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Old News - April 2004

The Massassi Temple » Old News » 2004 » April

Disclaimer: We have been posting news since 1998. Many of the sites we previously linked to have long since gone defunct. Worse, sometimes scammers buy up old domain names and replace their original content with malware or objectionable content.

Thursday, April 1, 2004

Dark Forces Gold in development - Det @ 5:48 AM
Lucasarts have added a Dark Forces Gold section to their website. Dark Forces Gold will be a remake of the classic Dark Forces game using the Jedi Academy engine.

The game will not only include updated graphics and architecture but also a brand new multiplayer mode with Capture-the-flag, Deathmatch and Assault gametypes. Dark Forces Gold will be available for PC, Macintosh and the X-Box.

More Information: http://www.lucasarts.com/products/darkforces/splash.htm

Thanks to mistryl warrior for letting us know about this.

Saturday, April 3, 2004

Clarification On Dark Forces Gold - DSettahr @ 1:34 AM
Just to clarify: Yes, yesterdays Dark Forces Gold news post was an april fools joke. And yes, we were aware that it was a joke when we posted it. There are no plans for a "Dark Forces Gold" at LucasArts, but the Dark Forces mod for Jedi Academy is well underway, and the second demo should be released soon. You can check out more at the DFMod Website.
Battlefront Designer Diary #2 - DSettahr @ 1:48 AM
GameSpy has posted the second Designer Diary for Star Wars Battlefront. This edition of the Designer Diary details the process of animating the player and vehicle models.
The Enemies Of Republic Commando - DSettahr @ 1:54 AM
IGN has posted a 2 page feature detailing the enemies that will be seen in the upcoming Star Wars: Republic Commando fps game. Players will get to face off against Geonosian drones, warriors, and elites, Trandoshan slavers, mercenaries, and scavanger droids, Speratist battle droids, super battle droids, droidekas, and advanced spider droids. There is also some information about the weapons that will be available in the game, including the Concussion Rifle, one of the mainstays of the Dark Forces/Jedi Knight series of games. Be sure to check the article out.
Galaxies Forums Opened To The Public - DSettahr @ 1:59 AM
The official Galaxies Forums have been opened to the public. This means that those of you who have never played Galaxies can have a chance to check out what its all about, and those of you who once played the game, but no longer do can see whats changed as well as whats new.

Tuesday, April 6, 2004

Galaxies Interview About Upcoming Jedi Changes - DSettahr @ 1:38 PM
IGN has posted an interview with Kevin O'Hara as part of its bi-weekly Galaxies Q&A. This weeks interview discusses the upcoming changes that will be made to the Jedi player characters; a new patch will be released shortly that will focus on making the Jedi more "quest oriented."
The State Of Star Wars Gaming - DSettahr @ 1:44 PM
TFn has published an editorial in its gaming section titled "The State Of Star Wars Gaming." The article examines the origins of LucasArts and the Star Wars themed games it has developed over the years, and how Star Wars games recently have developed into a genre of its own. It's an interesting read, so be sure to check it out.

Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Battlefront Official Site Updates - DSettahr @ 11:35 PM
LucasArts has updated the official Star Wars: Battlefront website. They've added two new movies detailing Geonosis and Endor in the Planets Section, and the second of the Designer Diaries, an entry by Juan Sanchez, the projects lead animator, has been added.

Thanks to Eman for alerting us about the updates.

Friday, April 9, 2004

Half-Life Wins GameSpy's Title Fight Competition - DSettahr @ 4:12 AM
The final results for GameSpy's Title Fight are in, and Half-Life has been crowned champion of the competition, after beating Super Mario 3 in the final round. Thanks to Craig 'MrRavenX' Techak for letting us know about the results.
X-Men Legends Screen Shots - DSettahr @ 4:16 AM
Kenn Hoekstra, Project Administrator at Raven Softare, sent us an email to let us know about some new X-Men Legends Screenshots that have been posted by IGN. Looks like the game, being developed by Raven, is off to a good start. X-Men Legends is slated for release this fall.

Saturday, April 10, 2004

Imperial Assault Mod Screenshots - DSettahr @ 5:50 AM
The Imperial Assault website has updated with with two screenshots showing the newly finished T-C9 hover transport. Imperial Assault is a mod for Command & Conquer Generals: Zero Hour that will add Star Wars scenarios to the game. The mod looks to be well underway, with a lot of material already completed, so anyone intersted in RTS games should definately check the site out.

Sunday, April 11, 2004

Daft_Vader Releases Proelium Revisited - DSettahr @ 7:47 AM
Daft_Vader has released his Jedi Knight Multiplayer Level, titled "Proelium Revisited." You can download the level here, and you can view screenshots of the level and provide feedback in this thread on our showcase forum.

Tuesday, April 13, 2004

Republic Commando Screenshots At Worthplaying - DSettahr @ 11:49 AM
Worthplaying has posted a short description as well as a collection of new screenshots for the upcoming FPS Republic Commando. The screenshots look extremely cool, so be sure to check them out.
News Submission Reminder - DSettahr @ 11:52 AM
This is just a reminder that anyone can submit news to be posted on Massassi. Whether it involves Star Wars gaming, mods, or related websites and projects, we would love to post news about it. News submissions can be emailed to news@massassi.net, and they will be reviewed and posted by a staff member.

Wednesday, April 14, 2004

GothicX Releases Peanutbutter - DSettahr @ 5:41 PM
GothicX has released his Peanutbutter Map Pack, for Jedi Academy. The map pack features two maps, PB Techstation and PB Temple, and can be downloaded here at pcgamemods. You can also view GothicX's showcase forum thread to view screenshots and provide feedback here.
brian@massassi.net deleted - Brian @ 1:38 PM
I deleted my email address because I get too much spam (about 500 a day lately). You can get ahold of me at brian aaaaaatttttt massassi dddddooooootttttt com if you need to. Please don't link or post the email address anywhere, because if I get too much spam there, I'll be forced to delete that one, too!

Friday, April 16, 2004

Republic Commando Screenshots At GameBiz And Gamers Gallery - DSettahr @ 6:51 PM
GameBiz, an Australian Gaming site, has put up some new Republic Commando screenshots, which can be viewed here. In addtion, Gamers Gallery has also put up some RC screenshots on their site, which can be viewed here.
New Battlefront Flythroughs - DSettahr @ 6:57 PM
The Official Battlefront Website has updated with new flythrough videos of Geonosis and Endor. The flythroughs can be downloaded from the Planets Section.
Republic Commando Screenshots And Concept Art - DSettahr @ 10:21 AM
The Official Republic Commando Website at LucasArts has updated with new screenshots and concept art for the game. There is some new enemies and locations shown in some of the screenshots, so be sure to check them out.
Registration For Galaxies Fan Fest - DSettahr @ 10:27 AM
The Registration webpage for the Galaxies Fan Fest is now live. If you plan on attending the FanFest on June 4th & 5th, 2004 at the Hilton Anaheim in California, you must register by May 13, 2004. You can fill out the registration form here if you intend to take part in the Fan Fest. Each person attending will recieve a Galaxies Fan Fest T-Shirt, as well as an ID badge customized to match their Galaxies Character.

Sunday, April 18, 2004

Open Jedi Project News - DSettahr @ 8:57 AM
The Open Jedi Project sent us an email to let everyone know about some updates concerning OJP.
1. We finally got the OJP website finished and working. The url is ojp.jediknight.net
2. We've cracked the animation problem for JKA. OJP now has totally new animations working ingame! We're currently working on some ledge grab/maneuvering stuff for OJP Enhanced. I can send some screenshots if you want. But, I have no idea when we'll have a beta/full release of it available.
Thanks to Razor Ace for letting us know about the updates.

Tuesday, April 20, 2004

New Jedi Knight Multiplayer Level: BIG - Cool Matty @ 4:08 PM
File: BIG
Author: 13ig
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: Battle in an Elite Fighting Room that is very entertaining! Thanks to everyone at Massassi for their help. Couldn't have done it without you guys!
New Jedi Outcast Mod: Ugnaut Sounds - Cool Matty @ 4:15 PM
File: Ugnaut Sounds
Author: Edward
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This is my first mod for JO. What is does is change the sounds of the ugnauts to ones I made with my own voice.
New Jedi Academy Duel Level: Duel Meditation - Cool Matty @ 4:24 PM
File: Duel Meditation
Author: Kris 'Pyrahna' Lupton
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This is set in the meditation courtyard of a reclusive Jedi in my SP Project. Being intentionally for duelling only, this map features shallow water on either side of the path, whilst there's statues to leap from, and the 4 columns in each corner are partly destructible.
New Jedi Outcast Multiplayer Level: Darkness - Cool Matty @ 4:31 PM
File: Darkness
Author: SpiKe
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: A duel map set in a Rebellion docking hanger. The ship is currently on low power usage as it travels through hyperspace...

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Republic Commando Novelization Update - DSettahr @ 7:06 AM
TFn has posted an update on the Republic Commando novelization. The book will be titled "Republic Commando: Hard Contact." It also seems that the book will not be a simple retelling of the events of the game, but rather an independant story. You can read the TFn news item on the book here.
Galaxies Space Expansion Details Released - DSettahr @ 7:09 AM
IGN has posted an inverview titled "Star Wars Galaxies: Jump to Lightspeed Interview." Producer Haden Blackman was interviewed about the upcoming expansion to Star Wars Galaxies that will add starfighter-based space combat to the game. The interview contains a lot of information about how the expansion will work, so Galaxies players should definately check it out.
Microsoft Aquisition Of Bioware - DSettahr @ 7:13 AM
Only On XBOX is reporting that Microsoft may soon be acquiring BioWare, the makers of Knights of the Old Republic.
Due to the huge success of Star Wars: KOTOR on the Xbox, rumors have it that Microsoft is very interested in acquiring the Canadian developer to make games exclusively to the Xbox. While BioWare is well known on the Xbox and PS2, they are a prime PC developer. The rumors also state that if this acquisition is to take place, Microsoft will do so at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo [E3 2004] in Los Angeles, California. This would help Microsoft greatly to get more RPGs on their system that people will play. While this will not help Microsoft's current status in the current console race, this will be effective when the next gen of consoles start to come out somewhere between late 2005 and early 2007.
This may mean that after KotOR2, BioWare will no longer be in a position to develop Star Wars-themed RPGs for the PC market.
KotOR Wins Spacey Award - DSettahr @ 7:16 AM
According to TFn, Knights of the Old Republic has won a Spacey Award. The Spacey Awards are presented each year by the Canadian television station Space: The Imagination Station. KotOR won the award for "viewer's choice favorite video game." To date, KotOR has picked up over 100 awards. You can read the TFn news post about the awards here.
Episode III Video Game Art - DSettahr @ 7:20 AM
TFn has posted an image that is supposedly a advertising poster for "Episode III: The Video Game." This video game closely follows the events that will be portrayed in the movie itself, and will be released at the same time Episode III is released in theaters.
Galactic Conquest v0.3 Patch Released - DSettahr @ 7:23 AM
The v0.3 Patch for Galactic Conquest has been released. For those who have not heard of Galactic Conquest before, it is a Star Wars-themed mod for Battlefied: 1942. This update to the mod includes a new map, an E-Wing fighter, and Mon Calamari player models. As this link is to the fileplanet download for the patch, I would appreciate it if anyone finds any good mirrors for the patch, that they email them to me at DSettahr@massassi.net. Thanks.
Clone Wars To Feature MP Only - DSettahr @ 7:33 AM
The Clone Wars project for Jedi Academy has decided to focus on Multiplayer, with no Singleplayer maps planned for the mod.
Clone wars is now going to be a Multiplayer mod for Jedi Academy. The experience will be built around the idea of playing as characters from the clone wars in the appropriate environments. We are currently in the process of producing about 5 player models and 3 maps, as well as one completed duel map. There will probably be about 20 custom, cel-shaded models included in the mod and as many maps as we can muster up.

The style of play will be that you choose a class (character) and get right into some cool battles from the clone wars. We're playing around with the idea of possible space or underwater maps, but it's by no means sure yet. Expect to see locations such as Yavin 4, Muunilist, Ilum, Rattatak and many more, and all your favourite Star Wars: Clone Wars characters.

We do still need modelers and there are other possible job openings. The more staff we have the better the mod will be and the sooner it'll be finished. There's gonna be some pretty cool features in this mod, we just need all hands on deck to be able to achieve them sooner! So if you'd like to help out, come on over to the forums, go to the applications section and let us know what you can do. We're ALWAYS on the lookout for more staff.
Thanks to James M and JK.net for the update.
Levels/Mods Update - Cool Matty @ 7:43 AM
Yes, Massassi has resumed file submissions. I am currently in the process of clearing out our backload, so PLEASE, if you have already submitted, do not resubmit until I give the go-ahead. I'll make another post when all the files in the email system is up, then you can come and complain. Thanks for your patience!
Darkness Download Fixed - DSettahr @ 11:26 AM
The zip file for Darkness has been fixed. The download should work now without any problems.

Thursday, April 22, 2004

More On Galaxies Expansion - DSettahr @ 10:47 AM
The Official Galaxies Website has posted a Faq concering the Lightspeed expansion. This Faq is very in-depth, and provides a lot of new information about the expansion that was not included in IGN's interview.

Saturday, April 24, 2004

New Jedi Academy Skin: Agent Smith - GhostOfYoda @ 1:34 AM
File: Agent Smith
Author: AceVader0
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This is Agent Smith from Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions.
New Jedi Academy FFA Level: PacMan Arena - GhostOfYoda @ 2:39 AM
File: PacMan Arena
Author: Tony "Cazor" Stockert
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This is a deathmatch level based on one of the levels in the original Pac Man arcade game.
New Jedi Academy FFA Level: Dark Crypt - GhostOfYoda @ 2:56 AM
File: Dark Crypt
Author: lukeskywalker1
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This is a map requested by RptheHotrod. It takes place in a graveyard. You can see the ghost of a cultist walking around a crypt, in the center of the map.
New Jedi Academy Duel Level: Universal Training - GhostOfYoda @ 3:53 AM
File: Universal Training
Author: Sith-J-Cull
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This map is a functional map set in paradise-type gardens. There is one large arena and one small arena with spectator tower pads around both.
New Jedi Academy Duel Level: The Crack of Doom - GhostOfYoda @ 4:22 AM
File: The Crack of Doom
Author: <EJK>DevMapAll[C]
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This duel map is based on the inside of Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. It includes music from the movie that has been edited by me. It has bot support.
New Jedi Outcast Skin: RinkXing - GhostOfYoda @ 4:30 AM
File: RinkXing
Author: RinkXing
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This is a green Gungan with cool clothes and Funky Pants. I would like to thank Major Clod for his mc_jarjar model and I hope everyone enjoys this skin.
New Jedi Outcast Skin: George Lucas 2.0 - GhostOfYoda @ 4:42 AM
File: George Lucas 2.0
Author: Romulus
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This is the creator of the Star Wars Universe, George Lucas! This file works in both JK2 and JA.
New Jedi Academy Duel Level: Docking Tower Seven - GhostOfYoda @ 6:16 AM
File: Docking Tower Seven
Author: rgoer
Screenshots: Screenshot 1, Screenshot 2
Description: This is an MP map for JA, designed primarily for the duel gametype. It supports duel, powerduel, and FFA (although FFA would be a bit cramped.)

Sunday, April 25, 2004

Map-Review Tutorial On Rotating Doors - DSettahr @ 3:02 PM
Map-Review has posted a new tutorial.
Lassev has completed a tutorial on creating rotating doors in Jedi Academy over at Map-Review.com . The tutorial carefully guides you through the process (which requires a little knowledge of using BehavEd), and includes areaportal support for the doors.

The tutorial is avaliable here:

http://www.map-review.com/index.php?page=tutorial_view&id=25

The tutorial can also be found at Lassev's personal site, which also has details of his upcoming SP project for Jedi Academy:

http://www.student.oulu.fi/~lvaarisk/
Thanks to Simon Williams for letting us know about the update.

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

New Stand-Alone Star Wars Game - DSettahr @ 6:37 PM
A new stand-alone independant Star Wars game has been released and is available for download.
Bruno R. Marcos has just released his new standalone game, The Battle of Yavin, which uses the Truevision 3D engine. Play as Luke Skywalker in the battle of Yavin. Assault and destroy the empire's Death Star. Fight in space, on the Death Star's surface, make the trench run, and try not to get blasted by Darth Vader's Ship. Six stages of intense action. Did I mention this game is free?

http://www.bruneras.com/
Thanks to Craig Techak of www.phoenixknights.net for letting us know about the release of this game.
More On Republic Commando Novelization - DSettahr @ 11:08 AM
StarWars.com has posted some new information about the Republic Commando Novelization, which will be titled "Republic Commando: Hard Contact."
This fall, LucasArts will bring the explosive action of clone commando missions to life in their upcoming title, Star Wars: Republic Commando. Del Rey Books will also spotlight these hard-hitting soldiers in an original story, Star Wars: Republic Commando: Hard Contact, a new paperback novel written by Karen Traviss.

On a mission to sabotage a nanovirus research facility on a Separatist-held planet, four clone troopers operate under the very noses of their enemies. The commandos are outnumbered and outgunned, deep behind enemy lines with no backup -- and working with strangers instead of trusted teammates. Matters don't improve when Darman, the squad's demolitions expert, gets separated from the others during planetfall. Even Darman's apparent good luck in meeting the Jedi Padawan Etain Tur-Mukan vanishes once Etain admits to her woeful inexperience.

For the separated clone commandos and stranded Jedi, a long, dangerous journey lies ahead, through hostile territory brimming with Trandoshan slavers, Separatists, and suspicious natives. A single misstep could mean discovery ... and death. It's a virtual suicide mission for anyone -- anyone except Republic Commandos.
LucasArts Confirms Game Based On Episode III - DSettahr @ 11:11 AM
GamesRadar has confirmed that there will be a Episode III based game. The game will be released on the PS2 and the Xbox. There is no mention of a PC version, however the article does state that there will be a preview of it on the Star Wars Original Trilogy DVD set when it is released in the fall.
TFn KotOR2 Details - DSettahr @ 11:14 AM
The Force.net has managed to get some new details on Knights of the Old Republic 2.
  • Title is Sith Lords
  • Totally revamped graphics engine
  • Enhanced item upgrading sytem
  • You're the last known Jedi from the Jedi Order
  • You can influence party member Light/Dark alignment
  • Swoop Racing, Pazaak, and the shooter mini-games are back
Jump To Lightspeed Previews - DSettahr @ 11:18 AM
TheForce.net has posted an article that gives some details about the upcoming expansion to Galaxies, Jump To Lightspeed. You can view the article here, and also download a video preview of the expansion from TFn here. (7.7 MB, Quicktime, Zipped, click on the link in the news article, TFn apparently does not allow remote linking to files on their server)

In addtion, GameSpy has posted their own Jump to Lightspeed preview, which includes interviews with a few of the team members, and a couple of new screenshots.

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

GamerFeed Galaxies Articles - DSettahr @ 8:14 AM
GamerFeed has posted the first in a series of articles about Star Wars: Galaxies. This first article is an overview of the game for those that are just getting started playing it. You can read the article here.
GamerFeed KotOR2 Info - DSettahr @ 8:17 AM
In addition to their article on Galaxies (see the news post below) GamerFeed has also posted an article containing some new information about Knights of the Old Republic 2.
The story is set five years after the end of the original, taking place in a galaxy in unrest: with the Republic in utter disarray, the Jedi splintered and you, the last remaining Jedi, returning from exile to find out everything that's gone down the tubes. Of course, you'll have your trusty, and extremely limited, Jedi powers at the beginning to help you out. Lightsaber? Yeah, that will appear sometime down the road.
Gameplay will be pretty much the same as in the original KotOR, with a few minor tweaks and changes. New force powers, such as Dark Side Rage, Battle Meditation, Force Sight and Force Clairvoyance will also be available in the game.

Thursday, April 29, 2004

LevelSource Contest Winners! - mscbuck @ 8:29 PM
The winners of the LevelSource Duel 2 Contest have been announced, and you can see the results here.

And, a congratulations to our very own Thrawn42689, for his third place finish!

New Reviews At OSC - DSettahr @ 12:39 PM
OSC Empire has posted a few new reviews, including a review of the full version of Painkiller as well as a review for the second demo of the game. You can view the reviews by going to the main page and clicking on "Reviews" on the menu on the left. Thanks to Aaron "Yecti" Shanas for letting us know about the updates.
Editors Corner Up And Running Again - DSettahr @ 2:56 PM
Brian and I have gotten the Editors Corner working again, you should be able to upload images without any problems. If you encounter any bugs, be sure to let me know via email.

Friday, April 30, 2004

AotC:TC Demo Release Tomorrow - DSettahr @ 8:26 PM
The Attack of the Clones Total Conversion is gearing up for the release of its first demo.
Over a year and a half in the making, the Attack of the Clones: Total Conversion mod has finally made its way to the public. With over 100 modifcations to the basejk install, AOTC: TC is designed as a Total Conversion mod; changing almost everything that was in the release version of Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. Key features include new User Interface and Music from the Attack of the Clones Saga. It's loaded with Admin Commands, Client Commands, Emotes, Options, cVars, New Graphics, Several Bug Fixes. This package also includes never-seen-before maps and models. This mod is the wave of the future for the Jedi Knight Series. Extremely modified to meet anyones expectations, this is truly the only mod you will ever need to get for your server.

Please visit us at http://www.aotctc.com or on IRC at #aotctc, irc.quakenet.org.
The demo is scheduled for release tomorrow (friday). Thanks to Anakin for letting us know about the demo.

EDIT: There is also a server party being organized for the release of the demo. Visit this thread on LucasForums for more info.