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Play Magazine rounds up haunting, embarrassing dev quotes
Play Magazine has realized every game director, producer and marketing flack's worst nightmare. The publication has dug up a collection of pre-release buzz quotes about games that failed to deliver on said hype. Granted, nobody promotes a game by admitting how horrible it's going to be, but it's rare that we glimpse back at how so very wrong some stated expectations can be: "We've listened to feedback and addressed the problems such as the targeting system, but we've also layered on what we did well the first time around. We listened to what we did well the first time round. We listened to what people liked and have given them more of it this time." –Brett Rector, producer, Star Wars: Force Unleashed 2 And how about these hauntingly prophetic words of a Bionic Commando dev: "We want to make players open their minds because we believe that the new-gen isn't just about better graphics. But the gaming has to step up and go into a new direction. If we don't do that, we'll go out of business." –Ulf Andersson of shuttered developer GRIN Play has more quotes on its website, with the full piece available in the next issue -- on sale now in Europe and available in the US around March 18.
Epic Mickey for $30 and other legendary deals in Amazon's Gold Box
Today, Amazon's Gold Box is filled with games, offering discounts on a single game or accessory every couple of hours. In addition to that, the Deal of the Day is also a game -- Disney Epic Mickey for $29.99. That makes it quite a bit less risky for those that are interested in the well-reviewed game but scared of, say, the camera. The current Lightning Deal is Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 on multiple platforms ($39.99 on PS3 and Xbox 360, $34.99 on Wii, and $19.99 on DS). To see what's coming next, head past the break. Spoiler warning: the Ear Force is strong with this one.
Robot Chicken's Force Unleashed 2 ad looks to tap the funny side of the Force
LucasArts has tapped comedy troupe Robot Chicken for this new Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 ad. We see right through it though! Clearly, it's a Jedi mind trick employing real laughs to cover up that laughable game plot. You can test your own consumer willpower by taking a closer look just the after the break.
Force Unleashed 2 character pack, Endor DLC out today
As if to apologize for the poor reception of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2, the newly released character pack and Endor DLC are a mere 80 Microsoft points ($1) apiece on Xbox Live. Similar DLC packs for the original Force Unleashed were 800 MSP ($10) each. And no, the lower price is not a mistake according to Major Nelson. The DLC should be available on PSN when the store updates later today. The character pack will allow you to play as Luke Skywalker clad in Dagobah Training Gear, Obi-Wan Kenobi in Clone Wars Battle Armor, Darth Malak (from Knights of the Old Republic), Han Solo, Lando Calrissian and Admiral "It's a trap!" Ackbar. It also includes new costumes for Starkiller. The Endor pack delves into an alternate timeline, where Starkiller fries Ewoks as the rebellion launches its final attack on a -- GASP! -- fully armed and operational battle station. Let's face it, the only thing more cathartic than annihilating Ewoks would be some "Torture Jar-Jar" DLC.
Force Unleashed 2 items hit Avatar Marketplace, PS Home Dec. 9
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.
Highlights from this month's Xbox Marketplace deals and releases
Major Nelson has posted his monthly preview of upcoming Xbox Marketplace content, which receives the obligatory winter "wrapping" this time of year. Additionally, Microsoft is offering 400 points back for purchasing a pair of qualifying XBLA titles this month. Complete details are after the break.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 DLC explores Endor
Ewoks! Ahem, now that we've gotten that out of the way, allow us to excitedly tell you about the forthcoming Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 DLC that LucasArts just announced (via IGN). The DLC takes place on planet Endor -- home of the infamously adorable/annoying Ewoks -- during the events of Return of the Jedi. LucasArts Singapore executive producer Gio Corsi explains how this fits into the story by comparing it with the previous game's DLC. "We like to call this an 'infinite storyline,' much like the Hoth Bonus Mission from the first Force Unleashed game that gave us an alternate take on that iconic battle from the Empire Strikes Back." Corsi also says that players won't be able to bring in their leveled up Starkiller from the main campaign. "We leveled Starkiller differently for the DLC since this adventure falls into the 'infinite universe.' He does have the same abilities as he did in TFU2, which allows Starkiller to start kicking ass right from the get go." No solid release date was given (it's coming "later this year") but a LucasArts rep confirmed it'll cost just $1 (oddly, a forthcoming character skin pack is also set at $1).
October NPD: NBA 2K11 tops charts, Xbox 360 'best selling console in 2010'
Here is the second edition of the revised (and less informative) monthly NPD report. With the market research group no longer sharing specific hardware figures, it's noteworthy to point out that only Microsoft has (as of writing) released concrete sales numbers. Major Nelson tweeted that Microsoft sold 325K Xbox 360s in October. Although the figure represents a 32-percent drop from the previous month, it was enough to secure Microsoft's spot as best-selling console of the month. Major Nelson also added that the Xbox 360 "is the best selling console in 2010 [with] 3.5 million" sold so far. Sony's response doesn't offer console sales numbers, but Patrick Seybold commented on increased momentum for the company's PlayStation Move motion controller. "The PS3 Move Bundle had a 15-percent increase in sales since launch last month, and we're working hard to keep the inventory up across the country to meet strong consumer demand." In addition, Seybold reminded us of the impending launch of Sony's big holiday game: "With next week's launch of the industry's most anticipated title, Gran Turismo 5, we're sure to carry the momentum through the holidays." Nintendo, as of the time of publishing, had not offered comment. Software sales jumped 6 percent year-over-year for the month to $605 million. The multiplatform release of NBA 2K11 helped propel it to the top of the charts, undoubtedly aided by EA Sports' cancellation of NBA Elite 11. Fallout, Medal of Honor and Fable all made strong debuts -- but Rock Band 3's 15th-place position in sales has us concerned. NPD analyst Anita Frazier did make a special note in the report, assuring us that "this game has the potential to perform well over the holidays." The top-ten software breakdown is posted after the break.
Rumor: Force Unleashed 2 PC files hint at DLC (or cut content)
Over on GAF, some screenshots of apparent file directories installed as part of the PC version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 provide some pretty strong evidence of potential DLC or cut content -- what is it about the PC versions of these games not being able to keep their mouths shut? The files detail an additional level taking place on Endor, where Starkiller The Dos apparently takes on some ewok forces. There's more detail in the GAF thread, but it's kinda spoilery, so consider yourself warned. There's also some stuff pointing to additional costumes, challenges and some different colored crystals for pimping out your lightsaber -- your run-of-the-mill DLC-type stuff. We've contacted LucasArts for comment on the potential DLC/cut content. We'll update you all as soon as we hear back.
Fable 3 crowns UK charts, Force Unleashed 2 and Rock Band 3 debut
Fable 3 took the throne last week in the UK as the top-selling title, moving 128,895 units and 6,000 more than Fable 2 did during its launch week. Fallout: New Vegas sales, which held the top spot the prior week, dropped 55 percent, moving 69,613 copies to wastelanders. FIFA 11 kicked it up and charged back into second place with 75,703 sales, while Just Dance 2 kept its momentum and slid into fourth, moving and shaking 58,375 units. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 premiered in fifth place. FU2 unleashed 56,064 copies on the British public, with plenty of folks likely screaming that abbreviation after spending those hard-earned pounds on the disposable game. Meanwhile, the 7,386 owners of Rock Band 3, which debuted way down at #26, likely rocked the weekend away. You may have noticed we have actual unit sales this week, that's thanks to UKIE (formerly known as ELSPA). No idea how long this'll last, but it's interesting given the NPD's recent reluctance to share such data for the US. Check out the UK top ten after the break.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 review: Not the sequel you're looking for
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 is a desperate cash grab. For whatever minor improvements were made to the combat for this sequel -- and, boy, are they pretty basic -- the story is an insult to the original's award-winning narrative. While the first Force Unleashed tied up a compelling piece of Star Wars canon in a nice bow, the sequel has no aspiration to be a major part of lore or to be nearly as epic. It simply cobbles together glorified fan fiction for what amounts to an unexceptional subplot as it abruptly ends in the second act screaming, "SEQUEL GOES HERE!"The story begins with a revived Starkiller, locked up in a cloning facility on rainy Kamino, being told by Darth Vader that he's just the latest iterative test tube creation in some cloning plot ... or is he? No, really, or is he? We never find out. That's not so much a spoiler as it is the type of writing one should be prepared for. However, that's not the main plot. At its core, the story is about the shackles of love, as our sad clone (... or is he?) desperately tries to reconnect with his love interest from the first game, Cpt. Juno Eclipse.You could make an argument that with his overabundance of power, Starkiller's character in the original Force Unleashed was a "Mary Sue," but the first story was handled with such respect and (at the time) finality, it wasn't a real problem. For the sequel, let that Mary Sue criticism fly proud: Our hero tosses TIE fighters like crumpled paper, survives an impossible fall in the wake of a starship's detonation and is basically the most ridiculously powerful user of The Force the galaxy has ever known. If Darth Vader had one of the highest concentrations of midichlorians ever seen, Starkiller is a midichlorian.%Gallery-95704%
Do or do not check the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 system specs
Is your PC gaming rig beefy enough to handle the Stormtrooper-bullying action of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2? You can compare your gear to the game's system requirements below. Keep in mind, your computer will need a fair amount of midichlorians as well. Do they sell those on Newegg?
The Force Unleashed 2 on sale for $40 at Microsoft Store
If you're looking to unleash your Force on the cheap, check out this deal at the Microsoft Store: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 is just $40 to pre-order (down from $60), which is almost as good as the deal we got after Jedi mind tricking that GameStop employee.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 demo now on XBLM
ATTENTION: STORMTROOPER SQUADS OPERATING NEAR KAMINO CLONING FACILITIES It has come to our attention that one of Lord Vader's emotionally conflicted "Starkiller" clones has escaped. Again. We are currently unable to acquiesce to any transfer requests, and advise troopers who encounter Vader's twirling pet to remain calm, even in the face of his terrifying "dual-wielding" of lightsabers (see: ELEGANT WEAPONS chapter in "CIVILIZED AGES, THIRD EDITION"). Firing upon him is foolish and is not recommended under any circumstances whatsoever. Note: A self-inflicted wound from a deflected laser bolt will NOT count toward your appalling accuracy rating. If an encounter is unavoidable and you somehow survive, you will most likely require medical attention. Be sure to bring any severed limbs to the medical bay along with your person. While it is preferable that arms and legs match the serial number of the torso, there is some degree of convenient interchangeability offered by the fact that you're all clones. Complaints of mismatched items being "gross" will not be tolerated.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 leaps to UK retail shelves on Oct. 29
Hey, UK people, whatcha doing at the end of this month? Oh, right -- that whole Halloween thing. How about aside from that? No plans, huh? Well, if you're into those wars in the stars, you can pick up Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2, launching in the UK on October 29. If you're the try-before-you-buy type of Jedi/Sith, there will be a demo on October 12. If you end up purchasing the game, just make sure you don't forget about Samantha's Halloween party, okay? She spent a lot of time making sure her apartment looks like the inside of the TARDIS.
Force Unleashed 2 trailer reveals side effects of 'imperfect' cloning
You know, if the Empire would just allocate a little more of its budget to fixing the Accelerated Cloning Process, it would probably find that its "defense" spending would drop dramatically. Replacing all the 'Troopers, mechs and TIE Fighters destroyed by rogue clones sure ain't cheap.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 lets a demo loose October 12
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.
Unlock Guybrush Threepwood in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2
As a fun exercise for the afternoon, you could try coming up with a canon-friendly explanation as to how nigh-mighty pirate Guybrush Threepwood -- spindly physique and all -- could become an inhabitant of the Star Wars universe. A bizarre curse wrought by the dreaded LeChuck? A mysterious inter-dimensional rift inside a mystical reef? LucasArts wizards looking to include a neat, unlockable model in next month's action-packed sequel, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2? No matter the nature of your narrative, you'll have to make up the specifics for now. According to a winking LucasArts representative, "we're going to keep how it's unlocked a secret." We suspect "secret" is right -- as in, have a Secret of Monkey Island or Monkey Island 2 save file nearby. If it's not that, it's probably destroying one hundred flooring inspector droids. I couldn't help but ask Monkey Island designer (and new Double Fine employee) Ron Gilbert what he thought of Guybrush's journey across the universe. "'Hi, my name is Guybrush Threepwood and I want to be a Jedi.' That was the original opening line in Monkey Island but they made me change it to 'pirate' and I had replace all the Stormtroopers with buccaneers and the Millennium Falcon became a pirate ship. Nice to see it's come back full circle," Gilbert said via email. "I first heard about this last night and I wasn't sure what to think of it, but now that it's settled in, I think it's very cool. It says a lot about the strength of Monkey Island and Guybrush in that he can go toe-to-toe with Star Wars." %Gallery-103622%
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 preview: Force Majeure
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-95704%
LucasArts confirms latest round of layoffs
As the October 26 release of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 draws near, LucasArts has confirmed a cut in its internal development staff -- much like it did just prior to the launch of the first Force Unleashed in 2008. Speaking to Gamasutra, the publisher presented the downsizing as "reorganizing its teams to better address the needs of the internal studio." "Unfortunately, this means adjusting staffing," it said, adding, "LucasArts continues to be committed to creating a first-class internal studio and to fostering relationships with trusted external partners in order to deliver quality games that amaze and inspire fans." The cuts come less than six months after the resignation of LucasArts president Darrell Rodriguez. His replacement, Paul Meegan, came onboard in June. We're guessing that Splinter Cell director Clint Hocking, who just started at LucasArts in August, is staying put.
