Star Wars: The Old Republic: Jedi Knights

The official site for Star Wars: The Old Republic, BioWare and LucasArts’ upcoming MMO set in the early days of the Star Wars Universe, offers a deeper look at the Jedi Knight. For countless ages the Knights of the Jedi Order have been the guardians of peace and justice in The Old Republic using disciplined training and meditation, to achieve a perfect union of body and mind.

Strengthened by the Force, they are able to turn this training into lightsaber combat that is unmatched in the universe. The latest HoloNet entry on the official Old Republic web site now offers a full profile of the Jedi Knights, including videos showing them in action The media section is also offering downloadable screenshots, concept art, and wallpapers!

Find out more at www.swtor.com.

Star Wars: The Old Republic weekly update

This week’s update to the Star Wars: The Old Republic website includes a brand new trailer and a brand new issue of Threat of Peace. The new video deals with the The Making of Coruscant, the complex city-world filled with a majestic skyline. buildings that touch the sky, and a dark and seedy underground level. Developers discuss the creation of the Republic’s capital from the deepest basement to the tallest skyscraper.

In Threat of Peace #17 Lieutenant Tavus makes a not-so-subtle romantic pass at Jedi Knight Satele Shan. An awkward moment is averted as the pair arrives on Dantooine to deal with yet another Republic military outpost where the troops have not withdrawn. Even as discussions begin with the stubborn Republic major, news arrives of Master Zym’s death and the Senate Tower bombing

Finally, a reminder that you can now sign up for the open test for this MMO at www.swtor.com, if you haven’t already.

Star Wars: The Old Republic accepting beta applications

BioWare and LucasArts have started accepting closed beta applications for their Star Wars themed MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic today. Limited testing slots are reserved first for The Old Republic Community members, so those interested need only sign up at www.stor.com/user/account if they haven’t already. Once signed in, members can log in and click the My Account page to opt in for testing. Testing will be an ongoing process, according to LucasArts, and space is limited, so people need to sign up early to give them the best possible chance of getting selected.

In case you didn’t know (who are you and what planet are you from?) Star Wars: The Old Republic lets players explore an age thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader when war between The Old Republic and The Sith Empire divided the galaxy. Players can choose to play as Jedi, Sith, or a variety of other classic Star Wars roles, defining their story and determining their path down the Light or Dark side of the Force. Along the way, players will meet companions who will join and fight at their side or betray them, based on the players’ actions. Players can also choose to team up with friends to battle enemies and overcome incredible challenges in dynamic Star Wars style combat.

The Old Republic web update: Sith Warrior

The Star Wars: The Old Republic web site has a couple of new updates worth noting, just in time for some weekend reading: the unmasking of the Sith Warrior class and the fourteenth issue of Threat of Peace.

Naturally, the Sith Warrior draws upon the power of the dark side to strike enemies down with might and a strong command of the battlefield. More information on the particulars of this calls can be found in the HoloNet section of the site, along with combat videos, screenshots and some Sith Warrior wallpapers.

The fourteenth issue of Threat of Peace, LucasArts’ ongoing web comic, is now online. The latest issues picks up with Bounty Hunter Braden, freshly escaped from the Imperial transport, traveling to Nar Shaddaa to make a deal with the crime lord Nok Drayen. Meanwhile, Jedi Knight Satele Shan receives the news that Master Dar’Nala is dead. You can experience the latest issue by visiting www.swtor.com

LucasArts prepares for Comic-Con showing next week

Comic-Con will kick off next week in San Diego and game companies will be there in full force alongside reps from the comic book, entertainment and anime industry hawking their wares and showing off their latest products. One of those game companies hoping to make a splash is LucasArts, which plans to showcase seen products in various ways.

LucasArts will be offering hands-on demo time with Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes (Xbox 360, Wii) and LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues (Xbox 360) for the first time at its booth. Key members from the development teams will also be on-hand to answer questions, be interviewed and walk through both titles.

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Mythic, BioWare under one umbrella, Jacobs out

According to this Gamasutra story, Electronic Arts is consolidating its BioWare and Mythic Entertainment studios into a single group to be headed by BioWare’s founders. Mythic’s general manager and co-founder, Mark Jacobs, has reportedly left the company. BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka will serve as the new unit’s Group General Manager, while Greg Zeschuk has been named chief creative officer. Mythic co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Rob Denton has been named general manager.

According to the report, companies’ structures, development team and personnel will change as each team works on various projects including Dragon Age, Mass Effect 2 and Star Wars The Old Republic. The only real change, apparently, is that studio heads will now report to Muzyka. What happens after these projects are complete is unknown, and how this changes development teams handling products like Warhammer Online and Ultima Online is also up in the air. One would assume the maintenance of these games would be the responsibility of Denton.

Scribblenauts, Uncharted 2 win Best of E3 honors

Scribblenauts, the surprise hit of E3 2009, and Uncharted 2 were the big winners of this year’s Best of E3 2009 Awards. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves won Best of Show, Best Action/Adventure Game and Best console game while the DS game from 5TH Cell won Best Original Game and Best Handheld Game. BioWare and LucasArts’ promising MMO game, Star Wars: The Old Republic, rounded out the platform specific awards, taking home Best PC Game. A full list of winners chosen by the panel of game journalists that made up this year’s Game Critics judging panel, can be found after the break.

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