Everything we know about Star Wars: The Old Republic (so far)
by Randy Nelson 
{ Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:58PM }
BioWare staffers working on the company's inaugural MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic, assembled en mass to answer our questions about the game following its unveiling yesterday. Of course, they couldn't answer all of them – or even most of them – given the general air of secrecy surrounding the project. (Even though it's been officially announced, we still feel like the game's a bit of a rumor.)
Still, some details are certainly better than no details. We've compiled everything we gleaned from BioWare's design and storytelling roundtables for your info-absorbing pleasure after the break.
Still, some details are certainly better than no details. We've compiled everything we gleaned from BioWare's design and storytelling roundtables for your info-absorbing pleasure after the break.
Gallery: Star Wars: The Old Republic
- The game is set 3,600 years prior to the events of the Star Wars movies, and 300 years after the events of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II.
- The plot centers on an impending war between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic.
- BioWare claims the game contains enough dialog, plot, quests, and other content to comprise KOTOR 3, 4, and 5. It is larger than all previous BioWare games combined, according to the developer.
- There will be multiple classes for both the Sith and Republic factions, each with their own storylines that will carry players from the first level to the last. No dialog, quests, or content will be reused between classes.
- There will be no cross-over between the two factions.
- Jedi and Sith are the only classes revealed thus far; lead writer, Daniel Erickson, "loves Mandalorians."
- You will be able to interact and upgrade multiple companion characters, but only one can accompany you at a time.
- There are no "kill 10 rats" type quests. The most basic creature you will battle as a Sith at level one is a 20-foot-tall K'lor Slug.
- Space flight will factor into the game (for traveling from planet to planet), but BioWare isn't saying if it will include space combat.
- There will be a crafting system. No further details, other than implimenting it was "a toughie," according to the game's lead writer.
- The Old Republic will use a level system, but the level cap "can't be shared just yet."
- Combat will be faster-paced and "more epic" than in competing MMOs to "capture the Star Wars feel."
- Characters from the Star Wars expanded universe will cameo, as will ones from the KOTOR games.
- The designers have created a new mechanic in order to encourage players to choose classes other than Jedi and Sith, but it can't yet be talked about.
- There will be PvP in the game; it will factor in the Sith and Republic factions and "feel important in that context."
- BioWare intends to include a mentoring system allowing players of varying levels to adventure together, but hasn't decided if it will take the form of a sidekick or a downsizing system.
- Vehicles are "on the plate," but can't be talked about at this point.
- The game will include "a form of instancing," with the design team saying that, "being able to do storytelling, being able to do experiences that aren't disrupted in public areas," is a high priority.
- Finally, BioWare is only talking about the PC version at present, but is considering console versions.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Avarice @ Oct 23rd 2008 6:08PM
"There are no 'kill 10 rats' type quests"
So space-rats will be left to breed unchecked? YOU FOOLS!!!
Burritoclock @ Oct 23rd 2008 6:20PM
Best first comment EVER!
vdeogmer @ Oct 23rd 2008 6:30PM
Y
vdeogmer @ Oct 23rd 2008 6:30PM
You
Buckshot @ Oct 23rd 2008 6:35PM
agreed
Amirisme @ Oct 24th 2008 1:01AM
amen to that
Amirisme @ Oct 24th 2008 1:01AM
amen to that
Amirisme @ Oct 24th 2008 1:02AM
damn....
Erluti @ Oct 24th 2008 9:29AM
No Womprats, no deal!
PSN:SamuraiBubba @ Oct 26th 2008 8:54AM
This is a bit off topic, but Avarice, is that Zap Rowsdower in your avatar? lol
vdeogmer @ Oct 23rd 2008 6:35PM
Great googly moogly, sorry about the comment spam, all I was trying to say was that Avarice wins the internet.
Limezor @ Oct 23rd 2008 6:36PM
This actually sounds really good.
PSN: johnnynumber5 @ Oct 23rd 2008 6:37PM
I still won't allow myself to become excited about this game until it's announced for the PS3 or 360. Before any PC gaming purist tells me that MMO's don't work on a controller let me just say the PS3 supports Keyboard and Mouse and there is no reason the 360 can't also support such a peripheral. I do think it's possible that an MMO can easily work on a console controller.
I know Mass Effect worked better on a computer but it was more than adequate on a console. I know it wasn't an MMO but it can be done. As I said before even in the event that it couldn't the PS3 supports KB & M and I am sure the 360 would also do something similar if it had to.
Te bigger issue for a console MMO (especially on Live) is the thought of a monthly fee to play the game. That would be some pricing structure on the 360. Pay for a keyboard and mouse (if no BC support for an existing MS one exist), pay for Live, pay for extra DLC, expansions & pay to play the MMO on top of that. Not like the PS3 would be much better because I would still have to buy the KB & M if controller support weren't supported.
Kaelitz @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:08PM
The problem with MMOs on a console can be seen, to an extent with FFXI, is that an MMO will be limited technologically on a console.
While a PC can be upgraded, and over time is expected to be upgraded -- and an MMO can reflect that with advances in complexity, effects, etcetera... a console as it stands cannot. At best, you can upgrade capacity via a hard drive.
With FFXI's case, being a PS2 MMO as well as PC, the PS2 has ultimately been the limiting factor for any number of advances or features that have been widely asked for by the community. While a developer COULD potentially allow one platform different advances in UI/graphics/effects, they probably would not, as that would increase development time and costs.
sk8monroe81 @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:28PM
kaelitz- ur PC comment makes no sense.. look at the # 1 MMO and PC game, WOW. they have topped the charts with sub-par graphics because their game can be played on almost every PC out.
many PC owners cannot play most PC games that have high requirements.
the great thing about consoles is that everyone has the same console and same specs.
the thing about console gamers is that they(we) tend to pick up new games all the time and get bored with older titles. you say FF11, you know that is an old game right?? how long should they support that title?
Kaelitz @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:47PM
sk8monroe81 - My comment makes plenty sense. Look at the requirements for WoW back in '04 when it was released, and look at the requirements for Wrath now in '08. They HAVE changed. Granted they haven't shot through the roof, but they have risen nonetheless.
WoW is also the oddball when it comes to MMOs nowadays. It was not designed for the high-end rigs like Crysis has been, or other PC-oriented games. Similarly, other MMOs also have steeper requirements compared to WoW -- at least to get the full graphical experience.
And yes, I say FFXI because S-E seems to have no real desire to stop supporting the title any time soon. They just released their 4th expansion pack within the past year for it. As well, it still seems to have a dedicated fan and subscriber base.
I'm not saying the issue is insurmountable. FFXI has shown us that an MMO can thrive while still being playable on a console. However, I'm merely stating that a console is a large limiting factor in the long-term, and since MMOs generally have a lifespan of let's say... 10 years or more, the aging of the hardware of a platform it must continue to support can put a serious toll on development and other aspects.
Of course, developers can turn around and no longer provide support or updates for deprecated hardware, but I'd wager that'd piss off a lot of people, and would definitely be bad press.
PSN: johnnynumber5 @ Oct 23rd 2008 10:19PM
kaelitz --
How about this ... They can release it on both but only continue to upgrade the PC specs with expansions. It's not like these console can't handle an MMO.
Erluti @ Oct 24th 2008 9:35AM
Just to note: Xbox 360 supports a keyboard and is really nice to have one around for account recovery and naming Halo 3 videos.
Also, do you guys not own a computer?
RogueJedi86 @ Oct 24th 2008 7:30PM
" Before any PC gaming purist tells me that MMO's don't work on a controller let me just say the PS3 supports Keyboard and Mouse and there is no reason the 360 can't also support such a peripheral. "
Wouldn't a console that uses a Keyboard and Mouse to play a game just be a PC? Why not just use a PC instead? Most console gamers have a PC, and have the cash to afford a new video card and some RAM to run the next big game.
hojo_z @ Oct 23rd 2008 6:59PM
This is a nice kick in the ass, Thank you Lucas arts/Bioware/EA for pissing on people that do not have access to broadband. KOTOR 1 & 2 are two of my favorite games so its nice to know that I won't be able to play the so called "KOTOR 3,4,5".
Orion @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:11PM
To be fair to Lucas, haven't they pissed on you enough to teach you *not* to get excited about games they release anymore?
With the exception of 2 of the 3 Rogue Squadrons, I can't think of any recent Star Wars games that are worth their full asking price. Isn't this kind of behavior a bit expected by now?
I'm sure this will be done on the consoles, or else they wouldn't have even said they would consider it. My bet is that it will be a last minute announcement in order to garner some sort of excitement for the title. It's meant for fanboys and girls of star wars everywhere to make publicity by bitching about it only being on PC. You know what they say, negative press is good press.
Sorry if I sound a little jaded, but Unleashed still has a sour taste in my mouth, and only Soul Calibur 4 did anything right with the franchise of late.
sk8monroe81 @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:33PM
hojo- u know lucas has been milking the force since the 70's right? 30 years now... get used to it...
most of the star wars stuff is not good its just filler for the fans.
in 2008 and beyond broadband is really the only way to play a game online. dial up are you serious? to play a MMO... lol.
ragincajun @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:37PM
Rogue Squadron?! Those are the only Lucasarts games you can think of that are worth their money? I don't even know what to say. I can understand not liking RPGs, but saying KOTOR 1&2 aren't worth their money probably blasphemy in some religion or other.
Orion @ Oct 23rd 2008 9:23PM
Ragincajun, I never liked KOTOR, so that's why I didn't bring them up. The turn based combat drove me batty.
Avoli @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:13PM
They seem to be making a LOT of promising ideas.
Sure hope they pull through or else it'll be quite the disappointment.
Malevo @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:48PM
Theres nothing really secret. It's pretty obvious the reason they aren't giving specific information is because its not there. It's a game in development and there are probably a lot of things in the game being worked out still meaning nothing is concrete.
ExMcCloud @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:56PM
Bioware=Awesome By Default
Derick @ Oct 23rd 2008 8:01PM
When are we gonna get to see this gameplay footage that was at the announcement?
mietha CAG @ Oct 23rd 2008 8:11PM
I'm excited, but skeptical as well, being as there's only been about 5 playable real MMO's ever released and Bioware has zero experience in the field.
phobic99 @ Oct 23rd 2008 10:10PM
Blizzard didn't have any MMO experience when they were developing WoW. I'd say they did ok for a bunch of first timers.
No idea what you mean about "only 5 real playable MMOs" though.
chispito @ Oct 23rd 2008 11:52PM
It's Bioware. I'm sure they'll do a fine job. And honestly I'm rather more interested in a fresh take on an MMO than one by a proven dev.
theturtle363 @ Oct 23rd 2008 8:13PM
i didnt read past the part where the guys love mandalorians, because right then I knew this was an instant purchase
CJLopez @ Oct 23rd 2008 9:14PM
Go crossplatform playing, with a Wii version using Motion plus for 1:1 lightsaber experience!!!!!!!!
You know you want it!!!!!!
Still, might play the PC-version
Vocenoctum @ Oct 23rd 2008 10:09PM
Do all characters automatically start with amnesia?
bub @ Oct 24th 2008 1:29AM
I believe memory in consoles is the most limiting factor lets face it 512 megs of memory is not enough for almost any modern mmo to play smoothly. Add that in with development costs for 2 or 3 platforms. Releasing patches across all 3.
patches on consoles have to be approved by the console company before they can be released. So if you have a major bug pop up in a patch you may have to wait days or weeks to fix it till its is approved by the console company.
t_m @ Oct 24th 2008 3:34AM
Is it me, or is it sounding like a highly instanced single player game, with connected MP/PvP hubs?
If everyone is following different stories, has different goals, is in different areas/factions and is instanced to prevent them all interfering with each other... then its not really very MMO..
Still, interesting to see how it turns out. Wish there was an offline SP version...
John @ Oct 24th 2008 9:34AM
You know they could just set it up like Pre-CU galaxies...
I really had no desire to be a jedi in that game and once everyone could be one, I canceled my account.
Fly. @ Oct 24th 2008 1:30PM
how about just keep it to pc platforms?...
online console gameplay is good..but wouldnt be for an mmo. like some people above my post stated, console gamers move on to new titles... in a very short amount of time... well at least IMO, i got bored fast of console games...so i just decided to stick to pc gaming :P