SEPTEMBER 2004 ARCHIVE

20th - 30th September '04

MINIATURE BOOSTER BREAKOUT

The new Star Wars Miniatures Rebel Storm Booster Packs have now been released. Each Booster Pack contains 7 randomly selection of figures designed to expand any collection of Star Wars miniatures. Composed of the same miniatures found in the Rebel Storm Starter Set but with one very special exception....

Only in the Booster Pack can you find the VERY RARE FIGURES that are not available in the Starter Set. Figures such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Sandtrooper on Dewback, Boba Fett or Slave Leia. So head over to Case Fresh and lock in your orders for booster sets today, as stock is limited.

29th September 2004, MSE-6

AREN'T YOU A LITTLE SHORT FOR A CLONE TROOPER

The next wave of Galactic Heroes has just arrived at the docking bay of our Sponsor Case Fresh. The 2nd showing of this kids line is from the Attack of the Clones movie. Choose from Jango Fett + Obi-wan, Yoda +Clone Trooper or the Skywalkers couple, Padme + Anakin. Better still, at only $10 a pair get the whole set.

Whilst you are ordering your new figure, don't forget to pre-order the next wave of Galactic Heroes, Bounty Hunters - the kind of scum your kids can play with. Oh, and the latest pre-order for this line a Galactic Heroes Electronic X-wing.

28th September 2004, MSE-6

DARKSIDE DRAWS NEAR

From 1992 to 1999, Dark Horse Comics was virtually the only source of new Star Wars visual art. Even after the release of the new films, the talented artists at Dark Horse have continued to expand thee depth and breadth of the Star Wars galaxy. From ancient Jedi to alien worlds, from fantastic creatures to faster-than-light spaceships, no other publisher has produced so many dazzling images from our generation’s greatest mythology. Star Wars: Panel to Panel  (From the Pages of Dark Horse Comics to a Galaxy Far, Far Away) presents an amazing selection of covers and interior images from over a decade of Dark Horse’s comics and graphic novels, by some of the best artists the world over. A visual feast for anyone who enjoyed the films, a true treasure for the dedicated Star Wars fan!

While Saesee Tiin and Plo Koon fight to prevent a fleet of ships from falling into Separatist hands, Obi-Wan  finds himself taking sides with dark Jedi Quinlan Vos-who is wanted for the murder of a Senator-against another foe. Vos was once his friend, and the other enemy is one with whom Obi-Wan has crossed swords before. But has Obi-Wan been too hasty in deciding the lesser of two evils? Has Quin become the heartless killer everyone believes him to be?  As we enter the home stretch leading to next year's Episode III release, the events in Republic are coming to a collision point that is not to be missed!

28th September 2004, MSE-6

DON'T TELL ME THE ODDS

Feeling lucky? Think you have a good chance to win the Mousedroid Trilogy DVD Box Set? Maybe you would like to "Double your Luck"? To get a second bonus entry into this months contest, head over to our sponsor Case Fresh. Hidden amongst their great deals and pre-order items are our special entry symbols (as shown to the left).

Dead easy. Find one of the symbols and click to be sent to the DOUBLE YOUR LUCK contest entry page. Just make sure you don't miss any of the great priced items while your hunting for the symbol.

24th September 2004, MSE-6

UCS SNOWSPEEDERS UNDER THE RADAR

Two more new Lego items spotted in the larger retail store this week. Fresh from the snow fields of Hoth comes the UCS Snowspeeder (10129). Featuring 1457 pieces, the final product has functional airbrakes and spoilers, opening cockpit, cockpit controls that move, plus a special display stand and collector's card.

The Star Wars Mini-Vehicle Bonus Pack (rrp$20) has all four of the first series of the mini-line (X-wing Fighter/TIE Advanced, Sebulba's/Anakin's Podracer, AT-ST/Snowspeeder, Jedi Starfighter/Slave) plus a special bonus, hence the name of the pack.

23rd September 2004, MSE-6

ADVANCED TRILOGY

Want to take a little piece of the Original Trilogy every where you go? Then grab a copy of the latest title for the Gameboy Advanced, Star Wars Trilogy: Apprentice of the Force. Play as Luke and battle your way thru all three films until you finally become a Jedi Knight. Fight Vader, Boba Fett, or even the Rancor. Available at your local EB Games store today.

23rd September 2004, MSE-6

Y WINGS?  WHY NOT!

The last vehicle for 2004 has landed in the hanger. Sporting a new slick paint job and presented in a open face diorama box of the Death Star trench, the new look Y-wing with Gold Leader is ready to dock at your doorstep. Get over to Case Fresh and check out their Vehicles Page for more info on this and other great ships, fighters, crawlers, etc.

Check back here on Friday to find out how Case Fresh can help you win the Mousedroid.com DVD Box Set Competition.  :) 

22nd September 2004, MSE-6

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IMPERIAL OUTPOST

To celebrate their first birthday, Imperial Outpost are proud to announce the start of their new Trivia Quiz. From Saturday there will be 2 rounds of 5 questions per week for the next 6 weeks. The winner of the league will win a Silver OTC Darth Vader & a VOTC Darth Vader to add to their collection. For more information or to register click here.

22nd September 2004, AndrewH

CLONE WARS ULTIMATE STICKER BOOK

The Clone Wars Ultimate Sticker Book out now. Discover the incredible world of the critically acclaimed micro-series and create your own picture book using the characters, vehicles, and spacecraft. More than 60 full color stickers let Star Wars fans get into the action, and each section includes key information on characters and creatures.

And if you are a true fan of the Clone Wars Animated Series then click through to Case Fresh to pre-order your Animated Wave 3 Collection. Four more brilliant sculpts of Anakin Skywalker (Ventress Duel), ARC Trooper, General Grevious, and a Clone Trooper variant.

20th September 2004, MSE-6

PRICE BATTLE HAS BEGUN

Looks like it will be a quiet week ahead. All major stores and online retailers have broken the street dates on the hottest DVD and Gaming titles of 2004. So, get into your favorite retailer for the Star Wars Trilogy DVD Box Set and Electronics Boutique for the Star Wars Battlefront game (PS2). Catch you soon. Just off to battle the Empire on Hoth.

20th September 2004, MSE-6

13th - 19th September '04

INSIDE THE WORLDS OF STAR WARS

The ultimate guide to the incredible locations of episodes IV, V, and VI. Inside the Worlds of Star Wars is the complete guide to the locations from the Star Wars Classic Trilogy. The book is illustrated with 20 full-color, fantastically intricate cross-sections, and features an array of spot artworks, 3-D plans, and more than 60 crystal-clear photographs.

Details of Mos Eisley Cantina, Jabba’s palace, Ben Kenobi’s house, and even the legendary Tosche Station. Meticulously researched terrain maps show Tatooine, Hoth, Bespin, and Dagobah, with key routes for all the characters. A dream for all diorama builders or even the curious fan. Available now from all good booksellers or our great friends at Dymocks. 

19th September 2004, MSE-6

TOYS 'R' US LEGO EXCLUSIVE

Confirmation in from Lego Australia regarding reported sightings of the new Original Trilogy Collection Vader Tie Fighter & Y-wing kit (7262). This 412 piece twin vehicle kit an instore exclusive to Toys 'R' Us for Australia or available online at  Lego Shop@Home. The Box features an Original trilogy Silver/black make over plus embossed  vehicles.

19th September 2004, MSE-6

SWNZ DREAM INTERVIEW

Kevin Burns is the award-winning film maker and biographer who took on the directorship of 'Empire of Dreams', and together with his dedicated team, bore the responsibility of producing the definitive Story of the Star Wars Trilogy. And our friends at SWNZ was recently lucky enough to discuss this authoritative chronicle with Kevin.

18th September 2004, Matt G

WHERE'S WOOKIEE ?!?!

<<<News Flash >>>  Keep your eyes peeled! If you see the Walking Carpet in person, say hello. The first few fans who offer a friendly handshake may be rewarded with a Star Wars Trilogy DVD box set! Check Starwars.com. You never know where he may end up. We've been told he's always wanted to pet a kangaroo...  Rumour is Sydney very soon!!!

16th September 2004, MSE-6

ATTACK OF THE PURPLE SABERS

"And I will strike down on thee with great vengeance and furious anger, those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers". What better weapon to use to strike with than the new Mace Windu FX Saber. Or maybe the blue blade of the new Luke Skywalker FX Saber is more fitting to a Jedi of your stature. These Master Replica blades are now in Oz.

If you are a coinsure of the finer collectibles then perhaps the Gentle Giants Yoda Maquette. Based on the Clone Wars Animated Cartoon Network characture of the little green master, these Marquette statues are truly an amazing piece of workmanship. It is a 7,500 piece Limited Edition run on this 4.5" tall resin statue for get your orders in....now!

For those fans calling for the head of George Lucas, then September is your last month to secure the makers likeness in the form of Jorg Sacul. The Case Fresh promotion for the Celebration II carded figure ends 30 Sept 04 or whilst stocks last. For more details on this head over to CaseFresh, the central retailer of the Australian Star Wars community.

16th September 2004, MSE-6

'EMPIRE OF DREAMS' MAKES HISTORY

Reminder for people with connection to Foxtel and The History Channel check your September program guides for the screening of "Star Wars: Empire of Dreams" which runs for 2hrs. Screening times are as follows for Australia, with a special note to the three digital transmission times. (* - digital) Think of it as a taste of the the forthcoming DVDs.

Saturday 18th September - 7.30pm, 9.30pm*
Sunday 19th September  - 3.30am, 11.30am, 5.30am*& 1.30pm* 

Note the TV version is only 2hrs, where as the DVD version runs for 3 hours. Want more info on the show? Then click over to the Empire of Dreams site on A&E USA for trailers, casting, galleries and heaps more.

Another TV appearance to be on the look out for is the Imperial Takeover of the Channel 9 show The Price is Right. Darth Vader (Chris Brennan, SWI Director) and Boba Fett (Dave Hankin, SWI member) storm the studio. Catch the action this Friday 17th September.

16th September 2004, MSE-6

A CLEAN TATOOINE...COMING SOON

Be sure to grab today's Daily Telegraph, in particular the Connect Lift out section. Connect is the Digital World news section of the paper and this weeks feature is the soon to be released Star Wars DVDs.  Connect has a full review with rundown of picture, sound and additions for each movie plus the bonus forth DVD.

Yet another article features an interview with the man responsible for the immaculate restoration of the Trilogy movie footage, John Lowry, and makes for a very interesting read. Of note is that the films are now captured in HD.

15th September 2004, MSE-6

FOUR FURTHER FACT FILES...

Yet another 4 issues of the  Star Wars Fact Files should arrive this week. Issues #130 through to #133 will be landing in you mail boxes. Head lines like Violent Rodians, Tie Flight Manoeuvres, Surgical Technology and Naboo Palace guards make up some of the more obscure titles. But C-3PX and Kir Kanos save the day.

15th September 2004, MSE-6

WIN A COPY OF  STAR WARS TRILOGY DVD BOX SET

Have you been living under a rock and didn't know that the most anticipated DVD release, Star Wars Trilogy Box Set is due for for a limited run release on 22 September. The great folks at Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment have provided us a copy of the DVD box set for one luck Australian Mousedroid.com reader to WIN !!!

All you have to do is click thru to the Competition Site, read the rules and then send in an email to be in the running. Contest will run for 4 weeks and is open to all Australian residents. Good Luck. (Note: check back later in the week to find out how you can double your chances of winning this awesome prize).

13th September 2004, MSE-6

SUPANOVA GOES BANANAS

This coming weekend the SUPANOVA Pop Culture Expo storms Brisbane. Held over two day, Sept 18 & 19 (Sat/Sun) at WRNA Showgrounds, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane.  The cult phenomenon just keeps getting better each showing and if your thought the Sydney Gust Star line up was big then check out what wil on this weekend... 

John Rhys-Davies (Gimli from Lord of the Rings), Penny Johnson Jerald (24 & Star Trek:DS9), John Noble (Denethor LOTR),  Paul Goddard (The Matrix & Farscape), Michael & Peter Spierig (Directors of Undead), Matt Sloan (Plo Koon Star Wars), Mungo McKay & Emma Randall (Undead), Jade Carter (JAG and Buffy) and Weta Workshop from New Zealand. 

Add to that a host of tournaments, trivia contests, retailers and distributors with the latest in all things from comics to cards to collectibles to computer games. It is just going to go off. Check out www.Supanova.com.au for more info.

13th September 2004, MSE-6

1st - 12th September '04

STAR WARS MINIATURE REVIEW

Having opened our Star Wars Miniature Starter Set, we were expecting the run of the mill table top game, abet with a Star Wars flavor. What we got was a totally  awesome game that takes the best of wargame, roleplay, and figure collecting, combined through the magic of Star War. Read more and see more in our  September Feature article.

Don't forget to check our the official Wizards of the Coast Star Wars Gaming site for a visual figure guide and a complete figure listing of the Rebel Storm set of miniatures. But what better place for your get obtain a full set than by trading them with other gamers/collectors in the Forums area.

12th September 2004, MSE-6

STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT FIGURES RELEASED

HOT OFF THE PRESS !!! Run...no, sprint into your local Electronics Boutique as they have extremely limited stock of the exclusive Star Wars Battlefront Biker Scout figure for only $20. With only 300 units in Australia these items will fly off the pegs. Be sure to pre-order your copy of the Lucasarts game 'Star War Battlefront' whilst your in store too.

10th September 2004, MSE-6

STAR WARS DVD AT THE DIGITAL BITS

Can't wait to watch the new version of the Original Trilogy on DVD? Well then to keep you going until their release on 22 September  head over the The Digital Bits and read their review of the Original Trilogy Box Set. Keep it bookmarked as it has Easter Eggs, image comparisons and a run down of additional footage/changes.

Also check back here next week for an 'interest' announcement  ;-)

10th September 2004, MSE-6

COMIC CON 2004 DAY 2

Brant Raven continues his journey into Star Wars heaven that was Comic Con 2004. The Complete Day 2 online report is now online. Have a read of the diary and see just want Raven has up his sleeve...a sketch pad in hand and a friendly Aussie G'day may just snag him some unique Star Wars items  ???

Comic Con Day 2 Gallery now online...go check it out.

10th September 2004, Brant Raven

AUSTRALIAN R2 BUILDERS UNION

Bring out the Anakin Mechanic inside yourself and build you own life size working R2-D2. Then the place to start is at the R2 Builders Group. This great club will give you all the support, knowledge and fan insight into making your own astromech. All you need is time, money, a bit of skill, but more important the enthusiasm to bring an R2 to life.

Find out more in our new Australian R2 Builders Forum area. Go on, put down your toys, get some power tools and get active in your hobby.

10th September 2004, MSE-6

HOW DOES THE FARCE WORK???

Midichlorians got you confused? Need a clean explanation of all things regarding the Farce?? Yes, Farce! That sticky goop that binds all living matter together. Well, learn the answer from a master over at  Sev Wars. The team at Sev have fun at taking the micky out of not just Star Wars but a hole plethora of popular Sci-fi shows.

10th September 2004, MSE-6

CANTINA PUB CRAWL

The barren desert of Tatooine is a harsh place and you need a rugged vehicle such as the Jawa Sandcrawler to survive this environment, not to mention all the punishment your kids will dish out on this new released OTC vehicle. Packed with 2 Jawas and a RA-7 droid, the vehicle itself boasts a droid elevator, cargo hold with hidden chamber and cockpit.

And if you have been driving your Sandcrawler all day in the hot sun, you can retire for a refreshing drink in the newly décor Mos Eisley Cantina. The Cantina is broken down into 3 sets. This first set, out now , features Kitik Keed'kak, Wuher, and Dr.Evazan. The second set will be out next month, and the third set in 2005. Case Fresh Oz Exclusive

Head over to www.CaseFresh.com for more information. The Sandcrawler is $89 which includes free shipping to anywhere in Australia, and the Cantina Sets are each $39.  Also of note is that Case Fresh is also taking pre-orders on the next wave of pre-movie figures (i.e. Naboo/Coruscant). Head to their Pre-Revenge of the Sith Page for more info.

8th September 2004, MSE-6

LUCK OF THE DRAW

Han Solo and Chewbacca are tapped for a mission that requires their special skills and knowledge. But for Han, it’s a chance to get away from his new responsibilities and indulge his former free-booting ways. Visiting old haunts brings chance meetings with old friends. But some friendships may only be as deep as one’s pockets.

When a fellow smuggler learns of the Imperial bounty on their heads, Han and Chewie’s mini-vacation threatens to become a life sentence! Find out more in Star Wars: Empire #24, now available to buy at your local comic shop. Check out the <preview> at the Dark Horse Star Wars site.

8th September 2004, MSE-6

SLAVE1 HAS DOCKED

The new OTC packaging has taken a shine to call the collectors. Larger windows, cinematic scenes on the side, and a box display that will turn even the worst figure opener into a Mint-In-Box collector. Even more so with the latest vehicle, Boba Fett's Slave 1. Set on the cloud city docking bay with a 300th Boba Fett, it receives full marks as eye candy.

At only AU$55 it is a price that is too good to miss out on. Available to order now and for shipment later this week from the Star Wars collectors retailer of choice, Case Fresh. 

7th September 2004, MSE-6

SILVER SANDTROOPER STORMS STORES

The latest Silver Figure Exclusive has hit Australia. From this Thursday 9th Sept, spend $50 or more on Hasbro Star Wars product in any Target store, visit the new Target Figure Redemption Site, and you will receive a Silver Sandtrooper free. This offer is valid for the first 1872 figures to be claimed and only for Australian residents. Limit One per customer.

7th September 2004, MSE-6

INTERNATIONAL INSIDER SUBSCRIPTIONS REOPEN

Remember when IDG Entertainment  took over the Insider magazine from Paizo and ceased all international subscriptions? Well, after numerous emails and days of deciphering Lucas Speak I finally have good new for those people wishing to subscribe to the Star Wars Insider Magazine. Subscriptions to the Insider Magazine are now open to Australians. Bad news is that is not available online.

Read the below Customer Service email;
    "You can subscribe to Star Wars Insider/Hyperspace from Australia, however, you will need to send your order/payment for us to apply the order, you will not be able to subscribe online at this time. 
    We will be happy to enter your credit card order for you. For security reasons, we would rather have you fax your credit card information instead of sending it in an email to us. 
    Please fax your credit card information to; 1-515-433-1011, Attention: Internet Department. Please make sure to include the name of the magazine, your complete name and address, and a copy of this correspondence."

Unfortunately we here at Mousedroid we now have a standing order for the Insider at Kings Comics. Our Insider #77 arrived last week, unbelievably well packed and in mint condition. So either subscribe via the IDG Entertainment or locally at Kings Comics. Either way you will not miss out on some amazing EP3 shots such as images of wookies or royal guards.

5th September 2004, MSE-6

STAR WARS MINIATURES RELEASED

The new Star Wars Miniatures Starter Sets have been released. Starter Sets give you everything you need to play fast, challenging skirmish battles. You get 8 random and 2 exclusive miniatures, a stat card for each miniature, a fold-out battle grid, 8 terrain tiles, a 20-sided die (d20), and the skirmish rulebook 

Everything to wet your appetite for this exciting new game. With 60 character to collect we will just have to wait until the Rebel Storm Booster Packs are released later this month. But what better place for your get obtain a full set than by trading them with other gamers/collectors in the Forums area. Click here for a faq of the rules and a complete figure listing. Check back so for new on the Rebel Storm and Clone Strike Booster Packs.

5th September 2004, MSE-6

EA IMAGINE 2004 REPORT

Want to know what hot games will be released out of the EA Games workshops this summer? Well, we go behind the scenes of EA Imagine 2004 to find out just what Lucasarts have up their sleeve. Check out the game data sheets, great new screen shots and some very interesting photos of our very own 501st Regiment in action.

Click thru to the EA Games 2004 report in the Mousedroid Features Section. Don't' forget to check back as we will be updating with not only the non-Star Wars game reviews but also our continuing Aussie Diary of Comic Con 2004. We also have some exclusive EA Imagine screen shots such as, Grievous Bodyguard, Squad Assault, Tie Fighter Attack and Kashyyyk Standoff. Enjoy.

3rd September 2004, MSE-6

HASBRO SITE FACELIFT

The Star Wars @ Hasbro website has been given the good old OTC make over and boy does it look swish. head over and sign up to the newsletter, tour the latest in OTC characters on offer in a virtual gallery, get into some arcade action with online games ,or go planet hopping in explore the galaxy. A great new look with a hint of what is to come.

3rd September 2004, MSE-6

HOT CONTEST AT SNOWTROOPERS.ca

Snowtroopers.ca, the hottest Canadian Star Wars Site, is giving away some unique Canadian Tri-logo OTC carded figures with Starburst backgrounds. The following  figures are included: Dagobah Luke Skywalker, Yoda, Spirit Obi-Wan and R2-D2 plus Darth Vader Throne Room.

Check their giveaway page for entering instructions and pictures of the figures up for grabs. This draw is open to Worldwide entries! So that is a big thumbs up to all those Aussie entries.

1st September 2004, Koda