NumberWan

@@dark_apprentice I wouldn't recommend using a negative of the original texture. If you are working in Photoshop, try other options. For instance, for black parts I would use any dark color close to black, then use Multiply filter and "play" a little with Opacity values. Using mask in this instance might help. For lighter parts also use some sort of grey or light olive gamma. Using Lighting, Screen or Overlay might be good. Opacity too. =) Besides I would copy one of Channels (RGB) and place them above the light parts of TIE. Then use multiply again. If you don't work in PS, then just try to avoid switching colors automatically. There are actually dozens of options both in PS and other programs.

Found the concept art for Star Wars Rebels Season 2. Partially that's an illustration for the spoilers above. Caution, it reveals certain events and even a new character's face.

@Onysfx I would agree with Cerez, the era of Clone Wars and the prequels ended, it's now the classic trilogy rules time. Look at the games for instance. The mobile ones are mostly about the Civil War. New Battlefront will cover the same epoch (including Jakku). It's not that surprising: when Episode I was released, they "juiced" the new era the way could: TPM video game, Obi Wan video game, Racer, Battle for Naboo, Galactic Battlegrounds (1) among many others. This is happening now, besides Star Wars have been very quite regarding games in the last 5+ years. @Cerez I also think, they've started to understand, what was essential in the story. I mean not the principal plot, but rather important details. For the most episodes you can read quite a legend of what is seen in the background for instance. In Ahsoka Tano's arc there is a large brown monument right in front of the Republic base, with large clone troopers statues. It is interesting, that it's part of a Geonosian rock, cut on the planet after the first battle - it was used to create a memorial to those, who perished at the battle of Geonosis three years prior. They've added Selkath, which ties the original Star Wars and KOTOR - that they actually took place in one Galaxy. Seeing a Lutrillian was quite a good move towards the Original Trilogy. And for the R2 arc they even re-created an Aqualish, known prior as a Walrus man and an action figure by Kenner in 1970-1980s. KOTOR also followed this path by the way, adding both original images (Tatooine, radians, droids) and new ones (Manaan, Paaerduag, Rakatas). As for Cad Bane - they actually told us why he was traveling to Tatooine.

@Cerez I guess, that Cody might be either on the wrong side or dead. We see clones, which weren't seen killing any of the Jedi, though we might suppose they did. It will question #1 soon, but if Ahsoka talks to them, then perhaps somehow these clones escaped the fate of following Order 66. Did they manage to remove the chip? Or else. It doesn't matter, though the morale aspect might arise. It actually explains, while Kanan acts more aggressively towards them, when Zeb is revealed to be more of a bait. @IrocJeff I actually like the aspect of Behind the scenes. It gives you opportunity to see, what stands behind the creations. For instance, the helmet of Darth Vader - bears a lot with the Japanese helmets of old times, and it's not just a stylish element of the whole image. It's also a continuation of the feel, that Lucas was inspired by Oriental motives and tales when he was creating Star Wars. The story was, that at one point he wanted to use Japanese actors only, especially for the role of Obi Wan Kenobi. This rumour returned, when Episode II was filming. Or take battle droids - they remind us of African native culture with their peculiar spirits.We might say, that that's not the case with Bespin for instance, but you be wrong. The design of Leia room is partially a reflection of the motives of 1970s, with Sci-Fi elements seen in the interior of those times. So digging both cultural reference or hints on what is truly going in the story, as well as what was made to create it at all - for me is part of being a Star Wars fan. =))) I hope we will be seeing more of Rebels info soon. Personally I would like to have a look on a new concept art.

The chrome trooper was rumored to be captain Phasma, Her appearance might be close to Gwendoline Christie (one picture from drone showed she is blond and about 2 m tall). As for Kylo Ren - we must see his face. I guess he is very ugly. One concept is still debated whether it's Kylo Ren or an old guy, played by Max Von Sydow (cyborg veteran):

@Cerez I did like the idea of seeing Pantora streets, the old forgotten Sith temple on Coruscant (deep below the surface, almost under the current Jedi Temple) and other things. The scene with Dooku and Boba Fett was a good one. I do know, why Boba and Bane travelled to Tatooine, that was strange, to tell the truth. I mean, tusken raiders wanted an outsider in their deeds? Phhhhh... As for Yuzhan Vong - the most disputed creatures in Star Wars. I've never treated them anyhow as anything important to SW, though they caused much trouble. But seeing the Yuzhan Vong drone in the Clone Wars, where their spy was gathering info on the Galaxy and the Jedi... Well, it was a nice move, but somehow I am glad, they Yuzhan Vong don't mean much any longer.

Major Spoilers for Season 2 from StarWarsCelebration, Starwars7News and Circle of Force sources: Here are some videos for Season 2 (not trailer!). Careful!!!! Link 1 (Mon Calamari) Link 2 (Character from Clone Wars) Link 3 (Rex short video) Compare the guys:

I couldn't find a topic about the Clone Wars series (it's over after all). But I think people might find it interesting, that there is some material regarding the unrelated episodes of Seasons 6 (or 7). Click here to see concept art and videos here The already known story about Ventress and Vos is depicted in a video as well as pictures. The arc with them seems to be taking place on Pantora, a planet seen earlier in previous seasons. It also features Cad Bane and Boba, also a rumored story. Personally I like th digital painting done there, and concept art.

Better see Rogue One. =) The only other thing is known so far, that Felicity Jones, who got the main role, is a great fan of Star Wars herself. Now that's the case, when one can see that a person is realizing their dream.

@DrXann For the first time - I don't know. Found it in fb.

@@Ping Back in 1990s Dark Forces was an event similar to KOTOR in early 2000s or The Force Unleashed later. It was appraised by many critics and enjoyed by many fans, the game was the first in its kind for Star Wars. Notably, it was also the first source to reveal, what was the first victory of Rebels, which is mentioned in Episode IV. The game covered probably a month before Battle of Yavin took place, and showed later events regarding the Dark Trooper project. Interesting, that the game introduced general Rom Mohc, who was a veteran of the Clone Wars - a conflict unexplored at that time. So the game was very popular and was followed by many other stories, like Dark Forces II, Mysteries of the Sith and later JO and JA. There were also books and audio dramas, so much materials, that back those years only Shadows of the Empire could boast the same level of attention. Since that day no one disputed, that DF series was an integral part of Star Wars, showing a pivotal moment in the franchise. The conflict seem to rise now, when Rogue One would be covering the same operation like in DF1, but 99% differently. Above I wrote, that the new generation of fans wouldn't understand the coolness of DF1, so a new story is required. Kyle Katarn himself is not kind of hero the new people would like to see today. It's not bad, just a trend of today. So I would agree with @@Ramikad, that DF is special for Star Wars. It's not some sort of forgotten novel or Holiday Special show. It's a narrative dramatic continuation of SW traditions, of what is truly great in the Galaxy. That is why I voiced an opinion (which is being abrupted/insulted/denied (whatever)), that it doesn't matter, what legal documents say and whether copyright and royalties belong to one corporation or another (canon and no-canon). It never actually mattered. Facts are not a factor here. It's the vividness and vitality of a philosophy in Star Wars, not the corporate regulations, which do mean a lot for a Star Wars fan.

Oh, this Birth if the Rebellion is so close to classic JO! In some places. I haven't seen simple, but yet stylish mods, and I judge by mapping and skinning here. They are wonderful! I would like to learn more about the story, I got the general idea, that it takes place after the fall of the Republic, the Jedi are no more and the characters see, that they've eventually served the wrong side in the conflict, which resulted in the rise of the Empire. But I want more. =)

Another shot - Rey and Finn near the Millenium Falcom. This scene gives me chills - as soon as I recall the moment, when Han leaves Jabba and Imperial troops arrive in Episode IV, or Lando greets Leia, Han and Chewie on Bespin.

There are two points. Established fact is an established one in due time. Earth is not flat, but it might be not a sphere at all, as we believe. Take peoples beliefs for sample. In different countries people have very different ideas on how the world was created at all. In Muslim culture it's one philosophy, in Buddhism it's different. Christianity provides its own view, which is divided between groups, like Catholics and Orthodox, for instance, among many others. And each religion is followed by many people. Try saying any of them, that they are doubting the established fact of another by following their path. And Star Wars itself is not an established fact whatsoever. And surely I don't mean that we deal with Sci-Fantasy here. It's that Star Wars are the six films primarily. Even before EU deemed uncanon and Episode VII, there've been so many contradictions. You simply choose what you like more. In case of Star Wars it's a question of your own imagination.

Well, Star Wars is perceived differently by various people - for some it's an entertainment, for others it's more like a good story. Some are simply fans of Sci-Fi stuff. For me it's a complex of visual communication matter, narrative and dramatic plots, deep characters, wonderful music and unusual sound effects, as well as art, cultural phenomena and a philosophical approach. So actually this works this very way - simply omit what you don't what to have in your Star Wars. It's good being incomplete - there are holes everywhere and unanswered questions. So you just choose, how Star Wars are formed and exist for you. With your own explanations. I agree with you, that nothing truly prevents you from thinking otherwise than the authors suggest. Some would prefer a possibly captivating Rogue One. Others will be loyal to good old canon story. And it is possible and even important to have an opinion, that goes against established facts. Especially if your own version gives much more than following the pattern, you are not fond very much.

I will definitely watch the movie, but that won't change my opinion on what trully took place back in Dark Forces. The figure of Kyle Katarn stands on the shelf and nothing in the world gonna remove him from Star Wars to any bit. Nevertheless the movie might be quite good. Who knows. It can be good even if Kyle is not taken into account. I would stick to my version then. The development of all this new material seems to be going in one direction - previous sources established lots of good things and showed the events everyone wanted to see. But due to the specifics of the time before year 2000, all those sources never showed what the new generation would like to see today. Take the Death Star plans plot for instance. Since Dark Forces release a whole new generation was born. And grew up. If my nephew would ask, who stole the Death Star plans, what kind of victory was that, I would have to show Dark Forces. Would he understand that game? Would he enjoy even an explanation of the events and how cool it was to fight Dark Troopers after that? I doubt it. I would even say, that the story might disappoint the newcomers to Star Wars. It's a pivotal moment, that needs to me reimagined to newer Star Wars fans. I don't say I agree with such politics, but it's happening naturally despite our likes.

@@DrXann Oh, I can't really tell. He doesn't look like a trandoshan to me... He has some sort of a helmet and it covers its face. Maybe if the creature were moving, then it would be clearer, whether it's human or an alien. In Episode I there a few aliens, which can't be determined. When Darth Maul droid flies by, one is walking to the right, has a pilot costume, a helmet, but his face reminds some sort of white skull over his darker skin. I see other beings there, that visually are not humans as well. @ And here is the picture with my notes, there are not just stormtroopers, but other soldiers as well. Besides the black trooper (Commando-like guy from Dark Forces II), there are also different kinds of ordinary troopers, a snow trooper, an incinerator trooper (like in the Force Unleashed) and other military personnel in the background.

@@DrXann The new astromech droids were revealed months ago, with some citizens and building from Jakku as well. The new X-Wing was also present from the spy footage from a drone, and it raised lots of speculations at once. The trandoshan, however, is something I've missed. Can you show that picture? Because so far Episode VII wasn't very generous regarding alien species - which raises another question: which aliens will we see in the film? Rodians, Ithorians, Duros, Bith, Neimodians, others?

Another shot, which I like: it shows the technologically advanced stormtroopers in a medieval-like room: Also the screenshot, poster by @@Zappa_0 in a different thread, has an interesting detail: Can you see the guy in the black uniform to the right? He is standing behind the troopers. And looks like Death Star trooper or Commando from Dark Forces II. The figure in the distance with officers and 4 troopers with shoulder pads visible, raises lots of questions as well.

I enjoyed the new Rebels trailer. The appearance of Rex somehow answers the question, which's been bothering quite a lot of people for years: What happened to the clones with Empire rise?

@Cerez Yes, that's part of the Sith ideology - rule the weak.

Well, that's an interesting topic. I would agree with @@Cerez regarding similarities between the tyrant orders, be it the Galactic Empire or the Sith Order of older times. Either the establishment, the existence or the affects were seen in the next several games: - Star Wars Rebellion (a major strategy with internal database. Showed both diplomacy and war used to conquer worlds. Search youtube for cutscenes, both victory and loss for either side (you will see the liberation of Imperial Coruscant, as well as the reprisals from he Empire, if you lose the final battle) - Force Commander (a strategy, showing both Rebels and Imperials and their attempt to seize the worlds. The videos from this game show the actual occupation of one alien world with their dwellers brutally massacred by stormtroopers) - Shadows of the Empire (just an alternative to show, that the Empire had other enemies as well, like Black Sun) - Dark Forces I (a very old game, I would recommend a mod for JA with the same name. Level 2 shows a city, ravaged by the Imperials, after they learnt that rebels were among the locals). - Dark Forces II (we see an occupied city of Barons He'd on Sulon, "Empire surely knows how to ruin a perfectly good city". The citizens are scared, attacked by thugs, while the Empire stays in a large tower in the centre of the capital, with ruined and abandoned quarters around). - Mysteries of the Sith (unlike its predecessors it shows an Imperial city of Katraasii spaceport with many citizens, while stormtroopers don't bother the locals too much) -Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds (we see how the Empire deals with planets like forest Krant, asteroid colonies and others; we also see allies of the Empire, Reitha - the Imperial Agricultural world, attacked by Rebels, etc). However it is notable, that the games show the Empire the way we all perceived it back in 1990s. Today the image closer to the Force Unleashed prevails, which does't show any cities per se, more Imperial installations. There are also dozens of books. But it will take time to find proper description of the Imperial rule there. Though it might be useful if you need more details. During the KOTOR era the situation was a bit different: both the Republic and Sith Empire officially existed, while Rebels were in hiding mostly and almost no planets claimed their allegiance to the Rebels in open. Also the Sith seem to rely more on Sith ideals, while the Galactic Empire has their own Imperial philosophy, often omitting the fact, that they are ruled by the Sith. More that the Empire brought peace and security, as well as order to the Galaxy, ravaged by the weak Republic, corrupt Trade Federation and the Clone Wars with Jedi traitors. Notably, the Sith of the Malak Empire allowed local traditions to exist further - Taris had this one for instance.