Star Wars Black Series
Force FX Elite Lightsabers
In taking over the Force FX segment, there was a desire to push the lightsabers beyond the technology that we had been using for the past 13 years. We got to work on introducing an addressable LED array to the blades which would enable us to control the color and brightness of each LED independently, at any point in sequence. This would allow for some incredibly sophisticated gameplay exploration, as well as the opportunity to introduce modular blades, and focus on further fan engagement.
Mandalorian Darksaber
We knew the Darksaber was going to be a technological milestone from the start, with an oval-shaped hilt paired with a flat blade, and the intent of delivering a saber that is absent of light at its core. Further distinguishing it from past sabers was the need for the hilt to have its own lighting and power source, absent the blade. We ran a countless number of digital lighting simulations prior to executing a final design. The result is a multi-layer PCB with side-mounted LEDs and a screwless blade housing that remains as robust as the rest of the sabers in the line. Due to the nature of the White LEDs making up the blade, a traditional battery source was not going to be up to the task. To offset this, the Darksaber is equipped with a rechargeable 2600mAH battery.
CW Ahsoka Lightsaber
The long-awaited seventh season of the Clone Wars brought closure to various character arcs while allowing us to catch up with others. Ahsoka Tano took charge of the 332nd clone legion and was gifted with a pair of blue lightsabers. To celebrate this character via the Force FX line, we introduced a color-changing blade that could be presented in all the colors that she wields throughout the Clone Wars series. In addition, we included a Kyber Crystal barrel plug, that can be loaded into the hilt and charged by the saber. Using a supercapacitor and an RGB LED, the crystal can be removed from the hilt and displayed in the same colors as the blade.
ROS Kylo Ren Lightsaber
The first of its kind, the Supreme Leader Kylo Ren Lightsaber set the bar for the line to come. With all three of the blades being removable, we decided to include barrel plugs that would reveal parts of the Kyber crystal at the blade’s core. We established an all-new metal-infused stand to display the saber with or without the blades. We also paid close attention to the film discrepancies for the blade ignition and gave the saber the ability to be ignited differently based on the orientation. lastly, we introduced a secondary activation button to deliver various blade effects while the saber is engaged.
Emperor Palpatine Lightsaber
Emperor Palpatine’s saber hilt was a completely unique design. Rather than being manufactured as a turned aluminum cartridge, his hilt is more sculptural in its build. This makes for an incredibly heavy zinc hilt, delivered in an ultra-compact form, and is finished in chrome plating with varying shades of tints to mimic its on-screen appearance. To deliver the more slender saber neck when the blade is removed, this hilt utilizes an alternate barrel cap that matches the screen accurate appearance of the blade emitter. To further differentiate the features of this saber, we introduced a force lighting effect, as well as the ability to press and hold the secondary action button to link together a number of blade deflections. With each saber we introduced, there was always a unique aspect of the gameplay that we set out to improve upon to deliver something new for the user to look forward to and experience.
Darth Revan Lightsaber
This was our first time deviating into the gamer-verse for a lightsaber form. Revan has an incredible amount of backstory from KOTOR franchise as well as publishing. What makes him a unique character is his allegiance to the force. Revan has appeared as both a Jedi and a Sith, and we wanted to ensure that we could capture some of that through his saber. Revan was the first Force FX elite to introduce a color-changing blade (red and purple) as well as his debut saber hilt to include the removable Kyber crystal, which further speaks to the unique nature of his lightsaber. Lastly, this hilt includes a unique emitter cover for when the saber is displayed without the blade. The barrel plug takes advantage of the illuminated crystal and allows the light to shine through various cutouts In the blade cap, to provide a unique visual display.
