For people that have been in the game since day one, this might not be interesting read. But for newer people, or people WHO haven’t really thought much into companions, this might be interesting. I present to you, my guide to Companion affection. Conversation The most common way to gain (or lose!) affection with companions is to have them with you during cut scenes, or speak with them directly when they offer you missions in cantinas or your ship. The base affection gain for a dialogue option they approve of is +15, and the base loss for one they disapprove of is -1. Those values are modified by a multiplier that reflects how late in the storyline the companion joined up with you. Less commonly, there will be choices they strongly approve of, which have a base +40 gain, or strongly disapprove of, for a base loss of -30. In very…
Author: Editor
My WoW experience and how it makes me appreciate SWTOR more
I started playing WoW back in 2005. I played an enhancement shaman almost the entire time until I stopped playing about a year ago. I’ve seen what started as a really terrible, unfocused class spec dramatically improve, get tweaked, and finish off into mediocrity. Coming from that experience I’ve been very pleased with SWTOR ‘s handling of classes, specs, and especially PVP. This is a brain First, my WoW experience. Back in classic WoW, enhancement shaman had two active abilities. I would use one, use the other, then wait for the cooldown to end. In a group my job was to cast a buff or two and keep it up. Our spec was shit. All shaman had to be healers if you were in a serious raid. There was no gear itemized for my class and my class sets were useless. Of course I didn’t know any better and I…
Festive Tauntaun on PTS collections. Not sure if I like this or not.
While I don’t like this item as a “Canon” mount in the Star Wars universe, and I understand roleplayers who would trash this mount. It is for fun, after all this is also a game and games are supposed to be fun. Lately I have put the daily grind on the shelf and started playing the game for fun. Meaning that I can sit for hours dressing my characters in expensive gear, while pointless for stats and all, I am havingagoodtime! The fact that this type of item is released gives the impression that BioWare, while serious about the game and lore, wants to convey the fun aspect of the game as a game. Last christmas I cringed when I saw the Czerks life day mount, until I met a guy called Santa who had dressed his character accordingly. I mean after all it is Star Wars. All the movies…
Star Wars: Episode VII Release Date!!!
It took a while, but we finally have a date: Star Wars: Episode VII is coming December 18th, 2015. The date was announced in a blog post on the official Star Wars website. With pre-production in full-swing, a confirmed release date of December 18, 2015, has been set for Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII. “We’re very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture,” said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams (Super 8, Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek) and is being scripted by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi). Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are…
List of ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ Easter eggs explains why you’ll find Nazis on Tatooine
Anyone capable of telling the difference between a bantha and a ronto will know that StarWars’ C-3PO and R2-D2 appear in hieroglyphic form on a wall in Raiders of the Lost Ark. But you might not know that Harrison Ford carried a bullwhip in The Empire Strikes Backas a nod to Indiana Jones a year before Raiders of the Lost Ark was released. Or that a Nazi tank appears in The Phantom Menace. Fortunately, Today I Found Out’s Tegan Jones has compiled a list of these Indiana Jones / Star Wars crossover easter eggs, and many more.
15 Reasons Why Jedi Knights Are Better than Pirates and Ninjas
There are too many pirates and ninjas roaming the Interwebs for my liking, so it makes sense to examine specifically why Jedi Knights pwn both Ninjas and Pirates. 1. Ninjas and Pirates have to at least break a sweat to disarm each other. A Jedi Knight just has to think it and you’re screwed. 2. Ninjas may use stealth, but Jedi Knights can use the Force to make you freakin’ forget they were even there. In fact, with just a wave of a Jedi’s hand, you might end up finding yourself rocking back and forth outside a 7-11 while drooling profusely. 3. Seriously, can you name a ninja or pirate that is able to take out Sith Lord like Darth Maul, or a giant beast like the Rancor? I didn’t think so… 4. A sword used by a Pirate or a Ninja can be broken. Try and break a lightsaber. …
Seven Songs Inspired By Star Wars You Should Check Out
Star Wars has had a massive impact on pop culture around the world, inspiring fans to create their own works of art, fan films, fan fiction, and crafts. But it is in music that we can also see the influence that George Lucas and Star Wars has had over the years. Take a look at these 8 tunes inspired by the Star Wars saga: Weird Al Yankovic: The Saga Begins Amusing to many, iconic to geeks, and known to many as a Star Wars nerd at heart, The Saga Begins is not Weird Al’s first tribute to the films. He’s done a few songs, but what makes this one stand out is it came out just before The Phantom Menace – which proved one thing: just like most of us hardcore fans, Al was scouring the web for spoilers about the prequels. He did it so well; he used the…
Electronic Arts names Andrew Wilson new CEO
Electronic Arts named sports and digital games division head Andrew Wilson its new chief executive on Tuesday, filling the top job after a six-month search to replace John Riccitiello. Wilson took over EA Sports in August 2011 and has been with the company for 11 years. “I envision EA as the World’s Greatest Games Company,” Wilson said. “This is not about what we are aiming for or what we will become. Rather, it is about an unfaltering commitment to what we will be every day. This is an attitude that must drive our culture as one team.” “I also believe EA’s strategy is sound. Our focus on our talent, our brands and our platform together with our investment in next-generation consoles, mobile and PC free-to-play, as part of our ongoing transition to digital, is right. But we have plenty of work ahead to ensure our collective success.”” Wilson, 39, will…
Star Wars: Episode VII To Shoot On 35mm
J.J Abrams has decided to shoot “Star Wars Episode VII” on film. Cinematographer Dan Mindel revealed that the new film would be shot on 35 mm film instead of the digital format often utilized to film major blockbusters in the modern era. He added that the the film would shot on Kodak stock color negative 5219. With the past two “Star Wars” films shot digitally, the news certainly came as a surprise. George Lucas introduced the digital age with “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” the first major film to be shot using the digital format, and “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” followed the trend. However, the decision could have been made because Abrams has yet to shoot a film on digital. His “Star Trek” films, “Super 8” and “Mission Impossible 3” were all shot on film. The decision could have also been a result of…
MTSBWY: Billy Dee and Patton Oswalt do ‘Star Wars’ karaoke
I’ve seen some ludicrously funny things in my day, but this is really a piece of work. This is just one of those things you have to experience to believe. I guess the video is an ad for Samsung’s Galaxy S4, and it features Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) hitting up Karaoke Night at the Cantina on Tatooine. Lando performs a embarrassingly bad rendition of Jason Schwartzman‘s song, “West Coast.” The video also features appearances by Schwartzman, Patton Oswalt, Carrie Keagan, Chris Hardwick, and Mike Phirman. Check the weirdness out.
Star Wars Shakespeare: A New Hope Gets a New Format
If you love Star Wars but are reluctant to dive into the works of Shakespeare, Ian Doescher has just the book to ease you in to the verses of the Bard. Dolscher’s takes Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope back in time to the 1600s. Apparently, the project is George Lucas sanctioned, according to Get The Big Picture. The Star Wars creator has reportedly told Doescher he should take the project as far as possible. Perhaps this means we will see the other five episodes given the Hamlettreatment. Along with references to the Elithabethan author, the book also features period style images, including one with Luke holding a storm trooper’s helmet like a skull. “The allusions to Shakespeare’s works are references I carry around in my head, so most often the allusions to plays flowed naturally with a particular character’s dialogue. Other times, the references were more carefully planned,” Doescher told Quirk. “”For instance, I knew…
George Lucas Marries Longtime Girlfriend Mellody Hobson In Skywalker Ranch Ceremony
George Lucas married his longtime girlfriend Mellody Hobson in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and relatives at the Skywalker Ranch in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, June 22. This is 69-year-old Lucas’ second marriage and a first for Hobson, 44, who is a contributor to ABC’s “Good Morning America,” and the president of Ariel Investments. Earlier, Lucas was married to film editor Marcia Lou Griffin, with whom he has one adopted daughter. Lucas adopted two others soon after his divorce, and all his three children were in attendance at the wedding. The Huffington Post reported that Lucas’ son served as the best man, and his daughters were the bridesmaids. Hobson was given away by New Jersey senator Bill Bradley, and journalist Bill Moyers officiated the wedding. “It was a gathering of people who have known George and Mellody for a very long time. It was an extraordinary day…
MTSBWY: Star Wars Elevator Prank
In a place far, far away in London, two guys played a prank on unsuspecting elevator passengers. The trick? Using “the force” to keep the doors from closing. With a wave of a hand, the closing elevator doors opened back up. It was easier prank than you think. Check it out below:
J.J. Abrams: ‘Star Wars Episode VII’ will start shooting in early 2014
“Star Wars: Episode VII” is really happening, and director J.J. Abrams has revealed when fans can start scouring the Internet for on-set photos. During the PGA-sponsored “Produced By” conference at the 20th Century Fox lot, Abrams said that production is set to begin in January of 2014. “”Most likely we are going to be moving to London at the end of the year for the ‘Star Wars’ movie,” he said, according to Deadline. Abrams noted that he would have preferred to shoot “Episode VII” closer to home in LA., but Disney had planned a U.K. shoot even before he signed on to direct. Michael Arndt (“Toy Story 3”) is writing the film, which is expected to be in theaters summer of 2015. “”Django Unchained” producer Reginald Hudlin moderated the Q&A and tried to get the typically tight-lipped Abrams to reveal more about “Episode VII.”” “I think that the thing is…
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic now on iPad
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic can now be acquired now from Apple’s App Store for a penny shy of seven pounds. That’s expensive for an app, but gets you the entire game, and many hours of gameplay. If you haven’t already played it, you should definitely get it now. You can also get the game for the low price of $9.99 for the Steam version. The game itself is a turn-based role-playing game that drops you into the Old Republic Because the iPad has no physical controls, developer Aspyr has bolted on some touch controls, that see you dragging your finger around the screen to make your character run around. Gaming site IGN has reviewed the game already and says that the movement controls are a little clunky, though because combat involves tapping on-screen buttons to key up attacks, the action sequences work well with the touchscreen. The bad news is that Apple’s site says you’ll need…
Full-Size LEGO X-Wing Is the Largest Lego Model Ever Built
The impressive life-size model was unveiled in New York City’s Times Square and contains an astonishing 5,335,200 bricks, making it the largest Lego model ever made. The model, which was made to promote new animation series The Yoda Chronicles, towers above at a lofty 11ft (3.35m) and is 43ft (13.1m) in length. It is 42 times the size of the original Lego toy it was based on and took 32 people four months to build. Unsurprisingly fans of the hit movie have been impressed by the creation It was assembled by a team of 32 people over the course of 17,000 man-hours in Kladno, Czech Republic, on what one assumes was the world’s largest living-room floor. The X-Wing comprises 5.3 million Lego bricks, some 2 million more than the previous title-holder, a robot at Minnesota’s Mall of America. At 43 feet from front to back, it’s actually two feet longer than…
1981 Prequel Meeting to the Prequels
Huffington post in honor of the coming 30th anniversary of Return of the Jedi on May 25th, published an excerpt from the soon to be released (October), “The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” by J.W. Rinzler. It was from a meeting held in the summer of 1981 which describes the prequels from the mind of George Lucas. It’s interesting to see how ideas changed and evolved between 1981 and 2005, in particular the birth and first two years of the twins including Yoda’s lightsaber skills. Also notice the keen eye on writer Lawrence Kasdan whose imagination helped Lucas evolve the vision right here in this meeting. He is also confirmed as a consultant for the upcoming 2015 Star Wars films. The preview of the book is direct from Huffington Post, the film images are added by me to coincide with the 1981 meeting. REVENGE OF THE JEDI…
Star Wars Rebels, the animated series
Rebel Intel Officer by The First Angel, DeviantArt The animators of Star Wars: Clone Wars are back with a brand new project, Star Wars Rebels, to air Fall of 2014!!! Like most of us, I was pretty upset about the Disney cancellation of the final 6th season of Star Wars Clones Wars especially since I knew it was already in production wondering how many episodes were ready to be released but will never see the light of day. After all, it is the true ending of that story, which will now never be told. At the end of season 5, an anti-war element was being introduced into the story which excited me immensely being that I was a real life anti-war activist myself, not just a Star Wars fan and a fan of Joseph Campbell. From the moment Bush Jr dropped his first bombs, I was at the very first…
MTSBWY: “just dip it in carbonite!”
“Is your neighbor’s domesticated canine keeping you up at night? Well, just dip it in carbonite!” “”A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…there were infomercials!” Check out this funny video by The Gamer Chick that shares some great infomercials from the Star Wars universe. I know if I came across the “Home Carbonite Kit” while flipping the channels one night that I’d definitely buy one! It features a geek-filled cast: Bonnie Burton, Adrianne Curry, Grant Imahara and more. Enjoy!
Star Wars: Episode VII to be filmed in the UK, confirms LucasFilm
Every development in the production of Star Wars: Episode VII is big news around Hollywood and the latest announcement from Disney and Lucasfilm is that the production will be based in the U.K. In an announcement on the official Star Wars site, Licasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed that all future feature films will be made at Elstree, Shepperton, Leavesden, Ealing and Pinewood Studios in the U.K. These are the same studios that George Lucas and crew used for the previous six Star Wars films. “We’ve devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I’m thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilizing the incredible talent there can be a part of that,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Speaking from my own longstanding connection to the UK with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark,…
Star Wars collection – steam sale ends May 6th!
Steam I having a sale on all Star Wars games this weekend. The sale ends on May 6th. Each game is also on sale for 66% off. Sale prices in US as follows: Star Wars: Battlefront 2 – $3.39 Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast – $3.39 Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Force 2 – $1.69 Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy – $3.39 Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith – $1.01 Star Wars Republic Commando – $3.39 Star Wars Starfighter – $1.69 Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes – $6.79 Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition – $6.79 Star Wars: The Force Unleased 2 – $6.79 Star Wars: Dark Forces – $1.69 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – $3.39 Star Wars Empire at War: Gold Pack – $6.79 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 – $3.39 So just over three bucks is a pretty safe gamble for almost any kind of game. I’m a little…
Writing Star Wars w/ Michael Arndt
Michael Arndt was announced as the screenwriter for “Star Wars: Episode VII” back in November 2012, so what has he been doing since then? According to a hilarious new Funny or Die video of his alleged first day writing the upcoming movie’s screenplay, he’s been having a whole lot of writer’s block. Of course, this is all a joke, but Arndt does have some priceless terrible lines to show off here. From “Sir, we’ve identified the nerf herder. He has a herd of nerfs” to “‘Yoda’s alive! How?’ Explain later, I will,” Arndt’s fake lack of inspiration is a pleasure to watch. The video has become increasingly popular since it was released, and hopefully it will lead to more Funny or Die “Star Wars” videos going forward. It is the first time Arndt has commented in a big way on his involvement in “Episode VII,” even if the clip does…
James Ohlen at Game Developers Conference 2013: TOR is one of the largest micro-transaction money-makers for EA
Following our recent post about Bioware’s Creative Director James Ohlen and his speech on the Game Developer’s Conference (GDC), additional details have emerged over at Massively. Bioware’s Creative Director James Ohlen The site has posted a detailed account of Ohlen’s presentation at the event where the latter covered the challenges Bioware faced during launch, its conversion to Free to Play (F2P) and the concerns the Austin-based developer had about Guild Wars 2 and Mists of Panderia. He also went into details about what the studio went through when the game started losing subscribers and how they managed to turn it around with F2P.
How non-paying players can positively impact a game’s success
Since Star Wars The Old Republic (SWToR) changed its subscription model to Free-to-Play (F2P), a lot of opinions were raised about whether it was the right thing to do or not. Some quickly labeled SWToR as a failure that didn’t live up to the hype , while others saw this as a necesary change that helps the game’s long-term growth. Whether this change was successful or not remains to be seen, however first indications as reported by James Ohlen and the recent EA investor’s call are positive. Free-to-play might not be such a bad thing after all! A new article over at Gamasutra.com, argues that non-paying players, actually help the growth of such games. The author of the article cites three major reasons for opening up a game to freeloaders. Among other things F2P players help bring in other new players that eventually will turn into subscribers, they show their appreciation…