This art book shows the fantastic conceptual art created for Star Wars The Force Unleashed video game.
I was so looking forward to this book, however when it did arrive there was one glaring problem which can not be overlooked.

Some genius decided it would be a great idea to include two envelopes with collector cards inside, firmly stuck to pages 58 and 86 these are not removable without damaging the pages.
So now when you decide to take a look, it automatically opens up to pages 58 or 86 there is no pleasure in reading this book.

I have contacted the Insight Editions to raise this issue with them, they have replied thanking me for raising the issue and they will forward my email to the correct department.
I have not heard back from them about changing the collector card issue.

Why do something like this? Firstly I am not interested in the collector cards, I would have preferred another 10 pages of artwork instead.
Secondly if they must include collector cards fasten them to the back inside cover.

Sorry about that but had this book not included those cards attached onto the pages I would have given this book four stars, it truly spoils the enjoyment of just thumbing through seeing and reading it.

Otherwise it is a great book with a great insight into the various stages of development, mostly hand sketches and roughs are shown I would have liked to have seen more final renders as well as stills from the final game and video sequences used in the game.

I suggest anyone who purchased this book or considering purchasing this book, contact Insight Editions and get them to change this foolish decision.

This book has a lot of nice art in it, and is a great reference for anyone interested in the design process. However I ordered my first one, and the next day after some really light page turning, the front cover completely detatched from the rest of the book. So I sent it back for a replacement, and upon receiving it two days later the same thing happened. I decided to just keep the second, and fix it myself because it is too good of a book not to have, but still WTF!

I bought the book the same day when the game was released, so, i haven't finish this yet and i just take a sneak peek to the book.

But the book looks amazing, great concept art and some collectables inside.

Bought this for sure!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2GX6YMYRUK8Q2 The Art and Making of Star Wars Force Unleashed brings you behind the scenes into the game development process, while staying close to artists' drawing boards.

This book is choked full with breathtaking concept art, character designs, diary entries and screenshots from the game. It features over 300 pieces of art work in 168 pages. On two pages are pasted paper pockets, with each containing 5 character cards.

If you've owned the "art of" series for the Star Wars movies, expect the same high quality environment paintings. But this one goes up one notch with beautiful page layouts. It's the art magazine type of layout, so the every page design is essentially art in itself. Great effort from the book designers.

The 6 chapters in the book explains the game creation process in depth. That's from the development of a concept, to the pitch and approval stage, next to character studies, then environment and finally the technology behind.

There are lots of nitty gritty details that you won't read on Internet interviews. The authors bring you to the cutting floor and let you read all about the discarded ideas.

After reading the book, you'll literally feel like you've worked with these people (most probably as an intern).

For Star Wars fans, you have no reasons not to get this book. For people interested in concept design and animation, this book has lots of insight for you. This book is a great source of inspiration.

Be careful of the binding though. The part where the cover meets page 1 seems like they will come apart in the future. Easily fixed by pasting some clear tape to fix the problem before it develops.

If you like to see more pictures from the book, just do a search on "parka blogs force unleashed".

i saw this book at borders for double its price glad i held out and bought from amazon no free shipping which is weird lately amazon has been charging trying to make their money either taxing you or for shipping

Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon of global proportions. What began as inspired and inspiring science fiction action/adventure movie trilogy has expanded into novels, comics, video games, fan conventions, and memorabilia that seems to increase in popularity every year. The collaborative work of Star War's enthusiasts W. Haden Blackman and Brett Rectork, "The Art And Making Of Star Wars Force Unleashed" is a profusely illustrated compendium of information about the creation of the 'Star Wars: Force Unleashed' video game that takes place within the Star Wars universe between the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Rebel Alliance. The cutting edge of game design as applied to this Star Wars theme entertainment is fully described and illustrated with more than 300 conceptual artworks. Readers are provided with a virtual tour of the development process, provided with details of unused game concepts, story meetings with George Lucas as well as commentaries and interviews with other key members of the video game design teams. Enhanced with ten Character Cards, "The Art And Making Of Star Wars Force Unleashed" will proved to be an essential addition to the personal collections of dedicated Star Wars fans and enthusiasts as the Star Wars phenomena continues to unfold as a multi-faceted, multi-platform, multi-format entertainment.

It's very interesting to read just how much time and effort goes into making a game, specially one within the Star Wars Universe. From all the different story concepts, to deciding on the timeline of the game, to which characters would make an appearance.

The artwork is nothing short of amazing, with all the different concepts for the Jedi characters, to the look of the Apprentice, to the characters that were not included in the game.

The book of course details the finished game as well, discussing in length the plot of the finished game, so if you don't want to be spoiled then wait until the game comes out to read it.

I recently watched The Clones Wars and thought it was average; it felt more like an homage, than the real deal. And although I enjoyed the prequels, my faith in "a galaxy far, far away" had slowly waned until I got this book. The imagery is stunning and true to form; it looks and feels like a perfect "bridge" between Ep 3 & 4.

Clearly is takes on a new realm in the Star Wars universe - "the force unleashed" but the designers give reasons why we have never seen someone of this power before; all conveyed through hundreds of amazing, beautifully presented images.

From concept to completion, this book tells the story of every facet of the games development including original titles and designs. In honesty, there was only one design (a single page) that I thought looked too far left of center. Other than that, this book is one of the finest "making of" books I have bought in years.

For any Star Wars fan - or someone interested in the tireless amount of effort that goes into making a game - this book is a must.

Hope this helps...