Star Wars: The Old Republic

Update # 1: On November 15, 2012 a free-to-play option was introduced to the game. At the same time, it is still possible to pay a monthly subscription, which provides all sorts of extras.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a MMO game set in Star Wars universe. It was created by the studio responsible, among others, for Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age. This new game can be considered a spiritual successor to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, even though the gameplay mechanics applied here is typical of an MMO.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is set about 300 years after the sequel of Knights of the Old Republic. The story is therefore set some 3-4 thousand years before the events known from the six popular movies. Even though, it too focuses on the struggle between the two opposing factions: Jedi Knights, who represent the Galactic Republic, and the followers of the dark side, known as the Sith Empire. After a long war between the two, a temporary alliance was formed, putting the galaxy at peace. Unfortunately, the agreement is extremely fragile.

BioWare company decided to continue its tradition of including characteristic narrative and create a complex story, thus opposing a common tendency of depriving MMO games of elaborate stories. The Old Republic sheds light on a previously unknown episode in the expansive fictional universe of Star Wars presenting a complex story. During the game you engage in numerous, dynamic multiplayer dialogues, in which all group members may decide on the response. Players' decisions often determine the course of a mission or even its outcome.

In the game you can stand on one of the two sides of the conflict, and to be either a lightsaber wielding Jedi (Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular) or a Sith clad in dark robes (Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor). Apart from these most characteristic classes, you can choose from a few others. Apart from the Jedi Order, the Republic is also represented by: Smugglers and Troopers. Their opponents are supported by Bounty Hunters and Imperial Agents. They all are characterized by different fighting styles. For example, Smugglers can use cover system and fire from hiding.

The core gameplay, apart from unfolding the aforementioned extensive story, focuses on exploration, fighting, and developing of your character’s skills. An interesting feature are companions (NPCs) who can aid you in combat. A good example of that might be the Dashade, a representative of Jedi hunting alien race – he is willing to ally with the Sith. Your relations with companions depend on your actions - if they do not agree with what you do, you can expect a fitting comment from them, or even a betrayal. Building a strong team is very important, because companions are helpful at collecting materials, creating items, and performing side quests. You give orders to your crew from aboard your personal ship, which is also a means of transportation and the main base for all players.

Most objectives set by the game can be done solo. Of course, playing with friends is a lot more fun, the more since some missions require groups of players. In addition to extensive PvE, the game developers prepared many competitive modes. One of the most spectacular examples of that are so-called battlegrounds, i.e. story-driven battles, in which two teams fight over strategic locations (e.g. cannons that are able to destroy the oncoming cruiser).

As befits Star Wars, the game world is not limited to just one planet. You can explore most of the known worlds (e.g. Coruscant, Tython, Korriban), but also some completely new ones, and even take part in space battles (made in form of rail shooters). Some planets are clearly dominated by one of the two factions, while on others the struggle for supremacy is still ongoing. Although the individual planets differ radically, all share great graphic design and stylistics. The game engine is perfect for generating extensive landscapes. Character models and the environments are set in a comic-like style.

Last updated on August 14, 2015