LucasArts today announced the resumption of its relationship with Lawrence Holland and his company Totally Games to develop a World War II flight combat game for next generation consoles and PC.

Previous associations between LucasArts and Totally Games produced the critically acclaimed and best selling X-wing and TIE fighter series of Star Wars games, as well as Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe and Their Finest Hour: The Battle of Britain. The latter two games will serve as inspiration for the upcoming World War II flight combat title.

The new game, expected to release in 2003, will immerse would-be fighter pilot aces into dynamic, edge-of-the-seat air-to-air and air-to-ground battle scenarios in a variety of combat theaters over Europe and other territories. The story-driven game will drop players into a secret, elite squad of pilots who undertake the most dangerous missions of World War II.

"Lawrence Holland single-handedly defined the fun, accessible flight action genre with his groundbreaking trilogy of World War II air combat games," says Simon Jeffery, president of LucasArts. "Adding the sophisticated storytelling style Holland developed for the award-winning X-wing series, this new game promises exhilarating gameplay with a rip-roaring story of adventure and intrigue. The legions of fans who have been clamoring for a new game in the vein of Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe should be very happy with this announcement."

"I'm thrilled to be back working with LucasArts, for whom Totally Games has developed so many successful titles over the years," says Lawrence Holland, chief executive officer and creative director of Totally Games. "My team and I will have a great time building a brand new World War II air combat game for this next generation of hardware. I believe our team has some exciting ideas that will capture the imaginations of players everywhere. Get ready to watch your six!"