathes funny
We wouldn't go so far as to say that the apprentice has become the teacher, but over three years after modder extraordinaire Benjamin Heckendorn crafted his very own portable Nintendo 64, along comes one of his dedicated followers with another take on things. The Darth 64 is easily one of the most convoluted console hacks we've ever seen, utilizing bits and pieces from an N64, PSOne, GameCube and a Lazer Doodle. Somehow or another, hailrazer was able to actually make those seemingly unrelated components work together to form a "handheld" N64 console -- one that's battery powered, no less. Tap the read link for lots more construction pics, and don't forget to bow down upon entering.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Video: Darth Vader and R2D2 hubs fulfill your dork destiny
Put down that Lego nerd, it's time to give your (only?) other interest a poke. Meet the $68 animatronic Darth Vader and R2D2 USB hubs. Just stuff a USB Princess Leia into Darth's neck and watch the dark lord's eyes glow red as he scans side-to-side for the pretentious scowls of your contemptuous co-workers. Sounds effects? Oh you betcha, listen in after the break.[Via Oh Gizmo!]
TurpsterVision: Star Bores Fallacies
Every Tuesday think "T" for Turpster and take the "a" in "day", capitalise it, remove the little bit in the middle, turn it upside down and you get a "V". Put the two together and you'll have TV for TurpsterVision -- the best Internet video podcast on Massively! (Never mind that business about it being the only video podcast on Massively...) Some people are born entertainers, some people are born story tellers, and others are born reviewers. I'd like to think that in this Episode of TurpsterVision that I prove that I am the illegitimate love child in their sexy, secret, and most definitely sordid, love orgies! Join us after the break to find out if Turpster's heritage is no longer in doubt!
Today's crossover video: Soul Calibur Star Wars
We hoped it was a joke, but trailers don't lie, do they? Sure, the best part of that one Star Wars was when Yoda flipped out and killed people. (Actually, it was probably the best part of all three.) But a Yoda-and-Darth cross-over to Soul Calibur IV? We're not sure if we should feel bad for Star Wars or Soul Calibur.But here's the trailer. Watch it with your splayed fingers covering your eyes after the break. Or drink from the HD faucet at GameTrailers.
Sony's Darth Vader PSP-2000 hits stores today
If you've been looking to jump into PSP land for personal reasons, perhaps are looking to upgrade to a new PSP-2000 "slim," consider yourself a Star Wars fanboy, or maybe just like white things, the new Darth Vader PSP could be just the ticket. The limited edition unit should be on store shelves today, but only comes as part of a $199 bundle which includes the new Star Wars Battlefront game. Of course, we're guessing most people willing to track down a PSP with Darth Vader's likeness silkscreened on the back aren't going to balk at playing a little bit of Battlefront now and then. And if paying money for things isn't really your style, you can always try your luck over at our sister site Joystiq, since they're giving away five of these bundles to some lucky readers.Read - Playstation Blog's announcementRead - Joystiq's giveaway
Breakfast Topic: What do you want your character to look like?
You're likely already aware that one of the great new features to be unveiled in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion is the ability to change your character's hairstyle. A number of players (including myself) have actually stopped playing certain characters just because our original appearance choices didn't turn out as good in play as they seemed in the character creation screen. Some (including myself) have spent a long time thinking about what a new character should look like and trying out many variations, playing for a bit, deleting them and trying again until you get something you know you can live with for the rest of your character's life.Soon, however, our characers' hairspray will no longer be stone-stiff, and a new era of creative exploration will open up to Azerothians. Existing characters with ugly hair may get a second chance at coolness -- but as many already satisfied players know, your characters' good looks often come from a desire to make them fit, as closely as possible, some image we already have in our mind.So tell us of your dream for your character, how you envision him or her when you close your eyes. Do you want your Death Knight to look like Darth Vader, or -- heaven forbid -- Chuck Norris? If you like, you could link to a picture you like, or even draw your creative vision for us!My own most vivid character visualization was for a night elf rogue I had in mind. I wanted her to have the look of an angel who used to live among the stars in the sky, but had somehow gotten lost on earth and forgotten her way home. In hindsight, I was probably very inspired by my favorite Neil Gaiman novel, Stardust, in which a star actually does fall to the earth... and breaks her leg.
Darth Vader children's laptop for your little Sith Lord
If you're like us, you want to encourage your children to harness the power of the Dark side and use The Force for their twisted, megalomaniacal schemes, but you also want them to learn something while doing it. Luckily Oregon Scientific understands your plight, and has delivered the Darth Vader laptop to help. Of course, calling it a laptop is a little misleading -- it's more like a Speak & Spell with a glowing lightsaber stylus and accompanying sound effects, but with 50 games for training "reflexes, typing and rhythm," at least it will keep Palpatine Jr. out of your hair.[Via Tech Digest]
How to deal wth cell users in theaters, Darth Vader edition
"If you only knew the power of the Dark Side." Sometimes we really wish we could bust out this line, replete with authentic Darth evil voice for that clown that hoofs your seat or answers a call during a film. Well, Lucasfilm has given the world a taste of how that scenario could well play out at a recent screening of Star Wars for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The following trailer rolled before the feature and made us all grin a you-get-em-Darth type of grin. Have a peek after the break.
Retail boxart for Xbox Live Arcade: Unplugged
German site Gamefront.de managed to bag some shots of the relatively uninspiring retail packaging of Xbox Live Arcade: Unplugged. The pack includes offline versions of Geometry Wars, Texas Hold'em, Wik, Bejeweled 2, Outpost Kaloki X, Hardwood Backgammon, a free 1-month Gold membership, 100 free Microsoft points, and should be available in early September.We realize that trying to package six games together limits the freedom you have to be creative, but maybe the design team should have taken a look at Microsoft's parody of their own box designs. Simple? Yes. Attractive? Noooo!!![Via BritishGaming]
