Never Seen Star Wars?!?!

Some people just don't know what they're missing...

Thanks to Live For Film for directing my eyes to this one.

Follow me on Twitter: @sithemovieguy

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Deceived Author Paul S. Kemp Facebook Chat

A few days back Del Rey hosted a Facebook chat with Deceived Author Paul S. Kemp ( view the transcript here ). Kemp is the author of the recently released Star Wars: The Old Republic: Deceived novel witch debuted in the lucky thirteen spot on the New York Times bestseller list witch is quite an achievement. The book is set in set in The Old Republic timeline and tells the tale of the notorious Darth Malgus.

No major news was announced in the chat, but it did give fans a chance to ask away about things related to Deceived and the chat was unfortunately cut short by FB technical problems. Here is a run down:

• Is Deceived‘s Zeerid Korr an ancestor of Jaden Korr? Kemp pleads the fifth — but hints to check out Riptide. Meanwhile, Zeerid’s family life pulls from Kemp’s own thoughts as a father of young children (although hopefully, the author is not working for a crime syndicate as a mule.)
• Other than featuring Darth Malgus (the Sith Lord shown in the two The Old Republic game trailers), Kemp had a open field to play with when developing his story for Deceived. Malgus’ thinking was inspired by Nietzsche and existentialism, and can be seen easily in ‘The Third Lesson’, Kemp’s short story about Malgus after the Battle of Alderaan, appearing in Star Wars Insider #124.

Source: Club Jade

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Facebook Image Of The Week #6

BioWare have updated their Facebook page with another image of the week. This time BioWare teses us with a screenshot of Belsavis.

The verdant beauty of Belsavis’ volcanic craters can almost make one forget the galactic horrors imprisoned on the planet.

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EA Working On 'Revolutionary' Unannounced MMO

While EA’s Bioware is hard at work preparing Star Wars: The Old Republic, Electronic Arts might announce new MMORPG plans in near future. According to a job listing on industry website Gamasutra, Electronic Arts’ Redwood Shores suite of studios is working on an unannounced massively multiplayer online game, making me guess that a upcoming game will be Command & Conquer-based.

Information regarding the position is a bit unclear at the moment. The Gamasutra Posting refers to an MMO Web Architect position, but the EA Jobs link at the bottom of the page redirects to you a Java Engineer position related something to their The Sims Universe.

No further details about the project itself were given.

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Evan Mather's Kung Fu Kenobi's Big Adventure

Here's something we already knew: Evan Mather makes great short films and animations under his Hand Crafted Films name (his Three Reasons series is brilliant), and now we also know that he can turn his talents to the Star Wars universe and make something equally good. Below is Mather's "Kung Fu Kenobi's Big Adventure", linked from his Youtube for your consideration. It's a touch on the wierd side, but then aren't we all?

My favourite bit is the Pulp Fiction riff. But then, I get excited whenever I hear that monologue (even if it did launch Samuel L Jackson's career in a largely shouty new direction for a while).

Why not make your own film like this? You will need:

1. Some star wars action figures (sacrilegiously unmint and out of the box)
2. A selection of movie audio clips
3. An eye for gratuitous crotch-violence shots
4. Lots and lots of LSD

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Is This The Most Mental Star Wars Comic Tie-In Ever Created?

Thank God for the internet. In the olden days, thousands of prospective artists probably sneaked under the radar, never to share their delights with the world for the lack of a mass-reaching forum, and the world missed the opportunity for further enrichment. Now that's all changed, and even the most ridiculously untalented of broadband owner can air their scrawls and ravings for the world to see. And among that lot, we invariably find geniuses who might quite possibly also be completely bonkers.

Writer Jeremy Hammond and artist Andrew Dubongco fall into that last category, and we know this thanks to their bat-shit crazy comic "Fear and Loathing in Mos Eisley", which combines too of my great movie loves under one lunatic banner. And fear not, for it features penis-spiders.

I'll leave it to the duo themselves to describe the overall manifesto for the comic, but I'm certainly intrigued to say the least to see how this one comes out:

Not to give too much away, but expect the obvious; spice-induced debauchery, Rodian tickle porn, Twi'lek prostitutes and armed robbery of Jawas, among other things. Get psyched.

Below are the first two pages of the comic, though I have to say it is the cover to the left there that is the most impressive of all.

For two more pages, and the collected ravings of these clearly unstable (but undoubtedly talented) creative fellas head over to their Boat-On-A-Hill blog.

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Star Wars on Blu-ray release moved up to 9/16

StarWars.com is now confirming that the Star Wars Blu-ray box sets is being moved up to September 16th. Online retailers, like amazon have moved up their release date as well. Originally it was set for September 27, but for unknown reasons it was moved up one week.

Check out the Official Trailer here:

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SWTOR DeMotivational Posters

Motivational posters have graced the offices of businesses throughout the world. They typically contain an inspiring word followed by text designed to grab you by the neck and shake you into action.

They make me sick every time I look at one. So here are a few de-motivational posters SWTOR style all stolen from torbb.com to abase and darken your freelance office with.

Warning, humor lurks ahead.

Source

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SWTOR UK Community Event - April 5th

Last night BioWare’s community manage Stephen Reid Tweeted about a special announcement coming Tuesday for UK fans of Star Wars: The Old Republic, the entire community has since been discussing what it might be. Now we know.

BioWare will have a special “one-night-only” party in London, on April 5, 2011 were fans will be able to play the game. The event will be held at gamerbase, inside HMV at the Trocadero - here is a map of the location.

This is a great opportunity for UK gamers to get their hands-on the SWTOR, but hurry, BioWare states that the capacity is extremely limited, and based on reservations/invitations. REad the full forum post below and find out how you can be included:

Hello to all my fellow countrymen in the UK...
We have a late-breaking, limited quantity, super exclusive community event for you to potentially attend. Read on for more information, and please pay attention to the details!
On Tuesday, April 5th at gamerbase, inside HMV at the Trocadero (near Piccadilly Circus, London - here's a Google Map) we'll be doing a ONE NIGHT ONLY community event where a limited number of Forum members will be able to play Star Wars: The Old Republic!
Entrance is free, but INVITES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED on a first-come, first-serve basis.
We will be holding two separate play sessions, at 7pm and 9pm, with gamerbase being cleared between each session to allow us to reset. Here's all you need to know:
WHAT: Play Star Wars: The Old Republic - Origin Worlds! Any class, either faction.
WHERE: gamerbase, inside HMV - Trocadero Centre, Coventry Street, London W1D 7DH
WHEN: Tuesday April 5th - 7pm and 9pm (two sessions)
WHO: Possibly you! Admittance is free, but you must be a member of these Forums and aged 18 or over to attend.

HOW:
Admittance to this event will strictly be by INVITE ONLY. If you do not have an invitation YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED. Invites are non-transferable and will be issued in your name. To get an invitation, here's what you need to do:
1) Send an email to bwacommunitysupport AT bioware.com with the subject line "SWTOR at Gamerbase Registration".
Click here to create an email in your default email program with that subject line.
2) In the email, include the following details:
- Your name as it appears on photo ID (eg driving license or passport; this will be checked at the event)- Your Forums username- Your age (YOU MUST BE OVER 18 TO ATTEND)- Which session you wish to attend (7pm or 9pm)
If any of the details required are not included, you will not be eligible for selection. Please note we have a strictly limited number of seats available at gamerbase. This post will be updated once all applications have been received and we cannot take any more. We cannot guarantee your choice of session will be available. EA and gamerbase reserve the right to refuse admittance.
And now, a few FAQs I'm anticipating. If you have more questions, ask them below:
Will any developers be attending this event?
Yes, but we cannot confirm who at this time. I'll be there for the community team.
What can I play during the event?
You'll be able to pick from Republic and Empire factions, and play on the Origin Worlds with any character class you like. Please note, due to limited numbers we may not be able to guarantee you will play your preferred faction.
How long will I get to play?
Approximately an hour, depending on how long we take to seat people. We need reset time between sessions, so the first session will close at approximately 8:30pm.
Can I create my own character to play?
Sorry, but character creation will not be available during this event.
Can I film the event?
You may film the event itself, but you may not film the game screens.
I operate a fan site for The Old Republic. Am I allowed to attend?
Absolutely, as long as you secure one of the invites.
Can I talk about this event on the internet??
Absolutely! Tweet, post, blog, podcast - whatever you like.
Can I bring anyone else with me if they don't get to play?
No - because of capacity restrictions, entrance is strictly limited to those with an invite. Invites admit one person only.
I can't make it. Can I give my invite to a friend?
Unless your friend has your name, and looks identical to you in photo ID - no.
But I can't make it now, what do I do?
Check your invite email for details.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes it is.
Why is this in London? I live far away and can't make it!
We're holding a press event at gamerbase, and this event is a happy bonus feature to that event. It's in London, so the event is in London.
Will you be exhibiting at [insert show name here]?
We're going to be exhibiting SWTOR at a variety of events across the world both pre and post-launch. Stay tuned to SWTOR.com for details as they're announced.
When will I know if I got an invite?
All invites should be sent out to those who received them by Thursday, March 31st.

EDIT: THE EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT

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Pax East Trooper Character Sheet

This photo was mailed to us along with the SWTOR Class Background Sheets we posted last week. Unfortunately it got lost, but is now it's found.

There is still some confusion about if it is leaked material that the Leakerz guys are behind or if it is PAX material. But our source tells us that it is takes with a mobile phone at this years pax east - and we choose to belive so, because sharing beta leaks is bad m'kay.

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PC Gamers prints two new screenshots

The latest issue of PC Gamer has a 4 page writeup on Star Wars: The old republic. The article takes up and  angle on how the game will change the MMORPG genre for ever  - some for good and some for the bad.

The article also shows 2 new screenshots I don't believe have been published before.

- First one is a screeny of what appears to be an Imperial Agent dual-weilding some sort of daggers and sneaking up on a Cathar (NPC?) from behind.

- The second one is a group of 3 Republic characters... a human Smuggler Gunslinger, a human Trooper and a Mirialan Jedi Knight. The Trooper has no helmet on, is huge, and carrying a huge weapon. In front of a Republic base on... maybe Belsavis?

There is nothing new revealed in the article apart from the new screens - well maby a  dual-weilding melee Imperial Agent?

Check out the pictures below:

 

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Rebecca Black destroys Alderaan

Since it's pretty slow with Star Wars: The old republic right now, we have set out to find other stuff to write about. So excuse us for being off topic once in a while this week.

During my daily run around the net, I came across this little jewel. Along with brock's dubb, this is one of the funnier "Friday" parodies I have ever seen.  Besides the actual music video of course.





 

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College Humour's Clever Star Wars Public Service Posters

One characteristic of the film industry that has always intrigued me is the culture of fan-made alternative posters that inevitably pop up whenever a film is loved enough to inspire even the smallest rabid fan following.

And thanks to the internet, every Tom, Dick and Obi Wan with Photoshop skills, an eye for a punchy poster, and a penchant for the finer points of the geekiest film franchises can now post their own lovingly made creations for our consideration.

College Humour have posted seven beautiful new Star Wars posters, of which the one to the left here is my favourite, and the one below runs a close second. Simple, bold and effective.

To see the other five, head over to College Humour and feast your eyes on their clever creations. The Force is strong in these ones.

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SWTOR Gamers offer free guild logos for Japan Tsunami/Quake Relief

Outside of the big players in the making of this game and the industry, there has been little mention of the actual gamers and their communities getting ready to play SWTOR. Here is an example of a gamer and her project which deserves mention right now.

Cerina's avatar from SWTOR.com

Cerina, a member of the Celtic Thunder Guild, started a popular thread on the Star Wars: The Old Republic community forums. She hooked up with other graphic designers and they are offering a free service to all Guild creators looking for a logo design. This is being offered for free in hopes that the recipient would be encouraged to donate to the Japan tsunami/quake relief effort. As many of you already know, Japan lost over 10,000 people in this disaster. The radiation from the nuclear power plants has leaked and has even been detected in the ocean through increased iodine levels. Cerina's creativity is in a small way helping, so please come check out the thread and consider helping as well.

She is going to start a website soon for this project, so this is a project to keep your eye on. Especially if you are a member of one of the many thousands of new guilds for SWTOR.

Her project is called Ye Olde Republic Design Shoppe. To follow her on twitter, add @celticthndrgld

***SPECIAL NOTE: If you like the work I have done for you please consider donating be it money, your personal time or items to the Japan relief effort. I am sure the RED-CROSS has something going on.*** I will not accept any compensation for this work but it would be a compliment to me if you donated it to the relief effort.- Cerina

Cerina mentions donating to the Red Cross. The Red Cross was one of the first on the scene offering aid.

Here is an updated list of places asking for donations for the Japan tsunami/quake relief effort.
How to Help Japan: Earthquake Relief options

Kieth Harmon Snow (a trusted international photo-journalist) did a special on KPFA (California) and WBAI (NY) on the radiation situation in Japan. He says his Japan contacts are asking folks to donate to Kozmoz International

May the Force be with Japan!



HiddenPalm

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Know your Lore: Chodo Habat

Chodo Habat was a male Ithorian Force Adept, and leader of the herd that oversaw the Telosian Restoration Project after the Bombing of Telos IV. He was a respected spiritual leader among his people because of his ability to feel the Force. He helped the Jedi Exile regain some of her own Force-sensitivity in exchange for her help in dealing with Czerka Corporation and local Exchange boss Loppak Slusk, whose combined action of sabotage had brought the Restoration project to a halt. Eventually, his efforts made the planet's atmosphere suitable for life again, after it had been turned into acidic vapor by the Sith bombardment. Twenty other worlds would benefit from his success.

If the player sides with Jana Lorso, then Chodo and Moza will refuse to speak with them. It is possible, however, to work for Chodo yet still smuggle some of his possessions to Samhan Dobo, the Exchange smuggler on Citadel Station.

The Exile would have received the first fixture for her lightsaber from Lorso instead of Chodo, if she sided with Czerka.

Biography
Ithorians were renowned for their ability to stabilize ecospheres. Habat sought to create new life on Telos by importing wildlife from planets rich in food chains such as Ithor, Onderon and Dxun, but as the contract disputes with Czerka continued, and Onderon experienced the political schism split between Queen Talia's supporters and General Vaklu's, the arrangement was compromised. The Republic blockade that followed the First Battle of Onderon, in which the Ebon Hawk was attacked by Onderonian starfighters under Colonel Tobin, meant long delays for both the diplomats managing the trade, and the merchants whose beast cages were filling up the streets of Iziz since passage in and out of the city was choked by the introduction of starport visas. With Talia's triumph over Vaklu, however, Onderon remained within the Republic and the work of Chodo could continue to rely on their natural resources.

Competition with Czerka
When Republic relations with Onderon began to deteriorate, increasing the purchase and transport costs of biological specimens, Czerka gained a foothold in contract negotiations for the Restoration project and wrested control of a number of Restoration Zones on the planet's surface from the Ithorians. They discovered that the surface of Telos was covered with military facilities that were either destroyed or abandoned during the Sith attack, and as part of the Republic contract, Lorso was allowed to use those resources to help fund and support the project. In the long run, if the Republic decided to start restoring other war-torn worlds, the powerful corporation hoped to integrate itself into the process and gain new markets for Czerka products. Habat himself admitted that without the Exile's intervention, his herd would have had no measure of success in dealing with them.

Infrastructure droids
For the restoration of Telos, Chodo also relied on infrastructure droids to plan and manage the project. The first, one of Aratech's G0-T0 Infrastructure Planning Systems commissioned by Supreme Chancellor Cressa in 3,955 BBY, was lost the very first day it arrived on Citadel Station. The TSF conducted a thorough investigation into the matter but was unable to find the reason for its disappearance, however they excluded the droid was stolen as some among Chodo's herd suspected. Czerka was also suspected to be responsible, but in truth G0-T0 had left by its own choice. A second, somewhat lesser droid was acquired by the Ithorians to take its place, and was escorted to the Ithorian Compound by the Jedi Exile at Chodo's request, before it could be stolen by Exchange thugs hired by Czerka.

Cooperation with Bao-Dur
When Citadel Station was developing the shield network that allowed the Ithorians to purify and reseed small portions of the surface, they worked with a Zabrak ex-military engineer named Bao-Dur. Bao-Dur designed and oversaw the installation of the shield system's planet-side components, and when the Ebon Hawk was seized by the Handmaiden Sisters Chodo told the Exile to seek him out on Czerka-held Restoration Zone RZ-0031, confident that his help would have been invaluable. On the planet's surface Bao-Dur was amazed at the work of the Ithorians, and ever upset at Czerka's attempts at destroying it. He was actually there to sabotage their operations in the hopes of driving Czerka from the Restoration Zone, which had begun deteriorating within weeks since their arrival.



Cooperation with the Jedi Exile
While the Exile was still being kept under house arrest by the Telos Security Force for her involvement in the destruction of the Peragus Mining Facility, Chodo sent his primary representative, Moza, to meet her and ask for her assistance. The Jedi Exile agreed to negotiate a truce with Loppak Slusk as well as rid Chodo's herd of Czerka. She thwarted Czerka Executive Jana Lorso who sought to steal their latest infrastructure droid, and seized her administrative assistant B-4D4 to obtain compromising information from the Czerka mainframe for Chodo to expose to the Telosian Council. Later on, the Exile would save Chodo and his herd from a squad of mercenaries hired by Lorso in retaliation.

Habat presented the Exile with the heirloom of a Jedi once of his herd, a lightsaber component she would eventually use to construct her own weapon. He also allowed her to use one of their orbital shuttles to descend to the planet's surface.

During the Battle of Telos IV, Chodo met the Exile one last time on Citadel Station and told her of his herd's progress since Czerka's ban from contract negotiations for the Restoration project. Even as the Sith attacked, Chodo would not leave the station, but insisted Moza did for the sake of the other war-torn planets that would have need for his herd.

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OMG Cat Discovers Star Wars

Okay, so OMG Cat is hardly new news, but the feline with the most expressive face this side of a Tom & Jerry cartoon is still a major draw when teamed up with just the right revelation for maximum effect.

So, it is with great pleasure that I introduce this funny re-edit, teaming up OMG Cat with the single greatest inter-gallactic familial revelation ever to grace the world of cinema. In the immortal words of Maury Povich: "Darth Vader, in the case of Luke Skywalker, you ARE the father!"

Now everyone, say along with me: Oh My GOD!!!

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Jedi Knight Character Progression

In most MMOGs, you earn skills and get new gear to progress as you level. But as a Jedi in Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR), you get to do it with a lightsaber! This week's update from BioWare is all about advancement as a Jedi Knight. The video shows off some of the skills and gear that you can get while leveling up in SWTOR. Check out the full video after the break.

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SWTOR Class Background Sheets

A attendant at this years PAX East was quick to take a picture of all class background sheets. A really interesting read as it gives some inside to the class as well as the story behind each class. Off course this is not in game screen shots, so some of the pictures might be hard to read:

EDIT: apparently these Pictures comes from a focus test on leakerz.net. Check below comment.

Also here is some HD footage of (almost) the entire gameplay experience of SWTOR at PAX East 2011. :

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