Seeing patterns in the linkage at StarWars.com, fans stumbled upon a page unreleased to the public – and probably not at all meant for release yet – while trying out various URL combinations. Said page contains (or rather contained, it was removed after being discovered) a summary for all twenty episodes of the upcoming Clone Wars cartoon.

Of particular interest was the description of the last episode’s content, which contains the name of a new character which was previously revealed in spoiler reports on various websites. Spoilers - Highlight to read:

20. Grievous fights the Jedi

‘General Grevious’, according to the spoiler reports, is the commander of the separatist’s droid armies in Episode III – the new bad guy. Sources have always spelled the name 'Grevious' while the official site writes 'Grievous'. Which of the two it will turn out to be the correct spelling is yet to be seen. (side note: ‘20’ pertains to the number of that particular episode, not the amount of Grievouses we’ll see – in case you were wondering...)

IGN has reviewed Rebel Strike, with four pages of in-depth coverage. It garners an 8.3 Overall, and a perfect 10 for Sound. (Only 7 for Gameplay)

In Rebel Strike, you again fly an X-Wing in space battle and through the clouds of Hoth. But in addition, you can now also pilot Imperial Walkers, race speeder bikes through the forest of Endor, and yes, even go it on foot in third-person mode -- all franchise firsts. This time around there's even advanced multiplayer options.

So is Rogue Squadron III the better game? In some respects, yes -- absolutely, in fact. Its flight-based scenarios are more intense, larger and prettier than ever before and its new cooperative mode is reason enough to pick up the title, if for nothing else. But the game does not succeed in all areas. Its Shadows of the Empire-inspired third-person foot scenarios are particularly malfunctioned and unpolished -- a truth that dents the overall experience. To find out just how much, you'll have to keep reading.

Insiders, also get a head-to-head comparision of Rogue Leader and Rebel Strike.

GameSpy has reviewd Knights of the Old Republic for PC.

Outside of graphics, the biggest change the developers can make is in the interface. The latest build I played had a new, but not yet final, interface that was definitely cleaner than the Xbox version's. All the command choices are mapped to the four corners of the screen, cutting down the clutter and letting you enjoy more of the game's graphics. When it's combat time, additional choices pop up in the middle of the screen, though the game's producer said that the final interface may or may not have this particular feature. While I liked the cleaner screen of the PC version, I couldn't spend enough time with the game to see how intuitive the interface is. It took me a few hours to become acclimated to the Xbox controls, after which is was a breeze to command my party. The PC offers more flexibility to be sure, and the hot keys are a big-time plus, but at first glance it seems like any other PC-RPG interface, which isn't a bad thing, but perhaps not all it could be. Time will tell if the final interface will have you running around faster than the Millennium Falcon or walking sluggishly, knee deep in bantha poodoo.

In many ways, Knights of the Old Republic for PC feels like the special edition of Star Wars: Episode IV. The theatrical re-release definitely looked better than the original, much like how the PC edition of KoTOR is indisputably better looking than the Xbox version. And while the new additions are definitely cool, it's likely that most of them will be downloadable options for the Xbox version as well. At this point, save for the enhanced graphics, I'm not certain the game will be superior on the PC, though the potential is definitely there. I can't be sure until I spend significant time with the interface.

Whether it plays better or the same as the Xbox version, PC gamers that haven't checked out this game will want to give it a shot. It's pure BioWare bliss with Star Wars trappings.

There has been talk about George Lucas not releasing the classic trilogy in its "original" form (not the "Special Edition") and even more talk about the original versions not even existing anymore. Well, I finished "Rebel Strike" for the GameCube and at the end of the game they show the end celebration scene from "Return of the Jedi." Except that it isn't the one from the "Special Edition." It's the original cut with the original ewok music in it's full crisp dvd-quality widescreen glory! I was surprised and very pleased to say the least. Could this mean that the rumours about the Original Trilogy being released on DVD in 2004, in it's original form are true? Could the people at LucasArts have inserted this clip as a bit of a teaser of things to come? One can only hope....

Thanks to Obi-Shawn Kenobi, from TF.N, for that tidbit of hype. Let's hope it's true!

JediNet has had the honor to interview Hayden Blackman, producer for Star Wars Galaxies. Here's a brief snippit of it:

JN: The next comes from a number of individuals who are experiencing monotonous gameplay. Several people are wondering when the game will become more exciting. Our original thoughts on the issue is that the game is boring due to the lack of effective play by gamers who are confused as to what exactly to do. Any comments?

HB: This is a tough question to answer without knowing specifics. As mentioned before, we have a great deal to do in the game. What one player finds "boring" is actually very exciting to another type of player. We encourage exploration, not only of the worlds but of the different professions, and that type of gameplay brings a lot of excitement to the game. We're also going to be concentrating more on core features, that aren't being used right now: battlefields are a prime example of this. Finally, we are continually improving the new player experience. . We feel that our tutorial is really strong, but we'd like to do more once the player enters the game to keep them from feeling totally overwhelmed.

JN: Finally, what is your favorite aspect of Galaxies?

HB: For me, it's the fact that I'm always discovering something new. Even though I've been working on the game for over three years, nearly every time I play, I see a location that I haven't seen before, or meet a player using the game system's in new ways, or discover a new tactic, or stumble across a new random encounter. The game is really huge, and that continually impresses me. Also, the team is doing such a great job adding new stuff that it always feels fresh to me.

To read the full interview click here.

Want to theme your pumpkin after a Star Wars character this year? JediNet has provided carving patterns for the following. Click on the characters name for an image:

- Darth Maul Pattern
- Darth Vader Pattern
- Stormtrooper Pattern
- Yoda Pattern

And here are some designs from Ether Graphics...

- Darth Vader Pattern
- Darth Maul Pattern
- Boba Fett Pattern
- Jabba the Hutt Pattern
- Yoda Pattern

And here are some designs from The Pumpkin Wizard...

- Darth Maul Pattern
-
-
- Jar Jar Binks Pattern (Expect a severely smashed pumpkin)
- Qui-Gon Jin Pattern
- Yoda Pattern
- Queen Amidala Pattern
- Boba Fett Pattern

And here are some from Marc VanderPal...

- Darth Vader Pattern
- Luke Skywalker Pattern
- Obi-Wan Kenobi Pattern
- Han Solo Pattern
- Princess Leia Pattern
- C-3P0 Pattern
- Stormtrooper Pattern
- Battle Droid Pattern

May The Force be with you, and your pumpkin, this Halloween!

TF.N has provided some more Episode III spoilers. Spoilers - Hightlight to read:

- When Obi-Wan returns to Coruscant, he meets up with Yoda and must come to terms with what Anakin has been up to while he was away. The most telling of evidence is proof that Anakin led a raid on the temple with clonetroopers and eliminated the Younglings and any Jedi trying to protect them.

- Padme tracks down Anakin to Mustafar. When she finds him, he has already dispatched all the Seperatist leaders. She is still not full term yet in her pregnancy. Anakin only believes she is pregnant with one child. When the twins are born, it is not due to Padme going into labor, but out of necessity to rescue them from her before she passes.

- Mustafar is the "lava planet" and would best be described as the underbowels of Bespin meets lava processing facilities. Take the environment that Luke and Vader fought in on Bespin, and build it into the side of a volcanic mountain and you'll begin to get a rough idea of what the area will be like.

I'm just hoping the film doesn't get over-hyped, like Episode I did. We still have well over a year to wait!

The Official Star Wars Site has announced new Star Wars Galaxies game cards. Already thousands of fans are exploring and interacting within the massively multiplayer online worlds of Star Wars Galaxies, but now fans who don't have access to credit cards can subscribe to Galaxies with LucasArts' new game cards.

The new game cards for Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided will allow players without credit cards to purchase a 60-day subscription to Galaxies for a SRP for $29.99. The cards feature four recognizable Star Wars characters: Darth Vader, Bounty Hunter, Twi'lek, and Wookiee, and will be available at retailers nationwide, online stores and LucasArts.

The Weekly Dig offers its insight into the popular LucasArts title Knights of the Old Republic, while taking a few shots at Star Wars fandom in the process:

Are you, like many Star Wars fans, reluctant to let a once-hot franchise slip into the icy depths of George Lucas's bumbling insanity? Then get ready for Knights of the Old Republic, probably the best Star Wars game to date. But there's a catch - it's also secretly a Dungeons & Dragons game. That's right, you're leading a band of ragtag adventurers (ha!) through a strange and perilous realm (gotcha) fraught with villains and monsters (uh-oh) on a quest to save the kingdom, er, galaxy. Select your character's class - soldier (that's fighter to you), scout (ranger) or scoundrel (thief). Distribute points between strength, dexterity, wisdom, etc. And get this: You start with a blaster and a short sword. Not a lightsaber, flameknife or even a low-tech stun gun, but a spunky little slab of sharp steel. Welcome to the geek-franchise doubleheader of the century - the kind of game you either tell your buddies all about, all the time, or else the kind you lock away in a closet far away from friends, family or, God help you, your girlfriend.

But if you've got the requisite nerd credentials, Knights of the Old Republic is an excellent game, an RPG of astonishing scope and imagination. Set thousands of years before the movies, the burgeoning republic is losing a war against the brutal Sith, led by a dark lord whose name, thankfully, isn't Dooku, Papi or Jim-Jim. You play a force-sensitive republican destined for epic things, accompanied by a wookie, a droid, a jedi and other characters that are considerably more engaging than Natalie Portman's nubile bosom. Like any RPG, the emphasis is on advancing the plot and improving your party's abilities and equipment. The gameplay resembles 3-D shooters like Tomb Raider and Vice City, until the action starts, when you're advised to pause, issue commands to each character, and then let the combat play out.

Four stars. Overall, that's a thumbs-up for the game. I think. Read the complete article here.

Here's a snippit of a review from GamePro, about Lucas Arts' Rebel Strike:

The visuals have remained as sharp and detailed as those of the last Rogue Squadron game. Once again, impressive aerial combat is displayed with what seems like an unlimited amount of TIE Fighter squadrons gunning for you in every direction, sweet-looking explosions, and exquisite detail on every piece of aircraft you fly. On the ground, the graphics remain as strong. Stormtroopers animate with clonelike follies as they try to stop you, while the towering Imperial Walkers command an inspiring awe as you try to take them down one leg at a time. Well-orchestrated music and ear-crushing sound effects perfectly stay in tune with the Star Wars theme as well.

Despite the fantastic gains, Rogue III is still a Jedi in training when it comes to controls. You can’t adjust the camera angles at any time; switching between cockpit and third-person views messes up your targeting; annoyingly random lock-ons constantly occur when you’re fighting on foot; and the controls just feel loose on all of the vehicles you ride.

Click here for the full review.

The official Galaxies site has updated with a wedding guide for those of you who are ready to take the big step in a galaxy far away. Here's a bit of the intro, follow the link below it for more details:

One of the most common player-run events on just about any MMORPG is the player wedding. The Star Wars universe is no exception to this ancient tradition as witnessed by Han and Leia, Luke and Mara and Chewbacca and Malla to name just a few. Weddings may be old hat to some, or perhaps a surprising revelation to newer players. Either way, attending a well-planned online wedding can be quite an experience.

Like a real wedding there are many things to consider: gowns and formal wear, rings, location, photographers, reception party and much more. If you're interested in throwing a wedding, here are some tips from players who have already tied the knot in Star Wars Galaxies.

For full details click here.

Here's some more reviews about Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy:

Here's what GameZone.com had to say:

During your arrival on Yavin 4 where the Academy is located, dark forces are awry. Tavion, who some of you may remember from Jedi Outcast, returns with a sinister plan to wipe out the Jedi for good. She is hell-bent on resurrecting a five thousand year old Sith named Ragnos. Sure Ragnos is dead, but Tavion has a powerful darkside force wielding staff that just might do the trick. Tavion and her minions who call themselves the Cult of Ragnos, go racing around the galaxy to force sensitive planets. The Ragnos staff/scepter sucks up this force and when the two are combined-look out. So its up to the Jedi to stop the evil once more as the guardians of the galaxy.

Something to note here. If you love the Jedi Knight series, but you haven’t bought Jedi Academy yet because you were waiting to read a review to see if the franchise still has life in it, then please read no further. Run to your local EBX and purchase this game because it is an ass-kicker. That’s right. Go now, you will not be disappointed. Still not convinced? Well by all means read on about this small box of gaming goodness.

Hit the above link, or click here for the full review from GameZone.

Here's what Firing Squad had to say about it:

Ever since the release of the original Dark Forces way back in 1995, gamers have been looking for a title where they could step into Luke Skywalker's funky black togs from opening cinematics to closing credits. They never quite got it, as both of the two follow-ups began as standard shooters. Both Jedi Knight and Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast didn't really get going until the lightsabers went kashoom and Kyle Katarn gained the ability to Force Push stormtroopers off ledges.

That isn't a worry anymore. Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy finally lets players wield a lightsaber from the get-go and take part in every step of Jedi training from neophyte to padawan to knight. Raven Entertainment has provided nothing short of a Jedi training simulation, using the post-Return of the Jedi setting of Luke Skywalker's school on Yavin IV as a backdrop. For the first time, we get to see what it would be like to begin life as a Jedi, complete with training, do-gooder missions scattered across the galaxy, and the usual mysterious evil threatening to bring back the Empire, lock, stock, and stormtrooper.

Hit the above link, or click here for the full review from Firing Squad.

And, here's Gaming Power's two cents on the game:

In previous games in the Jedi Knight series, players assumed the role of Kyle Katarn, and while not playable this time around, Kyle does return as Jaden's mentor at Skywalker's academy. This means you'll get to see plenty of him, as he'll be accompanying you and Rosh on many of your missions. Once you get past the game's basic training, you'll be taken to a number of different locations via the missions, which are varied and surprisingly entertaining. You'll do anything from exploring deserted planets to find pieces for your damaged ship to bounty hunting in highly populated areas, and the game will please fans of the Star Wars series as it takes you to various popular locations such as the desert planet Tatooine. Missions are rarely predictable, as some can take just minutes, while others will have you battling for over an hour. You'll also find many familiar faces in Jedi Academy, more so than in previous games, so you'll be able to meet characters like Chubacca and Luke Skywalker while doing battle with anything from strange native creatures to shiny white Storm Troopers.

As in the last game, the gameplay is divided up between first and third person action – if you're carrying your light sabre, the game's camera defaults to the third person, but if you select a gun or almost any other weapon, you'll see the action through the eyes of Jaden. The third person mode is best for jumping and exploring, while (so long as you're not low on ammo) the first person view is best for combat. In both views the game controls just like a standard first person shooter, so anyone familiar with these controls will have no trouble playing the game.

Hit the above link, or click here for the full review.

Here's part of what PC Arena had to say:

Voiceovers and acting are professional as always. This is also true of the musical score. It’s a Star Wars title after all, and we’ve grown accustomed to LucasArt’s standards for sound and music. While playing, one may make an interesting observation: Jedi Academy borrows something from the likes of No One Lives Forever--slapstick conversation. At certain locations, and perhaps as Easter Eggs, you’ll eavesdrop on conversations that would make you chuckle aloud in an otherwise serious situation. In one conversation I recall, two sentries were talking about the way not being able to breathe in their uniforms had brought back memories of being an Imperial Storm Trooper. Naturally, I dispatched both of them with a single thermal grenade from above while they were reminiscing about the old days. I was hoping to at least have heard the end of their story…

The bottom line? As a first person shooter, Jedi Academy excels. It is a Star Wars action title with an engrossing single player experience, even holding true to the expanded Star Wars universe. Faithful and casual followers alike would have no problem getting into Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. Highly recommended!

Hit the above link, or click here for the full review.

And to "top-the-cake", here's the final review for today, this one from UGO.

The game will have you traversing many levels that aren't physically connected to the previous one; since the whole thing is structured for the player to planet hop and do quite a few one-level missions, you will be visiting plenty of unique locales. Some of these work very nicely, while others (like the Hoth outdoor level) are very disappointing from a visual perspective.

We do get quite a few new sounds in Jedi Academy, but you'll hear a ton of familiar ones from previous Star Wars & Jedi Knight games. The random conversations between Stormtroopers and other enemies are somewhat interesting, and a few of them are pretty funny to listen to.

Hit the above link, or click here for the full review.

JediNet has provided us with TONS of Episode III Spoilers! Spoilers - Highlight to read:

Grevious' Body Guards: Droids with unique shield weapons that are capable of blocking Jedi attacks. These shields have been designed with the intention of blocking saber attacks from Jedi Knights.

Jedi Hunter Droids - Droids that have shields capable of protecting them from most lightsaber attacks, the shielding can be compared to the shielding on the Theed Generator Complex's doors that Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan had to travel through in order to combat Darth Maul in TPM. These droids reportively ambush a squadron of Jedi Knights in the opening sequences of the film. The catch is that the Jedi Squadron members are flying TIE-type fighters. (Note: For those of you who are a bit slow, the droids should be in fighters)

Battle Droids - We see very few this time around

Destroyer Droids - Aka Droideka's - we've seen this guys before.

Super Battle Droids - 'Nuff said.

Spider Droids - Perhaps a revisitation on concepts that were developed for Episode II and tossed in favor of the larger Dwarf Spider Droids that the Confederacy of Independent Systems used during the Battle of Geonosis.

As the ending sequences of Episode III begin to play across the screen we see Anakin Skywalker awakening as Darth Vader for the first time since his epic duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi on the 'lava planet' known as Mustafar. Once he awakens he questions Palpatine as to the whereabouts of Padme, to which Palpatine responds with "You killed her..." Skywalker/Vader goes into a Force-powered rage, screams the trademark "Nooo..." and the scene fades into a sequence of crossfades including the following items:

* Padme's funeral
* Obi-Wan Kenobi arriving on Tatooine and delivering the infant Luke Skywalker to Owen and Beru Lars
* Bail Organa and his wife on Alderaan with the infant Leia Skywalker. R2-D2 and C-3PO are present on Alderaan as well.

Then, then final shot of the film features Darth Vader, Darth Sidious/Palpatine, and Tarkin on the bridge of a Star Destroyer, overlooking the construction of the first Death Star. At that time the end credits roll.

As the Clone Wars progressed the Clone Troopers had begun to gain a subtle bit of personality through all the battles and missions. One trooper inparticular becomes friends with Obi-Wan Kenobi, and has apparently fought with Kenobi on multiple occassions throughout the Clone Wars. During one battle scene in Episode III (on the planet which Bruce Spence's alien race inhabits) a clonetrooper (who may be portrayed by Tem Morrison) hands Kenobi his lightsaber (may have been dropped or lost during hand to hand combat). Upon handing Kenobi the saber the Trooper's face loses all expression and he raises his weapon towards the Jedi in an attempt to kill him. As the trooper raises the weapon, Kenobi is forced to take the life of the Clone trooper, thereby ending the relationship that had developed over the course of the war.

The scene may or may not be emotional enough for the audience, however, the audience might be able to put two and two together if the following items are also correct.

As previously mentioned the trooper might be Morrison, who may have shared an earlier scene with Kenobi in which the trooper had his helmet off. It appears that the troopers are continuing to age, thus the obvious use of Morrison to portray the aging clones.

The planet Utapau contains mines which were originally reported by some sources to be droid factories. However, the so-called factories are actually reinforcement camps or base camps that allow for the dispersement of additional droid armies or droid army regrouping. Utapau, aka the 'sinkhole planet' is apparently a planet that natives build homes in the sides of rock walls (American Indian influences anyones? How about Pueblos? Get the picture?). Apparently the Jedi Ki-Adi Mundi and Plo Koon investigate this planet and report into the Jedi Council via hologram. The action for Ki-Adi and Plo Koon tends to heat up after this scene, and it greatly affects their role in the film.

In addition to the above, the rest of this is purely speculation, as it appears that Ki-Adi and Plo Koon may die on Utapau while investigating the droid reinforcement areas. Their deaths are seen on screen, yet the exact location has yet to be noted, however the scenes on Utapu provide an excellent opportunity for the two Jedi to die following their report back to the Council.

As items continue to develop in Episode III Yoda attains part of what seems to be a Sith book (perhaps on Kashyyyk). Yoda states that he must "go and meditated on what is to come" at the Temple. He is then faced with confronting Palpatine/Sidious in the Jedi Temple. Apparently Yoda is meditating in the Jedi Temple regarding the Sith and Palpatine enters. The two masters fight, and Palpatine eventually gets the best of Yoda, having opened up a huge can of whoop arse on the green master.

The details are few and far between on this scene, and how exactly Yoda attains the book parts, but chances are the meditation is what leaves Yoda vunerable to such a butt kicking by Palpatine.

After choosing to side with Palpatine (following the entire Mace Windu ordeal), Anakin is sent on missions with clonetroopers to assassinate Jedi. One such missions leads them to the lobby of the Jedi Temple, where they ambush some Jedi - including Younglings.
Footage of the attack is recorded and later reviewed by Yoda and Obi-Wan after they’ve returned to Coruscant. This seems to be the moment when they realize Anakin has turned, and Obi-Wan is very aware that he needs to put a stop to his wayward apprentice.

The reviewed footage seems to be George’s means to imply the Younglings’ death without showing it onscreen.

As reported, Darth Vader is attended by medical droids after the duel. After he wakes up and realizes what the operation has turned him into (combined with Sidious telling him he was responsible for Padmé’s death), Vader can’t contain himself, starts force choking people and throwing droids around and ultimately devastates the entire room he’s in.

What follows is the ending sequence montage that has already been described and discussed, until we come back to Vader, Sidious and Tarkin on the Star Destroyer bridge.

Now, remember those three words “I don’t fear…” (by Vader) which Rick McCallum revealed in one of the hyperspace chats in summer? Well, what Vader apparently says is, that he doesn’t fear the dark side, he embraces it.

As for his costume, there doesn’t seem to be any preliminary stage of the suit he wears in the OT, the moment he wakes up as Vader, it’s the complete dreaded black armour again, unmistakeably.

Following THE duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin, the Jedi Master, Padmé, Bail Organa and Yoda are on board the blockade runner (aka Tantine IV) on their way to Alderaan. Padmé is seriously wounded from injuries Anakin inflicted upon her in the prelude to aformented duel. They try to save her but her condition isn’t looking good at all, so the Tantive IV is forced to land on a new planet.
The inhabitants of this new world resemble the classic grey UFO aliens. They are also quite short.

This is the location where the twins are born prematurely, after being rescued from the dying Padmé, who falls victim to her injuries shortly after Leia and Luke are removed from her. This is also where Bail, Yoda and Obi-Wan decide on how to proceed, i.e. what to do with the (surprisingly) two children.

*Wheph!!!*

Here's what Hayden had to say to BBCi about his role in the final Star Wars movie:

"My character in this one is more or less in the entire film, in every scene in the movie. The character arc is very specific and graduates to the dark side nicely. It was a great part to play. It's definitely darker in tone but I turn into Darth Vader, so how could it not be?" He continues: "In the first act of the film, there's lots of adventure and Ewan [McGregor] and I are in our element there acting as Jedi Knights. There's a nice banter between the two of us. It has its light-hearted humour but, as the film progresses, it gets darker and darker."

Dark Horizons posted the following:

"One of my pals at ILM told me a few days back that another trilogy 'might' happen. This is the sequel trilogy that Lucas said he'd never do. It's very very early days yet, but apparently there is some talk, even to the point of Mr Spielberg - who was interested in doing 'Clones' at one point - stepping in for Lucas, who may want to write, but probably won't want to direct. If Lucas doesn't they'll probably work out a deal for say Frank Darabont to pen (ala the current "Indiana Jones IV" arrangement). This one would be the three films following Return of the Jedi, Han Solo, Skywalker, post-Darth etc. How hard of a time are they going to have on their hands getting some of those original players! ha ha! finally a fitting use for CGI hey? The deal is everyone wants the sequels, except Lucas, who is apparently exhausted [Personally I'd say studio pressure]. If Spielberg directs, it could be ok. Better than those terrible prequel movies".

Our thoughts? Well, there have been rumors about a sequel trilogy for as long as there's been Star Wars. However, we have yet to hear any rumblings on this. Lucas has also publicly stated that he's done with Star Wars after Episode III. He wants to move on to other projects. Plus, there's no way they're going to be able to get Harrison Ford to play Han Solo again without generous sums of cash and giving him free reign over his character.

However....

If Dark Horizons says their source is reliable, we're inclined to believe them. Plus it seems crazy to let a multi-million dollar franchise fizzle and die after Episode III. The story still has life in it and can still generate money. Plus there are probably a long line of excellent writers and directors who would love to play in a galaxy far, far away that Lucas wouldn't have to get that involved with. After all, he's allowing the Clone Wars cartoons to play in the universe without him and he seems to be pleased with the results. The same goes with the Star Wars fan films.

Anyway, don't put too much stock in this rumor yet, but don't flush it away either. After all, Lucas has been known to change his mind...from time to time.

TF.N provided the following spoiler. Spoilers - Hightlight to read:

In the opening space battle where capital ships are going at it, a scene was animated where a seperatist ship rips open a hole in one of the republic cruisers, and CloneTroopers go spilling out into space.

Then cut to a first-person view and you virtually fly out of the ship with the clone troopers.

Sounds awesome!

Craig Burt has provided another great new sketch to the Featured Artist section! This time we have his version of the Episode III Jedi Starfighter Mk 2. Thanks Craig! 

"This drawing just might be reasonably accurate, in general.  I think the overall shape may be right.  It's no longer based on the triangular wedge but rather this 'forks' shape.  How round the cockpit is I'm not sure, it may be oblong, but the cockpit glass arrangement should be close.  What the engines are I have no idea.  But as I said, in general in outline shape, it should be close - overall.  It may be flatter than I've drawn it though."

Also, be sure to see his outstanding gallery of work with Craig Burt's Paintings and also Craig Burt's Cartoons! You can find other great work at the Featured Artists section. Enjoy!

TF.N has reported some more rumors about a possible release of the Trilogy in Fall of 2004:

I'm not sure I want to share too much more just yet on Episode III, but I can tell you this. There's plenty of work right now on Star Wars. Yes, Episode III, but have you heard about this? I heard from my friend that the Classic Trilogy DVDs will be availabe next Fall. The exact date isn't known yet, but they are being worked on right now for release in 2004.

Sounds great ... and though this contradicts early rumblings, it does make good marketing sense for the big push toward Episode III.

ActionTrip recently updated with their review of Jedi Academy, read on:

Visual changes over Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast are pretty much self-evident from the very beginning. The design team did a bang-up job on most of the new levels, incorporating backgrounds that are richer in detail than before, which in turn makes them considerably more challenging to complete. Character models appear more natural, thanks to the improved animation and additional details on the skins. For what it's worth, Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy features spectacular choreography during lightsaber fights. This, of course, stands as the pinnacle of the entire game and is something you really shouldn't miss out on, especially if you are a true-hearted Star Wars fan. Also, as one goes through the game, it's easy to notice that the explosions stand as the most obvious visual enhancement over the game's predecessor. The boys at Raven Software did all they could to modify and beef up the capabilities of the ageing JK II engine (Quake 3 ring a bell?). Even though most of the levels are very large and feature a decent level of detail, the frame rate was rock solid throughout most of the game. There were a few sections where the frame rate got very choppy, which came as a bit of a surprise, since we tested the game on a pretty strong rig - AMD Barton 2.5GHz with an ATi Radeon 9700 card. I stress that this was a rare occurrence and it didn't bother me much throughout the rest of the game.

Hit the above link for the full review.

And, to top that off, GameSpot has released their review of the non-X-Box version of the game:

Jedi Academy does an excellent job of balancing its missions. Your first set of missions puts you on reconnaissance or rescue missions where you'll face mercenaries, poorly equipped stormtroopers, and the occasional dark Jedi. This is by no means boring. Let's face it: It's very satisfying to completely dominate your enemies, hacking through them with your lightsaber as they desperately try to shoot you down. By the last set of missions, you'll constantly be fighting dark Jedi and stormtroopers in power armor. The game justifies this by explaining that new students take easier missions and then progress to more challenging ones as their training continues. You also drive a variety of vehicles throughout your journey. You get to take speeders out for spins, and you get to control an AT-ST while attempting to ravage Imperial remnant bases from within. While not a crucial part of the game, vehicles are a welcome addition to the normal gameplay.

Click here to read the full article.