Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II Preview

From a technical point LucasArts and Factor 5 astounded nintendo fans when they released ‘Rogue Squadron’ on the N64 back in 1998. Being the first game to make use of the machines 4MB Expansion pack, gamers were treated to detailed textures and hi-res graphics that were not thought possible on the machine at the time.<br><br>Late last year Nintendo gave the public their first glimpse of what to expect from the GameCube, snuggled between the established faces of Mario, Link, Zelda and Samus (Metroid) appeared an X-Wing, beautifully re-created and running smoothly. <br><br>So impressed with what Factor 5 had achieved on their dev kits, Nintendo asked them to knock up something for their unveiling (there’s nothing better then a bit of Star Wars to get you all tingly), the demo gave us an insight as to what to expect from Nintendo’s new machine, not only were the cut-scenes entirely generated in real-time, they managed to compete with the original re-mastered CGI scenes that they were recreating. <br><br>Well it’s now 2001 and it looks like the two may astound Nintendo gamers worldwide once again with ‘Rogue Squadron 2’ on the Gamecube. LucasArts have confirmed that the ‘demo’ seen at SpaceWorld 2000 is in fact a real title in development, and have released a set of new pictures and some information regarding the game.<br><br>Firstly (and arguably most importantly) this game is set in the world of Star Wars that we all know and love, yep Luke, Han, Chewie, X-Wings and good old Darth Vader, none of this new-age pod racers, Naboo and Queen Amidala crap. <br><br>The game follows the exploits of Luke Sykwalker as he pilots his way through a series of missions based on different times in the trilogy’s timeline, including the perilous Death Star trench run, a daring space attack on a Star Destroyer and the legendary battle on the ice planet Hoth, in total LucasArts are promising 11 primary campaigns.<br><br>The main focus point is always going to be about the graphics, and whether or not you’ll finally be able to feel like you’re actually flying an X-Wing. For now just take a look at the <a href="http://www.totalvideogames.com/cgi-bin/fulltext.pl?news.101.05.11.1.34.42,CUBE">new pictures</a>, and imagine it running at a solid 60 frames-per-second. <br><br>Another feature that LucasArts have confirmed is real-time environmental effects, so instead of kicking imperial ass you’ll be able to watch the twin suns of Tatooine rise and set instead.<br><br></p> <br /> We’ll be able to get a better idea of the game at E3, where we will bring you an in-depth look at what’s shaping up to be the definitive Star Wars game. <br />  </p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />