This is the original press release from LucasArts, it was later modified to change the release date to early 2000.

LUCASARTS SEEKS THE PROUD AND THE FEW TO COMMAND THE ARMIES OF THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE IN THE EPIC REAL-TIME STRATEGY GAME, STAR WARS: FORCE COMMANDER

Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire Forces Clash In Dramatic Single and Multi-Player Ground-Based Battles SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- April 6, 1998 -- LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC seeks new recruits to join the ranks of the military elite to assemble, deploy and direct Star Wars forces to victory in the real-time strategy game Star Wars: Force Commander, expected to release 1999.

Whether waging battle with the armies of the resourceful Rebel Alliance or powerful Galactic Empire, the relentlessly challenging Force Commander will offer full-scale, ground-based combat over a vast array of engagement theaters throughout the Star Wars universe, all fully rendered in 3D.

"Force Commander will embrace the latest 3D acceleration technology to the fullest extent, allowing a level of realism not previously possible," says Tom Byron, product marketing manager for LucasArts. "Shadows of the EmpireÔ , LucasArts’ first 3D accelerated title, established a new standard for game graphics. Force Commander will take 3D to the next level, providing the ultimate showcase for the technology."

Force Commander gameplay unfolds through a series of mission-based chapters, allowing players to direct their forces from two campaign perspectives -- as a leader in the Rebel Alliance or Galactic Empire commander. Each chapter takes place on a different world and contains an average of three missions.

Force Commander missions span the Star Wars trilogy, beginning just prior to the destruction of the planet Alderaan from Star Wars: A New Hope, and climaxing after the dramatic ending of Return of the Jedi. Highlighting the intense ground combat in Force Commander is the Rebel Alliance’s strategic fighting retreat from the Battle of Hoth waged in The Empire Strikes Back.

Mission objectives in Force Commander include establishing a base of operations, capturing strategic buildings and units, and the complete destruction of enemy forces. Additional missions may involve the devastation of a key target or taking a defensive stance by holding off an enemy’s attack long enough to allow allied forces to retreat, similar to tactics employed by the Rebel Alliance in the Battle of Hoth.

Force Commander is expected to feature more than 100 individual Star Wars personnel, vehicle and building units that players amass while fighting for the Rebel Alliance or Galactic Empire. Players direct all major strategic aspects of a mission, including the gathering of each world’s valuable resources as well as production and direction of combat units. Ground troops range from squadrons of Imperial stormtroopers and Rebel soldiers to various classes of droids. Vehicles abound for both the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire, including never-before-seen tanks, missile launchers and troop transports. Forces are rounded out with familiar Star Wars vehicles such as AT-AT and AT-ST walkers, Y-wings and TIE bombers.

Skirmishes take place on such diverse Star Wars worlds as the dense tropical forests of Yavin 4, the searing deserts of Tatooine, and Corellia’s grassy plains. New locales include the rich spice fields of Kessel and Coruscant’s forbidding polar icecap.

The latest 3D technology will allow for environments in Force Commander that are more immersive and realistic than previous games in the real-time strategy genre. For instance, a floating camera provides players with multiple perspectives. Previously unavailable camera options include tilt, pan and orbit.

The game can be played in single-player or head-to-head mode via the Internet or local area network. Force Commander will run under Windows 95 and require 3D acceleration.

About LucasArts LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC is a leading international developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of computer and console platforms. Based in San Rafael, Calif., as well as on the Internet at www.lucasarts.com, LucasArts is one of five companies in the Lucas group which include Lucasfilm Ltd., Lucas Digital Ltd. LLC, Lucas Licensing Ltd., and Lucas Learning Ltd. Lucasfilm is one of the leading film and entertainment companies in the world. Lucasfilm’s businesses include George Lucas’ film and television production and distribution activities as well as the business activities of the THX Group. Lucas Digital, which consists of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Skywalker Sound, provides visual effects and audio post-production services to the entertainment industry. Lucas Licensing is responsible for the merchandising of all Lucasfilm’s film and television properties. Lucas Learning strives to create an "uncommon learning" experience by offering engaging interactive software products that provide learning opportunities through exploration and discovery.