Overview
“Anyone can use a blaster or a fusioncutter—but to use a lightsaber well was a mark of someone a cut above the ordinary” – Obi-Wan Kenobi
The principle weapon of a force-wielding user, it is an extremely dexterous weapon, capable of being used for Solid defense as well as for aggressive offense. It can be so dexterous that it is considered to be an extension of a Jedi’s hand. It is a weapon that requires extensive training to attain a level of familiarity with and as such can only be expertly used by a few individuals. The lightsaber is made of a blade of pure energy that was emitted from a hilt. Due to the almost symbiotic relationship between the user and the weapon, Lightsabers are mostly always custom made by the user and it is made to tailor his or her needs. As a result, light sabers greatly vary in length and shape. To be able to properly use a lightsaber requires a lot of skill and a strong affinity to the Force.
The Key components to a lightsaber are
cutaway of a lightsaber
- A handgrip
- An activation stud plate
- A safety switch
- An emitter matrix
- A lens assembly
- A power cell
- A power conduit
- A recharge socket
- One to three focusing crystals
BRIEF HISTORY
It was only a few centuries before the events of the first Knights of the old republic game that modern lightsaber technology took hold. The lightsaber designs before then had involved external power sources and were not really practical in combat. It was during the Mandolorian war that the lightsaber proved its worth; in the hands of skilled combatants like Revan, Malak and the Jedi Exile, it cut short many lives.
However, after the events of Episode III and the Great Purge instated by Palpatine and Darth Vader, the lightsaber all but vanished, instead it became an object that was sought after by collectors. The sale and trade of these sought after objects almost exclusively took place in the black-market. It wasn’t till the Empire was overthrown and the New republic was conceived that Lightsabers stopped being objects of bigotry.
HILTS
The hilt is the central component to a lightsaber as it houses all the workings of the lightsaber. The hilt is usually 8 to 14 inches and comes in different shapes. Two of the most common types of hilts are the Protosaber and Curved-hilt Lightsaber.
Different shapes
Protosaber
This is the first known form of the lightsaber, it was more or less similar to the modern day lightsaber; with the hilt being constructed out of Duranium. However, unlike the modern day lightsaber it had an external power pack, which was attached to the back of the user. The advent of the modern day lightsaber made this style all but extinct.
Electrum
This is the Hilt that was used by the Jedi during the old Jedi order. It was built to be elegant yet practical.
Curved-hilt lightsaber
This type of hilt facilitated much greater dexterity for the user in a lightsaber combat because the angle formed from its curved hit produced a challenge to defend against. The most popular userof this type of hilt was Count Dooku.
BLADE VARIANTS
Training Lightsaber
Dooku's lightsaber
This type of lightsaber was used by younglings to learn the art of lightsaber combat. Although the blade was non lethal, contact would nonetheless cause burning and irritation. It was also used to a small extent by Padawans and training druids.
Dual-Phase
These type of lightsabers were longer in length, sometimes up to double the length of a normal lightsaber. This would give the user a greater advantage in combat as the opponent would have to stay further back to avoid getting within the blades range. Short Lightsaber
This type of lightsaber was used extensively by Jedi who were of short stature. In addition its shorter length made it a viable choice when a user wanted the free use of one of his hands. It was also a good choice when an user dual wielded Lightsabers.
Blade Colors
The color of the lightsaber was defined by the color of the crystals that were used in it.
During the construction phase of a Lightsaber, a Jedi had the opportunity to chose any colored crystal and install it. Although any color could be used in the construction of the lightsaber, the most common colors became Blue, Green and orange for the Jedi. Red came to symbolize an affinity to the Dark side of the force and belief in Teachings of the Sith. This Red Color was achieved through the use of synthetic crystals.
A jedi guardian
According to the Jedi Masters on Dantooine in KOTOR each color was associated with a class of Jedi.
- Jedi Consulars were Jedi who allowed the power of the force to flow through them and would prefer to use the force rather than engage in Lightsaber combat. However, that does not mean they lack any lightsaber skills, like all Jedi they are extremely well trained in the arts of combat. They usually carried Green Lightsaber, a famous Consular is Yoda.
- Jedi Sentinel were Jedi who were exceptional knowledge in the field of computers and non-force related matter. They were well trained in the art of combat and had a strong link with the force. They usually carried Yellow Lightsabers and Bastila shan is an example of a famous Sentinel
- Jedi Guardians were the last sub sect of the Jedi knights and were individuals were relished in combat with a lightsaber. They spent a lot of time polishing their skills and received significant martial arts training. They carried with them Blue Lightsabers; Anakin Skywalker was an example of a famous Guardian
Lightsaber Styles
Several different lightsaber styles have been revealed besides one single, face-up lightsaber. Most were revealed in either the prequel trilogy, or Star Wars video games
Single Saber
This style is the most common in the films and games. First seen in game-form: Star Wars Arcade.
Back-Handed Grip
Double-Sided Saber
A lightsaber with two blades that is longer than normal. This lightsaber style was first seen in the video game realm in the Star Wars Episode I Video Game, being wielded by Darth Maul (the main antagonist of this episode).
Dual Sabers
A lightsaber style where the Jedi wields two Lightsabers at once, one in each hand. First appeared at the end of Star Wars Episode II, where Anakin Skywalker dual-wields lightsabers against Count Dooku. This style has appeared in quite a few games since, including Jedi Academy and both KOTORs.
Back-Handed Saber
This is just a normal lightsaber held upside-down. This is used by Vader's apprentice "Starkiller" in the Star Wars:Force Unleashed video game. It is also used by Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker's padawan in Star Wars: TheClone Wars coming for Wii and DS in Fall, 2008.
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Name |
Platforms |
Developer |
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No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle
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WII
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grasshopper manufacture inc.
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Star Wars Trilogy Arcade
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ARC
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Sega
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Star Wars: The Old Republic
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PC
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BioWare
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|
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Jedi Alliance
released on Nov. 1, 2008
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DS
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LucasArts Singapore
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|
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Lightsaber Duels
released on Nov. 1, 2008
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WII,
DS
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Krome Studios Pty Ltd.
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|
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Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
released on Sept. 16, 2008
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PSP,
PS2,
X360,
PS3,
WII,
DS,
IPHN
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n-Space, Inc.,
Krome Studios Pty Ltd.,
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC,
Krome Studios Melbourne
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|
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Castle Crashers
released on Aug. 27, 2008
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XBLM
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The Behemoth
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|
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Soul Calibur IV
released on July 29, 2008
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X360,
PS3
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Project Soul
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|
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LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
released on Nov. 27, 2007
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PS2,
X360,
PS3,
WII,
DS
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Traveller's Tales Ltd.
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|
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Mega Man ZX Advent
released on Oct. 23, 2007
|
DS
|
Capcom
|
|
|
Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
released on Oct. 9, 2007
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PSP
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Rebellion
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|
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Star Wars: Empire at War - Gold Pack
released on Sept. 14, 2007
|
PC
|
Petroglyph Games Inc.
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|
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Star Wars: The Best of PC
released on Nov. 21, 2006
|
PC
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
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|
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Star Wars: Galaxies - The Complete Online Adventures
|
PC
|
Sony Online Entertainment
|
|
|
Star Wars: Empire at War - Forces of Corruption
released on Oct. 24, 2006
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PC
|
Petroglyph Games Inc.
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|
|
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
released on Sept. 12, 2006
|
GBA,
MAC,
PSP,
PS2,
X360,
GC,
XBOX,
DS,
PC
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Traveller's Tales Ltd.,
Amaze Entertainment, Inc.
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|
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Dead Rising
released on Aug. 8, 2006
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X360
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Capcom
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|
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Toribash
released on March 2, 2006
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MAC,
PC
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|
|
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Star Wars: Empire at War (Collector's Edition)
released on Feb. 16, 2006
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PC
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Petroglyph Games Inc.
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|
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Star Wars: Empire at War
released on Feb. 16, 2006
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MAC,
PC
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC,
Petroglyph Games Inc.
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|
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Mega Man Maverick Hunter X
released on Jan. 31, 2006
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PSP
|
Taito Corporation,
Capcom
|
|
|
Star Wars: Galaxies - Starter Kit
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PC
|
Sony Online Entertainment
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|
|
Star Wars: Battlefront II
released on Nov. 1, 2005
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PSP,
PS2,
XBOX,
PC
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Pandemic Studios
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|
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Star Wars: Galaxies - Trials of Obi-Wan
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PC
|
Sony Online Entertainment
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|
|
Star Wars: Galaxies - The Total Experience
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PC
|
Sony Online Entertainment
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|
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Star Wars: Galaxies - Episode III Rage of the Wookiees
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PC
|
Sony Online Entertainment
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|
|
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
released on May 4, 2005
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GBA,
PS2,
XBOX,
DS
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The Collective
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|
|
LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game
released on April 5, 2005
|
GBA,
MAC,
PS2,
GC,
XBOX,
PC
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Traveller's Tales Ltd.,
Griptonite Games
|
|
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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
released on Dec. 6, 2004
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XBOX,
PC
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Obsidian Entertainment
|
|
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Star Wars: Galaxies - Jump to Light Speed
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PC
|
Sony Online Entertainment
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|
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Star Wars Trilogy: Apprentice of the Force
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GBA
|
Ubisoft Montreal Studios
|
|
|
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III - Rebel Strike
released on Oct. 15, 2003
|
GC
|
Factor 5, LLC
|
|
|
Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy
released on Sept. 17, 2003
|
MAC,
XBOX,
PC
|
Vicarious Visions,
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC,
Raven Software,
Threewave Software Inc.
|
|
|
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
released on July 15, 2003
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MAC,
XBOX,
PC
|
BioWare
|
|
|
Star Wars: Galaxies - An Empire Divided
released on June 26, 2003
|
PC
|
Sony Online Entertainment
|
|
|
Star Wars: Galaxies - An Empire Divided (Collector's Edition)
|
PC
|
Sony Online Entertainment
|
|
|
Mega Man Battle Network 3
released on June 24, 2003
|
GBA
|
Capcom Production Studio 2
|
|
|
Star Wars: The New Droid Army
|
GBA
|
Helixe
|
|
|
Mega Man Zero
released on Nov. 9, 2002
|
GBA
|
Inti Creates Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II
|
GC,
XBOX,
PC
|
Sonic Team
|
|
|
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
|
PS2,
GC,
XBOX
|
Pandemic Studios
|
|
|
Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds - Saga
|
PC
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
|
|
|
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
|
GBA
|
David A. Palmer Productions
|
|
|
Star Wars: Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast (Collector's Edition)
|
PC
|
Raven Software
|
|
|
Star Wars: Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast
released on March 26, 2002
|
MAC,
GC,
XBOX,
PC
|
Raven Software
|
|
|
Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds - Clone Campaigns
|
MAC,
PC
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
|
|
|
Star Wars: Obi-Wan
|
XBOX
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
|
|
|
Mega Man X6
released on Dec. 4, 2001
|
PS1,
PC
|
Capcom
|
|
|
Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds
|
MAC,
PC
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
|
|
|
Mega Man X5
released on Feb. 1, 2001
|
PS1,
PC
|
Capcom
|
|
|
Star Wars: Episode I - Obi-Wan's Adventures
|
GBC
|
HotGen Ltd.
|
|
|
Star Wars: X-Wing Trilogy
released on Nov. 20, 2000
|
PC
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
|
|
|
Star Wars: Demolition
released on Nov. 12, 2000
|
PS1,
DC
|
Luxoflux Corp.
|
|
|
Star Wars: Force Commander
|
PC
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
|
|
|
Star Wars: Episode I - Jedi Power Battles
|
GBA,
PS1,
DC
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
|
|
|
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
|
PS1,
PC
|
Big Ape Productions, Inc.
|
|
|
Star Wars: Episode I - Racer
released on May 19, 1999
|
MAC,
DC,
N64,
GBC,
ARC,
PC
|
Sega,
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
|
|
|
Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance
|
PC
|
Totally Games, Inc.
|
|
|
Super Smash Bros.
released on Jan. 21, 1999
|
N64
|
HAL Laboratory, Inc.
|
|
|
Einhänder
|
PS1,
PSN
|
Square Enix,
Square Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Mysteries of the Sith
|
PC
|
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC
|
|
|
Star Wars: Rebellion
|
PC
|
Coolhand Interactive
|
|
|
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