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Celebrating Two Decades of ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’: A Look Back with Project Director Casey Hudson

July 16, 2023July 16, 2023 Soeren Kamper

July 15, 2023, marked the 20th anniversary of the iconic role-playing game (RPG) ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’ (KOTOR), developed by BioWare. To commemorate this milestone, Casey Hudson, the game’s director, shared insights into the game’s creation, its legacy, and the enduring impact it has had on the gaming industry. BioWare, now renowned for the Mass Effect trilogy, was a relatively small team of about 75 people when they embarked on the KOTOR project. Despite their success with the RPG game Baldur’s Gate, the team was unprepared for the overwhelming reception that KOTOR would receive. Hudson reflected on the team’s ambition to create something special, with no expectations of the game’s future success. The late 90s and early 2000s saw Lucasfilm making significant strides into the video game industry. Hudson recalled the initial pitch from LucasArts (now Lucasfilm Games), which presented BioWare with two options for the game’s…

Disney to “pull back” on Star Wars and Marvel content, says CEO Bob Iger

Disney to Scale Back on Star Wars and Marvel Content, Announces CEO Bob Iger

July 15, 2023August 26, 2024 Soeren Kamper

Disney CEO Bob Iger has announced that the company will be reducing the creation of new Star Wars and Marvel content. This decision comes as part of the company’s cost-cutting initiatives, following a series of recent films that have underperformed at the box office. In an interview with CNBC on July 13, Iger explained, “You pull back not just to focus, but also as part of our cost containment initiative. Spending less on what we make, and making less.” The decision is also aimed at bolstering the company’s flagship streaming service, Disney+, in an attempt to attract more customers. Iger noted that the influx of new Marvel content, both in film and television, had “diluted focus and attention”. He stated, “It had not been in the television business at any significant level, and not only did they increase their movie output, but they ended up making a number of TV…

Finding Ford - A Documentary - Teaser Trailer

“Finding Ford”: A Lifelong Fan’s Journey to His Hero

July 15, 2023July 15, 2023 Novara Skuara

Finding Ford” is an upcoming documentary that promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor Harrison Ford. The project is the brainchild of lifelong Ford fan, Patrick James O’Hare, who conceptualized the idea in 2016. The documentary aims to celebrate the work of Harrison Ford through the lens of O’Hare’s fandom, telling both their stories in parallel. Born in 1977, O’Hare’s admiration for Ford began at a young age when he first saw the original “Star Wars” and was captivated by the loveable rogue, Han Solo. A few years later, he discovered “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and found another favorite character in the daredevil archaeologist, Indiana Jones. The realization that both these iconic characters were portrayed by the same actor sparked a lifelong journey of following Ford’s career. The documentary, directed by Steve Pilling, features interviews with co-stars, filmmakers, fans, and more, all of whom have been…

SWTOR: Galactic Seasons 4: “A Passage of Peace” – A Comprehensive Overview

July 9, 2023June 9, 2024 Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen

The fourth season of the Galactic Seasons in Star Wars: The Old Republic, titled “A Passage of Peace,” is well underway. This season, which began last month, will conclude on August 15th, marking the end of 20 weeks of thrilling gameplay. Players are encouraged to make the most of the remaining time to level up in the season. Season Highlights The season features a variety of daily and weekly challenges that players can participate in to earn points and rewards. These challenges range from earning Personal Conquest Points across your Legacy to defeating enemies across the Galaxy with Amity as your active Companion. One of the highlights of the season is the Aratech Advanced Weapon Set. This set includes the Aratech Advanced Blaster, Aratech Advanced Blaster Rifle, Aratech Advanced Blaster Assault, Aratech Advanced Sniper Rifle, Aratech Advanced Lightsaber, and Aratech Advanced Dualsaber. Weekly Challenges Each week presents a unique set…

CBD: The Healing Herb of the Jedi?

July 9, 2023July 2, 2023 gingetattoo

The Jedi, the legendary knights of the Star Wars saga, are known for their extraordinary abilities, derived from their connection to the Force. This connection gives them remarkable healing powers, among other skills. In our own galaxy, we might not have the Force, but we do have natural remedies that could potentially offer healing benefits. One such remedy is CBD, a compound found in cannabis. This article will delve into the potential benefits of CBD and how it might fit into a Jedi’s toolkit. Chapter I: Understanding CBD What is CBD? CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce a “high.” Instead, it’s known for its potential therapeutic benefits, which may include anxiety relief, pain management, and improved sleep. Chapter II: CBD and the Jedi – A Potential Connection CBD for Stress Relief Being a Jedi…

The Midi-chlorians and Cannabinoids: A Comparative Analysis of Biological Phenomena in Star Wars and Real Life

July 6, 2023July 2, 2023 Soeren Kamper

George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise has not only captivated audiences with its epic storytelling but also stimulated scientific curiosity with its intriguing concepts. One such concept is that of Midi-chlorians, microscopic lifeforms that reside within all living cells and enable individuals to connect with the Force. In our own world, we have a similarly fascinating biological system: the endocannabinoid system, which interacts with cannabinoids like CBD and THC. This article seeks to draw parallels between these two intriguing phenomena, exploring the fascinating interplay between fantasy and reality. Chapter I: Understanding Midi-chlorians and Cannabinoids What Are Midi-chlorians? In the Star Wars universe, Midi-chlorians are microscopic entities that live within the cells of all living beings. The concentration of Midi-chlorians within an individual’s cells determines their potential to wield the Force. What Are Cannabinoids? In reality, cannabinoids are a class of compounds primarily found in the cannabis plant. The most well-known cannabinoids…

CBD and the Jedi Mind Trick: Exploring the Science of Cannabidiol and Its Impact on Focus and Mindfulness

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023 Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen

In a galaxy not so far away, where the hustle and bustle of modern life can feel as chaotic as a podrace on Tatooine, many of us are seeking ways to find balance and tranquility. Enter CBD, a substance that’s as mysterious and potent as the Force itself. Much like the Jedi mind trick, this intriguing compound has the power to influence our focus and mindfulness. But is there truth behind these claims or is it simply a tall tale from a galaxy far, far away? In this article, we’re going to embark on an epic journey, much like Luke Skywalker’s in “Star Wars,” to unravel the science behind CBD and its potential impact on our minds. Let’s begin our adventure, shall we? Chapter I: CBD – The Chosen One? What is CBD? CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more…

Ranking the Best SWTOR Storylines: An Overview of the Classes in Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic Undergoes Exciting Changes and Looks to the Future

June 28, 2023June 28, 2023 Novara Skuara

Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR), the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the Star Wars universe, is set for significant changes under the leadership of new studio Broadsword, according to a recent studio update from Keith Kanneg, Executive Producer of SWTOR. Kanneg, who has been a part of the SWTOR team since before its launch, has expressed his enthusiasm for the game and his commitment to enhancing its potential even after nearly 12 years since its inception. He believes that Broadsword is the right studio to continue to modernize and expand the game, ensuring its growth and increasing its reach to more players. The transition will also see Kanneg and other key team leaders moving over to Broadsword, along with most of the current SWTOR team. This team has been known for its dedication and excellence, recently delivering significant updates and technological improvements to the game. These…

Block by Block, Level by Level: The Magic of LEGO Star Wars Video Games

June 19, 2023June 19, 2023 Novara Skuara

Who would have thought that combining the world’s most popular intergalactic epic with a beloved children’s building block toy would result in one of the most successful video game franchises? Yes, we’re talking about LEGO Star Wars. This incredible fusion of Star Wars lore with LEGO’s iconic block-building gameplay has created a unique, immersive, and downright fun gaming experience that transcends generations. So, grab your controllers, fellow padawans and master builders; let’s dive into the LEGO Star Wars universe, block by block, level by level. A Galaxy Not So Far Away: The Concept In a world full of high-definition graphics and complex gameplay, LEGO Star Wars stands out with its simplicity. Who’d have thunk it? The games provide a refreshing, light-hearted take on the Star Wars saga, retelling the epic stories in a charming, family-friendly format. The gameplay mechanics cleverly integrate LEGO’s building principles, offering an engaging mix of puzzle-solving,…

SWTOR Game Update 7.3 “Old Wounds” Patchnotes

June 14, 2023June 7, 2024 Soeren Kamper

Game Update 7.3, titled “Old Wounds”, for Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is now live. This new update introduces a wealth of content for players to enjoy, from new storylines and flashpoints to significant progression changes and adjustments to the credit economy. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of this exciting update. Story Update – “Old Wounds” In “Old Wounds”, players venture to the Wild Space planet, Voss. Here, they join the “Shrine Restoration Initiative” alongside Voss and Gormak to explore the Interpreter’s Retreat, a previously unseen landing zone. New Flashpoint: “Shrine of Silence” The new flashpoint, “Shrine of Silence,” calls for players to team up with a Voss Commando to rescue two Mystics who disappeared in the perilous ruins of Shrine of Silence. Players do not need to complete the Voss storyline to access this Flashpoint, which is available in all modes. Credit Economy Initiative…

Queer Representation in the Star Wars Universe: A Historical Perspective

June 9, 2023June 9, 2023 Soeren Kamper

As one of the most enduring and influential franchises in pop culture, Star Wars has captivated audiences worldwide with its epic tale of good versus evil, captivating characters, and expansive universe. However, one aspect that has been increasingly in focus is the representation of queer characters in the Star Wars universe. As we take a retrospective look, it’s clear that while there have been strides made in LGBTQ+ representation, there is still a long journey ahead. The Original Trilogy and Prequels: A Lack of Queer Representation When the original Star Wars trilogy released between 1977 and 1983, queer representation was virtually non-existent. Given the era, it’s perhaps not surprising. Mainstream media at the time rarely included openly LGBTQ+ characters, and Star Wars was no exception. The prequel trilogy, released from 1999 to 2005, didn’t notably improve on this aspect, with the primary focus remaining on heterosexual relationships and characters. Queer…

Lars Mikkelsen Discusses His Role as Thrawn in Upcoming Live-Action Series “Ahsoka”

June 7, 2023June 7, 2023 Novara Skuara

The anticipation among Star Wars fans is palpable as we approach the debut of “Ahsoka,” a new live-action series on Disney+. One of the most intriguing aspects of this upcoming show is the return of Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn, a character he previously voiced in the animated series “Star Wars Rebels”. The series is set to premiere in August of this year, raising the excitement levels of fans around the world. Thrawn is a blue-skinned Chiss hailing from the Unknown Regions of the galaxy, renowned for his strategic military acumen. Introduced in Timothy Zahn’s 1991 novel, “Heir to the Empire,” the character quickly became a fan favorite due to his calculating and strategic approach to warfare, akin to playing chess. Thrawn’s impressive tactical skills led him to rise through the ranks of the Imperial Navy, culminating in his ascension to the top position after the temporary downfall of…

Star Wars: Hunters – The Forgotten Game

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023 Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen

There’s a disturbance in the force, and it’s not the one you’re thinking of. Amid the bustling galaxy of Star Wars video games, there’s an unsung hero that’s been quietly making waves – “Star Wars: Hunters. This game, although forgotten by some, has the potential to redefine Star Wars gaming as we know it. So, buckle up, and let’s embark on a journey to rediscover the intriguing chronicles of this hidden gem. The Genesis of the Galactic Battle “Star Wars: Hunters” is not your run-of-the-mill Star Wars game. It emerged from the creative minds at Lucasfilm Games and Zynga, ready to give players a unique competitive experience. This free-to-play multiplayer arena combat game was announced during a Nintendo Direct event, and while it’s yet to see a full worldwide release, it’s already causing quite a stir in the gaming community. The Setting and Characters: A New Frontier Taking place after…

Phantom Menace Unveiled: The Deleted Anakin vs. Greedo Scene

May 12, 2023August 25, 2024 gingetattoo

Any fan of the Star Wars franchise knows that for every scene that makes it to the silver screen, there are countless others left on the cutting room floor. Some of these deleted scenes are minor, others have the potential to significantly alter our understanding of characters or plotlines. One such scene from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, sees a young Anakin Skywalker clashing with none other than Greedo, the ill-fated bounty hunter from A New Hope. Let’s take a deep dive into this intriguing deleted scene and explore what it reveals about Anakin, Greedo, and the broader Star Wars universe. The Scene: Anakin vs. Greedo Setting the Stage The scene takes place on Tatooine, the desert planet and childhood home of Anakin Skywalker. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Mos Espa, we see a young Anakin in a heated argument with Greedo. The confrontation escalates into…

Star Wars Jedi Survivor PC Mod Transforms the Game, Introducing Playable Darth Maul

May 7, 2023May 7, 2023 Novara Skuara

The Star Wars gaming community has been buzzing with excitement over the release of a new PC mod for Star Wars Jedi Survivor that allows players to take on the role of the infamous Sith Lord, Darth Maul. This mod, developed by an innovative modder, takes the immersive gaming experience to new heights, giving players the chance to step into the shoes of one of the franchise’s most iconic and ruthless villains. With a plethora of unique features, this mod has undoubtedly piqued the interest of Star Wars fans around the world. A Sith Lord Unleashed The new mod for Star Wars Jedi Survivor transforms the game entirely by allowing players to assume the role of Darth Maul. Known for his menacing appearance, dual-bladed lightsaber, and extraordinary acrobatic abilities, the Sith Lord has been a fan favorite since his debut in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Now,…

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order – A Cinematic Journey Through the Galaxy

April 24, 2023April 24, 2023 Novara Skuara

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, is an action-adventure game set in the rich and expansive Star Wars universe. With its captivating narrative, memorable characters, and impressive visuals, Jedi: Fallen Order has left an indelible mark on fans and gamers alike. In this article, we will recap the story and highlight the game’s most striking features, taking you on a journey through the galaxy far, far away. Plot Summary The story of Jedi: Fallen Order takes place five years after the events of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The protagonist, Cal Kestis, is a young Padawan who survived Order 66, which led to the near-extinction of the Jedi Order. Cal has been hiding his Force abilities and working as a scrapper on the planet Bracca. The game begins when Cal’s friend, Prauf, is in danger of falling to his…

A Galaxy Far, Far Away: The Early Days of Star Wars Video Games

April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 Soeren Kamper

The Star Wars franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending the boundaries of film, literature, and merchandise. One of its most enduring and beloved aspects has been the video games that transport fans into the heart of the Star Wars universe. This article will take a nostalgic look at the early days of Star Wars video games, exploring their origins, their influence on subsequent generations, and their lasting impact on the gaming industry. The Dawn of Star Wars Gaming: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1982) The first foray into the world of Star Wars video games was the 1982 Atari 2600 game, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.” Developed and published by Parker Brothers, this early home console game was a side-scrolling shooter that allowed players to pilot a snowspeeder and engage in battles against the Imperial AT-AT walkers on the icy planet Hoth. In the game, players were…

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – Unveiling the Thrilling Final Trailer

April 9, 2023April 9, 2023 gingetattoo

The highly anticipated final trailer for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has been released, showcasing a new level of gameplay and excitement for fans of the franchise. Electronic Arts and Lucasfilm surprised fans by releasing the trailer without a dedicated panel, as was the case with 2022’s Celebration. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the sequel to the well-received game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The game follows the story of Cal Kestis (played by Cameron Monaghan), a former Jedi Padawan who narrowly escapes Order 66 and hides on a massive scrapyard planet. Five years later, Cal is forced to use his powers to save a friend, attracting the attention of a group of Inquisitors. Cal’s journey leads him to the Mantis crew, with whom he embarks on an adventure to strengthen his connection to the Force and keep a crucial artifact out of the Empire’s grasp. In the five years since…

Flashpoints of SWTOR: Legacy of the Rakata

April 2, 2023June 9, 2024 Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen

Legacy of the Rakata is an exciting and challenging flashpoint in the popular MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic. Taking place on the ancient and mysterious planet Rakata Prime, this flashpoint offers players the chance to confront three challenging bosses, each with unique abilities and mechanics. This article will explore the strategies needed to defeat Savage War Beast and War Chief Rehkta, Commander Rand, and the deadly duo of Darth Arkous and Colonel Darok. I. Savage War Beast and War Chief Rehkta The first boss encounter in Legacy of the Rakata pits players against both the Savage War Beast and War Chief Rehkta. These two enemies share a health pool, and players must focus on eliminating both bosses simultaneously. The Savage War Beast is a melee-focused boss with a powerful cleave attack. It’s crucial to have a tank face the War Beast away from the rest of the group to…

The Evolution of the Iconic “I Am Your Father” Scene in Star Wars Games

March 28, 2023March 28, 2023 Soeren Kamper

One of the most iconic scenes in film history is undoubtedly the moment in “The Empire Strikes Back” when Darth Vader reveals to Luke Skywalker that he is, in fact, his father. This epic confrontation between father and son has been immortalized not only in the Star Wars film saga but also in numerous video games over the years. This article will explore the evolution of the “I Am Your Father” scene as it has been adapted and reimagined in various Star Wars games. This 8-bit game, developed for the Nintendo Entertainment System, was one of the earliest adaptations of the iconic scene. Players took on the role of Luke Skywalker as they faced off against Darth Vader in a pixelated lightsaber duel. The scene was limited in its graphical and audio capabilities, but it effectively captured the essence of the film moment. A year later, the Super Nintendo Entertainment…

The Evolution of Space Battles in Star Wars Games

March 26, 2023August 25, 2024 Soeren Kamper

The Star Wars franchise has captivated the hearts of millions of fans worldwide with its epic space battles, memorable characters, and fantastic storylines. Since the original movie’s release in 1977, the Star Wars universe has expanded into various forms of media, including video games. In this article, we will take a journey through the evolution of space battles in Star Wars games, starting from the early arcade days to the latest immersive experiences. Star Wars: Arcade (1983) Developed by Atari, Star Wars: Arcade was one of the earliest video games based on the franchise. Released in 1983, the game utilized vector graphics to render the iconic X-Wing as players took on the role of Luke Skywalker during the Battle of Yavin. The gameplay was simple but addictive, as players fought off waves of TIE Fighters and navigated through the Death Star’s trench, ultimately destroying it in a climactic battle. Star…

Exploring the Forgotten: 5 Oddball Star Wars Video Games You Might Have Missed

March 18, 2023March 18, 2023 Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen

Star Wars is one of the most beloved and successful media franchises of all time. From the original trilogy to the prequels, sequels, and spin-offs, Star Wars has captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. Alongside the blockbuster movies and popular television shows, there have been countless video games that have allowed fans to explore the Star Wars universe in new and exciting ways. In this article, we will take a look at five oddball Star Wars video games that you might have missed. R2-D2’s Adventure is a game that was released for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum in 1987. The game puts players in control of R2-D2 as they navigate a series of platform levels. The goal of the game is to collect all of the parts needed to assemble a new astromech droid. Along the way, players must avoid obstacles, defeat enemies,…

Titles like Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars

The Golden Age of Star Wars Gaming: A Look Back at the Iconic Titles of the Early 2000s

March 14, 2023March 14, 2023 Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen

The early 2000s were undoubtedly the golden era of Star Wars video games. This period saw the release of some of the most iconic and beloved titles in the franchise, from the fast-paced action of Star Wars: Battlefront to the epic role-playing adventures of Knights of the Old Republic. For fans of the series, this was a time of unparalleled excitement and innovation, as developers pushed the boundaries of what could be done with the Star Wars universe in gaming form. One of the defining features of this era was the sheer variety of games that were available. There were first-person shooters like Republic Commando, strategy games like Empire at War, and even racing games like Racer Revenge. This diversity was a testament to the creativity and ambition of the developers, who were constantly finding new ways to explore the Star Wars universe and its many characters and worlds. Perhaps…

Star Wars books you should read if you like VIDEO GAMES: Battlefront: Twilight Company

March 13, 2023August 25, 2024 gingetattoo

front, then the book is an essential companion. It provides a rich backstory to the events of the game and expands on the world that the game takes place in. The book also explores the theme of soldiering in the Star Wars universe, giving readers a deeper understanding of the conflict that the game is centered around. Alexander Freed is a master storyteller, and Battlefront: Twilight Company is a testament to his skill. The book is not just a straightforward action-adventure novel; it is a deeply philosophical work that explores the nature of war, the cost of freedom, and the morality of rebellion. Freed weaves complex themes and ideas into his storytelling, creating a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Freed’s work on Star Wars: The Old Republic is also evident in the book. Battlefront: Twilight Company is full of references and Easter eggs that tie it back to…