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Star Wars: The Old Republic [Releasing Date: Dec 20 NA/EU - NDA Lifted]

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A

antonz

Member
2ecoimq.png

Bounty Hunter Advanced Classes for one tree
 
Z

Zinga

Banned
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/42719/Old-Republic-out-in-September

Some more release date speculation, this time saying that the game will be out September this year, missing the 'spring' 2011 launch date window.

To me, knowing what we do about the game and what Bioware currently is releasing as Friday updates (relatively meaningless stuff when they could talk about so much more), it's pretty clear that this game isn't going to be out in Spring 2011 at this rate, so September it is! :)
 
T

ThatObviousUser

ὁ αἴσχιστος παῖς εἶ
The more time the better. BioWare needs to make sure this game is 110% on day one in order to ensure continued support from EA. I mean, I have no doubt the game would get 80s if it were released tomorrow, but this needs to be a solid GOTY contender for both parties' sakes. And for that fact I don't mind waiting at all, as long as it's a 2011 game.
 
C

CzarTim

Member
Agreed, Andrex. No matter how much I want to jump in and play this, the problem with 99% of MMOs these days is that they are rushed out. When an MMO is incomplete at launch, it never catches up.
 
T

Trouble

Banned
Zinga said:
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/42719/Old-Republic-out-in-September

Some more release date speculation, this time saying that the game will be out September this year, missing the 'spring' 2011 launch date window.

To me, knowing what we do about the game and what Bioware currently is releasing as Friday updates (relatively meaningless stuff when they could talk about so much more), it's pretty clear that this game isn't going to be out in Spring 2011 at this rate, so September it is! :)
Click to expand...
"The game has been in development for over two years"

I can't take that article seriously after that statement.
 
A

antonz

Member
Just today they stressed it was still launching this spring. Im starting to question it due to timeline but I dunno.

Spring lasts til late June so theres still alot of time in Spring. And as said above the games been in development alot more than 2 years. If there is a delay id guess they will announce it at PAX
 
D

Doublesith

Member
My guess is that its releasing on September 28 alongside with the movie Blu-Rays. Lucasfilm likes its synergy - the Original Battlefront was released on the same day as the OT DVD's, and Battlefront II alongside the Episode III DVD.
 
A

antonz

Member
Doublesith said:
My guess is that its releasing on September 28 alongside with the movie Blu-Rays. Lucasfilm likes its synergy - the Original Battlefront was released on the same day as the OT DVD's, and Battlefront II alongside the Episode III DVD.
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EA took over full distribution etc of the game. If anything I think it will launch in a gap between DA2 and ME3
 
A

Arnie

Member
This is by far my most anticipated game of the year, and I've never played an MMO in my life.

The original KOTOR was the best game I've ever played.
 
B

BattleMonkey

Member
Theres still couple months left but I don't see the harm in delaying it a couple more months if it means some more polish. For the rumored investment in the game, they have to make sure it works pretty well at launch as the launch window is the most important for making an impact with MMO players.

Betas seem to be going on much more strongly now though as we are seeing many more leaks, I think theres still a chance they can get it out by June. And the spring release would have been good for them as there was no real competeing MMO's coming out.
 
E

Effect

Member
BattleMonkey said:
Not really surprising. This isn't galaxies with how open the game world was to everyone, and the planets in this game are not going to really be planets either like they were in Galaxies. It's like the KOTOR and other Bioware games where you can only go where they allow you too.
Click to expand...

This is primarily why I'm not crazy or even interested in Star Wars: The Old Republic even though I'm very much a Star Wars fan and a fan of the KOTOR games. I had a feeling it was going to be like this and not like Star Wars Galaxies. For as much issue I've had with SWG over the years after they did the NGE update I'd much rather play that and still keep the discs in reach if the desire ever comes back. For as much as they streamlined that game there is still a lot of freedom to go to different places and do different things.
 
B

BattleMonkey

Member
Effect said:
This is primarily why I'm not crazy or even interested in Star Wars: The Old Republic even though I'm very much a Star Wars fan and a fan of the KOTOR games. I had a feeling it was going to be like this and not like Star Wars Galaxies. For as much issue I've had with SWG over the years after they did the NGE update I'd much rather play that and still keep the discs in reach if the desire ever comes back. For as much as they streamlined that game there is still a lot of freedom to go to different places and do different things.
Click to expand...

Problem with Galaxies design was freedom was nice, but probably 90% of the game space was never used for anything, and with dwindling player bases whole cities are ghost towns. Huge amount of the game was just barren landscape with no use and really in a game like Old Republic and many other MMO's, it's a waste of resources.

Even at it's height of player base, most of the games cities/towns were barren as most players tended to go to the same places and the game gave you no reason to visit lot of the places in game. When players were able to develop their own cities, it kinda compounded the issue
 
A

antonz

Member
czartim said:
I logged into SWG last month. No one is playing anymore. Even compared to a year beforehand when I played last.
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Yep just in the past few months when they gave me another free period to play logged in Bloodfin which was always busy even after most left and it was totally deserted finally no matter what time of the day.

BattleMonkey said:
Problem with Galaxies design was freedom was nice, but probably 90% of the game space was never used for anything, and with dwindling player bases whole cities are ghost towns. Huge amount of the game was just barren landscape with no use and really in a game like Old Republic and many other MMO's, it's a waste of resources.

Even at it's height of player base, most of the games cities/towns were barren as most players tended to go to the same places and the game gave you no reason to visit lot of the places in game. When players were able to develop their own cities, it kinda compounded the issue
Click to expand...

That was the one huge flaw not counting bugs etc. Galaxies had lots of freedom which was great but the Developers made a Sandbox and left it that. I still think the Sandbox is great and should be used but it needs Developer content as well.
 
B

brotkasten

Member
I know, this sounds stupid, but is it possible to play this MMO alone? I don't expect an offline mode (lol), but I can't imagine having a good experience playing a story driven game like this with other random people. Especially not at the flashpoints, where I probably have to justify my actions. (omfg, why did(n't) you kill the captain?!). No, I don't like this co-op stuff at all.
 
M

Mojojo

Member
brotkasten said:
I know, this sounds stupid, but is it possible to play this MMO alone? I don't expect an offline mode (lol), but I can't imagine having a good experience playing a story driven game like this with other random people. Especially not at the flashpoints, where I probably have to justify my actions. (omfg, why did(n't) you kill the captain?!). No, I don't like this co-op stuff at all.
Click to expand...

On the contrary, I would say that the existence of these 'Flashpoints' supports the fact that the main experience of the game will be a single player, story-driven one as they are instanced and optionals...
 
E

Effect

Member
czartim said:
I logged into SWG last month. No one is playing anymore. Even compared to a year beforehand when I played last.
Click to expand...
I recall reading that the most popular servers are Starsider(sp?) and two others. Low population overall not doubt compared to what it was before but I think the are a few dead servers that need to be merge or should have been merged but weren't.

If you had no monthly fee I might try out the game (SW:TOR) for the single player aspect. That the game will be so heavily instanced and story focused makes the monthly fee for me a huge problem.
 
B

BattleMonkey

Member
brotkasten said:
I know, this sounds stupid, but is it possible to play this MMO alone? I don't expect an offline mode (lol), but I can't imagine having a good experience playing a story driven game like this with other random people. Especially not at the flashpoints, where I probably have to justify my actions. (omfg, why did(n't) you kill the captain?!). No, I don't like this co-op stuff at all.
Click to expand...

It's an MMO, so while you can play lot of it single player, many parts of it are going to likely be off limits to you if your not going to play with others. As they note, you can replay most of these things like flashpoints as the experience can change as you play with other players since group choices will have a bit of randomness to who gets to make decisions and talk at parts of dialogue.

Certain major story elements are also likely going to be held off to the big group content like raiding. The whole secrets of Revan thing they previewed a while back is believed to be some high end raid content so you will need to play with others to experience it.

The game will likely have different experiences for the solo player though from the group content. Stuff like the flashpoints are probably going to just be random missions that one can run that don't have major impact of the actual story line that each class is supposed to have.
 
K

Kintaro

Worships the porcelain goddess
Mojojo said:
On the contrary, I would say that the existence of these 'Flashpoints' supports the fact that the main experience of the game will be a single player, story-driven one as they are instanced and optionals...
Click to expand...

Did you even read the Flashpoint link?

http://www.swtor.com/info/systems/flashpoints

Band together with your most trusted allies to undertake some of the most dangerous missions in the galaxy! Flashpoints are action-packed, story-driven adventures that test a group of players to their limits, putting them up against difficult foes in volatile situations. You and your group need your wits, your skills, and all your resources to emerge victorious. Every Flashpoint begins with an exciting story and contains difficult decisions – choose carefully, because your group’s choices have a meaningful impact on the challenges you’ll face, the enemies you’ll fight, and the outcome of the story! All the danger is certainly worthwhile; the rewards from Flashpoints are some of the most powerful you’ll find.
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These are TOR's version of dungeons. Group based and not single player at all.
 
B

BattleMonkey

Member
Kintaro said:
Did you even read the Flashpoint link?

http://www.swtor.com/info/systems/flashpoints

These are TOR's version of dungeons. Group based and not single player at all.
Click to expand...

Not what he meant, the flashpoints for the most part have kind of separate unrelated adventures that aren't part of the class storylines. They are group content but likely to have no bearing on your characters individual unique experiences. Like in most MMO's, you can skip the dungeons, though usually they offer good loot and experience opportunities.
 
G

GasProblem

Member
Still think character models/animation look terrible, but I am excited for the game nontheless ;D

Exploring all the planets is going to be awesome.
 
B

brotkasten

Member
BattleMonkey said:
Not what he meant, the flashpoints for the most part have kind of separate unrelated adventures that aren't part of the class storylines. They are group content but likely to have no bearing on your characters individual unique experiences. Like in most MMO's, you can skip the dungeons, though usually they offer good loot and experience opportunities.
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Interesting and good to know. I only saw the GDC 09 walkthrough and they made it sound like it's part of your character's story. Oh well, I probably didn't pay enough attention (it was late).

I'm playing KotOR again and I really just want a third game and since that isn't coming, the MMO is probably the only way to get some of that experience and gameplay in the Star Wars universe.

btw, did they tweak the art style since the first reveal? I remember some fans bitching about the character proportions and huge lightsabers. Not sure if Bio ever commented on that.
 
B

BattleMonkey

Member
Compared to the original art the proportions have been toned down, though it's still exagerrated and not trying to be realistic. Have no doubt they are trying to be like WoW where a non realistic look helps keep your game from aging poorly as well as helping to get the game running on lower end machines for bigger potential customer base.

Everything you do though sounds like it has the potential of impacting your characters storyline to a point. Character standing and relationships might be tweaked on a statistic level, but since the multiplayer aspects of the game are repeatable, it likely will not have a major impact on your class storyline unless for example you keep making negative decisions in them that would change how your companion characters see you, like in other Bioware games.
 
K

Kintaro

Worships the porcelain goddess
BattleMonkey said:
Not what he meant, the flashpoints for the most part have kind of separate unrelated adventures that aren't part of the class storylines. They are group content but likely to have no bearing on your characters individual unique experiences. Like in most MMO's, you can skip the dungeons, though usually they offer good loot and experience opportunities.
Click to expand...

Considering that they are separate, that's actually good cause for that to have a bearing on your character's unique experience. Also, good loot.

I mean, what else will you be doing at endgame?

Sooner or later, Flashpoints will become part of your class storyline.
 
S

Safe Bet

Banned
ToR is too big of a finical gamble to experiment like this obviously, but..

I really wish someone would create an MMO with non-repeatable dungeons,instances, etc...

We've already begun to move in that direction as far as quests go.

It's time to take the next step.
 
B

BattleMonkey

Member
Safe Bet said:
ToR is too big of a finical gamble to experiment like this obviously, but..

I really wish someone would create an MMO with non-repeatable dungeons,instances, etc...

We've already begun to move in that direction as far as quests go.

It's time to take the next step.
Click to expand...

End Game pretty much depends on the content being repeatable, otherwise you would needs a MMO that added large new content each week to keep people playing outside of PVP instances. Quests are easy to do as non repeatable since they are usually very simple compared to the content one would get in a single player game. Lot of MMO quests probably take no time to make and implement since they are so straightforward. Star Trek online had a good excuse hat fit in universe, as you could repeate quests as basically being a Holodeck simulation that you are doing for practice.

Kintaro said:
I mean, what else will you be doing at endgame?

Sooner or later, Flashpoints will become part of your class storyline.
Click to expand...

Depends if Flashpoints will be part of endgame proper. Flashpoints are supposed to be for only 4 players, while it sounds like the game will have larger raid style content as well. I imagine the raid content would have important storyline aspects that can apply to all characters, while flashpoints from their descriptions sound like your average MMO dungeon that can be ignored.

Course being a MMO, even though story will be important in this game, I doubt there will be any type of grand finale or ending to the storylines on par to the KOTOR games. They have to keep people playing and eventual expansions and content updates make it hard to have a story that ends.
 
E

epmode

Member
Safe Bet said:
ToR is too big of a finical gamble to experiment like this obviously, but..

I really wish someone would create an MMO with non-repeatable dungeons,instances, etc..
Click to expand...
But that's diametrically opposed to the idea of an MMO. What's the benefit? If a dungeon can't be repeated, it'll be very difficult, if not impossible for later players to find a group.

It sounds like you just want a single-player game which is entirely understandable in this case.
 
C

CzarTim

Member
Effect said:
I recall reading that the most popular servers are Starsider(sp?) and two others. Low population overall not doubt compared to what it was before but I think the are a few dead servers that need to be merge or should have been merged but weren't.
Click to expand...
They're enjoying that 25$ transfer fee. I refuse to pay it.

They could really get away with one server. Would be a lot more fun.
 
N

Nirolak

Mrgrgr
BattleMonkey said:
The target to be profitable is 500k subscribers
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To be *substantially* profitable actually.

They haven't actually mentioned what they need for bare minimum profitability yet.
 
C

commish

Jason Kidd murdered my dog in cold blood!
Safe Bet said:
ToR is too big of a finical gamble to experiment like this obviously, but..

I really wish someone would create an MMO with non-repeatable dungeons,instances, etc...

We've already begun to move in that direction as far as quests go.

It's time to take the next step.
Click to expand...

What is the benefit of non-repeatable dungeons? And of course most quests are non-repeatable... how it's always been, unless it was just quests for grinding purposes.
 
B

BattleMonkey

Member
czartim said:
Sounds like they are lowering the bar with that 500k thing.
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Different numbers being tossed around, this is response to investors who are apparently worried because of all the bad word of mouth going around the net. The target number is higher than that, but they are telling investors that 500k is what they seek for profit. No doubt they still hope for the 2 million figure that was being mentioned before.
 
B

BattleMonkey

Member
Too early to know especially since they confirmed the delay. Beta tests have been going on now for months in small groups, they should be growing in size as time goes on.
 
O

Outdoor Miner

Member
"Hey I won't tell you how much our MMO cost, but we should turn a profit on 500k subs. (I will fail to mention that these 500k would need to be paying subscribers for 600 years according to my estimates lulz.)"

That 500k figure is meaningless.
 
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