E3 2006: LucasArts' E3 Lineup @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 08, 2006

News: There are only two Star Wars game on this list.

With the full E3 experience only a day away, LucasArts has unveiled their E3 lineup. Indiana Jones and Star Wars make up a heavy part of the list but this is also the first E3 that LucasArts will not have a Star Wars movie to lean on.

The full list:

Indiana Jones 2007 [working title]
Indiana Jones returns in 2007 for his most incredible interactive expedition ever. Set in 1939, this epic, original story Ц written for the first time under the direction of George Lucas Ц puts you in the fedora of the legendary adventure hero as he unravels the clues found in ancient artifacts spanning the globe. From San Francisco's Chinatown to the world's most sacred ground, Indy must use his fists, whip and trusty revolver to fight through ruthless opposition and piece together a mystery of biblical proportions. Indiana Jones 2007 is LucasArts' first internally developed project for PlayStation3 and Xbox 360video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and it also represents the first collaboration of talents and technology between LucasArts and Industrial Light & Magic, two companies now finally under one roof at the new Letterman Digital Arts Center in San Francisco's Presidio district.

Indiana Jones 2007 debuts the revolutionary new euphoria technology from NaturalMotion, which delivers never-before-seen lifelike action and awareness to every character in real time Ц so you'll never see the same thing twice. For the first time ever, euphoria enables interactive characters to move, act and even think like actual human beings, adapting their behavior on the fly and resulting in a different payoff every single time. This next-gen technology imbues Indy and his opponents with unparalleled environmental awareness and survival instincts. They'll stumble, then attempt to maintain their balance; brace themselves for falls, then get back up; and reach for nearby ledges when falling. Each action results in an authentic, varied performance every time.

Complementing euphoria will be Pixelux Entertainment's Digital Molecular Matter (DMM) technology, which brings a level of realism to next-gen games never seen before by making completely interactive environments that react as they would in real life. From crumbling walls to shattering glass and even swaying organic plant life, in-game objects have material properties that behave realistically all in real time.

Indiana Jones 2007 also features completely interactive Hot Setenvironments, where every setting is open-ended and completely destructible in a way that only next-generation consoles can deliver. Use your wits and daring to make each spring-loaded environment a weapon as you dispense of foes in clever and unexpected ways. Also, embark upon thrilling chase sequences that remain true to the spirit established in scenes such as Indy's pursuit of the motorcade in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the mine-cart scene in The Temple of Doom, and the free-for-all aboard the tank in The Last Crusade. Face Indy off against a devious longtime rival, reunite him with old friends, and meet more of his most trusted allies throughout the world.

LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
LucasArts recently announced LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, the sequel to the award-winning, best-selling LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game published in 2005. LEGO Star Wars II takes the fun and endless customization ability of the LEGO play pattern and combines it with the epic story, characters and action from the revolutionary Star Wars: Episodes IV, V and VI. With a unique tongue-in-cheek take on the Original Trilogy, LEGO Star Wars II lets you build and battle your way through your favorite film moments. From Darth Vader's pursuit of Princess Leia aboard her Blockade Runner to Luke's final confrontation with Emperor Palpatine, the game includes even more of the family-friendly LEGO action, puzzles and humor that earned the original LEGO Star Wars its ranking as the 10th best-selling video game in 2005.

For the first time ever, characters can get in and out of vehicles, as well as ride creatures. Because it's LEGO style, you can also mix and match the body parts of more than 50 playable characters to create one of millions of possible LEGO Star Wars heroes. And on PlayStation2, Xbox and Windows platforms, a game save from the first LEGO Star Wars can unlock another 50-plus additional characters for Free Play mode Ц that's more than 100 total characters! Other exciting additions include free-roaming vehicle levels, the ability to switch ships at will in Free Play mode, cool new character-specific attacks and maneuvers, playable mini-kit vehicles, an adaptive difficulty option and more.

May the Force build with you with versions developed by Traveller's Tales for the Xbox 360 and Xbox video game systems from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Sony PSP, Nintendo GameCube and Windows, as well as handheld versions developed by Amaze Entertainment for Nintendo DS and Nintendo Game Boy Advance. On September 12, LEGO Star Wars II will be released with Lucasfilm Ltd.'s release of individual two-disc releases of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Backand Return of the Jedi. Each release includes the 2004 digitally remastered version of the movie and, as bonus material, the theatrical edition of the film.

Star Wars Empire at War: Forces of Corruption
Following the success of Star Wars: Empire at War, the best-selling PC game of Q1 2006, LucasArts announces an expansion pack titled Star Wars Empire at War: Forces of Corruption. A widely appealing strategy game, Empire at War let gamers play the light side or the dark side in an epic Galactic Civil War. Now, for the first time ever, Star Wars Empire at War: Forces of Corruption introduces a unique point of view Ц the corrupt side.

The Rebels have just destroyed the Death Star, and the galaxy is in turmoil. As an aspiring Underworld figure named Tyber Zann, spread corruption throughout the galaxy using new strategic gameplay elements to influence other factions, steal their funds, slow their production, spy on them and more, all en route to becoming the most notorious criminal leader since Jabba the Hutt. Exciting new land-tactical options like customizable, upgradeable bases and guerilla warfare allow for innovative battlefield tactics. Take command of and confront new fighting units for all factions (Rebel B-wings, Imperial TIE interceptors, Darth Vader's Executor Super Star Destroyer and more), and take down anyone who stands in your way of ruling the Underworld, be they new battlefield heroes like Luke Skywalker and Yoda or the forces of your most bitter rival Ц Jabba. Destroy capital ships with the awesome firepower of the second Death Star, and satiate Tyber's drive for the deadliest capital ship in the galaxy, a devastatingly powerful Super Star Destroyer known as the Eclipse.

Thrillville
Visit Thrillville for a nonstop party in a theme park you create. An all-access pass to adventure and fun, Thrillville lets you experience a fully interactive and customizable amusement park where you can play dozens of midway minigames, interact with your park guests, and even build and ride roller coasters and over 100 attractions. Thrillville combines elements of simulation, party games and social interaction like nothing before it Ц all in one of the most family-friendly console games ever!

For the first time ever, Thrillville allows gamers of all ages to easily build and customize the coaster of your dreams. Gone are the days of the complex PC techniques used in other coaster games. Rather, Thrillville's easy to use building mode has been designed specifically for the console platforms and makes building all 75-plus rides from wooden, corkscrew and inverted coasters to merry go rounds, trains and carnival rides, easy, and most importantly, fun.

Imagination is the only height limit with Thrillville, where the fun ranges from racing on go-kart tracks you put together and playing mini-golf on courses you designed to joining friends for dozens of four-player party games, from bumper cars to arcade shoot-Сem-ups. You can also tour the park on foot Ц a first for theme-park titles Ц chatting and joking with all the guests to help them out and make sure they're enjoying themselves. Slated for a fall release, Thrillville is being developed by Frontier Development for PlayStation 2, Xbox and PSP.

Traxion
Gaming and music combine like never before on your PSP in Traxion Ц where your tracks drive the action. Loaded with dozens of minigames and a variety of music from leading artists Ц and fully compatible with every MP3 file on your memory stick Ц Traxion sucks you in as the music not only provides the soundtrack, but also changes the way the games are played! Imagine the rocking guitar chords of heavy metal, the strong beats of rap, the smooth tones of jazz, or even the crazy pace of polka Ц all impact gameplay in a different way. Traxion's unique music analysis tool allows for your favorite tunes to drive the gameplay, resulting in a dazzling visual and sensory experience that is different every time you play. And because you control the music, infinite possibilities for personalized gameplay experiences exist. Change your tune and change your game when Traxion, developed by Kuju Entertainment, releases this fall.