The LucasArts E3 2001 page has the official announcement of a bit of news that was leaked yesterday (story) that work has begun on Star Wars: Jedi Outcast-Jedi Knight II, obviously enough the sequel to Jedi Knight (which itself was also Dark Forces II, for those keeping track of the nesting sequels involved). As the earlier report stated, the game is being created by Raven Software with an assist from LucasArts, and will be powered by id Software's Quake III Arena engine. Here is a good portion of the press release:

Inspired by the phenomenal success of its multi-award winning Jedi Knight action game series, LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC announces the long awaited sequel, Star Wars Jedi Outcast: Jedi Knight II for Windows PC. The return to one of interactive entertainment's most successful game series will feature a partnership between LucasArts and Activision, Inc., through its developer Raven Software, which will result in the incorporation of the acclaimed QUAKE III Arena engine in the development of Jedi Outcast. Raven Software has created many critically celebrated action titles.

Star Wars Jedi Outcast: Jedi Knight II is a dynamic single and multiplayer action experience that continues the saga of the once powerful Jedi Knight, Kyle Katarn, as he struggles with the power – and dangers – of the Force. Through a multitude of complex and richly detailed Star Wars environments players face a variety of powerful enemies and once again fight for the Rebel cause. Armed with the power of the Force, and an arsenal of weapons, including a Jedi Knight's signature lightsaber, players hold the fate of the Star Wars galaxy and the destiny of Kyle Katarn in their hands.

<snip>

Star Wars Jedi Outcast: Jedi Knight II picks up several years after Katarn successfully avenged his father and defended the Valley of the Jedi from powerful Jerec and his group of Dark Jedi. Katarn has since abandoned his allegiance to the Force for fear that he might fall prey to the temptations of the Dark side. However, as fate would have it Katarn learns of a powerful new Dark Jedi who must be prevented from creating a technology to harness the power of the Force. Katarn's destiny and the future of the Star Wars galaxy once again hang in the balance as he confronts his dark past to face another seemingly insurmountable evil.

Players of Star Wars Jedi Outcast: Jedi Knight II will find an expanded and enhanced use of the Force, including Heal, Jump, Speed, Force Push, Lightning, and Jedi Mind Tricks. Depending on the situation, whether in combat or stealth, players also have a variety of weapons – old and new – at their disposal, including the lightsaber, Bryar blaster pistol, blaster rifle, stun baton, Wookiee bowcaster, thermal detonators.

Star Wars Jedi Outcast: Jedi Knight II features breathtaking locales, such as Cloud City, the Jedi Knight Academy on Yavin 4, Nar Shaddaa, the smugglers' moon, and many-never-before seen locations.

The game will use a modified version of the lauded QUAKE III Arena engine, allowing for a multitude of enhancements such as more highly detailed graphics and a greater sense of overall scale. LucasArts will assist in the game's development with Raven, with expertise contributed by members of Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II team. <snip>