massive update to Star Wars Galaxies admits defeat

I still hold fast to my belief that Star Wars Galaxies was the best MMORPG I've ever played. Looking back through past writings, it read like an emotional rollercoaster where my fondness for the game fluctuated drastically over a short period. Through five months of playing, I was exposed to an incredible variety of roleplaying experiences, high-level monster hunts, and taking part in producing average-level goods for the game world's economy. I was quick to dismiss the Jump to Lightspeed expansion as the first nail in the game's coffin, because the mechanics of the land and space-based portions of the game felt so disparate. I didn't want a twitch shooter, I wanted an extension of my adventures planetside. Though in hindsight the "X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter" model is probably the only way it could have been done in such a small timeframe. Three expansions later Star Wars Galaxies has changed dramatically, to the point that players started leaving in droves.

empire at war: actual galactic conquest!

Real time strategy often conjures up thoughts of base building, resource gathering and general clickery around an arbitrary map while accelerating through a technology tree. The Total War series added a much needed dimension to the experience - a macro view that provided ample support to the ground battles that would ensue in a campaign. While Rise of Nations slanted towards resource-gathering on a larger scale as well with their "Conquer the World" mode, it didn't offer the grand strategy that future titles like Rome: Total War would so skillfully display. Little did I know that a Star Wars license would be next in line to offer something that could almost be considered innovation.

Waging a war on disparate fronts seemed like a lofty design decision for Empire at War- I didn't think it could be done. In a universe where we have been given six movies' worth of evidence that wars take place planetside as well as in the vastness of space, for once a game provides a battlefield that is similarly all-encompassing.

Star Wars: Empire at War presents a battle map at the beginning of the game consisting of planets. Above each planet are orbit "slots", where ships carrying troops or space cruisers can lie in wait before attacking the planet below. Trade routes and flight paths are easily navigated by using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Garrisons can be constructed on planets that have been assimilated into the Empire or liberated by the Rebellion. Smugglers can infiltrate enemy planets and siphon credits to your cause. And I haven't even talked about the actual fighting yet.

If the space around a planet is occupied, a battle for control of this area will take place once you've moved your fleet into position. The battles are kind of like Homeworld, but…they're missing something. They felt flat and almost as if it was simply a land map with no real point of reference to give the impression of space. The purity of space combat was gone, but in its place I was nevertheless immediately entranced by re-enactments of the battles I had seen so many times in the films. The visuals serve their purpose, and seeing TIE fighters and X-Wings darting around like insects next to the gargantuan capital gunships gives the proper sense of scale.

Ground battles aren't particularly ground-breaking; the conventions of standard RTS dominate the experience. Though your troops can take cover to improve defence as in Dawn of War, and the addition of reinforcement points on the map allow you to drop in troops at these locations as long as you have them in orbit around the planet. Then there are the bomber squadrons that can be used to eliminate enemy structures. But once again these must be already waiting to be launched. In games past, calling in an airstrike was simply a button click away - but Empire at War clearly requires the preparation for massive-scale assaults. It ties both battlefronts together.

There is always a place for skirmishes and tank rush battles - they are fun in their own right. But I see the approach of Empire at War as the future for strategy games that possess enough scale to warrant the use of meta-strategy, since it only makes sense in a setting where the battle for supremacy is so far-reaching. Indeed, Empire at War feels like a game of galactic proportions. While each field of battle is merely sufficient on its own, as a whole they provide the scope that was needed to truly convey the menacing Imperial assaults of the films, as well as the calculated tactical strikes of the Rebellion. I fully expect to be playing a game mode that offers the entire Galaxy for the taking, one planet at a time.

despite the metal and wires

Revenge of the Sith: closing the circle

Short answer: I loved it. This movie was woven from the same fabric of the Star Wars I remembered. It tied everything together, and left nothing to criticize except minutiae that can only be dreamt up by fanboys such as myself. Which is largely going to be the content of this review, if I can even call it that. The usual warning against spoilers applies, but I'm sure the only people reading this are the ones who have seen it anyway.

in which the Episode III action figures are discussed

There used to be a time where I would practically leap onto the shelves of any store that carried a full wave of Star Wars action figures. Back when I was a serious collector (which if you're really curious, was up until about 5 years ago) there were certain figures out of each wave that were almost impossible to get, because they would usually end up in the hands of store employees opening the boxes and keeping them for themeselves. If you got to a store with a freshly unpacked display of figures, you'd almost always get first pick of the entire collection available at that time. Otherwise you're forced to pay a ridiculous markup at comic stores, where they were more than likely supplied by said store room unpackers. Such a vicious cycle.

Yesterday I happened to be in a department store's toy section out of pure coincidence (I swear), and I saw their enitre Episode III product line spread out like a Star Wars collector's banquet. I was unmoved, however, because after a few select glances at the figures displayed, my suspicion that Star Wars action figures have reached a nadir was confirmed.

Ever since the first wave of Episode II figures the actor likenesses were taking a serious downturn. Obi Wan and Anakin looked nothing like their on-screen counterparts. Like figures starting as far back as the Episode I series, they also suffered from bad paint jobs. In the first wave of Episode III figures, Obi-Wan was sporting a Grizzly Adams beard complete with an odd looking splash of grey. What is this, Hasbro? Your version of shading? Or is it meant to age Obi-Wan? It looks like crap. Anakin looks like an emaciated goth that just wandered out of a Misfits concert. Moreover, despite obviously wearing some maternity tunic, Padme looks about 40 years old and nothing like Natalie Portman. These are core characters that have been made all but unrecognizable.

I could forgive the occasional accessorizing that didn't exactly mesh with Star Wars canon. Aside from Luke Skywalker looking extra buff and coming equipped with some kind of grappling hook, it was still Luke Skywalker. He had a lightsaber. The Episode III version of Yoda comes with a giant bowcaster or something that shoots a rocket. I'm sure this has something to do with the film, but Yoda of all people should not be packing a piece of weaponry that's twice his size. And look at his head! It deeply saddens me.

Even the Original Trilogy series that was started last year has been taking a dive. Mark Hamill is by no means an attractive man (at least that's what my wife tells me), and yet they manage to turn Luke Skywalker into some kind of Dagobah swamp troll - ugly even by Yoda's standards. Are they even using reference photos anymore?

All this is telling me that Hasbro is getting lazy, and Lucasfilm by extension for letting this crap through as official merchandise. Who gives a shit if the action figures look like the actors - let's get them on the god damned shelves, right? I used to justify to myself that I was getting these figures for a complete collection, but not anymore. Call it growing up or simply the feelings of a jaded Star Wars fan - it doesn't matter. It's movie merchandising at its worst.

you've been lying to me

a selection of visual treats

The Zelda gamecube trailer that was released during last week's Game Developer's conference made me a believer. This isn't a darkening of the series so much as it is an aging of the series; Link's new adventure does not look like something you have to make excuses for to play. There are no tattoos or trite one-liners here; this is a calculated reframing of an existing, accepted universe. Graveyards no longer have cartoonish ghosts or creatures that you would sooner laugh at; the battles contain a legitamately creepy atmosphere. What actually gave me goosebumps - yes, motherfucking goosebumps - was the brief glimpse of what seemed to be Link's view of Return of the King's Path of the Dead. This new adventure could very well end up falling back to its traditional gameplay elements, but at this point I'm more interested in seeing more of what the game world itself has to offer.

Then there's the Episode III trailer. It furthers my theory that these trailers do an excellent job of building expectations. Then again, fans have been doing that for the last 20 years. I have this sinking feeling that this film will be incredible, and will somehow alleviate the growing pains that were endured over the course of its predecessors in the minds of fans. It almost feels like the entire plot could be summarized into one film, where Anakin's childhood and "romance" with Padme are glossed over in couple of scenes. The Clone Wars and associated galactic conflicts have been developed more by outside materials than Episode II itself, and this is something I hope Episode III corrects with the stunning space battles hinted at in the trailer. The movie is starting to look more like the original trilogy, with familiar looking spacecraft filling out some of the short scenes. The part man, part machine known General Grievous looks like a fascinating character, and even after those split seconds in the trailer it seems like an indignity for him not to be canonized in the official poster. The prequel trilogy's focus on droids is actually something to consider: could it be that the bartender in the Mos Eisley cantina had a hatred that was actually founded in these historical battles? It's this type of thing that allows Star Wars to permanently reside in my sphere of interests.

Somehow German gaming site Gamona has scored a high res feast of the upcoming Call of Duty 2 that was recently previewed in the April issue of PC Gamer. According to dates listed on EB Games and Gamespot, the game is due to be released this August, which I have a very hard time believing. The inevitable sequel announced last month was rumoured to have enlisted the assistance of id software's Doom III engine, but will instead be using a proprietary engine as noted in a portion of the PC gamer article. Though the screens do share similarities to the aging Quake III engine, I have to admit the models and environments look more natural. There will obviously be a campaign in North Africa, and while I do appreciate the added ability to choose which one to play, one of the screens almost looks like we'll be placed into the boots of a German soldier. All joking aside, this could be a big step for WW2FPS single player campaign. It's easy for a developer to motivate players by throwing a bunch of Nazis onto the screen and call them "The Enemy". What would be even more impressive is if Infinity Ward actually used this scenario to their advantage, and explored the other side of the war. Though I doubt the moral quandary that comes with it would be suited to fans of the genre's previously established conventions.

do not hesitate, show no mercy

the sound of many enraged...wookiees

The Star Wars Galaxies expansion pack I alluded to the other day is called Rage of the Wookiees. A mild surprise, to be sure, but that's probably because I was expecting something a little more...exciting. Then again, they've already covered the jump into hyperspace, so what else is there besides adding a few new planets or playable races from the films?

According to the announcement, both land and space around the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk will be added, along with many new missions to go along with this new locale. In their contribution to the slave trade, the evil Trandoshans have set up several camps, and it will be the duty of players to either put and end to it or see that it flourishes. This ties in with one of the settings of the upcoming Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, as well as one of the missions in Republic Commando.

I find it a bit ironic that Episode III is going to be using Kashyyyk as a setpiece, because that was supposed to be the setting for the endgame of Return of the Jedi. Up until Chewie was established in a late draft of Star Wars as a technologically aware being - and a remarkable mechanic - Wookiees were to be a race of savages. In fact, that whole sequence where the Ewoks take on the Empire was supposed to be with Wookiees. After A New Hope Uncle George felt he was kind of screwed - there was no way people would believe that Wookiees would fight with rocks and logs after they'd seen him fire his bowcaster or fly the Millenium Falcon. To this day I still believe that Wookiee plush toys would have sold equally well, but that's neither here nor there.

Also added in the expansion will be some new space faring vehicles, the most notable being Anakin's Jedi Starfighter As Seen In The Film. This sounds like such a movie tie-in doesn't it? I thought Galaxies would be able to avoid this kind of cross marketing, since it's a game that's been out for a while already. Due to the nature of its dynamic content though, I guess it was a valid target. It's also pretty transparent that Lucasarts is calling the expansion "Episode III" - I mean, Jump to Lightspeed had "Episode I" right on the box. I know that they're counting from the first release of Galaxies, but really, does the promotion have to be this obvious?

Players who enjoy the space based missions will now be able to take on "space mining" missions, where you can harvest resources from asteroids and contribute to the land based game's economy. This is a great idea, and a step in integrating the two completely different experiences. Another addition is the ability for players to add cybernetic components to their characters, that will in turn offer improved abilities that are more than likely related to your performance in combat. Why this was done is anyone's guess, because the cybernetic enhancements look far too crude to mesh with the period Galaxies covers in the Star Wars timeline. When Luke gets his new hand at the end of Empire Strikes Back, it's clearly meant to be an extension of his existing body. In this new expansion, it seems that these enhancements are meant to look like enhancements, instead of adding a feature in the game to allow characters to improve on their stats without any visible side effects. But maybe I'm just nitpicking.

I'm not sure if this additional expansion was such a great idea, but I think Star Wars is experiencing some kind of fallout with the fans that it recollected after the new action figures and novels came onto the scene in the early to mid 90s. This kind of game and media integration will keep Star Wars in the geek collective consciousness, and that's generally where they want to be. I just hope the playability of Galaxies isn't sacrificed again by a hasty expansion that does little to change the game's intrinsic shortcomings.

to smooth the unattractive truth

attack of the commando clones

With Republic Commando, Close Combat: First to Fight, Brothers in Arms, Rainbow Six: Lockdown and SWAT 4 all arriving in the next couple of months, PC gaming appears to be fixated on squad tactical shooters for the moment. Which is fine by me, as long as they're offering something more than genre lip service.

I guess it wasn't much of a stretch for LucasArts to develop its own take on the genre with Republic Commando: take the nameless, faceless clone troopers from Episode II: Attack of the Clones and put them in close combat engagements, picking and choosing from the featuresets of games to come before it, and creating what can only be called a mediocre first person shooter.

I downloaded the demo last week after hearing a mixed bag of opinions. I was interested to see if LucasArts could tackle the squad tactics genre on its own, as this would be the first Star Wars game in some time that was actually developed-in house. The first thing I noticed was only one of the four squad members actually sounded like Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett). They also had their own "nicknames", and different personalities. I thought they were supposed to be a cross section of an army of clones? Why get tied up in things like "cameraderie" and "sassy one liners" when you're essentially a one man army multiplied a thousand times?

LucasArts definitely took some liberties with the character design, but everything ended up looking like Galactic Heroes. Of course, it's up to the player whether they like this interpretation or not. As someone who enjoys employing precision tactics when facing my enemy, I'd rather not be looking at a chunky, obtrusive interface and even chunkier avatars. I'm really not a fan of the "visor view" either, and in my mind it goes down in history with the likes of Deus Ex: Invisible War's HUD. I can only imagine what this view will be like in Rainbow Six: Lockdown.

I liked the way squad commands felt intuitive, but I wouldn't call it tactics. It doesn't require any real problem solving by the player: simply mousing over points on the map will show "hot" areas, or actions a squad member can complete. Clicking on these points will issue the associated command, but it's not like you get the option of storming a room with thermal detonators or sneaking in quietly. The objectives and their solutions are completely transparent. In the demo's mission, Republic Commando does a good job of making you feel surrounded and overwhelmed, but I never feared for my life. There's a pretty good chance when you go down with 0 health a squad mate will be by to heal you up with seemingly unlimited medkits.

All the weapons felt insubstantial, like toys. I've played Star Wars FPS before, and I know what a repeater blaster should "feel" like. I also find it hard to believe that every character has the entire Republic arsenal at their disposal. Wouldn't it make more sense for the squad to have a Heavy Blaster unit, a sniper unit and a support unit? That way your men become indispensable - not interchangeable. In the face of existing and soon to be released squad tactical shooters, the whole game feels like a toy. More like squad tactical action figures.

The biggest thing this game has going for it is that it's suprisingly polished given LucasArts' past foray into 3D. Perhaps the campaign is really interesting, and eclipses the shortfalls of the game's core mechanics. However I'm not willing to take the time to find out. If you're looking for another Star Wars FPS that doesn't involve the words "Jedi Knight", then I suppose Republic Commando is for you.

Now I'd like to talk about Ash. Ash is a band from Ireland that was introduced to me during the end credits/blooper scenes from the North American release of Rumble in the Bronx. Their catchy tribute to old martial arts films, the aptly named "Kung Fu", played in the background. The next day I bought the album it was from, "1977". Opening with the sound of a tie fighter flying by, and later learning that the album was named after the year Star Wars was released (despite any of the members not being born yet), I knew these guys were for real. I even had the chance to meet them when they came to Toronto back in 1996 to promote that album.

This week I found that one of the songs off of their upcoming album was selected to be on the Republic Commando soundtrack. Once again falling back on their clever songwriting skills, "Clones" will also appear on an exclusive EP called "Commando" which includes a playable demo for the game. I can't vouch for their popularity at the moment, as I've been into Ash for years. Though if anyone will benefit from this multi-media promotion it will be the band. Incidentally, Ash will be back in Toronto at the Opera House April 13th. I will be there.

I don't know if you knew that

trailer binge

The new Episode III teaser trailer leaves me feeling a bit crestfallen. It was supposed to be an exclusive for paying members of Hyperspace, but as everyone knows this exclusivity doesn't last long. I found a few mirrors, but you can also grab it on the official site if you don't mind the wait. I liked how Obi-Wan Kenobi was spliced into the trailer to tell the story of Vader from his "certain point of view", connecting the two trilogies and preparing us for the ultimate fall from grace. Indeed, a battle between capital ships, a climactic face off between old friends, and the Emperor hovering over his new creation were all merely hinted at. I have to admit, regardless of how these movies turn out, the trailers have all been outstanding at building up expectations.

Planet Gamecube posted links to a massive number of demo reels from Nintendo Japan, most of which I've only been able to take cursory glances at. Fire Emblem for the Gamecube looks like, well, Fire Emblem for the Gamecube. I was completely enthralled by the GBA version, and this Gamecube version looks like a straightforward transplant into three dimensions. This isn't to say that its receiving the same treatment as Advance Wars, mind you, because the turn based strategy thankfully remains intact.

Seeing the DS in action was pretty fascinating, and even though Advance Wars DS only got a split second I can see how the second screen will be coming in handy. And naturally WarioWare will have some cleverly distracting minigames that utilize the touch screen. I have to admit I was a little uneasy about the Nintendo DS when I first heard about it, but I avoided outright condemnation of the thing like so many media outlets were quick to do. As the feature list became more tangible, most were quick to change their tune. I'm this close to adding it to my Christmas list, as the unique gaming possibilities are seemingly endless. I've also determined that the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS are not direct competitors; where one is satisfied to pander an existing mindshare, the other is pushing portable gaming in new directions.

You can also find some gameplay videos of assorted Gameboy Advance titles, and if there's one game I'm more interested in after seeing it in action it would be Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. A sound decision was made to include Advance Wars and its sequel in one cart - any fan of turn based strategy that missed out the first time now has no excuse.

I thought that Blizzard was the master of introductory cinematics until I played Dawn of War. That doesn't mean that the World of Warcraft intro video misses the mark; rather, it does a fine job of mixing together the various races of the game and puts them into a short film to let you know what kind of mess you're getting into. I read about the possibility of the Open Beta starting today, and I envisioned an Internet that was incessantly bursting at the seams.

"And lo, Blizzard did begin the Open Beta, and there was much rejoicing. But it was like a mighty flood unto their servers, as thousands of keys were secured in an instant."

i knew it wouldn't last

Star Wars week

My agenda when I got home from purchasing the Star Wars Trilogy on DVD consisted of mainly one item: to make myself a liar. I wanted to believe in my heart of fanboy hearts that there is no way Uncle George would ever go through with modifying the Original Trilogy to suit his needs of justifying the Prequel Trilogy. But there it was, Luke staring knowingly into the darkness of the Ewok village outskirts, looking upon the ghosts of his former masters: Obi-Wan, Yoda and his father...Hayden Christiansen. I guess it's not like Sebastian Shaw can put up a fight, him being dead and all, but was it really necessary?

After The Wife picked me up off the floor, tears streaming down my cheeks, I skimmed briefly through the discs checking over some of the key scenes that I had heard received a bit of a touch up. I half expected to see Jabba re-replaced with Declan McCullaugh in A New Hope, but instead I saw a more freckly Jabba that had obviously been remodelled to look less like inserted CG than it did in 1997. Fair enough. All of the lightsabers look a lot brighter, and I was really suprised at how clean the film-to-DVD transfer was. In an even longer celebration sequence at the end of Return of the Jedi was a brief shot of the celebration on Naboo, which I suppose was inevitable now that we know it's part of the Alliance.

I kept looking at the DVD covers with a sneer on my face, thinking about how Lucasfilm took extra special care in trying to awkwardly place clearly old pictures to mimic the covers from the Prequel Trilogy. I decided to toss in the Bonus Materials disc, not defeated, but definitely feeling a bit demoralized. I watched the exclusive preview for Episode III, and I was a jellyfish again.

The Duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin, the fight this entire Prequel trilogy has been cultivating, will be the mantlepiece for the entire film. Watching McGregor and Christiansen rehearse against the blue screen, you can only imagine what environment is around them. Observing the extremely talented artists in Lucasfilm's costume studio create a more "modern looking" Vader suit, I got goosebumps. It wasn't until one of the sculptors working on Vader's facemask said something that made you realize just how 70s the original Vader helmet looks. It's not like they gave him glowing eyes or a platinum grill or anything, they just made some subtle changes to the entire outfit so it would seem appropriate on Christiansen's obviously smaller frame. When he walked on set in it for the first time, the entire crew cheered - fuck, I cheered - and I was ready to jump up and wait in line for this stupid movie.

There are also three featurettes on the disc, one of them being about the evolution of the Lightsaber. I mean everyone knows the story about sound man Ben Burtt's quest to search for what would be come one of the most famous sound effects in movie history, but there was a playful, even mythical quality to the whole thing that made you look at the Lightsaber as not just a prop or special effect, but a cornerstone of the entire series. I really doubt Star Wars would have gone anywhere if the effects crew decided to keep the rods wrapped in highly reflective tape.

The highlight of the bonus disc though is the amazingly detailed two and a half hour documentary that shows everything from Star Wars the concept and Lucas' merchandising foresight, to the fan reaction at the release of the prequels. Anyone that's seen From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga knows that it was more of a promotional tool for Jedi's theatrical release. Empire of Dreams is the story behind the Star Wars saga proper, something desperately needed to ground everyone's expectations about this series. Indeed, things have gotten a bit out of hand with people like me acting as if Lucas himself pillaged our childhood memories, but the series still remains a great concept and a monumental influence on modern Hollywood cinema, despite Lucas' efforts to distance himself from the Hollywood machine. The whole thing had a very VH1-feel to it, but I suppose we're better off without Mark Hamill's narration and the talking puppets in Star Wars to Jedi.

The release of Star Wars: Battlefront this week was met with average reviews, and much to my disappointment the demo released with the DVD set is for XBox only (and apparently overwrites your dashboard - modders beware!). Fortunately, my local electronics superstore had an outright buffet of Star Wars media to consume, the foremost being a tricked out PC with Battlefront on it. Pandemic's engine looked very hazy and surreal, apparently sharing this behaviour with Full Spectrum Warrior. The Naboo battlefield was presented quite nicely, and this haziness served as a kind of fog that wouldn't be out of place on this planet. The controls were standard, as were the basic gameplay objectives. I didn't play it long enough to justify an instant buy; then again, I also can't name too many people that wouldn't want to aim a blaster rifle at a Gungan's head.

I also checked out Apprentice of the Force, something I thought would end up as a "Star Wars" emblazoned turd. The animations are suprisingly smooth, and reminiscent of the acrobatics found in The Sands of Time (GBA). However the sprites remain undetailed, the backgrounds lack substance and are overall presented quite shabbily - right down to the pixellated movieframe cutscenes. You traverse the entire trilogy, faced with battles along the way for the most menial of tasks. I don't remember Luke having to fend off a legion of Stormtroopers just to sell his damnable landspeeder, but I guess you have to gain experience for your future Force abilities somehow. The level design is uninspired and excruciatingly repetitive, and incredibly easy to play through. It's a decent action game for serious SW fans only. And when I say serious, I'm talking about the same kind that shelled out $60 CDN on Tuesday for Hayden Christiansen's ghost. But I'm not bitter or anything.

another slow train to the coast

the circle is now complete?

The renewed interest in the Star Wars mythos caused by extended sessions of Star Wars Galaxies inspired both me and the Wife to look on the films with feelings of an unwritten duty. How could we continue to play this game without watching the source material again? I've seen both the classic trilogy and the prequels countless times - some volumes more than others - but watching them recently after an admittedly long hiatus from monthly viewings caused me to absorb them in an entirely different manner. Instead of just taking it all in, cries of "I've been there!", "We fought a few of those!" took precedence over my favorite pieces of dialogue. After watching the final installment of Return of the Jedi, I concluded that this was no chance encounter with the classic trilogy. This served as a sobering reminder of what has been lost, and what we can only hope to receive in the final chapter of the prequel trilogy.

Over the years, the classic trilogy has come to symbolize my personal definition of a cinematic triumph. Everything about the movies was perfect, or pretty god damned close. Whether it was the subtle mysticism, or simply illustrated battle of Good versus Evil, these films had something to offer for all ages. And I don't want to hear any disparaging remarks about the Ewoks - yes, they were designed to sell toys, and Kashyyyk was supplanted by Endor - but wasn't it heartwarming to see them triumph over the technologically superior Empire? I'd at least like to believe that it was more amusing than watching Jar Jar goof around on a computer generated battlefield.

When The Phantom Menace arrived in theatres, I lined up with the best of them - multiple times. How is it, then, that it could easily rank as one of the biggest letdowns in the history of Star Wars? The story was not even woven from the same material. Trade blockades? Political machinations? This is hardly something that would appeal to me as a youngster, let alone at my current age. Putting aside all negative reactions to Episodes I and II for a moment, I want to believe that they were simply building up to what becomes the turning point for a galaxy, with Anakin Skywalker at the centre. I want to believe that Episode III will deliver us the fall of Anakin Skywalker, the rise of Darth Vader, and the extermination of the Jedi in a dignified and logical manner. I don't want glossed over violence or comic relief. This is the beginning of a dark time for the Republic, and anything less would only contribute to the convoluted state of the prequels. A few weeks ago, the official title for Episode III was announced: Revenge of the Sith, which cleverly takes a bit from each trilogy.

Besides the codename Blue Harvest, Return of the Jedi was known under another name: Revenge of the Jedi. I still have a 1982 re-release poster for A New Hope with "Coming soon to theatres: Revenge of the Jedi" on the bottom right corner. Many other posters displaying the film's original name have been seen by the most casual of fans, which has in turn become part of the entire Star Wars mythos. The reason for the change of course was that "Revenge" was not Jedi-like at all, and really held a double meaning: was the revenge in question to be had by Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader? It was a wise decision to change this name, and now has a real connection to the last part of the prequel trilogy, closing the circle that is Anakin Skywalker's life.

However what disturbs me are the rumours that started earlier this year about Hayden Christiansen's Anakin being added to the ghost sequence at the end of Return of the Jedi, along with a few other low-key edits to the DVD release of the classic trilogy. Ashamed as I am to admit it, I waded through the many vitriol-soaked messages left at AICN and still refused to believe my eyes. Surely this was the work of Adobe's many products! Why would this addition be necessary? Greedo shooting first is almost preferable to this kind of messing around. One might think that Uncle George's idea behind it was to close a perceived gap between the two trilogies, by using the completely ham-fisted tactic of showing the saga's most prominent likeness of Anakin Skywalker. It may be that Anakin "died" when he turned to the Dark Side, leaving behind all remnants of his life to that point. Problem is, I don't see anything wrong with Sebastian Shaw representing the man behind the mask. Is killing the Emperor, his Master that he swore to honor and protect, to save his only son not good enough? I'd consider the Light Side content of Anakin's soul at that point pretty fucking obvious.

I am still excited about the DVDs that will be released this September, as it would be against my very nature to avoid buying this collection. But I fail to see the purpose of continually tinkering with the special editions that have only been begrudgingly accepted by the fan community. Is this about Uncle George's "ultimate vision", or just creating an excuse for fans to spend more money? The number of upcoming Star Wars game previews that are appearing on the Bonus Disc is staggering - the release of these DVDs is less about addressing something that was supposed to have been done years ago, and more like some kind of multi-media circus. It's become so transparent, and in a way, taints the intention of these films. Indeed, George Lucas established the true meaning of movie merchandising more than 25 years ago, but the original trilogy at least had a clear underlying message and timeless story that was easily grasped by all audiences. Unless Revenge of the Sith manages to salvage the story surrounding the most important figure in the Star Wars saga, we may be witnessing the latest waste of creative potential in a growing group of arrogant filmmakers in control of successful properties.

here's where the story ends

fan service or marketing ploy, it's still awesome news

It's official: the classic Star Wars Trilogy will be available on DVD on September 21st, 2004, quashing earlier reports that said it might be released in November.

Interest in the series seems to be fading fast since Episode II's release, so the announcement doesn't really come as a suprise. For those that are looking for the saga to be returned to its former glory, though, keep holding your breath. These DVDs will be digital transfers from the Special Editions, and forever into eternity, Greedo shoots first. Lucasfilm also seems to be taking a similar route as they did with the re-release of The Adventures of Indiana Jones, and including a bonus fourth disc that contains a full two hours of documentary footage.

I love Star Wars. I'm not exactly thrilled with the prequels after watching each many times, hoping to glean some unseen information or partial wisdom that Uncle George just couldn't seem to develop. And as good as the novels in the early 90s were, it was nice to get something canonical after a 22 year dry spell. We've witnessed the Jedi as they existed before they were pitilessly exterminated by Darth Vader; we've seen Darth Vader before he donned the fearsome black armour. Even though the story was slightly mismanaged - okay it was extremely mismanaged - there will always be magic in the series for me.

i want to be a jedi when i grow up

If the reviews for Knights of the Old Republic on XBox are a sign of things to come, I'm not sure I can wait until the twice-delayed release of the PC version in November. It sounds like an excellent game, and once again Bioware proves its prowess in the RPG category and delivers a well thought out, story and character driven epic. You can also follow the Light or Dark side of the Force, which provides two distinct story arcs in the game. This harkens back to the days of Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight, which is easily one of my top five favourite games of all time. KOTOR uses the new d20 rules from the Star Wars RPG, which adds some credibility to the combat system. From looking at the screens the interface looks a little clumsy, but I'm sure it will be optimized for the PC when the time comes. Apparently Jeremy Soule did the soundtrack, who is one of my favorite game soundtrack composers. His name shouldn't be unfamiliar to fans of Bioware's other flagship titles Icewind Dale and Neverwinter Nights, both of which were outstanding. John Williams' familiar score is all there of course; Soule just fills in the gaps.

As an update to the Star Wars Kid Saga, an article in the Globe and Mail describes the lawsuit that his parents have filed. Apparently the poor bastard had to finish the rest of the school year in a mental institution, as he has been an object of mockery since his seemingly instantaneous fame for that video. Talk about a troubled youth...this kid will be fucked for life. At this point I actually hope the guy gets into Episode III, that way he will at least leave some sort of legacy when he lives out the rest of his days in a padded cell.