Bringing VR’s best Star Wars game to PlayStation VR2 was a no-brainer, devs say
Star Wars: Tales from Galaxy's Edge Enhanced Edition's developers reveal the benefits of making games for PlayStation VR2.
Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call Makes a Cohesive Whole
When ILMxLAB launched Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge for Oculus Quest last year it felt like a virtual reality (VR) experience that wanted to tell its own stories away from the main film canon. And it did, partially, showcasing ILMxLAB’s ability to tell rich immersive narratives. The biggest problem was that it was over before it truly gained momentum. That issue has now been put to rest with Last Call, the second part to the title which arrives today.
Last Call is DLC so it’s not quite a second section opening up for players, more a normal videogame expansion. Thankfully, this does mean players get a nice chunk of content to delve into, including several new missions, some additions to Seezelslak’s bar, and more upgrade options to experiment with.
The main campaign centres around the new character Dok-Ondar, an antiquities dealer who’s looking for a very specific relic. This artefact just so happens to be Sith in nature and naturally, the Jedi have hidden it away for safekeeping. You’ve been hired to find it but you’re not the only one on its trail. Cue an adventure into a new part of Batuu, with the mission set across three areas. It’s another tasty slice of Star Wars lore for fans to get into but just like before the gameplay is heavily combat-focused with some light puzzles, so anyone can enjoy the sci-fi adventure which lasts around one hour depending on how many secrets you try to uncover.
With a new mission comes new enemies and weapons, with androids who drop mechanical parts that can be collected and sold at Mubo’s Droid Repair Shop. You can expand your arsenal with a blaster featuring a charge-up mode or a gun that fires explosive tipped arrows. It’s important to pick up those parts and hunt down the elusive mini-droids because Mubo does have some new goodies in-store. From gloves that will automatically heal you to expanding your blaster holsters by equipping two on your back, there are a few ways to upgrade now. One of the most useful is the new hoverpack that enables you to maneuver in the air. You’ll need to have Free Move on but it makes mid-air combat a lot more dynamic.
And then there are the new Tales. These are short but sweet, self-contained mini-adventures where you get to play as notorious assassin droid IG-88 in The Bounty of Boggs Triff or heading back to the High Republic era as Ady’Sun Zee in The Sacred Garden. The Bounty of Boggs Triff is the weaker of the two as IG-88 is absolutely deadly, being able to target multiple enemies to unleash a barrage of blaster fire. However, apart from being able to scan certain objects to complete a side quest, much like the droid itself, the mission doesn’t require much strategy; all you simply do is wander through and shoot.
Even though Last Call is paid DLC, for those that wanted more from Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge the first time around now they should find the entire experience is much more cohesive as a whole. And all the better for it.
Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call is available today for Oculus Quest priced at $9.99 USD. Or for those that don’t own the videogame yet, it’ll retail for $34.99 with all the content available. For continued VR updates from ILMxLAB, keep reading VRFocus.
Competition: Win a Physical Copy of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series for PSVR
If you love virtual reality (VR) gaming and Star Wars then ILMxLAB’s Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is a must, especially as it’s considered canon. Originally released episodically for Oculus Quest in 2019 with support landing for PlayStation VR the following year. A few months ago Sony’s headset got a physical retail edition and that’s exactly what VRFocus is giving away in our latest competition.
Set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is a three-part interactive experience putting you in the shoes of a mysterious smuggler. Captured by the infamous Darth Vader and imprisoned in his base on the volcanic world of Mustafar, it soon becomes apparent that you have latent Force powers so Vader takes you under his wing.
This sets up a story delving deep into the history of the planet and Vader’s real reason for enlisting your help, to help him find an ancient and powerful artefact. Along the way, you’ll learn how to use those powers as well as honing those lightsaber skills. Each episode also features a Lightsaber Dojo, where you can test your lightsaber skills and force powers against waves of enemies.
Reviewing the Oculus Quest version of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series, VRFocus said: “If you’re a Star Wars fan then Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is a must, for everyone else, there’s still fun to be had.”
So onto the competition. VRFocus has five physical copies of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series for PlayStation VR to giveaway. There are multiple ways to enter the giveaway with the standard prize draw entry rules applying: Follow us (or already be following us) on Twitter (@VRFocus) or alternatively, visit our Facebook page or YouTube channel to get an entry for each. The competition will be open until 11.59 pm BST on Monday, 6th September 2021. The draw is only open to continental US (no Alaska or Hawaii) entries. Winners will need to provide a name, address and phone number (dispatched via FedEx). Best of luck.
Win a Physical Copy of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series for PSVR
‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call’ Paid DLC Releases on Quest Today
ILMxLAB, the immersive entertainment studio from Lucasfilms, is bringing the final installment of its Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge VR game. The in-app paid DLC comes exclusively to Oculus Quest starting today.
Update (September 15th, 2021): ILMxLAB released ‘Last Call’ on Quest today, which is capping the series off with four major stories that will get you doing things like blasting away at pirates and First Order storm troopers, wielding a lightsaber as a Jedi knight, and taking on the role of a highly-skilled assassin droid.
A previous headline suggested Last Call would be a game in its own right, however the content is actually being offered as an in-app paid DLC for $10, which you’ll find within the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge game on Quest.
In order to play, you’ll need have beaten the original story, so if you’ve deleted your previous game progress you’ll need to go back and beat the game again to have access to the new content. The original article (and trailer) announcing Last Call follows below:
Original Article (September 3rd, 2021): The episode, dubbed Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call, is set to feature new tales and adventures that let you explore the wilds of Batuu as you help Dok-Ondar recover an ancient artifact. It’s launching September 15th, coming exclusively to Quest.
In it, you’ll get to explore new environments on Batuu including Sardeevem Chasm and the Cavern of the Moons, which contain the standard smattering of the series’ mainstay: pirates and puzzles.
“Additionally, you stumble upon a hidden First Order facility far, far away from Black Spire Outpost — highly dangerous and growing in secret,” the studio says. “With an unlikely collection of allies including Lens Kamo, Hondo, Mubo, R2-D2, and C-3PO behind you, infiltrate the First Order’s operation and attempt to thwart an evil that threatens all of Batuu.”
There’s also set to be some more Jedi action here too. ILMxLAB gives a brief rundown:
The story of Ady’Sun Zee continues in The Sacred Garden, set in The High Republic era many years after her first Tale. The apprentice has now leveled up into a Jedi Knight, and must teach her Padawan, Nooa, the ways of the Force — while learning some lessons herself.”
Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call will be available on the Oculus Quest platform September 15th for $10, or a total of $35 for the full experience which includes the first installment too.
We gave the first a not wholly-unrespectable [6/10] in our review for its fun set pieces and Star Wars wow-factor, although the campaign suffered from a lack of enemy variety and only has a single boss battle. The campaign offers up three-ish hours of gameplay, so it’ll be good opportunity to pop back onto Batuu to see the conclusion of the first’s mostly blaster-heavy story.
You might recognize a few notable voice actors in the trailer. Hondo Ohnaka is voiced by Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh), and Neeva is voiced by Anika Noni Rose (The Princess and the Frog). Other notables include Daman Mills (Dragon Ball Super: Broly) voicing stormtrooper leader Lt. Gauge, and Darin DePaul lending his voice to mobster Boggs Triff, known for his work on Overwatch and Final Fantasy XV. The talented Rhys Darby is also playing the assassin droid IG-88, who has previously worked on Yes Man and Flight of the Conchords.
Returning voice talent include Ellie Araiza, Anthony Daniels, Cory Rouse, Bobby Moynihan, Lens Kamo, and Mark Rolston.
The post ‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call’ Paid DLC Releases on Quest Today appeared first on Road to VR.
Price and Date for Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge Part 2 Revealed
ILMxLAB has been teasing details for Last Call, the second part of Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge since April, further expanding the sci-fi adventure. Today, the studio has released the final details fans have been waiting for, the launch date and price. Plus, there’s a new extended trailer showcasing even more of the DLC.
The new trailer comes in at just under three minutes, providing the best preview yet of your next Star Wars adventure whilst unveiling even more characters. New to the roster are:
- Hondo Ohnaka voiced by Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh, Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog)
- Neeva voiced by Anika Noni Rose (The Princess and the Frog, Dreamgirls, Them)
- Stormtrooper leader Lt. Gauge will be voiced by Daman Mills (Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Final Fantasy VII Remake)
- Mobster Boggs Triff will be voiced by Darin DePaul (Overwatch, Final Fantasy XV)
- Assassin droid IG-88 will be voiced by Rhys Darby (Yes Man, Flight of the Conchords)
ILMxLAB has also clarified that Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call will feature one main campaign on Batuu with two further side tales rounding out the experience. Heading back into the wilds of Batuu, in Last Call Dok-Ondar gives you a job, recovering an ancient artefact. This will see you explore new locations like the Sardeevem Chasm and the Cavern of the Moons, solving puzzles and dealing with new threats.
As for the new tales, in The Bounty of Boggs Triff you take on the role of class four assassin droid IG-88, tasked with collecting a bounty on the moon of Nar Shaddaa inside an impregnable fortress. The Sacred Garden continues Ady’Sun Zee’s narrative, set during the High Republic era where she’s now a Jedi Knight with her own padawan to train.
Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call will be arriving for Oculus Quest on 15th September, priced at $9.99 USD. Or if you don’t already own the videogame it’ll be $34.99 all in. Check out the new trailer below and for further updates keep reading VRFocus.
Teaser Trailer Lands for Part 2 of Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge
Oculus Quest exclusive Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge left players wanting more due to its short run time, teasing in its menu that a second part would expand the experience. Developer ILMxLAB revealed the first details several months back and now it has released a teaser trailer along with further story information.
Alongside the previously announced Ithorian Dok-Ondar the teaser trailer drops in new characters Lens Kamo, who is voiced by Karla Crome (Murder: Joint Enterprise, Carnival Row) and Baron Attsmun, voiced by Mark Rolston (The Shawshank Redemption, Rush Hour). Baron Attsmun originally appeared in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, an ultra-wealthy industrialist who sells cybernetic parts. He maintains an outward facade of a charitable character but hides a cruel, detached outlook.
While Lens Kamo, on the other hand, is described as: “the badass daughter of scholar parents who developed a healthy respect for history. She went into treasure hunting with the sole purpose of getting artifacts out of sites without harming them, and keeping them out of reach of the destructive collectors.” And just like before, all of these encounters take place within Seezelslak’s Cantina.
“Welcome back to Batuu! Dok-Ondar has pulled up a seat in Seezelslak’s cantina and he has a job for you. The infamous Ithorian sends you deep into the Batuuu wilds in search of a lost artefact. You’ll team up with the relic hunter Lens Kamo and battle against the evil Baron Attsmun,” said Jose Perez III, Director, in a statement. “We are super excited to continue to expand the Star Wars galaxy and hope fans swing by for Last Call.”
“We are over the moons to continue your story as our intrepid deckhand as you spend time with new and familiar characters on Batuu,” said Alyssa Finley, Senior Producer. “With new adventures to go on, two new Tales to experience, and a multitude of new items to buy and try at Mubo’s Workshop, our team can’t wait for fans to jump into Last Call this fall.”
Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Last Call is now slated to launch this Autumn for Oculus Quest as DLC with pricing still to be revealed. For continued updates keep reading VRFocus.
Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series’ Exclusive PlayStation VR Retail Edition Arrives June
Last month ILMxLAB and Perp Games announced that the award-winning Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series would be getting a physical disc version for PlayStation VR with a few additional extras for fans. Today, the launch date has been confirmed, seeing the special retail edition arrive next month.
Physical release will include several exclusive goodies for all those Star Wars fans out there:
- A digital artbook, with unreleased art and insights into the making of Vader Immortal, written by StarWars.com contributor Kelly Knox.
- A new behind-the-scenes video about the making of ZO-E3, your droid companion voiced by Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids, SNL) with special footage from a voice-over session, concept art, interviews from the creators, and more.
- Two collectable physical postcards featuring concept and key art.
Originally released episodically for Oculus Quest in 2019, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is regarded as canon with its narrative set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. You play a smuggler captured by Darth Vader and imprisoned in his base of Mustafar. After it becomes apparent that you have Force powers, Vader decides to train you whilst enlisting your help to find an ancient artefact. A cinematic experience with interactive elements, the three-part campaign is complemented by the Lightsaber Dojo, where you can test your lightsaber skills and Force powers against waves of enemies.
Reviewing the Oculus Quest version of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series, VRFocus said: “If you’re a Star Wars fan then Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is a must, for everyone else, there’s still fun to be had.”
You’ll be able to find ILMxLAB’s Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series for PlayStation VR in retail locations from 18th June 2021. For further ILMxLAB VR updates including Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge: Part 2, keep reading VRFocus.
First Details Emerge for Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge Part II
Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge arrived back in November 2020 exclusively for Oculus Quest. While it provided an interesting experience for virtual reality (VR) fans it did evoke some mixed responses, mainly due to its short run time. That’s going to be improved in 2021 with part 2, so during the Oculus Gaming Showcase today ILMxLAB has teased the first details.
And by teased VRFocus means a very brief glance at what’s to come, with ILMxLAB unveiling the first character and a single piece of concept art. The first character you get to meet from Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge: Part 2 is a mysterious Ithorian called Dok-Ondar, a visitor from the Den of Antiquities. The artwork art features Dok-Ondar in Seezelslak’s Cantina with his translation droid.
Just as Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge is based on the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge themed area in Disneyland, California and Disney World, Florida, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities can be physically found at Disneyland where guests can purchase Star Wars memorabilia.
Quite what his role will be in Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge remains unclear. While he could offer trading possibilities that may not be the case as he’s not in his shop. The fact he’s in the cantina suggests he’ll probably have a mission or two for you, sending you off to some remote corner of Batuu to find a rare artefact.
The videogame takes place on the planet of Batuu just on the outskirts of the Black Spire Outpost with the storyline set between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. You play a droid repair technician who crashlands on the planet, ending up in Seezelslak’s Cantina where you listen to his stories and go on missions, encountering some famous characters along the way.
“Continuing to hone its VR skills, ILMxLAB has created a rather mixed experience with Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge,” VRFocus said in its review. “What it lacks in that initial wow factor and excitement that Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series had it makes up for by offering a more open adventure with a nice mixture of action, light puzzling as well as great voice acting and animation.
Not only is there part two to look forward to later this year, but Star Wars fans will also get their hands-on Star Wars Pinball VR, due to launch next week on 29th April for most VR headsets. As further updates for Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge are released, VRFocus will let you know.
‘Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy Part II’ Coming to Quest Later This Year
ILMxLAB and Oculus today announced that Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge Part II is coming to Quest later this year.
Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge (2020) launched on Quest in November 2020, bringing with it an action-adventure experience that puts you in middle of a conflict between space pirates. You need to recover some very important (and very recognizable) stolen droids, blast away at enemy pirates, and scrounge for all manner of loot. You’re not a Jedi, but you do have a jet pack.
Although it’s only a drip of information for now, ILMxLab has revealed two new characters coming to the series. The first is ‘Dok-Ondar’, a visitor from the Den of Antiquities, seen on the right. On the left is his trusty translation droid, seen ostensibly helping his Ithorian pal hashing out a deal in Seezelslak’s Cantina.
If this installment is anything like the first, we’re likely to see a steady drip of information come out as we get closer to launch.
The series is said to conclude after its fourth installment. ILMXLab says to “[k]eep an eye out for more details as we prepare for launch later this year.”
The post ‘Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy Part II’ Coming to Quest Later This Year appeared first on Road to VR.
Special Retail Edition of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series Confirmed for PlayStation VR
If you’re a Star Wars fan with a PlayStation VR then you really should own a copy of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series. If you’ve been holding out in the hope of a physical retail release then VRFocus has some great news, one is on the way. Today, ILMxLAB and Perp Games have announced a disc version is coming this Spring.
As a special retail edition of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series the physical release won’t simply feature all three episodes in a nice case, it’ll also come supplied with some extra goodies. These will include physical postcards and never-before-seen video footage.
“Here at ILMxLAB we are excited to team up with Perp Games for the Special Retail Edition of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series,” said Harvey Whitney, ILMxLAB Producer in a statement.“It’s great to be able to bring our award-winning immersive story about one of the most iconic villains of all time to even more Star Wars fans, with unique and fun extras to enjoy. We are all looking forward to seeing it in stores later this Spring.”
Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series originally released episodically for Oculus Quest across the latter part of 2019. Designed to be more of an interactive experience rather than a fully-fledged videogame, nevertheless, you still get to wield Force powers and a lightsaber through the missions. It takes place entirely on Mustafar, the lava planet home to Darth Vader’s base. With a cannon narrative set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope its another important piece in the Star Wars universe.
“ILMxLAB has done an incredible job in bringing the Star Wars universe to VR,” said Rob Edwards, Managing Director at Perp Games. “Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is stunning. It is an honour to publish a very special physical product, and we can’t wait for both VR and Star Wars fans to experience the Physical Edition.”
Perp Games and ILMxLAB haven’t given an exact launch date just yet, only offering a Spring 2021 window. That would indicate a launch isn’t too far off. When those details are made available, VRFocus will let you know.