lightsaber
Latest
First look at Star Wars: The Old Republic in PC Gamer magazine
If ever there was a thing to go all googly-eyed over, it's the first look a Star Wars: The Old Republic. While it's a shame that such information isn't being released onto the web, at least we've got it earlier than most people were expecting. PC Gamer magazine has gotten an exclusive first look at BioWare's incubating MMO, including interviews with creative director James Ohlen, principal lead writer Daniel Erickson, and BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk.The issue also apparently has exclusive screenshots for anyone brave enough to look. We're sure that what we've seen so far are very early conceptual designs, but it still pains us to see log-sized lightsabers -- even if BioWare is willing to laugh at themselves over it.
BioWare employees satirize SWTOR's ginormous lightsabers
You may have noticed that the lightsabers in Star Wars: The Old Republic are disproportionately large. A vocal minority of fans are crying bloody murder about this, and BioWare is not unaware of that fact. At a company Halloween party, it would appear that they made a self-deprecating joke of it, with at least one employee showing up with an outrageously huge lightsaber, then staging a recreation of the screenshot that raised all those eyebrows.The image was leaked to gaming blog Kotaku, and here it is. BioWare seems to believe it's good to have a sense of humor about yourself, and we agree!
Watch a lightsaber duel go down in Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Okay, we must admit that we're kind of surprised at the clip Entertainment Weekly has for the upcoming The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels game. It looks kind of decent, actually, with all of the stuff going on in the background and the lightsaber battle shown being kind of action-packed. Our first glimpse of the game looked nothing like this. There's some polish now, it would seem. Of course, it is based on that movie that supposedly wasn't very good, but if the gameplay is as fun as this clip would make it seem, we can overlook that. Maybe it doesn't need MotionPlus after all?We'd like to embed the video for you, but EW won't allow it. To see the clip, click here.%Gallery-27972%[Via Go Nintendo]
Thrustmaster presents an elegant weapon for a more civilized age
And here we thought the other solutions on the market were good enough. Turns out, that isn't the case, because Thrustmaster has come in and totally set the bar really high. One of the big problems with these lightsaber knock-offs is that most have been fairly short. Well, it appears Thrustmaster's Glow Saber Duo Pack overcomes that and succeeds in many ways: It comes in a pack of two The beam's length looks like it's long enough It has a sweet handle It's only $17.99 It's not as clumsy or random as a blaster So there you have it. Thrustmaster wins. [Via Engadget] Aside from having a funny name, Thrustmaster has been making stuff for the Wii for awhile now. Check out their wireless Classic Controller alternative here, or lay your eyes on their rechargeable docks right here. And if peripherals are more your fancy, you can see many, many more by clicking this link here.
Thrustmaster thrusts Wii Glow Saber, Dual Trigger Gun accessories in our direction
It's admittedly difficult to take a company named Thrustmaster seriously (especially on casual Friday), but given that it has recently pumped out what are likely the two best Wiimote accessories of all time, we'll give it a pass this go 'round. Speaking of, we'd like to point out that these two have been around the block a time or two, but that doesn't make the red and blue dueling Glow Sabers (each packing 17 LEDs, mind you) and the Dual Trigger Gun (complete with Nunchuck holster!) any less gnarly. The Glow Saber 2-pack is available right about now for $34.99, while the Dual Trigger Gun (shown after the break) should land in short order for $17.99.
Rumor: LucasArts planning Wii MotionPlus lightsaber game
The Force which compels LucasArts to concoct more ways to utilize the Wiimote for lightsaber gameplay will be with it ... always. According to the latest EGM rumor section, "Quartermann" brings unconfirmed word that the Star Wars factory is looking to follow up its Wii version of The Force Unleashed and The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels with yet another lightsaber-centric game, this one utilizing Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus accessory.You may recall that LucasArts was one of, well, pretty much every Wii third-party left feeling a bit ... seventieth-party by Nintendo's choice to unveil MotionPlus to them on the same day as the public. According to the Q-man, now that the company has access to the tech for development purposes, it wants to make the bestest lightsaber game ever. Might we suggest it be called: Star Wars: Lightsaber Duels – This Time It's Not All Spazzy, Really![Via NWF]
LucasArts mad about MotionPlus?
Despite it being arguably the best thing to come from Nintendo's E3 line-up, everyone isn't happy about MotionPlus. At the top of the list of disgruntled folk is none other than LucasArts. Why? Well, according to a blurb from the latest issue of Game Informer, which was transcribed by a GAFfer (the one with the Arkham Asylum reveal), third parties weren't privy to the info before Nintendo's press conference (if they read us, they would have learned about it a day beforehand). That's old hat to us all, though.The problem is that LucasArts specifically took the time to craft The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels specifically for the Wii. See, everyone wants a 1:1 lightsaber game and it would've been a fantastic way to market the game. We guess that ship has sailed ...%Gallery-27972%[Via CVG]
Wii MotionPlus co-dev demonstrates the tech
Ever since Wii MotionPlus was revealed, we've all been hopeful about what it can do for games. Sure, it's been revealed to be utilized in Red Steel 2 and is already used pretty effectively in Wii Sports Resort, but what about other things? Well, above, you can see the tech's co-developer, AiLive, demonstrate it through a "laser sword" game. Looks pretty sweet, if we may say so.[Via Joystiq]
The force is with the Wiimote
The DS gets a lightsaber controller (well, stylus, but it's like a controller as you control stuff with it .. whatever) so why is the Wiimote left out in the cold, cold night without bright neon colors and thwong sounds?Useless Wii attachments might be the butt of several chortling jokes, but Star Wars nerds (this blogger included) can't help but think this lightsaber is kinda badass. It actually plugs in to the Wiimote and emits a healthy glow, so the generic white Wii Sports thingys are immediately shamed to oblivion. Of course, the Wii currently lacks any decent Star Wars games, but the aesthetic appeal alone might drive some consumers to pick it up in high hopes that The Force Unleashed won't suck diddly-uck.Buy, or do not buy. There is no try.[Via Wii News; thanks, Craig!]
Joystiq tests Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Just like you, we're dying to get our hands on Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. It looks like a good Star Wars action title, one that might even stay with us long after we've completed, just as Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II did. Thankfully, our cruel overlords at Joystiq got to enjoy some time with the game, taking care to write down their thoughts for us all. Their verdict? You're probably going to want to pick this up.
Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2/PSP)
The PS2 and PSP versions of The Force Unleashed are close siblings, and I recently enjoyed playing nearly-finished editions of both. Each follows the same bounty-hunting apprentice story and settings as the 360/PS3 game, although specific level design occasionally differs. Unlike 360/PS3 game, the PSP version gets two-player duel-mode fights against a local gamer, and it also includes five "historical missions" pulled from the movies. The PS2 version includes the full camera control of the 360/PS3, but not those extras.The PS2 and PSP games felt slightly scaled back from the 360/PS3, with fewer destructible objects or enemies in any one moment. But both maintained a fluid sense of battle, maintaining the visceral thrill of the Force powers. With the game's September 16 release, PS2 and PSP gamers will find a kinetic action title suited to their systems.%Gallery-26953%
Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii)
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Star_Wars_The_Force_Unleashed_Wii_Impressions_Unleashed'; For good and bad -- or should I say light and dark -- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii is clearly a Wii game. Side-by-side with the PS3 and 360 versions, the Wii graphics disappoint, and the complexity and frequency of enemies feels scaled back. But the Wii motion controls are regularly interesting, mapping many of the game's controls into gestures. The simplest ones feel great, like punching the Nunchuk forward to do the Force-push.After recently playing late-development versions of all four game editions--360/PS3, Wii, DS, and PS2/PSP--I think the Wii game holds up as well as any of them. I had fun throwing enemies, shooting them with lightning, and hitting them with the lightsaber. And while the Wii holds its own, I'm mildly concerned that the final game could be repetitious, just cutting down waves of attackers. Hopefully the many different attacks, and Wii-specific two-player duel mode, will keep the game interesting.%Gallery-20587%
Poke the Force with Lightsaber styli
We're often wooed by game-themed styli, but never has the Force been with a touchpen so much as with these mini Lightsabers. Releasing on July 31st, these official Nintendo and Lucas Arts styli are sure to sell like hotcakes (we can think of at least one game they'll go well with). Yet if you plan to buy them, you'll have a tough choice to make -- should you get the three small replicas for $7.99, or the two slightly bigger light-up sabers for $16.99? Choices, choices.So far we've only seen these beauties available on Amazon through seller BD&A, but we're sure they'll hit other retailers as time passes. If you're too cheap to make the purchase, though, be sure to check out our guide for stylus alternatives.[Thanks, Kimiko!]Source: Nintendo DS Star Wars Light Up Lightsaber Stylus 2 PackSource: Nintendo DS Star Wars Lightsaber Stylus 3 Pack
First glimpse at Star Wars Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels
While most debut trailers are full of pre-rendered cutscenes and CG, we're glad to report that the first glimpse at Star Wars Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels actually has quite a bit of gameplay in it. And, based on what we saw, it looks like the action is going to be spot-on. The timing looks good and the speed of combat seems intense enough to warrant our attention. We're still not crazy about the game's look, though.What do you all think? Looking forward to taking out the Sith trash? Going to crush the Jedi order?[Via Joystiq]
Lucasarts talks story in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Lucasarts is pretty serious about wanting you to like Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Considering all we know about the title so far, it seems to combine just enough of the new with the old to get fans pumped. The latest attempt at getting you excited for the game is in the video above. It provides more information on the game's story and shows some plot spoilers. If you're looking to go into the game pure, then you may not want to watch.[Via X3F]
Producer talks up Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
If you're anything like us, you've been watching the original Star Wars trilogy on loop for months now, even taking time to practice your lightsaber skillz in the comfort of your own home, all in preparation for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Not only will we need to be a harbinger of sorrow for countless waves of storm troopers, but also that of our friends, as the PvP looks to be one of the biggest draws for us.The game's producer, Dan Wasson, recently conducted a video interview on the game. Sure, he talks up the inclusion of Vader, but also goes into detail regarding the Wii version specifically. This is good, considering most of the coverage the game has received has been in relation to the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions.[Thanks, Chris!]
Wii Warm Up: Light sword v. light sword
In the beginning (er, in November), there was a "light sword," and now, there is another. The question is: which one best allows you to enjoy your own Star Wars Kid experience?* Er ... which design is better? We're coming down on the side of this johnny-come-lately "light sword" so far. We'll say one thing: once (if) there's a game that really utilizes peripherals (and the Wiimote, obviously) like this to full effect, we may give 'em a try. Not that we would ever, ever tell anyone that we'd done it. And we would close all the curtains first. And bar the doors. And break all our cameras -- just in case.*Unfortunately, the answer is neither, because they're all too damned short. We need some double-bladed business up in here.
Camy's Light Sword Wiimote holsters Jedi things up a notch
With all the Wiimote couplings currently making the rounds, we're bound to see a few lightsabers out there. Of course, this is where Camy's Pro Gear Wii Light Swords come into play. The colored plastic Wiimote holders are available in three "ultra bright" colors -- including the red "Dark Knight," which we're almost positive is a copyright infringement. Nevertheless, the swords will cradle your Wiimote lovingly, with ample room for the IR signal to make its way to your console. Should you desire, you can flip a switch and light up the night sky with your fear-inducing -- yet rather stubby -- laser blade. Sure, we've seen similar, but these come in green. The swords are slated for a May / June release, no word on price.[Via IGN]
Warhammer Online: an interview of massive miniatures
Tentonhammer have recently posted an interview with Erik Mogensen, Licensing Manager of Games Workshop, about the upcoming Warhammer Online. The interview focuses on the problems of turning a tabletop miniature game into a top-flight MMO, and whether EA Mythic have had difficulty adapting to the licensing requirements that Games Workshop need.Licenses and MMOs are curious bedfellows, and it's a separate kind of balance that -- although Erik is very upbeat about the work that's been done by Mythic, it's usually much less flexible than the PvE and PvP side of things. On the one hand, it's instant market saturation -- you don't have to explain what a Klingon or a Lightsaber is to anyone. On the other hand, condensing a universe into a single game will never be easy.
Wii Light Sword brings out the Skywalker in you
We knew it was just a matter of time before something like this happened, particularly with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed headed to the Wii next Spring, but it's good to see a lightsaber attachment come early. Available to order now through Play.com, this third-party accessory sports a power up / down effect to get your saber a-glowin' (and dimmed back down), 22 ultra-bright LEDs and an on / off switch for good measure. The adornment relies on a trio of AA cells to stay lit, and while it isn't slated to ship until later this month, you can commence searching for an extra £14.99 ($31) right away.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
