 This
is the second of a two-part series discussing the upcoming titles in store
for us from Lucas Arts. Lucas Arts, known for creating Star Wars themed
games, returns to its roots by having three out of the company's next
four releases Star Wars themed. The games will hit the shelves in the
following order: 'Star Wars: Battlefront', 'Star Wars: Republic Commando',
'Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2', and then 'Mercenaries.' If
you would like to learn more about 'Star Wars: Battlefront' or 'Star Wars:
Republic Commando click here. This article
discusses the two later releases, 'Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
2' and 'Mercenaries.'
Five
years after the events from the award winning Knights of the Old Republic,
the Sith Lords have hunted the Jedi to the edge of extinction and are
on the verge of crushing the Old Republic. With the Jedi Order in ruin,
the Republic’s only hope is a Jedi Knight struggling to reconnect
with the Force and is faced with the galaxies most dire decision: To follow
the light or succumb to the dark side…
Anyone
who has played the original 'Knights of the Old Republic' on either PC
or X-Box knows what a contender Lucas Arts has. The game was also able
to have a surprise twist ending that rivaled any of the new Star Wars
films. The original was so good that all Lucas Arts has to do is create
new missions with new meshes and the game will sell itself. And, judging
by the look of the screen shots, it seems that Lucas Arts has done little
to change the engine that runs the game and, instead spent more time on
the development of a new story, characters, and moves. This is probably
most likely since Lucas Arts left BioWare, the original creators of 'KOTOR',
and went with Obsidian Entertainment to create the sequel..
However,
do not fret with the loss of the makers of one of the top games of 2003.
On a first look, it seems that Obsidian Entertainment is doing an impressive
job handling the original 'KOTOR' engine and have also added a richer,
darker story than the original. Instead of playing as a Dark Jedi with
amnesia, you will play as a Jedi who has lost touch with the force. And,
just as in the original, you will have some type of 'mysterious' past.
My
Light Saber is Longer than Yours
'KOTOR
2' will offer a similar setup as the original. You will be able to select
from three different classes of Jedi, each with his/her own abilities
and powers. The game also promises to feature many new moves, abilities,
and powers as well. The following is a list of 'tweaks' users should encounter
with the release of 'KOTOR 2.'
 - Even though the
engine is the same, you will notice small graphic refinements that will
add more viewing pleasure. The character models will also show this
improvement.
- You will still
encounter characters and be able to include them in your party. At this
time Lucas Arts is not displaying your character options.
- Your Jedi will
be offered a greater selection of powers to choose from including 'force
confusion.'
- The combat has
been upgraded. As your Jedi progresses you will notice their fighting
animations improve as well. There will also be more fighting animations
offered.
- Count on a number
of new visuals, score, and voices.
The
game is set for release on February, 2005.
 Mercenaries
is a revolutionary, 3rd person action-shooter game set in the near future
and inspired by real world events. On the eve of a historic reunification
of North and South Korea, a ruthless general stages a military coup to
take control of North Korea and threatens the world with nuclear war.
The international community launches a global task force to stabilize
the region. However, when diplomatic efforts collapse and the region descends
into anarchy they announce a one hundred million dollar bounty on the
North Korean general and his top military and scientific advisors. The
targets are identified in a “most wanted” list in the form
of a 52-card deck of playing cards. As one of the top operatives for a
private mercenaries company called Executive Operations, you have been
called in to collect on these bounties.
Characters
 The
game promises to offer massive, open environments that allow you to blow
up or steal just about anything. Based on the US military’s
system of identifying a “most wanted” list of enemy targets
in a playing card deck, players will use the playing card metaphor to
identify missions and enemy targets. Take on missions from the different
factions in order to gain intelligence and get new playing cards/targets
and access to new areas.
Just
as in 'KOTOR,' your characters personality and reputation will change
depending on the actions you take as a mercenary. Factions and civilians
will all act differently towards you depending on your outcome personality.
You will be able to upgrade your weapons with cash you recieve from your
missions.
Game
Play Footage Just Released!
The
game play footage, just released by Lucas Arts, looks amazing. The graphics,
even though not nearly as crisp as Half Life 2, are extremely realistic
and action packed as air strikes knock out humvees, tanks, cars, helicopters,
and more. The gameplay looks like an action fest that doesn't quit. It
also features a number of weapons including a laser-spotter, missile launcher,
sniper rifle, and the handy auto-rifle. The weather effects, such as rain,
are pushed to the max. January seems just too far away.
This
game has a Release Date on January, 2005
To
check out Part 1
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