Star Wars Video Games

Star Wars is one of the most successful franchises of all time, and it's no surprise that there are a large amount of video games to choose from. The problem is, how do you know which ones to play? Of course, you could play them all, but that is not really practical considering the fact that there are over 50 different titles spanning various different consoles in the last decade alone. This guide is designed to introduce you to the six best titles from the last ten years. The number six was chosen since it correlates with the six movies in the franchise.
#6: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (2008) -- Windows, Mac OS, PS3, PS2, Xbox360, Wii
This is a very popular title because of recent marketing campaigns by LucasArts (the creators of the game, and founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas). It is a third-person action game and features the use of state-of-the-art technology. The player assumes the role of Darth Vader's apprentice and must use their Lightsaber and force techniques to defeat enemies throughout the universe.
#5: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader (2001) -- Nintendo GameCube
One of the most highly praised Star Wars games and one of the best overall on the GameCube console. This is a flight action game where the player assumes control of various spacecraft to complete the missions throughout the game. The game covers the original trilogy period which consists of Episodes 4-6 so there will be many familiar locations to those who are fans of the films.
#4: Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007) -- Windows, PS3, Xbox360, Wii
This game takes a different approach and depicts the Star Wars universe using Lego created characters and locations. It contains great humor and gameplay and is one of the most entertaining Star Wars experiences you can get on any platform. The Complete Saga will take the player from Episode 1 all the way through Episode 6.
#3: Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2005) -- Windows, PS2, Xbox
Battlefront II builds upon its highly successful predecessor, Star Wars Battlefront, with improved gameplay, campaigns, and graphics. Additionally, Battlefront 2 adds new features such as allowing the player to play as Jedi and to take part in space battles. This is a great single player game, but is even more fun with a friend. Whether you choose to play as the Empire or Republic, you'll have a blast.
#2: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 -- The Sith Lords (2003) - Windows, Xbox
Commonly referred to as KOTOR 2, this is one of the most in-depth Star Wars experiences you will find. With a campaign lasting 40+ hours, there is plenty for you to explore and enjoy in this wonderful game. Classified as a third person RPG (role-playing game), the player assumes the role of an exiled Jedi Knight and must complete various quests and objectives to move along with the story. The choices you make will affect the outcome of the story and whether you represent the light side of the force, or give into the dark side.
#1: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) -- Windows, Xbox, Mac OS
Set 4000 years before the events of A New Hope, this took Star Wars and RPG games into a new direction. Using the same mechanics as its sequel KOTOR 2, Knights of the Old Republic slightly edges it out for the Number 1 game based on the greater storyline and the innovation contained within. It has won many awards including Game of the Year, and acted as the foundation for the future of Star Wars games at the time. If you are to only play one Star Wars game, it is highly recommended that you choose Knights of the Old Republic.
If you enjoy these games, be sure to keep an eye out for Star Wars: The Old Republic which is scheduled for a 2011 release. From the creators of Knights of the Old Republic, this new game is a MMORPG (Massively multiplayer online role-playing game) similar to games such as World of Warcraft, but takes place in the Star Wars universe.

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Heart-Breaking and Sad Japanese Dramas

When I just got into Japanese dramas, I found them highly entertaining but each series are just so long! Each episode is usually an hour each, consisting of 23 episodes per season. They are so time consuming I wanted to make sure they were good before I got into them. Well the 3 dramas I've listed below will sure to make you crying like a baby and maybe call up an Ex and tell you how much he/she means to you. Resist the urge! Instead, grab another box of tissue and continue down the list. The series all contain star-crossed lovers, gorgeous lead actresses and actors and some tragic problem that the cruel world just had to place upon them to test the strength of their love.
1. Sekai no Chshin de, Ai o Sakebu (Crying out Love, In the Center of the World)
Adapted from Kyoichi Katayama's Novel and later turned into a movie. This drama started off the careers of 2 prominent teen actors: Yamada Takayuki Ayase Haruka
Synopsis: Matsumoto Sakaturo, presently age 34, is unable to move on with his life. He wakes up with tears in his eyes, unable to shake the ghost of his past. For the last 17 years, his heart has been filled with sorrow and guilt from losing his high school love, and perhaps the love of his life - Hirose Aki. Now visiting his old home town and bombarded with the past memories of their relationship as well as being confronted by his current relationship, Sakaturo must find a way to move on from the tragic part of his life. "I thought I might be using a lifetime's happiness in a moment. I was that happy and she was that beautiful."
2. 1 Litre no Namida (1 Liter of Tears)
Adapted from Aya Kito's diary, published shortly after her death.
Synopsis: about a girl who was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Degeneration an incurable degenerative disease at 15 just as she was coming of age. She discovers love just as she finds out her time is running out, exploring to the question of what happens when you have only a little time left to experience love.
3. Kamisama mou sukoshi dake (Please God, give me more time)
A tragic love story about a girl Kano Masaki played (Fukada Kyoko) who contracted HIV after selling her body to pay for concert tickets to her idol- famous composer Ishikawa Keigo (Kaneshiro Takeshi). After the concert Masaki chased after Keigo in the rain. After seeing her drenched from head to toe, Keigo offers to let her stay the night at his apartment where they developed a unique relationship.
So there you have it, three dramas guaranteed to have your hearts beating and your eyes watering and lumps forming in your throat. I just have one request - please don't email me afterward yelling at me, asking why I was so mean as to suggest such heart breaking tales. Don't fret! I plan to give you top 3 Japanese Comedies! Guaranteed to have happy endings, so you can see the lighter side of the world!

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