The High Republic Era Will Be Featured in 'Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge'

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge is an action-adventure VR experience created by ILMxLAB in collaboration with Oculus Quest that will be released on November 19, 2020. Set between Episode VIII: The Last Jedi and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, the story initially takes place in Blackspire Outpost on the planet Batuu. Known as a popular haunt for smugglers and criminals, Black Spire is an outpost on the edge of the Outer Rim of the galaxy, one of the last ports before Wild Space and the Unknown Regions. Through the storytelling of Seezelslak, the bartender of the Black Spire cantina, players will be charged with investigating a Temple of Darkness in the era of the High Republic, as a young Jedi padawan named Ady Sun'Zee. Together with Jedi Master Yoda, you must confront the darkness that lurks within the temple walls.

Storytelling through a character is an interesting technique, and allows for some great variety. In an interview, Lead Experience Designer Ian Bowie said:

“One of the great things about having Seezelslak tell these stories to the players is that we get to jump around to different locations, different times in the Star Wars universe, which allows us to branch out and explore so many different characters and some really cool mechanics in VR... Tales is the perfect opportunity for us to go around and show the audience these different characters, experiences, and stories, which all offer different lessons and holistic experiences that have amazing payoff within this specific medium.”

Batuu and Black Spire Outpost were made famous by Disneyworld and Disneyland's Florida and California Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge theme parks, and there are expected to be touchstones in the game for those real life theme park locations. With these immersive experiences as inspiration, Tales is set to be the next best thing in terms of immersion, with the player stepping into the world of Batuu and the Temple of Darkness, and interacting with characters both new and familiar. Two existing characters featured will be, of course Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels).

Tales from the Galaxy's Edge is one of the first new stories from the new Star Wars chapter: The High Republic. With the Skywalker saga over, it is time to explore new stories from different characters, and although we will still continue to see fan favorites, it is refreshing to have a new perspective. Although primarily based in novels and comics, The High Republic is set to expand into video games, as will be proven by the release of this game. Unfortunately, Tales from the Galaxy's Edge will be VR exclusive, which means the majority of fans will not be able to enjoy it. However, those that do get to sink their teeth into Tales will be treated to a vibrant, detailed world where choices have consequences, and those drive their experience forward. A wealth of content will be available for players to enjoy, including blaster fights, puzzles, shopping, space travel, Force wielding, and even lightsaber battles. You will even be able to use a jukebox or play space darts at the Black Spire Outpost cantina.

But if part of the story is set during the era of the High Republic, what sorts of enemies will be present? This era is two hundred years before Episode I: The Phantom Menace, so will the game feature brutish raiders such as the Nihil, or the monstrous amorphous nightmare fuel of the Drengir? These groups were hailed as the new villains for The High Republic, but from the look of the Temple of Darkness trailer, it is unclear as to what types of foes will surface during the mission.

Part 1 of Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge is set to release on November 19t with Part 2 releasing later in 2021.

Written By Andy Bain

Syndicated From Culture Slate