Force Commander Update

As reported earlier in GameSpot News, LucasArts is continuing its strategy of releasing strategy titles set in the Star Wars universe, this time taking on Command & Conquer with Star Wars: Force Commander.

Force Commander is set to release in the fall, a real-time strategy game where you lead the armies behind the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire. The game unfolds over a series of chapters, each taking place on a different world, like the jungles of Yavin IV or the icy Hoth, all rendered in 3D. In fact, Force Commander will require a 3D card. The use of 3D technology will enable the designers to use such things as floating cameras for multiple viewing perspectives.

Each chapter contains on the average about three different missions. The chapters span the Star Wars trilogy, from right before the destruction of Alderaan to right after the ending of Return of the Jedi.

Players will be able to establish bases and capture buildings and units. The game will feature over 100 different types of vehicles, including many that have not been seen before, like new tanks, missile launchers, and troop transports. Other familiar Star Wars vehicles like AT-ATs and Y-Wings will also be included.

Multiplayer games will be playable over the Internet or a local area network, although it appears that only two-player games will be supported.

"Force Commander will embrace the latest 3D acceleration technology to the fullest extent, allowing a level of realism not previously possible," says Tom Byron, product marketing manager for LucasArts. "Shadows of the Empire... established a new standard for game graphics. Force Commander will take 3D to the next level, providing the ultimate showcase for the technology."