Saturday, March 18, 2000
We Just Can't Get Enough SW Online - Juztyn
I think we need to get a SW Online site up soon... The information keeps pouring in! Check out this interesting tid-bit I snagged from USAtoday:
In this case, the fantasy world starts with Luke Skywalker's home planet of Tatooine, about the same time the original film began. "The Empire is in control of the universe at that time," says Dan Connors, a LucasArts game creator.

Players won't be able to choose already-established characters such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo or Princess Leia. Instead, they can choose from roles such as rebel soldier, bounty hunter and mercenary. Characters can travel throughout the planet to the spaceport of Mos Eisley and other cities. Bounty hunters might scour the cantinas for wanted criminals, and rebel soldiers might be sent off-planet.

Developers plan to have other planets to travel to when the game launches, and environments can be added over time. "The scope of the game is going to be huge," says Haden Blackman, a LucasArts content specialist. "We are looking to have two planets with each having 50 adventure zones. Each of those zones in and of itself is massive and populated by characters and creatures."

During the action, the characters created by players will encounter computer-controlled non-player characters and some familiar ones from the Star Wars movies, books and games. "You'll definitely run into familiar (names)," Blackman says.

LucasArts chose not to allow players to choose the roles of Han, Luke, Leia and other familiar Star Wars denizens, he says. "That preserves the quality of the character already known in the Star Wars universe. Still, you might run into Boba Fett."
The whole article (there's a few more paragraphs dealing with the market and other boring stuff like that) can be found here.
I Finish Stuff Too! - Slug
Hmph, Bri thinks he's hot stuff for finally finishing the review section.. Yeah? Well I just finished the level pack! The levels have already gone through individual beta testing the entire time we've been judging them, but the final pack just needs a little quicky beta to make sure I didn't break anything gobbing it all together. Expect it out tonight.
MPG Updates - Brian
Ping_Me has updated the MPG with two new MotS levels, Ortheza's "Old City" and HothRebel's "Otoh Gunga." What are you waiting for? Go start a game on the IP Board!
More on SW Online - Brian
You can bet we'll kick up a site on this game as time goes on (it's still two years away), but until then, we'll be posting news regarding the SW Online RPG game here on the news page. That said, here goes...

Saw over at Voodoo Extreme that USA Today posted an article on Lucasarts/Verants upcoming online RPG.

GameFan also posted a piece. This time it's an editorial discussing the possibilities of this amazing title. Here's a small clip.
Imagine the possibilities...

You race in a modified corvette loaded with contraband through an asteroid belt on a spice run from Kessel. The Imperials are hot on your tail, and jettisoning your illicit cargo's looking like a really good idea before the Imps board the ship. The only problem, is that what you're carrying is worth the price of a small planet, and your employers wouldn't be too forgiving should it fall into the wrong hands... As your turbo-lasers bounce harmlessly off the hull of the massive Star Destroyer, the grip of a tractor beam embraces the sleek smuggling ship, now helpless in its grasp.
Massassi Review Site Active! - Brian
I am very pleased to announce the immediate release of The Massassi Temple Reviews. This is the site I've been talking about for the past couple of days. We will review Jedi Knight and MotS levels and mods. There's an awesome commenting system that goes along with each review, so if you have comments on a level/review after reading it, you are free to post your own thoughts.

So how do you get your level/mod reviewed? All it takes is submitting it to the Massassi Temple, and it will automatically be considered for review. We will start with the latest levels, and work our way back as time goes on. Please be patient, as we have well over 600 files to review!
New Review: Endor Base - Brian
For the Massassi Temple Review site's first review, I have reviewed Jepman's recently released Endor Base.
Reviewers Wanted - Brian
The Massassi Temple Reviews is currently looking for quite a few good reviewers. If you are interested, please take a look at the Help Wanted section for the requirements. Please follow the guidelines to the letter, or my email filter won't pick up the application, and it will be lost in the void forever.
Friday, March 17, 2000
Etc. - Brian
So close it's not even funny. I am almost done with the review site. I hope to have it finished by Saturday morning. This does not mean it will be released to the public (although if you're clever enough, you can easily get a preview) on that day, since I still have to get a staff of reviewers. I intended to put out the call this morning, but I got caught up in the programming, and didn't get a chance to write up the criteria. Hopefully that will happen this weekend as well.
MPG Updates - Brian
NorthChaos has been very busy lately updating the Massassi Players Group. In the past few days, he has added the JK RPG, Art of the Lightsaber, and Shadow's Keep. Be sure to stop by when you're ready to play a game.
Code Alliance Updates - Brian
As I've mentioned before, The Code Alliance has moved to http://www.code-alliance.com. Now that they're completely moved over (and deleted most of the stuff from the old domain), I've changed over our links (specs, plugins, and the hosted sites list). I apologize for the couple of days we had broken links.
Thursday, March 16, 2000
Star Wars Goes Massively Multiplayer - Juztyn
The sacred day has finally come. Check out the press release I snagged from www.lucasarts.com:
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- March 16, 2000 -- LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC announced today it will partner with Verant Interactive Inc. and Sony Online Entertainment to create the first massively multiplayer Star Wars online role-playing game. Expected to release in 2001, the title will immerse thousands of game players into the classic Star Wars universe. Gameplay will feature a unique combination of combat, specialized missions, and daring quests.

The Star Wars online game will be developed by Verant, distributed and sold at retail by LucasArts, and available for play exclusively online at The Station@sony.com (www.station.sony.com).

The partnership brings together three of the foremost companies in the interactive entertainment industry. LucasArts, a leading international developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, has developed critically acclaimed and commercially successful Star Wars titles across a variety of platforms since 1991. Verant, creator of EverQuest, the most successful massively multiplayer online game to date, is recognized as the leading creator of persistent gaming universes. EverQuest currently boasts more than 200,000 customers, 120,000 of whom play daily. Sony Online Entertainment produces and distributes online games and gameshows targeted to mainstream consumers and game enthusiasts, including EverQuest.

"The combined expertise of LucasArts, Verant, and Sony Online Entertainment will bring to gameplayers an incredibly dynamic online gaming experience worthy of Star Wars," says Simon Jeffery, president of LucasArts. "The immensity and richness of the Star Wars universe lends itself ideally to a game of this nature."

"We couldn’t possibly ask for a better universe in which to create a massively multiplayer game, " says John Smedley, president and CEO of Verant. "Star Wars offers such an incredible amount of depth and detail that we’ll be able to create a place for fans to feel right at home. This game is going to be incredible!"

"Star Wars online will be a phenomenon that transforms online gaming for both gamers and casual game players," says Lisa Simpson, president of Sony Online Entertainment. "It is a great addition to the blue chip brands our audience has come to enjoy at The Station. We are delighted to work with LucasArts and continue our close association with Verant Interactive."
I admit, I heard about this first at Jediknight.net. But who visits them anymore? :)
Jep's Contest Level - Slug
Well, finally got around to posting Jep's contest level. This one shoulda been released with the last batch, but as I said before, it had no readme..
New JK Multiplayer Level: Endor Base - Slug
File: Endor Base
Author: Jepman
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: Endor Outpost, not the one from the movies.
Feelin' the Love - Kedri
Okay, maybe it's the NyQuil finally kicking in, but I must say this has got to be one of the best times for Jedi Knight. The JKrpg was recently released, and in record time, a milestone in editing in my humble opinion. We're currently chin-deep in the most kick-arse levels for JK, a truly excellent bi-product of the Massassi Level Contest.

Then there's the soon-to-be-released Massassi Level Pack #2, representing the pinnacle of level-editing achievement to date. The Massassi Players Group is picking up its second wind, and with a solid base of well-known players that's only growing. To cap it off, newcomers arrive to the site and sign up on the forums by the handful everyday, the surest sign that JK (or Massassi) ain't goin' anywhere anytime soon!

Think ol' Kedri needs to lay off the cough syrup? Drop by the Discussion Board and let me know!
Wednesday, March 15, 2000
Slug's Portrait - blujay
Kedri has drawn an amazing picture of Slug. Don't miss it, it's a classic.
More Reviews at Tosche! - darkjedi86
Tosche Station has many new reviews, such as some of SavageX's work, as well as a new Add-On of the Week, and a new poll! As always, I'm going to tell you to check it out, so, well, check it out!
New Hosted Site @ OD-34 - darkjedi86
Well, Outpost D-34 has another new hosted site! This time, the newborn is Art of the Lightsaber Player's Group. Head on over and check it out!
More Obi-Wan Screens - Kiramin
Games Zone, the same german site that brought you the last screens, now has an Obi-Wan Preview. The bad news is it's in german. The good news is they have even more new screenshots. Check them (and the preview, if you can understand german) out here.
Command Chamber Updates - Ryan
The Admiral's Command Chamber has updated with a new review of "Leeza's Destiny Version 2.0" for your reading enjoyment. In addition, the Dark Forces level "Imperial Library" has been updated with the necessary LFD file for the custom briefing and cutscenes. Also posted was a tidbit about an interesting DF-themed remix - check out the site for more details. Some new reviews are in the works, so be sure to keep up to date with all the SP goodness.
Soon, Very Soon... - Brian
First off, we're almost two years old! Anyone know the exact date? Post it on the forums. Second, I've been talking about a Massassi Temple level/mod review site for a while now. I finally got the time to make it happen. The scripts are about 75% done, and I hope to have it completed by tomorrow morning. I will make an announcement later on today or early tomorrow asking for reviewers (please don't email me yet, I'm working on a format to submit a sample review). I'm very excited about this, I hope you are too.
Tuesday, March 14, 2000
New Review @ Absolute Jedi - darkjedi86
As you can tell by my not-so-original subject, Absolute Jedi has another review. The review is of Roman Arena, and I would suggest paying Absolute Jedi a visit!
The Last Of The Last - Slug
Well, that's all the contest levels, other than the winners.. The ones that made it to this round should be proud - There was some very stiff competition. Huge thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winners..

Little side note - Jepman's level, "Endor Outpost" should have been posted here, but had no readme. (Just putting this note here so I don't have to answer a hundred different "Jep got two levels in?" questions..)
New JK Multiplayer Level: Nomad's Land - Slug
File: Nomad's Land
Author: BOSsK
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: A medium sized deathmatch that can only be described as, well...a canyon oasis. The abondoned fortress was once used as a trading outpost and to gaurd the oasis's treasure of water.
New JK Multiplayer Level: Dome of Death - Slug
File: Dome of Death
Author: Sharp Shooter
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: A medium sized multiplayer level was the main structure being a dome with 4 floors.
New JK Multiplayer Level: Gilgamesh's Hideout - Slug
File: Gilgamesh's Hideout
Author: Gilgamesh
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: Gilgamesh's Hideout, Gilgamesh's submission to the level contest.
New MPG Staff Members - Brian
I got an overwhelming response to the request for help with the MPG. This was by far the most difficult decisions I've had to make regarding staff applications. There were just tons of really good ones. I would like to welcome both Ping_Me and NorthChaos to the Massassi Temple. They will both be working to make the MPG the premier place to play JK and MotS games on the internet.

To everyone else who applied: It was so close it hurts! I thank you for your generous offer to help us out.
Obi-Wan Screenshots - Brian
Thanks to Winged_Cat and JeDiBoy for posting this thread on our forums. It shows off some new screenshots from Lucasarts' upcoming 3d action game, Obi-Wan. The shots are originally from this page, which is in German.
Force Commander Stuff - Brian
Check out Force Commander Outpost for the latest on Force Commander. This time they've got links to some newly released MP3's (awesome) and news regarding a hands-on report.
Monday, March 13, 2000
The Last 6 Of Round 2 - Slug
Well, there goes the last 6 from round 2, that I was supposed to post, what, 2 days ago? My apologies about that, I spent Saturday night at a party, and Sunday was just a lazy Sunday. Again, congrats to the guys that submitted - Every level we got was fun to play around in, the decision making was tough..
New JK Multiplayer Level: Temple of the Forgotten God - Slug
File: Temple of the Forgotten God
Author: SJD_Rydeman
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: Zai-Djuric, the god of magic, was once worshipped by a group of magicians who built him a temple. But something happened to them and they were forced to abandon their temple. Today, it is forgotten, a silent memory of past times. But still there is a presence, an enchantment, a power, merged with the very walls of the temple...
New JK Multiplayer Level: Castle Courtyard - Slug
File: Castle Courtyard
Author: Dylan
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: A castle courtyard and tower. Guns (blasters) and sabers MP level. Massassi Level Contest #2 entry.
New JK Multiplayer Level: The Capital - Slug
File: The Capital
Author: Elyas Machera
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: My first major project, based on the capital of the planet Fuk'ilat in my story AlieNations. It is time for the annual festival worship of the Goddess Kitellum. While everyone celebrates the event in other sectors of the city, you stalk your enemies through the corridors of this one sector and the capitol building..
New JK Multiplayer Level: The Fallen One - Slug
File: The Fallen One
Author: Grevenilvec
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: It seems a place suspended in time. However, this peacefulness will be shattered by your foes and your own weapons fire. This small area is outside of an abandoned research outpost of the Old Republic.
New JK Multiplayer Level: Sleepy Town - Slug
File: Sleepy Town
Author: Dark_Flexor
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: A sleepy little town, Dark_Flexor's entry to the level contest.
New JK Multiplayer Level: Stone - Slug
File: Stone
Author: Imajedi
Screenshots: No Screenshots
Description: A stone building surrounded by a stone plaza with a stone courtyrad, and stone walls.... you get the picture :)
Millennium Updates - Brian
Our hosted site, Millennium, has updated with some good info recently. First off, Hideki has updated his tutorial on making new weapons work in MP. Second, he's released some new info and screenshots on his upcoming Assassin's Pack. It's just that cool.
Code Alliance News - Brian
Wow, a bunch of news this morning! Anyway, our hosted site, The Code Alliance, has just released a new program called CAGE (Code Alliance Game Explorer). It is a container manager similar to Conman or JKGob, but handles tons of different file formats (from games such as Half-Life, Quake, Heretic, Hexen, Dark Forces, Jedi Knight, Outlaws, Descent, and Freespace). It also converts a bunch of image formats to BMP. Head on over to get the goods...

In other CA news, they are moving to a new domain: http://www.code-alliance.com. The site should be active (if your DNS has updated yet), but not all of the pages are working... Give it a couple of days before you switch your bookmarks...
New Reviews @ Tosche Station - Brian
Outpost D-34 announced that Tosche Station posted a couple of new reviews. This time they take a look at The Capital and MERC Hell. I just love quality review sites...
MPG Site Updates - Brian
In preparation for the release of the 2nd Massassi Level Pack, as well as the re-birth of the Massassi Players Group, I have been working on the site. No new levels or mods yet, but I have added some features that people have suggested. First off, you can now get a list of members sorted by the date they joined, rather than alphabetically by nickname. There is a link to this off the main members listing.

You can also now delete yourself from the MPG. This is only if you want to permanently un-register from the MPG! All you have to do is log-in, and there is a checkbox there to delete yourself. Any more suggestions (other than more frequent updates, which we're working on), please email me.
MPG - Help Wanted - Brian
I'm sure everyone noticed the fact that MPG hasn't been updated in a while. I don't really know the reason for this, other than the fact that my weekly updater never updated. Anyway, In preperation for the imminent release of the 2nd Massassi Level Pack, I'm looking for someone to webmaster the site for us. Here are the qualifications:

  • Must know basic HTML
  • Must be an active member of the JK community. This means that you play all/most of the levels that get released, are up to date on community happenings, etc.
  • Must be able to update the site at least twice a week. This means adding killer mods/levels to the site as needed.

Basically, the whole site is scripted. This means that you do not have to know much html, other than what you need to update the news (link code, bold, underline, etc). There are no pages that need to be updated manually, so all work you do will be through web-based scripts.

If you think you are up to it, send me an email. Your first task is to get the email right. In the subject line, please put MPG Staff Application. If it's not there, your email will be lost (gotta love automatic filters!). Mail all apps to me at: brian@massassi.net.
More MPG Info - Brian
As mentioned above, we're doing some work on MPG. One of the things I'll be doing is purging members that registered, but never completed the registration. This will be done at or around midnight tonight. So, if you registered, got your password, and never logged in, you will be deleted. Also if you registered and never got your password, this applies to you. You can either email me and ask for it, or let yourself get deleted and re-register.
JK RPG Released! - Brian
If you have no idea what this is, download it anyway. JK RPG has been released, wait for an official announcement soon, but for now, download it here.
Force Commander - Brian
Our network FC site, Force Commander Outpost, has news concerning a new interview with the lead game designer, as well as a couple of new screenshots.
Watto's Junkyard: New Stuff - Brian
Our network Star Wars site, Watto's Junkyard, has updated with a new poll. This time they're asking who your favorite computer-animated character was from Episode 1. As always, they also have a ton of Star Wars related news. Oh, and check out the new Episode 1 characters section.
Sunday, March 12, 2000
Two New Reviews @ Hyperview! - darkjedi86
Well, Hyperview has just pumped out two new reviews. They are Pride of the Empire Part I, and Riot!. Both levels got 4.5 stars, so I would suggest paying Hyperview a visit!
Outpost D-34 Adopts a New Hosted Site - darkjedi86
Outpost D-34 has just adopted a new hosted site. Black Sun Editing is its name, and their current project is the Ghost Busters TC. Head on over and pay the newborn a visit!
Contest Levels Reviewed - Slug
Posse, our resident "Way Too Much Spare Time" guy, has posted reviews of all the contest levels posted yesterday on our review board. Head on over there to see one bored man's opinions, and get a heads up on which levels to d/l and what not..