It's official! UK gamers are crazy about Star Wars. On May 3, 2002 LucasArts releases the highly anticipated Star Wars� Rogue Squadron� II: Rogue Leader� as a day one GameCube launch title. Already a number one selling third party smash hit in the US, retailers have confirmed that Star Wars� Rogue Squadron� II: Rogue Leader� is the No.1 pre-order* on the GameCube here in the UK.

To celebrate, classic full-size Star Wars replica figures including Darth Vader, Boba Fett, C3PO and R2D2 will be making an appearance at HMV's Oxford Street, London store. The store will be opening at midnight on Thursday 2nd May to cope with unprecedented public demand for the latest computer games console to be launched.

Keely Brenner, Senior Brand Manager LucasArts says, 'Star Wars� Rogue Squadron� II: Rogue Leader� is a fantastic game and really demonstrates the capabilities of the new console. I'm not surprised that anticipation is so high, you are literally "playing the movie". We fully expect that Rogue Leader will be the 'must-have' title when GameCube launches on May 3."

Simon Winter, HMV Spokesman at HMV says " Star WarsTM is a hugely successful brand at HMV and demand for Star Wars� Rogue Squadron� II: Rogue Leader� has been huge � it looks set to be the Number One game for the Gamecube. Having the replica characters in our Oxford Street store will no doubt be a bonus for the crowds down there to buy their new console."

*Charts provided courtesy of HMV UK.