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How to use the Wii remote in The Force Unleashed duel mode
Oh boy, we're really worried now about the plethora of Wii-itis and other Wii-injuries stories coming in September. We've already written about our hands-on time with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii, specifically the duel mode, but G4TV has a video of LucasArts producer Dan Wasson showing X-Play's Morgan Webb how to use the control scheme in duel mode.To summarize: the game recognizes five different directions -- left, right, up, down and "stab" -- for different lightsaber strikes, while force powers are done with the nunchuk and can be combined for combos. We could easily see how this might get out of hand (literally) in heated multiplayer matches, what with someone getting strangled with the nunchuk wire and another hapless Wii remote sent through a big-screen TV. Help us, Wiimote Glove Kenobi, you're our only hope.
LEGO Indy website launches and a new trailer too
Heads up! LucasArts just launched the official LEGO Indiana Jones website and with it comes a brand new gameplay trailer as well. Whiptacular!The official LEGO Indy website features your standard array of game screenshots, videos and community forums, but also boasts a lil' treasure hunt where you can use your newly discovered gems to "purchase" wallpapers, avatars and (our favorite) coloring sheets! The new trailer (embedded above) gives curious LEGO Indy fans a look at what's to come, including the occasional ride on a LEGO elephant and tons of whip usage. So much whip use that one has to wonder if whipping things can become an addiction. Whips Anonymous anyone?
Deal of the Day: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga for $25
Take a look at this deal: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga for only 25 bucks. That's a savings of 50 percent on a story that spans over all six Star Wars films. Not bad, not bad at all. If you've been on the fence about getting this game, now might be a good time to pick it up. You can avail of this offer at LEGO's official website.[Thanks James G., Via Fatwallet]
LEGO Indiana Jones slated for Summer release
UK retailer Play.com just let slip some release date details for the not so four player co-op LEGO: Indiana Jones. Simply put, the game should release sometime around June 6th.LEGO: Indy's release date details were leaked via Play.com's recently announced Play.com Live event where, in their press release, revealed that LEGO: Indy would be playable at the event and that the game would be "on sale June 6th on all consoles". Using that nugget of knowledge, Eurogamer contacted Activision who refused to comment on the June release date, but they then confirmed with their "Top Secret Senior Games Industry Source" that the June release is indeed fact. So, even though it isn't the official word from Acti, one could expect to experience LEGO boulder running this June.
Rumor: Gladius 2 considered in the works
For those of you who remember, a game came out on PS2 that centered on the Roman Gladiators. Sure, there was a period where that kind of stuff was the hot thing, but this LucasArts title took a different approach to what was considered an "easy to make" action bloodbath title. We're referring to Gladius, the train-your-gladiator RPG that was a cult success -- that game might be getting a sequel.Listed on one of the artist's website is a bunch of current titles in the works along with Gladius 2 -- something that hasn't been announced yet. So, take it however you want, but it's kind of hard not to imagine a fairly successful game not getting a sequel. It's the new hot thing, after all.
The Digital Continuum: Star Wars mystery developer
In the last couple of weeks, a lot has changed in the future outlook for upcoming massively games over the next few years. Marvel Universe Online is officially canceled, but in its place rises Champions Online like a shining beacon for fans of the superhero MMO -- although there is always the chance that Marvel could continue to pursue MUO with another developer.However, the change I'm most curious about involves the Star Wars IP, which according to rumors is definitely being developed, but not by Sony Online Entertainment or Bioware. If true, that changes a lot of things. It partly changes Bioware's upcoming massively game into something else entirely. However, the biggest change is that a Star Wars MMO is coming, but from somebody we haven't thought of yet. After the many woes of Star Wars Galaxies and the later success World of Warcraft has seen financially -- Lucas Arts wouldn't want this done in any way other than impeccably well.So then, who have they chosen?
Fracture gets a few minor changes at CES
LucasArts' title Fracture seemed neat with terrain deformation mechanics, but some issues were raised that needed addressed: why does the main character look so bland? What happens if you run out of ammo? Some tweaks to the game have been made -- the character looks a bit different (but still a bit generic), and you've a weapon that lets you move the land without using ammo. But it's not as cool. There's a new weapon called the Black Widow that lets you shoot and detonate up to six charges whenever you want. A new stage set in San Francisco was shown, but really, just watch the new video and make your own call.
The Digital Continuum: Five potential Star Wars settings
This isn't a "Top Five" list, but rather a list of five possible settings for a Star Wars MMO that I've complied for your reading pleasure. With the rumors flying around about a Bioware Star Wars MMO, the topic of just where in the Star Wars timeline the game would even be set appears to be absent from discussion. Everyone is assuming that Bioware would just sit back and do another Knights of the Old Republic game because they've had previous success with that property. However, it is possible that if Bioware is indeed developing a Star Wars MMO they're placing it in an entirely different era altogether. I know that if I'd already made a fabulous game set in KOTOR I would probably want to explore other avenues of interest that have yet to truly be touched on.Follow the jump for an overview on five of those places.
Video: Show your dark side in Force Unleashed
One of yesterday's more riveting trailers that showed the most potential has got to be the gem embedded above. The trailer is none other than Star Wars: Force Unleashed and man does the opening cinematic make our geeky side go a flutter. And from the looks of things, you'll not only be able to play as Darth Vader's apprentice, but you'll also get to use the force to wreak havoc. Give the trailer a watch and fantasize about the many ways you'll be able to unleash the force.
Fracture details explode forth from the ground
LucasArts is making a game called Fracture. We've covered it once or twice before. We're really excited about it. Taking that into consideration, when we read a new preview of the title, our excitement grew even more because the terrain deformation mechanic is starting to make more sense to us. We'll explain how it works without going into all the back story -- read that if you want. What we will tell you is the visuals look sharper and resolutions higher than 720p are being considered.You can carry two weapons at a time, along with four types of grenades. Each weapon has a primary (shooting) feature and a secondary. The secondary features primarily (get it?) deal with terrain deformation -- the machine gun will chip away at the ground, making a staircase on a steep cliff. The shotgun bullets bounce off walls and the rocket launcher creates a subterranean torpedo. Another weapon serves as a type of vacuum, sucking up dirt and debris into a gigantic ball, then rolling it into enemies for an eventual explosion. The grenades serve different purposes as well, mostly for terrain deformation. They're really cool sounding, but that's for you to read up on. Look for the game in early 2008 as well as more coverage over E3!
Today's most re-sellable video: Lego Star Wars trailer
While LucasArts says it's adding some new content, we fear that the upcoming Lego Star Wars game, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga will just be a new name on an old title. Still, the humor in this series is worth a second look -- at least in cost-free trailer form -- and this ad for the game reminds us why we enjoy this unlikely franchise at all.In time for the 30th anniversary, see epic Star Wars events reenacted with Legos after the break.
New Fracture details, co-op confirmed!
If you missed the strangely entertaining (and musically epic) trailer for the upcoming LucasArts title Fracture (or if you're like me, Psi-Ops with land-altering grenades minus the psychic abilities), please go back and watch it. It just hit the right chords for me -- a guy who generally doesn't find entertainment in first- and third-person shooters. PSU scored an interview with LucasArts producer David Perkinson and we're going to summarize it. It's pretty cool, so go ahead and read the entire thing if you're particularly interested. The game takes place in America and addresses many "hot button" issues like stem cell research, genetic engineering and global warming. Using American landforms or man-made icons like the Golden Gate Bridge will give players a feeling familiarity and emotional stake in the game's story. Hopefully. Moral and ethical shades of gray permeate the story -- right and wrong aren't clearly defined and what you see ain't what you get. So to speak. Terrain deformation is integral to gameplay: solving puzzles, creating advantageous battlegrounds, and destruction are just as important as the generic aim + shoot formula in most similar titles. Weapons are unique, too -- machine guns will eat away at the ground and a subterranean missile launcher allows you to detonate the missile at will. More details to come on weaponry. An "augmentation" system will be put into play later on -- think status-up boosts in sports game, classic RPGs, or games like KOTOR. There will be both split-screen Co-Op and online play available from day one. LucasArts claims to take advantage of each system's specialties (PS3 and 360), but they're vague on purpose. We expect an interesting announcement in the coming months. As far as resolution and framerate goes, they're vague again but from the comment "We plan to optimize the game to achieve a high frame-rate, while maintaining the level of gameplay desired" we translate that as 720p/60fps. Agreed? That's it for now. Don't know why, but this game might just turn into a sleeper hit or a very, very far miss. Odds are higher on a sleeper hit, though, since it seems to share a few design similarities with the aforementioned Psi-Ops. We'll keep you updated on this one.[Thanks, Justin!]
How's about an earth-changing trailer for Fracture?
This game. Looks. Awesome. No, not graphically -- stuff like Gears of War still has it beat, but the concept behind the title is fantastic in premise and executed (at least in this early trailer) with such pizazz that you can't help but think: "Now that is cool." See, Fracture allows you to handle different types of weaponry that actually alter the ground you fight on. Want to make a jagged earth spike pop up from under your enemy? Done. How about turning the ground into a whirlpool of quicksand? Done. This game looks to be a lot of fun, sticking something new in a tired genre, the way Psi-Ops did on the PS2. Let us know what you think.
Joystiq takes a first look at Fracture
Just announced yesterday, LucasArts' new title, Fracture -- debuting next year -- has an interesting premise. In the future, terrain deformation will become an integral part of warfare. In Fracture, players will utilize a number of weapons that alter terrain in many different ways. Joystiq got a closer look at the game last night at a media event in San Francisco. Joystiq learned a few new details about the plot, including how terrain deformation came about and why the eastern and western halves of the United States are bent on each others' destruction. Of course, the meat and potatoes of the event were firsthand looks at the game's weapons. Joystiq notes that most of the terrain-affecting weapons are grenades, though there are some interesting guns as well (including a subterranean grenade launcher). Unfortunately, Joystiq also found out that the terrain weapons do not affect buildings and other structures, which makes the game seem more constricted than we had hoped. All in all, though, Fracture looks like it could be a very fun game.Hit the "read" link for Joystiq's full impressions.
Fracture to (literally) change 360 landscape
LucasArts, in cooperation with Day 1 Studios, has announced a new franchise for Xbox 360 and PS3. Entitled, Fracture, the game is based around the concept of destructible environments and land deformation. The game's plot is interesting to say the least. Fracture takes place in the 22nd century, after the polar ice caps have melted, causing the Mississippi River to flood and effectively cut the United States in half. In this new chaos, the eastern half of the U.S., known as the Atlantic Alliance, has opted to survive by employing cybernetic technology. The western half, now the Republic of Pacifica, modify themselves at the genetic level, effectively creating a race of mutants.The gameplay revolves around destructible environments and shaping the land to your advantage. Played from a 3rd person perspective, players use different weapons that can destroy or otherwise reshape the land. For example, you might throw a special grenade that creates a pit in the ground. On the other end of the spectrum, another grenade causes the ground to shoot upward, potentially giving you access to higher areas. See a video of Fracture after the break.
The Joystiq Weekend: April 14 - 16, 2007
Joystiq reader Omer van Kloeten sent us this picture of his painting, a tribute to the old LucasArts adventure game Day of the Tentacle. We're intrigued that he kept the pixelated look when he had the artistic license to smooth out the edges. You can view the entire process here. Check out the highlights for this weekend:JoystiqueryToday's "everything's fine, honey" video: Biohazard Wii editionWeekly Webcomic Wrapup: international editionNewsRed Octane says Xbox 360 guitars patched via Xbox LiveBungie confirms X-button functionalityReuters: The guitar is killing your relationshipEA to partner in new digital avatar conceptPunch Out, Virtua Fighter and Bonk hit the Virtual ConsoleGuitar Hero 3 to feature online multiplayerCarcassonne making roads to Xbox Live Arcade on June 7thDisney wants Michael Bay for Prince of Persia filmJudge: Louisiana must pay ESA's legal bill, Taxpayers: Crap.This Wednesday: XBLA brings Gyruss, Minigolf Adventures, end of worldSony talks My SingStar Online, Final Countdown makes the cut"I Am 8-Bit" art exhibit opens tomorrow night in Los AngelesSony now 'considering' 80GB PS3New games this week: Bust-a-Move Bash! editionTHQ boss talks multi-platform trendsScratch that: The Xbox 360 might damage discs after allNY Post: "Pariah" Uwe Boll unapologetic over 9/11 clipGamestop ups Xbox 360 trade-in value just in time for EliteSega announces Sonic Rush Adventure for Nintendo DSMicrosoft lends support to On BroadbandRed Octane 'looking into' Guitar Hero II patch problemsDANCE! Online being racist? Nah, just using workaroundRumors & SpeculationPachter: Activision right to buy Red Octane instead of HarmonixCulture & CommunityGallery exhibit looks to teach parents about video gameseBayer sells video game collection because he's getting marriedHow did various media outlets report the FTC gaming report?Heck crams a Sixaxis into an Xbox 360 controllerUse your Wiimote to play Resident Evil 4 now, not laterUniversity professor uses Halo to teach HomerTop ten Guitar Hero video clips, courtesy of FHMAm our gaming learning?How to make your Xbox 360 and your Mac play nice
More Force Artwork Unleashed
LucasArts released six pieces of new concept art of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Artist renditions of Force Push and Force Electricity Lightning are displayed in very colorful manners and all in all if they can bring the scope and feel of these into the actual game, it will be very promising for Star Wars fans. They also illustrate some of the bosses and Jedi that you will be up against, as well as the environments. Are any of these desktop wallpaper worthy to you?[Via QJ.net]
Star Wars Battlefront III60 exclusive?
According to GamesRadar, the March issue of UK Magazine Playstation World spilled some beans on Star Wars: Battlefront III. On page 65, they state that LucasArts is moving the series from Pandemic, who developed the first two in the series, to Free Radical, of TimeSplitters and GoldenEye fame. They go on to say that SWBIII is listed as an Xbox 360 exclusive, but don't think it will stick. Still, Free Radical has a history of making some badass multiplayer games, and hopefully it will translate well in Star Wars: Battlefront III's online skirmishes. Are you looking forward to the new gen iteration of the series? What are your thoughts on the potential exclusivity and Free Radical taking the helm?Oh, and in case you hadn't noticed, that box art is fan made, and not official.[Via GameStooge]
Force Unleashed to get novel and comic series
Star Wars fans who have been watching our coverage of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will be pleased to hear that the game will be getting both a novelization as well as a graphic novel series. It will be written by Sean Williams, who is a New York Times bestseller and has published eighteen novels, including the Force Heretic series, and co-writing The New Jedi Order series. This will give readers additional insight into the storyline taking place between Episodes III and IV than that found in the game. Also, due to the multiple endings possible in Force Unleashed, the novel will be shedding light on the true canonical ending. So, after playing through the game, are you going to hit your local library to read the book?[Via QJ.net]
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed art and videos
Game Daily has 13 concept art images for the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Unleashed as well as details to add on top of what we reported earlier. Since the subtitle "The Force Unleashed", your destructive character will have at least these four powers at his disposal: Force Lightning, Grip, Repulse and Push. The decisions made throughout the game will have an impact on the ending, which takes a few pages out of KOTOR's book, but that's a good thing. Enviroments will vary from Raxus Prime to a TIE-Fighter construction site, and even Chewbacca's neck of the woods, Kashyyyk. As for the game's engines, we've got some videos for you to have a look at after the break.
