In Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi warned that there’s no hive of scum and villainy more wretched than Mos Eisley. Despite that, fans of Star Wars will soon be clamoring to explore the Unreal engine 4 recreated crime pit in all its glory — in virtual reality. Via Geek, Star Wars fan and Obsidian Entertainment environment artist Jason Lewis started working on a digital remake of the infamous docking bay #94, where Han Solo had the Millennium Falcon docked when Luke, Obi-Wan, R2 D2, and C3PO sought passage to Alderaan to deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance. The project evolved as Lewis and 17 additional people, all employed with Obsidian, began working on more parts of Mos Eisley including the cantina where Luke met Han and Chewbacca for the first time.
This is merely a fan project as it stands. Nothing more than a passion project by passionate fans when Star Wars is on the lips of millions. Lewis also says learning how to use Unreal 4 is a priority for himself and some of the others that joined in, so this task was an entertaining chance to do so. Though he’s just learning, Lewis set out to create a very detailed Millennium Falcon at the least, which he has accomplished. You’ll also find X-Wings, TIE Fighters, and an Imperial Shuttle scattered about.
When in the demo, the user navigates Mos Eisley with a functioning blaster but it’s clear this is just an environmental recreation. That fact, coupled with Lewis and team’s labeling this a fan passion project, will possibly stall the “cease and desist” letters from Lucasfilm and Disney enough for the VR version to be implemented, which is supposedly coming soon. Hopefully Disney will be inspired by John Lewis’ work and create something more robust than Trials on Tatooine, but that’s wishful thinking.
Part 2 of exploring Mos Eisley is in the video’s description, along with download links for the demo.
