The Force Unleashed multimedia project

[Ripley]

Looks like a comic and a hardcover novel by Sean Williams (someone must have liked Force Heretic) are coming out besides the game.

[DarthSolo]

This will be quite an interesting project. From what I read in Game Informer magazine (I think that was it), it looks like we'll have a lot of interesting stuff, including a definitive answer for Shaak Ti's end possibly...

[eddie]

There's also the Insight publication Force Unleashed: Art of the Game...

[Sam Kenobi]

I read Game Informer back in the day of the Episode I game . . .

I read about their being a mass multimedia campaign, but where did you read about the specifics? The novel and comic?

[eddie]

http://www.starwarstimeline.com/sources%20-%20upcoming.htm

scroll down to Sep. 25 and Oct. 16 and click on the links... :innocent:

[Sam Kenobi]

Gotcha. Gracias.

[Jedi Master 2k5]

I read Game Informer back in the day of the Episode I game . . .

I read about their being a mass multimedia campaign, but where did you read about the specifics? The novel and comic?


Same here, and where did you get that info?

[eddie]

If you are asking about the info of the books and comics:

Amazon had a Star wars Game Tie-in up for some time, and it appeared to be the book by Sean Williams which first appeared on the Random House order page (and was later 'officially' announced on TOS).

The Making-of book first appeared on Amazon.com (and was also later 'officially' introduced on TOS)

The graphic novel was first introduced on TOS...

Good early sources for these sort of items are Amazon.com, Random House, and the VIP thread over at the Books and Comics-forums on TOS where the likes of Sue Rostoni regularly post. Also, the Dark Horse message boards are great for early info as Randy Stradley and Jeremy Barlow, among others, are regulars over there...

[eddie]

How about this!

The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide by Wizards of the Coast!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Force-Unleashed-Campaign-Sterling-Hershey/dp/0786947438/ref=sr_1_4/102-6562030-8653768?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173476664&sr=1-4 (http://www.amazon.com/Force-Unleashed-Campaign-Sterling-Hershey/dp/0786947438/ref=sr_1_4/102-6562030-8653768?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173476664&sr=1-4)


(and now it's really really off to bed...) :bye: :sleeping:

[Jedi Master Elad Kenobi]

Right, in the force unleashed you are an apprentice to lord vader. Your ship is called the rouges shadow and you have to ''take out'' jedi (such as, Shaak ti, master kota, maris brood.) You are dating your pilot called Juno Eclipse. The best looking creature looks like the bull rancor and the felucians look crazy. Lucas arts are talking about making action figures and stuff.

Using the Euphoria Engine to run the game, The stormtroopers will NOT be push arounds. If you kill a whole squad but one, that one will fire his blaster into the air, trip over his feet, and beg sometimes (Amusing to such a dark mind!) Wood will splinter, metal bend and glass shatter as you pull dark power after dark power out of the bag.And no more unimaginitive moves as force choke. Now you can (supposedly) break Ribs one by one and create a ''bubble'' to fry stormtroopers.

Kota was a Judge on manaan, decades before the Great sith war, and Maris Brood is a jedi whoose lightsaber variant is modelled on the nightstick truncheons of US cops, featuring a perpendicular handle for twirling! Watch this space!

Sweet! :w00t: :yeah: :drooly:
Gamers arise, the best game ever!!!:joystick:

[Sam Kenobi]

Ha, you sound like the Game Informer article that I read today.

I'm very excited about this. Hopefully, Unleashed won't be the last of these. Maybe a soundtrack too?:scratchchin:

[expandeduniverse]

Sadly, the game, novel, and comic have been bumped to Spring of 2008. I was really interested in reading the novel, because of what it could mean for the character of Darth Vader. I've always wanted more information on what exactly he was doing between RoTS and ANH. I also like how this project is similar to the Shadows of the Empire project. I hope this means that there will be a soundtrack for The Force Unleashed as well.

[Sam Kenobi]

Agreed on all accounts.

When was it scheduled?

[expandeduniverse]

Agreed on all accounts.

When was it scheduled?

It was originally scheduled for a 2007 release, probably in the Fall.

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

Well, I wanted to ask a question about this but I also figured I'd start a thread for it as well.


According to Amazon.com, it was supposed to come out last week, but never did. It is still listed as: Pre-Order (Feb. 6)

Irritating because was looking forward to that release date.


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a125/JoeHarrison/forceunleash_gn.jpg

[eddie]

Dark Horse has it for June 4 (since quite some time now)...

http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=14-837

and for a more accurate release-date-overview:

http://www.starwarstimeline.com/sources%20-%20upcoming.htm

:)

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

That's sucky. I don't want to wait that long!

[eddie]

Maybe it will get another delay, with the game itself having been postponed to, what is it, August?

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

Shoot, are you serious. I didn't even hear about that. Everything's getting postponed! Star Trek XI, Meg, and now The Force Unleashed.... okay, so not everything.

[Sam Kenobi]

Border's says, "On the way." When is the release of the novel?

[eddie]

It now has a date of August 19, 2008, with the graphic novel still at June 4 (although my guess is that this will be delayed to August as well....) :bunny:

[Sam Kenobi]

But I'm talking about the actual novel. The book. It should be out very soon I believe.

[eddie]

Nope, the book is now at August 19 (postponed because of the lateness of the game: the novel, as well as the Art of... and other books are all delayed...)

[Sam Kenobi]

Oh. I see. Gotcha.

[Doze]

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2430/hcforceunleashedvn9.jpg
Final cover Sean William's The Force Unleashed novel

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

The novel is out (as of Aug. 19th)!! (as well as the Graphic Novel and Art of book) I was able to read it while on vacation these passed two weeks. My review is as follows, first off, for the spoiler-haters:

It is a fun-read book! No where near as in-depth as Zahn's or Stover's work. But just increcibly fun, and you can perfectly picture everything that happens in it... of course part of that is credit to the fact that we've had a good deal of visual aid :D
Some of the plot lines are a little... eh... but interesting all at the same time.
Now onto the good stuff! (Heavy Spoilers)


In the first "Act" of the book it is plainly obvious that this story was based off a video game as the first several missions are very simple. The Apprentice ("Starkiller") travels to a moon, kills stormtroopers, kills Jedi, reports to Vader, Vader sends him to next moon, he kills stormtroopers, kills Jedi, reports to Vader, etc., etc. But by the second act things start shaping up. But even thought the first act seems very simple, it is still very fun to read.

I, of course, was very peeved to see Shaak Ti bite the lightsaber, even though I was expecting it. Also, surprisingly, Maris Brood as a very small appearance in the story. She is present once with Shaak before Shaak fights Starkiller, and then later she fights Starkiller and is bested and then flees, end of story.

I loved the "PROXY" concept, how he's basically a walking holographic projector that projects realistic holograms, as opposed to blue, transparent figures. PROXY has the ability to cast a projection over his entire body that makes him look like anyone he chooses. But it is also used when someone is contacting Starkiller through him. He assumes the appearance of the "caller". This comes into play whenever Vader contacts Starkiller. PROXY also makes appearances as Obi-Wan, Anakin, and others.

As mentioned above there are some interesting plot lines and twists that are a little hard to swallow, but are interesting anyway. Mainly concerning the Rebel Alliance.

Here's the skinny. When it comes down to it: the Rebel Alliance was practically created by Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. Vader commands Starkiller to assemble all the Emperor's enemies and unite them, and with them destroy Palpatine. Then, Vader and Starkiller would do-away with the enemies and then take the throne. Starkiller recruits Rahm Kota, who in turn, helps them recruit Bail Organa and Leia, who, in turn, brings in Mothma and Bel Iblis, etc., etc. But, as was expected, Starkiller "converts" to Rebelism, betraying Vader, whom was already going to betray his apprentice.

In the end, Starkiller sacrifices himself to save the "Rebels". And, another interesting concept, in honor of Starkiller, the Alliance decides to use his family symbol as their insignia.


So, some very interesting stuff. Those are, of course, only a few of the major tidbits. There is much more to the book, but I am pressed for time.

I would say: Read the book. It's fun.

[Doze]

Nice review dude!

[Morridini]

I've heard a lot fo complaining about ti totaly screwing up continuity etc, you find that true? I don't want the game spoiled, so won't read the spoilers until after I have played through the game.

But one thing I heard, was that they say that Palps was behind the formation fo the Rebellion, is that true? If so it just sounds retarded.

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

I've heard a lot fo complaining about ti totaly screwing up continuity etc, you find that true? I don't want the game spoiled, so won't read the spoilers until after I have played through the game.

But one thing I heard, was that they say that Palps was behind the formation fo the Rebellion, is that true? If so it just sounds retarded.

Yeah, unfortunately that's technically true. So now, of course, we'll have to be running around like crazy trying to figure out how we can fix continuity to fit it in :banghead:

[Master Magnus]

The novel is out (as of Aug. 19th)!! (as well as the Graphic Novel and Art of book) I was able to read it while on vacation these passed two weeks. My review is as follows, first off, for the spoiler-haters:

It is a fun-read book! No where near as in-depth as Zahn's or Stover's work. But just increcibly fun, and you can perfectly picture everything that happens in it... of course part of that is credit to the fact that we've had a good deal of visual aid :D
Some of the plot lines are a little... eh... but interesting all at the same time.

Now onto the good stuff! (Heavy Spoilers)


In the first "Act" of the book it is plainly obvious that this story was based off a video game as the first several missions are very simple. The Apprentice ("Starkiller") travels to a moon, kills stormtroopers, kills Jedi, reports to Vader, Vader sends him to next moon, he kills stormtroopers, kills Jedi, reports to Vader, etc., etc. But by the second act things start shaping up. But even thought the first act seems very simple, it is still very fun to read.

I, of course, was very peeved to see Shaak Ti bite the lightsaber, even though I was expecting it. Also, surprisingly, Maris Brood as a very small appearance in the story. She is present once with Shaak before Shaak fights Starkiller, and then later she fights Starkiller and is bested and then flees, end of story.

I loved the "PROXY" concept, how he's basically a walking holographic projector that projects realistic holograms, as opposed to blue, transparent figures. PROXY has the ability to cast a projection over his entire body that makes him look like anyone he chooses. But it is also used when someone is contacting Starkiller through him. He assumes the appearance of the "caller". This comes into play whenever Vader contacts Starkiller. PROXY also makes appearances as Obi-Wan, Anakin, and others.

As mentioned above there are some interesting plot lines and twists that are a little hard to swallow, but are interesting anyway. Mainly concerning the Rebel Alliance.

Here's the skinny. When it comes down to it: the Rebel Alliance was practically created by Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. Vader commands Starkiller to assemble all the Emperor's enemies and unite them, and with them destroy Palpatine. Then, Vader and Starkiller would do-away with the enemies and then take the throne. Starkiller recruits Rahm Kota, who in turn, helps them recruit Bail Organa and Leia, who, in turn, brings in Mothma and Bel Iblis, etc., etc. But, as was expected, Starkiller "converts" to Rebelism, betraying Vader, whom was already going to betray his apprentice.

In the end, Starkiller sacrifices himself to save the "Rebels". And, another interesting concept, in honor of Starkiller, the Alliance decides to use his family symbol as their insignia.


So, some very interesting stuff. Those are, of course, only a few of the major tidbits. There is much more to the book, but I am pressed for time.

I would say: Read the book. It's fun.
Very nice review! The twist with the rebellion sure sounds intriguing!

[Wicket]

Yeah, unfortunately that's technically true. So now, of course, we'll have to be running around like crazy trying to figure out how we can fix continuity to fit it in :banghead:

What would need to change? Would it just be EU stuff? I can`t really think of anything off the top of my head that contradicts the films.

I`ve only played the game so I am relying on cutscenes telling me the story. I know there are differences eg the Jedi Temple isn`t in the PS3 game but not sure if there`s a huge difference to the book.

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

What would need to change? Would it just be EU stuff? I can`t really think of anything off the top of my head that contradicts the films.

Sorry, should've made that clear: Yes, just the EU stuff. As far as the films and Lucas-Canon, there's nothing to worry about.

As far as I know, the elements of the book match the closest to the PS3 and 360 versions. I gotta say that really pissed me off at first when I found out that the Wii/PSP/PS2 versions don't have the full story and action, etc., because they weren't produced personally by LucasArts. But after really giving it some thought I had to take a step back and realize: At least Krome Studios tried to give those of us who don't have PS3s or 360s The Force Unleashed, rather than just letting LucasArts continue to blow us Nintendo-ers off like they usually try to do.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

Read the Graphic Novel last night, very enjoyable. Will move onto the novel soon. :) I don't see any issues with continuity at this stage, what is already there can be adapted into the new canon. We just have more information now than we used to.

[Raganork8]

The whole point of the story with the Rebellion was stupid to me...just slightly overdone.

I wish it wasn't so blatant.

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

Read the Graphic Novel last night, very enjoyable. Will move onto the novel soon. :) I don't see any issues with continuity at this stage, what is already there can be adapted into the new canon. We just have more information now than we used to.

It will be interesting to hear your take on the two combined. On vacation I rad the novel first then the graphic novel, and wasn't very happy with the latter because I felt it lacked substance. However it would be funny if because you read the comic first, you end up somewhat disliking the book :) Really the only major difference between the two, story-wise, is that the graphic novel is missing one of the "bosses" of the game, while the novel includes this other boss.


But, still, is anyone else just as puzzled as I am at the fact of how small Maris Brood's appearance ended up being? The way they publicized her and ranted on about her, I was expecting her to join Starkiller, Juno, PROXY, and Kota. Or... is it something dumb like, she can only join your party if you are on "the dark path"...?

[Wicket]

It will be interesting to hear your take on the two combined. On vacation I rad the novel first then the graphic novel, and wasn't very happy with the latter because I felt it lacked substance. However it would be funny if because you read the comic first, you end up somewhat disliking the book :) Really the only major difference between the two, story-wise, is that the graphic novel is missing one of the "bosses" of the game, while the novel includes this other boss.


But, still, is anyone else just as puzzled as I am at the fact of how small Maris Brood's appearance ended up being? The way they publicized her and ranted on about her, I was expecting her to join Starkiller, Juno, PROXY, and Kota. Or... is it something dumb like, she can only join your party if you are on "the dark path"...?

Nah nobody joins your party. And please don`t bring things like that up because you`ll only make me long for KOTOR 3! :nahnah:. While there are multiple endings in the game, there isn`t a Light or Dark side to choose from throughout it.

Also, I`m not sure what`s missing from the PS2/Wii versions, but I know they get the Jedi temple level which PS3/360 don`t get. My cousin's got a Wii and chances are she`ll get the game so I need to make sure I go round at some point to play it so I get all the story.

That Desolus guy looked pretty cool. Annoyed I didn`t get to meet him at all. :(

[Luminara Skye]

I finally finished reading the novel Saturday. (Two hurricanes came through so it took me forever to read it, it seemed.) I enjoyed it. I only have issues about that twist about the Rebellion. The graphic novel is on the way. My brother has the game and he loves it. I don't have the coordination for the game.

[Darill Cyllem]

Finished the novel today.
I was less than impressed.

I know the story's based on a video game, but I was hoping it wouldn't feel that way, and it did. All I could think of was which parts would be "playable" and which would be "story." I didn't think the relationship between Starkiller and Juno was developed sufficiently. And I *still* can't figure out how Starkiller wasn't killed in the first third of the book. That was never explained at all. I would've even settled for a one sentence thing about the Force, but got nothing. Spending several *minutes* (in all likelihood) out in vacuum?? The gravity of what happened to him really made me unable to suspend my disbelief that he survived that. The other near death experiences made more sense, if my assumptions about his "re-construction" are at all valid (more machine than man, like Vader).

I thought the story was interesting, but didn't really like the way it was written.

I'm with you on the Rebellion thing, Luminara - I think... that thing right at the end?

Also, out of curiosity, what's the canon status of cut scenes from the movies? I'm specifically thinking about Shak Ti

[Jedi Master Harrison]

It will be interesting to hear your take on the two combined. On vacation I rad the novel first then the graphic novel, and wasn't very happy with the latter because I felt it lacked substance. However it would be funny if because you read the comic first, you end up somewhat disliking the book :) Really the only major difference between the two, story-wise, is that the graphic novel is missing one of the "bosses" of the game, while the novel includes this other boss.

Well, that graphic novel was the first graphic novel I ever read. I thought it was ok, entertaining enough, but I think I generally prefer to get detail rather than looking at pictures. But it was ok.

The novel, well, I have to be honest, I thought it was very hit and miss. Some passages were excellent, really expanded things. Other bits were poor - and did read 'like a videogame'. Some sections could have done with more information, some with less. I do think that this could have been made a lot better, maybe even expanded into 2 shorter books. Having said that, there were elements that I really enjoyed. I think I'd actually have to discuss it a bit more to come to a proper conclusion.

DC - I believe I read that the fact that the scene was deleted meant that it was not counted as canon and so there is no issue in that regard.

[Master Magnus]

DC - I believe I read that the fact that the scene was deleted meant that it was not counted as canon and so there is no issue in that regard.
No, the deleted scenes included on the DVDs are indeed considered canon (as long as they're not contradicting the movies, such as Grievous Slaughters a Jedi, in which Shaak Ti is killed and which is included on the ROTS DVD but which was reshoot with Shaak Ti being killed by Anakin in the Jedi Temple during Order 66. However, that version also ended up on the cutting room floor and neither of those scenes are considered canonical. Shaak Ti is present during the Jedi Council meeting which Yoda is attending via hologram on Kashyyyk.): Leland Chee blog (http://blogs.starwars.com/holocron/33)

[Darill Cyllem]

^Thanks for clarifying that particular issue for me, Magnus (JMH, too). That's one issue addressed for me anyway.

[Master Magnus]

^You're welcome, DC! :)

[Luminara Skye]

how Starkiller wasn't killed in the first third of the book. That was never explained at all. I would've even settled for a one sentence thing about the Force, but got nothing. Spending several *minutes* (in all likelihood) out in vacuum?? The gravity of what happened to him really made me unable to suspend my disbelief that he survived that. The other near death experiences made more sense, if my assumptions about his "re-construction" are at all valid (more machine than man, like Vader).

I was wondering about that, too. They alluded that he had artificial parts which made him like Vader, but they never gave more information on it. I can't see how he survived the vacuum of space.

I'm with you on the Rebellion thing, Luminara - I think... that thing right at the end?[quote]

That and the fact that Vader and the Emperor created the Rebellion!? :what:

[quote=Darill Cyllem;1040137]Also, out of curiosity, what's the canon status of cut scenes from the movies? I'm specifically thinking about Shak Ti

I thought because the scenes of her death were cut she wasn't considered dead in the canon? I thought she would have had a bigger part in the book.

[Darill Cyllem]

That and the fact that Vader and the Emperor created the Rebellion!? :what:

I'm not sure they did that on purpose... it seemed like a plot to root it out and destroy it. I could be wrong, though.

[kopernikuz]

I'm not sure they did that on purpose... it seemed like a plot to root it out and destroy it. I could be wrong, though.
I agree, in fact it seemed entirely obvious to me (from the game)... let's face it, they were not supposed to "survive" to actually "create" the rebellion... but The Apprentice was supposed to get close to the political enemies of Palpatine, and lead them to their destruction... and he almost did.

Again, I'm speaking from the game perspective, so I don't know how it came across in the book. Keep in mind, in the game, you have the option to take out Vader and succumb to the dark side. ;)

[Luminara Skye]

^By the end of the book, Starkiller was on the Rebillion side. The big conclusion was him rescuing Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, Garm Bel Iblis and Rahm Kota.

[kopernikuz]

No, I'm aware... it's the same in the game... but it wasn't Vader and Palpy's plan that he be on the rebellion's side other than to be trick them and betray them to the Empire, but Starkiller ended up sympathizing for obvious reasons. Was his assignment in the book not to infiltrate their ranks and lead them to destruction?

But in the game you can choose an alternative final ending... that's rather disasterous for Vader... and for you really.

[Darill Cyllem]

^I'd say that's accurate as far as the book goes, Kope. Starkiller doesn't figure out right away what Vader's (well, more precisely, Palpatine's) plan is, though. And, perhaps obviously, there's no alternate ending in the book- though that would be interesting... Star Wars "choose your own adventure."

[kopernikuz]

Star Wars "choose your own adventure."
Now you're talking, lol... that'd be fun! I remember those fondly from my childhood.

I stand convinced that the alternate ending of the game would make an AWESOME "What if" alternate universe series of comic books or maybe novels. It's just a neat direction to explore, how would it affect the twin's destinies, the rebellion, etc...

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

Now you're talking, lol... that'd be fun! I remember those fondly from my childhood.
Me, too. I still have mine. I noticed that sometimes they fetch a pretty price on eBay, but nothing outstanding.

[Luminara Skye]

Was his assignment in the book not to infiltrate their ranks and lead them to destruction?

Yes. Good thing he changed his mind, though. :superhappy: