As the upcoming Star Wars films look to tap into a new generation of fans, Disney Publishing Worldwide is set to launch Star Wars Journeys, a new episodic series of apps that feature stories, heroes and villains from a galaxy far, far away.

The apps will feature immersive story content and fast-paced activities and game play. More than half a dozen apps are slated for release for the Kids and Entertainment categories of the App Store; Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace is available now and additional apps in the portfolio will roll out in sequential order leading up to the release of Star Wars Episode VII, which hits theaters in December 2015.

Each app includes interactive features the franchise’s adventures, including a 180-degree parallax viewing experience, infinite zoom scene transitions, collectible character profiles, brand new art and unlockable hidden content.

Additional apps in the Star Wars Journeys portfolio rolling out in the coming months include: Star Wars Journeys: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars Journeys: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars Journeys: A New Hope, Star Wars Journeys: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars Journeys: Return of the Jedi.

The interactive initiative marks the first major one of its kind since Disney acquired Lucasfilm for US$4 billion back in 2012. http://kidscreen.com/2012/10/30/disney-buys-lucasfilm-for-us4-05-billion/