Heroes for the Next Generation

For the last couple of years, Lucasarts has been known for producing games based on the Star Wars license. While the games have been both hits and misses, they have been popular and sold well. However, few gamers realize that before they started making Star Wars games, Lucasarts was known for making some of the most original and entertaining games of their generation. Games like Monkey Island, Full Throttle, and Sam & Max helped to build the company and are looked upon by many Gen-X gamers (those who actually PLAYED the NES) as some of the best games of their times. The problem is, how do you introduce the concept of non-Star Wars games from Lucasarts to a generation who grew up only knowing Lucasarts for Star Wars games?

This is the question the company hopes to answer with its new promotional push 'Heroes for the Next Generation'. While Lucasarts still showed it's not about to stop producing games based on the Star Wars, it's also clear that Lucasarts is out to show they are more than a one trick pony.

It's interesting that one of the first games announced under this push is based on another popular, yet under used, franchise ? Indiana Jones. Gamers who were put off by the lackluster Infernal Machine on the N64, should have renewed hope for the newest Indy game. Actual details on the game were slim, but so far the game looks great. Having played the Xbox demo, its safe to say that Indy's next adventure should please just about any adventure gamer ? regardless of your feelings towards the fedora'd one.

Another franchise making a return is Full Throttle. Although this game was only shown in trailer form, it looks like the sequel will contain all the action and humor fans loved about the original.

Since the movie Gladiator came out, the outcry on message boards for a Gladiator-style game has been loud. Combining the best elements of RPG, sports, and strategy games, Gladius looks like it will give fans just what they are looking for. Taking control of one of two Gladiators, Valens or Ursula, you must travel the ancient world in search of students in order to create the ultimate team. In addition to the standard warriors, players will also be able to tame wild animals and call upon the aid of summoners. As if it couldn't get any better, everything is fully customizable by the player, so in the words of one of the game's designers, 'If you want a purple wolf, you can create a purple wolf.'

Although it may sound like a racing game, Red Rock RTX is a third person action adventure. The planet Mars is under attack and the Earth government, unable to do anything about the matter, sends E.Z. Wheeler to handle the situation. Unfortunately, I was unable to spend much time with the game, but the few screens I was able to see looked promising.

We'll keep you posted!