The backstory
I'm a huge star wars fan, two experiences have had a lasting effect on me. One being republic commando on the original Xbox, it resonated deeply with me due to its grounded, squad-based storytelling and its unique perspective.
Being a fan, I saw a short film directed by CinematicCaptures on YouTube called Shadow of the Republic I was thoroughly impressed. Soon after this it gave me an idea.
Along side republic commando another favourite of mine was the original Battlefront 2. One mission in particular stood out: the deployment to Felucia. The menacing acklay created a genuine sense of fear that stuck with me for a while. Now with a more mature lens, I see an opportunity to reinvent that fear—reframing the acklay not just as enemies, but as terrifying apex predators.
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The Plot
Following the execution of Order 66, Jedi General Aayla Secura was eliminated by her own clone troopers during a routine patrol on the jungle world of Felucia. The clones waste no time continuing their mission. With the Jedi threat neutralized, their objective shifts back to its original purpose: rooting out the remaining pockets of Separatist resistance rumoured to be hidden deep within the dense jungles terrain.
As the squad moved deeper into a ravine choked with spores and vines, they are watched—not by droids, but by something far more primal and deadly. Massive, clawed limbs, practically invisible, blending seamlessly with the surrounding fauna.
Acklay.
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Concepts
Acklay stalking shot:
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Move out animation:
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