Author: Novara Skuara

The Enduring Appeal of Star Wars: The Old Republic

In the ever-evolving landscape of MMOs, Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) continues to stand out as a game that offers a unique and immersive experience. Despite the recent transition from BioWare to Broadsword, the game has managed to retain and even attract new players, proving that its charm is far from fading. Here’s why SWTOR remains a compelling choice for MMO enthusiasts. In conclusion, Star Wars: The Old Republic continues to offer a unique and immersive gaming experience. Its commitment to storytelling, character development, and player agency sets it apart in the MMO landscape, making it a game worth exploring for both new and returning players.

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The Future of Star Wars Animation: What Comes Next?

The Future of Star Wars Animation: What Comes Next?

In the galaxy far, far away, the live-action movies and shows have been known for their delays or outright cancellations. However, the animated counterparts have shown significantly more reliability. For the past 16 years, Lucasfilm has released an animated series, or even two, without fail every year. Starting with the 2008 animated film “The Clone Wars” and its much-loved series of the same name, which originally aired from 2008 through to 2014 (and then a final season in 2020), the Star Wars animated universe has been expanding. This was followed up by “Rebels” from 2014 to 2018, then “Resistance” in 2018 to 2020, which finally brings us to the current project of “The Bad Batch” which will be concluding next year with its third and final season. Aside from these regular series, there was also the non-canon anthology “Visions” as well as another “Clone Wars” follow up in the form…

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Ahsoka: Thrawn’s Return Teased in the Latest Star Wars Universe Trailer

Ahsoka: Thrawn's Return Teased in the Latest Star Wars Universe Trailer

The latest trailer for the highly anticipated Star Wars series, “Ahsoka”, has been released, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into the upcoming live-action Disney Plus series. The trailer, which was released today, has already generated significant buzz among Star Wars enthusiasts. The trailer opens with a cryptic statement, “War is inevitable. One must destroy in order to create,” setting a tone of conflict and transformation. The protagonist, Ahsoka Tano, declares, “We are no Jedi,” further emphasizing the series’ departure from traditional Star Wars narratives. The trailer confirms the return of Thrawn, a significant antagonist in the Star Wars universe, as the heir to the Empire. The characters ponder the implications of finding Thrawn, hinting at a power struggle that could reshape the Star Wars universe. The trailer also showcases a series of intense action sequences, hinting at the epic battles to come. Ahsoka is seen engaging in dialogue about preventing…

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The Royal Mint Celebrates Star Wars with Commemorative Coins

The Royal Mint Celebrates Star Wars with Commemorative Coins

In a galaxy not so far away, the Royal Mint is set to release a collection of commemorative Star Wars coins, marking the 40th anniversary of the iconic film, Return of The Jedi. This release is the first time characters from the beloved sci-fi franchise will grace official UK coins, making it a milestone event for both Star Wars enthusiasts and coin collectors alike. The Return of The Jedi, released in 1983, is the third film in the original Star Wars trilogy. It holds a special place in the hearts of fans, marking the culmination of the epic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. The film’s 40th anniversary is a significant occasion, and the Royal Mint’s commemorative coins are a fitting tribute. The coin collection will feature iconic characters from the Star Wars universe. The beloved droids, C-3PO and R2-D2, will appear on 50p coins, part of…

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The Cartel Market and Gambling: A Deep Dive into SWTOR’s In-Game Store

The gaming industry has witnessed a significant rise in the integration of microtransactions, loot boxes, and in-game stores that offer virtual goods for real-world currency. One such example is the Cartel Market in Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR). This article aims to explore the mechanics of the Cartel Market and shed light on its resemblance to gambling, particularly in the context of the random nature of Cartel Packs and the real money spent for a chance to acquire rare items. Understanding the Cartel Market The Cartel Market serves as SWTOR’s in-game store, providing players with a vast array of cosmetic items, consumables, and other virtual goods. One of its prominent features is the sale of Cartel Packs, which are essentially randomized loot boxes. These packs offer players a chance to obtain rare and desirable items, such as mounts, armor sets, weapons, and companions. The Random Nature of Cartel Packs:…

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Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes: Road Ahead July 2023

Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes - Road Ahead April 2023

In the latest update from the Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes Development Team, a plethora of exciting new features and characters have been announced for the popular mobile game. The July 2023 Road Ahead reveals the introduction of the Leviathan Capital Ship, Galactic Legend Leia Organa, a new Raid featuring Star Wars: Return of the Jedi™, Princess Kneesaa, and a new character, Captain Drogan. Leviathan Capital Ship The Leviathan, a new top-of-meta Capital Ship, is set to surpass the Profundity and Executor in terms of power and capabilities. The ship’s design includes anti-breach and anti-crit mechanics to enhance its survivability, and it also has the ability to destroy enemy reinforcements. The Leviathan’s unique feature is its ability to take over the enemy’s Capital Ship using its Special abilities. To unlock the Leviathan, players will need to meet specific requirements, including having certain characters and ships at specific levels. The Leviathan…

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SWTOR In-Game Events for July 2023

Star Wars: The Old Republic, the popular MMORPG, has announced a series of thrilling in-game events that will take place over the coming weeks. These events will offer players a variety of challenges and rewards, providing both seasoned veterans and newcomers with exciting opportunities to engage with the game’s rich lore and community. Pirate Incursion: June 27th – July 4th The remote planet Dantooine has become the epicenter of escalating hostilities between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. Covert Imperial forces have incited the Nova Blade pirates to launch an all-out attack on this pastoral Republic world. As the Republic scrambles to defend this key territory at the edge of Imperial space, the Empire plans to capitalize on the chaos and deal a major blow to the longtime Republic bastion. Players who participate in this event can look forward to a variety of rewards, including the Nova Blade and…

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From Yoda’s Herb Garden: An In-Depth Look at Cannabidiol and Its Potential Benefits for Star Wars Fans

Star Wars has captivated audiences with its legendary stories of Jedi, Sith, and galaxies far, far away. But what if there was a way to bring a piece of that universe into our own lives? No, we’re not talking about building a fully functional Death Star, but something far more holistic and accessible: cannabidiol, or CBD. Just as Yoda, the wise old Jedi Master, cultivated a garden of herbs on the swampy planet of Dagobah, we too can harness the power of plants for our well-being. In this case, the plant in question is hemp, and the compound of interest is CBD. This article takes a deep dive into the world of CBD and its potential benefits for Star Wars fans. Chapter I: CBD – The Force of Nature What is CBD? CBD is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s one of over a hundred cannabinoids but…

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Rick the Door Technician: The Unexpected Fan Favorite of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Rick the Door Technician: The Unexpected Fan Favorite of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

In the universe of “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,” developed by Respawn Entertainment, there is an unexpected fan favorite character that stands out amidst the epic lightsaber battles and grand narratives. The character is neither a Sith Lord nor a Jedi Knight, but rather a humble door technician named Rick. Rick the Door Technician appears fairly late into the game’s main campaign. The protagonist, Jedi warrior Cal Kestis, encounters Rick after surviving a particularly grueling garrison battle. At this point, players are likely low on health, without a checkpoint, and bracing for another intense combat encounter. However, Rick is not a formidable foe but a surprise comic relief. Despite being labeled as a “boss,” Rick can be defeated with a single hit, making him one of the most memorable and shortest boss fights in the game​​. The origins of this quirky character are rooted in the game design philosophy of Respawn…

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A New Hope or The Empire Strikes Back? Placing Bets on the Future of the Star Wars Franchise

As we stand on the precipice of the unknown, we can’t help but speculate: what does the future hold for the Star Wars franchise? With its captivating blend of compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and a galaxy far, far away that has captured the imagination of millions, Star Wars is a titan of pop culture. But as we look to the horizon, it’s time to do a bit of fortune-telling. Buckle up, padawans and masters alike, as we place bets on the future of this beloved franchise. Betting on New Characters: The Force Awakens Anew One of the greatest strengths of Star Wars is its rich tapestry of characters. From the iconic trio of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo to the newer champions like Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron, these characters have become a part of our cultural lexicon. As we gaze into our crystal ball, we’re placing our…

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Star Wars Welcomes Its First Openly Transgender Actor, Abigail Thorn, in Upcoming Disney+ Show ‘The Acolyte’

Star Wars Welcomes Its First Openly Transgender Actor, Abigail Thorn, in Upcoming Disney+ Show 'The Acolyte'

In a landmark move, the Star Wars franchise has announced the casting of its first transgender actor, Abigail Thorn. Thorn has joined the ensemble for the upcoming Disney+ show ‘The Acolyte’​​. The Acolyte’, first announced in 2020, is set to take viewers on a journey a century before the events of the initial Star Wars film, ‘The Phantom Menace. The mystery-thriller series will follow a Jedi Master and Padawan as they investigate a series of crimes throughout the galaxy, encountering dark forces, possibly including Sith, along their journey. The series is already boasting a star-studded cast with names like Amandla Stenberg, Jodie Turner-Smith, Dafne Keen and others. Thorn, as the first transgender actor to appear in a Star Wars series, adds another milestone to the show’s roster​​. While details about Thorn’s character are scant, she will be portraying the character of Ensign Eurus. The term ‘Ensign’ typically refers to a…

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Star Wars: Beyond George Lucas – A New Horizon

Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy has unveiled a bold new direction for the Star Wars franchise, signaling a departure from the creations of George Lucas and a readiness to explore fresh narratives and characters​​. Star Wars, the monumental science fiction franchise that began with the premiere of Episode IV: A New Hope 46 years ago, is looking to find a new path. Following the closure of the Skywalker saga, the Star Wars universe has already seen an expansion far beyond the legacy of its iconic characters like Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, and the Jedi​​. Despite the spinoffs maintaining some connections with the main story, they have progressively distanced themselves from the original narrative. Now, with upcoming Star Wars projects in both film and television, the franchise aims to start anew, moving further away from what George Lucas initially conceived. This was highlighted by Kathleen Kennedy in an interview with…

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Scrapped Star Wars Boba Fett Film: A Tale of a Darker Universe

In the galaxy far, far away, where the Star Wars saga unfolds, there was a time when the universe was envisioned to be darker, grittier, and more intense than what we have become accustomed to. This vision was conceived by James Mangold, who was set to direct a standalone Star Wars film about the infamous bounty hunter, Boba Fett. This film, however, never saw the light of day and was ultimately scrapped, but its shadow continues to intrigue fans and analysts alike​. In a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Mangold opened up about his vision for the movie. The director described his original concept as being “borderline R-rated,” a single planet spaghetti Western that would have been too hardcore for characters like Baby Yoda to be part of. He admits, “At the point I was doing it, I was probably scaring the s**t out of everyone”​. The…

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Star Wars: The Old Republic Undergoes Exciting Changes and Looks to the Future

Ranking the Best SWTOR Storylines: An Overview of the Classes in Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR), the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the Star Wars universe, is set for significant changes under the leadership of new studio Broadsword, according to a recent studio update from Keith Kanneg, Executive Producer of SWTOR​. Kanneg, who has been a part of the SWTOR team since before its launch, has expressed his enthusiasm for the game and his commitment to enhancing its potential even after nearly 12 years since its inception. He believes that Broadsword is the right studio to continue to modernize and expand the game, ensuring its growth and increasing its reach to more players​​. The transition will also see Kanneg and other key team leaders moving over to Broadsword, along with most of the current SWTOR team. This team has been known for its dedication and excellence, recently delivering significant updates and technological improvements to the game. These…

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Return of the Jedi’s Shocking Twist That Never Was: Resurrection of Obi-Wan Kenobi

Return of the Jedi's Shocking Twist That Never Was: Resurrection of Obi-Wan Kenobi

“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”, the epic conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy, underwent several revisions before its release in 1983. Among the numerous alterations was a compelling plot twist that would have seen a major character return from the dead, not as a Force ghost, but in the flesh. This intriguing twist, though ultimately discarded, was the resurrection of Obi-Wan Kenobi, played by Sir Alec Guinness​​. This revelation, along with many others about the early drafts of the film, comes from the book “Star Wars: The Annotated Screenplays” by film historian Laurent Bouzereau. The book provides a deep dive into the rough drafts of “Revenge of the Jedi” (the original title of the movie) and offers insights from interviews with George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars saga, and co-writer Lawrence Kasdan. It also includes transcripts from their story meetings, revealing a drastically different movie that…

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Star Wars: The Old Republic Development Update: A “New Beginning”

Star Wars: The Old Republic Development Update: A "New Beginning"

The future of Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) has been in question recently due to a potential development shift to a third-party studio. However, the game’s leadership team wants to assure fans that the shift does not spell doom for the popular game, but rather, represents a “new beginning” for SWTOR. In a post on the official SWTOR forums, Keith Kanneg, a leading figure in the SWTOR team, addressed various questions that the community had regarding this shift. The post offered reassurances and clarified the future direction of the game​​. This update followed earlier news that Electronic Arts (EA) was in discussions with Broadsword to potentially take over SWTOR’s development, sparking questions and concerns within the community​. The Future of SWTOR According to Kanneg, the transition to a third-party studio is likely to be seamless for players, with no significant changes to their gaming experience. He confirmed that support…

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Marvel’s ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Comic Miniseries: A Fresh Take on a Beloved Character

Marvel's 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' Comic Miniseries: A Fresh Take on a Beloved Character

Marvel Comics and Disney have joined forces to create a six-issue comic adaptation of “Obi-Wan Kenobi”, set to release its first issue in September 2023​. This miniseries, featuring the iconic Jedi Knight, promises to bring a new medium to the galaxy far, far away. Authored by Jody Houser, a seasoned writer in the world of Star Wars comics, the miniseries aims to offer new insights into old favorites and introduce some fantastic new characters. Each issue of the miniseries will adapt an episode from the Disney Plus series, “Obi-Wan Kenobi”, translating the narrative from the screen to the comic page. Adaptations are how I got my start in Star Wars comics, and I’m always excited to try my hand at another,” shared Houser, who has built an extensive portfolio of Star Wars comics, including works on “Empire”, “Yoda”, “Thrawn”, and many more​​. Salvador Larocca, renowned for his pencil work, will…

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Block by Block, Level by Level: The Magic of LEGO Star Wars Video Games

Who would have thought that combining the world’s most popular intergalactic epic with a beloved children’s building block toy would result in one of the most successful video game franchises? Yes, we’re talking about LEGO Star Wars. This incredible fusion of Star Wars lore with LEGO’s iconic block-building gameplay has created a unique, immersive, and downright fun gaming experience that transcends generations. So, grab your controllers, fellow padawans and master builders; let’s dive into the LEGO Star Wars universe, block by block, level by level. A Galaxy Not So Far Away: The Concept In a world full of high-definition graphics and complex gameplay, LEGO Star Wars stands out with its simplicity. Who’d have thunk it? The games provide a refreshing, light-hearted take on the Star Wars saga, retelling the epic stories in a charming, family-friendly format. The gameplay mechanics cleverly integrate LEGO’s building principles, offering an engaging mix of puzzle-solving,…

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Idris Elba Rumored to be the Villain in Upcoming Star Wars Movie

Idris Elba Rumored to be the Villain in Upcoming Star Wars Movie

There’s an exciting piece of news floating around in the Star Wars universe. A recent rumor has it that Idris Elba, the renowned actor known for roles in “Luther” and “Thor: Ragnarok,” is being considered to play the villain in an upcoming Star Wars film focused on the character Rey​. The rumor was first reported by the insider @MyTimeToShineHello, and while the details are scarce, the claim has sparked significant interest among fans and industry observers. It’s important to note, however, that the report doesn’t clarify whether Elba is in active talks for the role, or if he’s simply on Lucasfilm’s wish list​. The film, yet to be titled, is set to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and will feature Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey from the sequel trilogy. It’s set fifteen years after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” with Rey portrayed as a “powerful Jedi…

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Massive Star Wars eBook Bundle Features 41 Books for Just $18

Massive Star Wars eBook Bundle Features 41 Books for Just

Fans of Star Wars have a reason to rejoice this summer. The Humble Bundle, a popular platform known for bundling digital content and offering it at a significantly reduced price, has recently announced a massive Star Wars bundle featuring 41 eBooks for a steal price of just $18. The offer went live on June 9, 2023​​. The “Star Wars Legends, Myths, And The High Republic” book bundle is a comprehensive collection that spans across the new expanded universe, the classic pre-Disney Legends universe, and even includes several titles from the new High Republic era set hundreds of years before the prequel trilogy. While these books are primarily targeted at children and young adults, they offer an excellent entry point for anyone looking to explore Star Wars’ expansive universe​​. Tiered Pricing Structure This enormous eBook bundle comes in three pricing tiers, offering flexibility to fans depending on their preferences and budget….

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Lars Mikkelsen Discusses His Role as Thrawn in Upcoming Live-Action Series “Ahsoka”

lars mikkelsen grand admiral thrawn

The anticipation among Star Wars fans is palpable as we approach the debut of “Ahsoka,” a new live-action series on Disney+. One of the most intriguing aspects of this upcoming show is the return of Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn, a character he previously voiced in the animated series “Star Wars Rebels”​​. The series is set to premiere in August of this year, raising the excitement levels of fans around the world​​. Thrawn is a blue-skinned Chiss hailing from the Unknown Regions of the galaxy, renowned for his strategic military acumen. Introduced in Timothy Zahn’s 1991 novel, “Heir to the Empire,” the character quickly became a fan favorite due to his calculating and strategic approach to warfare, akin to playing chess. Thrawn’s impressive tactical skills led him to rise through the ranks of the Imperial Navy, culminating in his ascension to the top position after the temporary downfall of…

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Rumor: ZeniMax Online Developing a Mandalorian MMO?

Rumor: ZeniMax Online Developing a Mandalorian MMO?

With the surge of success surrounding the Star Wars: The Mandalorian series on Disney+, rumors have emerged suggesting that a new MMO based on the show could be in the works. According to Nick Baker of XboxEra and YouTuber Skullzi, ZeniMax Online, the studio behind the acclaimed Elder Scrolls Online, may be the driving force behind this project. Nick Baker initially reported on this potential development last year, hinting at the creation of a game centered on the Mandalorian universe. More recently, Skullzi has added fuel to the speculation, stating that he’s heard similar whispers about a Star Wars: The Mandalorian game. However, both sources have made it clear that these are simply rumors at this stage, and as such, should be taken with a grain of salt. Interestingly, some reports suggest that the game, if it exists, may end up as an Xbox exclusive. This move could serve as…

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