Disney Publishing Worldwide today announced the launch of “Star Wars Journeys,” a new episodic series of apps featuring the stories, heroes and villains from a galaxy far, far away.

With immersive story content and fast-paced activities and game play, “Star Wars Journeys” apps will introduce the epic Star Wars universe to the next generation of fans.

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.

Each “Star Wars Journeys” app includes interactive features that fully immerse readers in the franchise’s epic adventures, including a 180-degree parallax viewing experience, infinite zoom scene transitions, collectible character profiles, brand new art, and unlockable hidden content.

“The Star Wars film franchise has continuously excited and engaged audiences of all ages for more than 30 years” said Andrew Sugerman, executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “Now, Disney Publishing is connecting Star Wars fans to their favorite franchise through a series of innovative new apps that combine storytelling, play, and technology for an epic experience.”

“Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace,” which is available now for iOS, reveals the first story in the classic saga in an explosive new way.

As readers tap and swipe their way through the story, they are challenged to fast-paced races across four different galaxies in customizable anti-gravity podracers where they can earn special rewards that allow them to complete the story.

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”
• “Star Wars Journeys: Return of the Jedi”

The Star Wars mobile apps portfolio will continue to evolve with the addition of an all-new category of user generated creativity apps, leading up to the release of Star Wars Episode VII.

“Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace” can be found on the App Store in the Kids and Entertainment categories.