Have you ever been at an art gallery, imagining what each piece of fine art would look like if it featured some Star Wars element?
Me either.
But recently, there was a Photoshop contest that asked you to do just that: take a classic work of art and re-imagine it a long time ago in a galaxy far away. The results were fabulous. Take a look yourself.
photo credit: VideogameVisionary.com
Just a quick update: earlier today it was reported that Knights of the Old Republic is indeed under development by BioWare, which was reportedly confirmed by EA chief John Riccitiello.
“We’ve got two of the most compelling MMOs in the industry in development,” said Riccitiello. The first title, based on the Warhammer property, will launch soon. “And the one that people are dying for us to talk to them about — in partnership with Lucas, coming out of BioWare, which is, I think, quite possibly the most anticipated game, full stop, for the industry at the point when we get closer to telling you about it.”
Does Riccitiello mean the oft rumored Knights of the Old Republic Online? “Yes,” he said.
So it appears that yes, the rumors are true. This is very, VERY interesting. If KOTOR is indeed trodding the MMO path, then that says more about the failures of Galaxies than anything else. Has LucasArts given up on Galaxies? After today’s announcement, I’d say yes. The good news is that this new MMO is in the capable hands of BioWare (and out of the hands of Sony).
Crunchgear is first on the scene with some nice footage of Force Unleashed gameplay on the iPhone. At first I was skeptical about how engaging a mobile version of the game would be, but this looks pretty cool. If you’re short on time, skip to the following highlights:
Enjoy!
Link: Crunchgear – Exclusive: Star Wars the Force Unleashed for the iPhone
So far, so good.
Denise Martin of the LA Times wrote about her first look at the Clone Wars series. Overall, she gives a favorable review, mentioning that this animated series rivals or bests the live-action prequels. That is an interesting comment to say the least, but she insists that it’s “not an overstatement.” She continues:
The episode looked great — not Pixar-amazing, but certainly in line with movies like “Kung Fu Panda” — but it’s the writing that puts it heads above the franchise’s more recent additions. Sure, the series is ultimately aimed at kids, but this audience was laughing. And the comedy here is expected — in a good way. It doesn’t come from Anakin saying things like, “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. Not like here. Here everything is soft and smooth” — as amusing as that was in “Attack of the Clones.”
How reassuring. It looks as if the TV series (and the theatrical premiere, by extension) will at least enjoy a measure of critical success.
But not everyone was impressed with their screening of the episode. Maureen Ryan of the Tribune felt that story and emotional appeal were wanting, characters lacked depth, and humor was forced. She writes:
I don’t expect the “Clone Wars” team to create something that is “Wall*E’s” equal, don’t get me wrong. That’d be unfair, not least from a budget perspective. But at this point, I despair of ever see anything that beautiful, that heartfelt and that moving coming from the “Star Wars” universe. With every new TV and film project, that world is drained of more magic.
I’ll still probably buy more old-school “Star Wars” gear than I can carry at San Diego Comic-Con in a few weeks. But for this Boba Fett fanatic, the products of George Lucas’ sci-fi empire long ago reached the point of diminishing returns.
So there you have it. What exactly will you find when you enter the dark crowded theater this August 15? Only what you take with you.
Links:
In case you’ve missed it, here’s the launch trailer for Star Wars: the Force Unleashed. The game does follow a very interesting storyline, so if you’re steering clear of spoilers, watch at your own risk. Enjoy:
Thanks to LucasArts for making this exciting video available!
Links: LucasArts | Official Site | EW hi-res mirror
