Episode one of the three-part interactive series lands on the upcoming standalone headset sometime next year.
It’s only day one of Oculus Connect 5 and already we’ve seen new hardware, new content, and bold new ideas for the future of VR. Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment initiative, ILMxLAB, was also present at the event to deliver news surrounding its latest Star Wars-related VR experience, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series.
Available 2019 via the upcoming Oculus Quest standalone headset, the episodic series takes place some point between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, and will feature a previously untold story revolving around arguable the greatest antagonist in the history of cinema, Darth Vader.
“Whether it’s hearing Darth Vader’s breathing behind you and physically turning to face him in person or wielding a lightsaber with your own hands, Vader Immortal captures the ultimate wish fulfillment,” explains Oculus Head of Experiences Colum Slevin, in an official release. “Untethered VR immerses you in this universe and places you at the center of this amazing story.”
It’s unclear exactly what players can expect out of the episodic VR series, but brief shots from the trailer, as well as a tagline “don’t fail him” included in the description, indicate the possibility that players may actually be serving the infamous Sith Lord.
Players can, however, expect a trip to Vader’s legendary castle located on the fiery planet of Mustafar, as well as a good-old-fashioned light saber duel with what appears to be an Imperial training droid.
“Our mission at ILMxLAB is to have fans ‘Step Inside Our Stories,’ and Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series represents a significant step forward in that ongoing quest,” says Vicki Dobbs Beck, ILMxLAB Executive in Charge. “Our friends at Oculus share ILMxLAB’s ambition to bring compelling immersive narratives to life, and using Oculus’ hardware, we will invite fans to experience Darth Vader as never before.”
ILMxLAB has previously worked on various high profile immersive projects, such as the location-based, hyper reality experience, Secrets of the Empire, as well as the Oscar-winning CARNE y ARENA.
Episode one of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series will be available 2019 on the recently-announced Oculus Quest.
Image Credit: ILMxLAB / Oculus