KOTOR 2 | Rebel X

[Bond]

October 10, 2003 - Welcome, welcome, welcome everyone! Boy, do we have some super-juicy Star Wars rumors for you today. Before reading the following the news, remember that none of the following information has been confirmed nor denied, but we can assure you that our sources have never been wrong before. They've come through on many, many occasions, and we'd say everything we're about to tell you is more than likely fact. So sit back and relax, and see how the Force is becoming one with the Xbox.

KOTOR 2
No one can deny the significance of having Knights of the Old Republic exclusively (on consoles anyways) available for the Xbox. Not only is it one of the only RPGs for the big black behemoth, but it's one of the best RPGs to come out in recent memory on any console. And then there's the sales numbers. The game has not only experienced incredible sales, to the tune of 600,000 units and counting, but it's also lead to increased Xbox sales, however minor. System-selling quality indeed.

A logical action to take after such success is to start planning the game's successor, and apparently, KOTOR 2 is under development. A few sources have already reported that the sequel has been greenlighted for a late 2004 or early 2005 release, and that the game's storyline - which is to take place many years after KOTOR's --will include a completely new cast of characters. But what few people are aware of is that the game is not being developed internally at BioWare, but in Orange County at Obsidian Entertainment. (At least that's what we hear.)

What? Who's this Obsidian Entertainment? Never heard of them? Well, search back through the files in your skull and you may remember an announcement made by BioWare back in August. The company announced a commitment to collaborate on future PC and console titles with Obsidian. Here's a quick refresher:

"BioWare is currently in the fortunate position of having more attractive looking opportunities on the table than we're capable of implementing while staying true to our fans' expectations of a quality gaming experience. We think several of these opportunities have the potential for critical and commercial success and are interested in exploring ways in which BioWare can expand its capacity to bring these projects to market," said Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Joint CEO, BioWare Corp.

"BioWare is interested in establishing relationships with credible development studios that have the desire and capability to implement projects consistent with our quality expectations. Obsidian represents a perfect example of this strategy. We're very pleased to have the chance to work with teams which have a demonstrated track record of developing world class titles," commented Dr. Ray Muzyka, Joint CEO, BioWare Corp.

"A collaboration with BioWare gives Obsidian the opportunity to explore development projects on established game franchises with proven technology and brand loyalty from the fan community. This is an excellent opportunity for a new studio looking to make an immediate impact in the market," said Feargus Urquhart, CEO, Obsidian Entertainment, Inc.

For BioWare - a company with a very respectable track record - to hand over the next KOTOR game to another company, it would have to trust them unquestionably. Fortunately for Obsidian, BioWare does. Founded by five industry veterans who've worked on a number of well-known games including Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, Fallout, MDK 2 and Planescape: Torment, BioWare has every reason to trust them, especially considering the number of BioWare titles in the development studio's resume.

Also indicative of the studio's work on KOTOR 2 is the quote from Urquhart where he mentions that Obisidian will be working on "…established game franchises with proven technology and brand loyalty from the fan community," and the company's website where it mentions that "Obsidian Entertainment is currently working on an unannounced role-playing game for PC and console systems." Though both BioWare and Obsidian Entertainment have only responded with "no comments," and have not confirmed nor denied this rumor, all clues point to Obsidian being the developer.

Rebel X
In other Star Wars-related news, we've heard that the Rogue Squadron trilogy of games (Rogue Squadron (N64), Rogue Leader (GCN), Rebel Strike (GCN)) is making its way to the 'Box in late 2004 to coincide with the DVD release of the first three movies (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi). Referred to internally as "Rebel X," rumor has it that the three titles will be bundled together for one supreme Star Wars package. No word yet on any additions/enhancements to the titles, but anything's a possibility.

With the Rogue games being some of the GameCube's strongest titles, the end of exclusivity may spell trouble for Nintendo. We'd like to assume that the success of Star Wars games on the Xbox, especially KOTOR, has made Factor 5 rethink its current position and move on to better sales and a more profitable future. Does this spell the end of Star Wars game development on the GameCube? Not necessarily, but with support for Nintendo's console steadily declining we'd be surprised to hear of any new LucasArts games coming out for the system. Of course, this has little relevance to the next generation of consoles, but for the GameCube, Rebel Strike may be it.

We'll have much more on KOTOR 2 and Rebel X in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled and you ears open.

Source: IGN

[Dyne]

Referred to internally as "Rebel X," rumor has it

I stopped reading about.. there.

They were wrong about Suikoden 3, and Dynasty Warriors 4, weren't they?

[Stonecutter]

I don't doubt the KOTOR2 thing for a second.


Now the reble x thing........


No where EVER have I heard that end of 2004 is a set date for the dvd release of the first three movies. I really doubt we're going to see those movies before episode 3 comes out, which isn't until 2005.

[GameKinG]

Yep. Special DVD slated for after the release of Episode 3, which is in 2005. DVD likely wont be out till fall 2005. Thats a huge blow to that part of the rumor right there. And factor 5 has said many times it wouldnt bring it over, in interviews, even if sometimes for some odd reasons. They will never depart cube, they have even contributed to cube hardware, they make money off of it. And they are going to busy themselves with Pilotwings now.

[GameKinG]

Well, Julian E. of Factor 5 has commented on the rumor at a german game site saying Factor 5 wont be doing this. Now I dunno if its up to F5 wether the games get ported, but I imagine its safer to say its LA's choosing. Since F5 isnt doing it, LA [if true] would use an internal dev to port it. No offense to LA's internal dev team, but frankly, they arent qualified for this kind of job. These games take advantage of the cube too exclusively for them to do it. It would be choppy, low frame-rate, and probably bug/glitch filled.

So if you still want it, you can get it, though it wont be along side a DVD release, cause thats in 2005.

[CrOnO_LiNk]

Originally Posted by GameKinG

Yep. Special DVD slated for after the release of Episode 3, which is in 2005. DVD likely wont be out till fall 2005. Thats a huge blow to that part of the rumor right there. And factor 5 has said many times it wouldnt bring it over, in interviews, even if sometimes for some odd reasons. They will never depart cube, they have even contributed to cube hardware, they make money off of it. And they are going to busy themselves with Pilotwings now.

*Hype for buying an Xbox rises*

KOTOR is the only reason I'll buy an Xbox, and KOTOR 2, hmmmm....

[DarkMaster]

Originally Posted by CrOnO_LiNk

*Hype for buying an Xbox rises*

KOTOR is the only reason I'll buy an Xbox, and KOTOR 2, hmmmm....

KOTOR is coming out for PC as well, just so you know.

[CrOnO_LiNk]

Originally Posted by DarkMaster

KOTOR is coming out for PC as well, just so you know.

Yeah, but I'd rather play it on the original console.

I never really liked GTA3 or Vice City on PC. Unless the game will be online (not downloadable content, but online play), then I I'll just get it for PC.

[Dyne]

Originally Posted by CrOnO_LiNk

Yeah, but I'd rather play it on the original console.

I never really liked GTA3 or Vice City on PC. Unless the game will be online (not downloadable content, but online play), then I I'll just get it for PC.

Xbox isn't really the original console, they've just had a bit of exclusivity with it for a while, to get sales. The PC version is going to be better anyways; you won't need Xbox Live, either, for the cool stuff that's coming up.

[Jonbo298]

Good news on the possibility of KOTOR 2 coming to Xbox.

But on the possiblity of "Rebel X". I think it will be false anywas (even though its already been confirmed). This is yet another example of a rumour that could easily be believable just because the perception of Nintendo is that they are failing in the console market and companies are just eagerly jumping to and fro.

[DarkMaster]

Originally Posted by CrOnO_LiNk

Yeah, but I'd rather play it on the original console.

I never really liked GTA3 or Vice City on PC. Unless the game will be online (not downloadable content, but online play), then I I'll just get it for PC.

Accroding to IGN's playtest, the graphics are better, as well as a lot of technical aspects which makes the game play better. There'll also be new items, weapons, and a new area or too.

Plus there'll be downloadable content and stuff in the future, which I'm sure the xbox version will get as well.

I'll be getting it for PC simply because I don't have an xbox, and even if I did, the PC version is slightly better, so there's no reason for me not to pick it up.

[turkeys neck]

Does anyone find that now they've played kotor other games don't seem as good to play or you're much more picky? Are there any other decent games out there (it's my birthday soon)?

[Mechadragon]

Originally Posted by turkeys neck

Does anyone find that now they've played kotor other games don't seem as good to play or you're much more picky? Are there any other decent games out there (it's my birthday soon)?

If you have a decent computer, I would get Neverwinter Nights with its expansion: Shadows of Undrentide. Both were made by the same people as KOTOR. NWN is even getting another expansion soon called Hordes of the Underdark.

[Zee Deveel]

GameCube can have Factor 5- the Rogue Squadron series has incredible visuals, but has extremely shallow gameplay, and I've played the Rebel Strike demo (nothing more than a tech-demo IMO).

[Zee Deveel]

Originally Posted by turkeys neck

Does anyone find that now they've played kotor other games don't seem as good to play or you're much more picky? Are there any other decent games out there (it's my birthday soon)?

After playing (and beating) KOTOR, I've started to notice the lack of polish in other video games.

I would recommend Otogi for your birthday, but it all comes down to you.