Friday Update: Warzones

The focus of this week’s update to the official site is Warzones. A new Game Systems page has been added to the Holonet, and features several videos on the Warzones announced thus far. Each Warzone has different objectives and the accompanying videos will give you an idea of how each Warzone plays. Check out the newly revealed Warzone, Voidstar, below.

Originally Posted by BioWare (Source)

Warzones in Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ are specific areas outside of the main character story, where players face off against each other in exciting Player-vs-Player combat. In order to give you a more detailed look at each of the different Warzones, we’ve launched a new Warzones Game Systems page! This new page will allow you to learn about each of the different Warzones, and each Warzone breakdown is accompanied by a short video displaying how the Warzone looks in the game.

Facebook Image of the Week: October 26, 2011

The desolate remains of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant are featured in this week’s Facebook Image of the Week, a glaring reminder of the ruthless nature of the Sith.

Once home to the Jedi Archives, the Jedi Temple on Coruscant now lays in ruin years after the Sith’s sacking of Coruscant.

Class Focus: Sith Inquisitor

Fact Sheet

  • Species: Human, Zabrak, Rattataki, Twi’lek, Sith Pureblood
  • Starting Planet: Korriban
  • Combat Type: Ranged Damage Dealing/Debuffs
  • Weaponry: Lightsabers/Double-Bladed Lightsabers
  • Armor: Sith Robes
  • Ship: Fury
  • Famous Inquisitors: Naga Sadow, Darth Maul, Darth Traya, Darth Sidious

Summary

The Sith Inquisitor is known more for their attunement with the Dark side of the Force than for their skill with a lightsaber. However, underestimating the Inquisitor’s hand-to-hand combat abilities would undoubtedly prove to be a fatal mistake. Manipulation of the force and their surrounding is the true trademark of the Sith Inquisitor. This trait lends itself well to the politics and dark secrets required to lead the Sith Empire from behind-the-scenes. A threat both in the heat of combat and in a supporting role with the power of their sorcery, the Sith Inquisitor is a force to be reckoned with. Read more»

Around the Holonet: October 23, 2011

Some nice info was posted by the developers on the official forums this week, so when better to start back up posting a summary of what they had to say.

Originally Posted by BioWare

Does Darkside change Appearance? It’s True!
Hey everyone! We’re glad to see that you’re all so enthusiastic about dark side corruption, but wanted to clarify just a little bit about it. At this time, dark side corruption is an option that you’re able to toggle on and off yourself. We’re excited to have the feature in the game, but currently the plan is to allow you to use it if you want to.

Like ‘Hide head slot’ or ‘Unify colors to chestpiece,’ this is a game option, on by default, which can be toggled on a per character basis. (Official Forums)

Main tank vs. off tank specs
All tank specs in the game are designed to function as a main tank. There are no ‘off tanks’ by design in the game, that would involve players intentionally choosing such a role by speccing hybrid.

By design, all tank capable ACs can spec to be fully capable main tanks.

There are no ‘off tanks’ unless you intentionally spend your skill points into different trees. (Official Forums)

Should Beta Testers be allowed to keep their Beta characters into Launch?
Hello everyone! Characters created in the Game Testing Program (any testing group) will not be carried into the live game. Characters created during Early Game Access (which you get for redeeming your Pre-Order Code on SWTOR.com) will persist when we launch. Hope this dispels any “rumor” about characters in testing carrying over to the live game. (Official Forums)

Check out all developer posts on the forums at our dev tracker.

Friday Update: Eurogamer Expo Highlights, CE Unboxing, Fan Friday

Today there have been three updates made to the official website. First, a video highlighting The Old Republic’s presence at the recent Eurogamer Expo has been released. See fan reaction to the announcement of the release date, and their impressions from playing the game at the show. Check it out below.

A second video released this week shows off what you can expect to see included in the Collector’s Edition of the game. The video goes into detail on both the physical items included in the box and the digital items purchasers will have access to in the game. A yellow and black lightsaber / blaster color crystal? Really?

Lastly this week is Fan Friday, where community creations are shown off in an official news post. In addition, official concept art and new wallpapers from the Return cinematic have been posted. Check it all out in the news post.

Originally Posted by BioWare

Eurogamer Expo Highlights Video
Fans at this year’s Eurogamer Expo had the chance to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience as BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk announced the long-awaited release date for Star Wars™: The Old Republic™! Throughout that weekend we caught up with fans, both on the showfloor and at our Meet & Greet, and asked them to give us their opinions on what they thought of the game. (Official Forums)

Collector’s Edition Unboxing Video
The Collector’s Edition of Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ includes an exciting variety of exclusive material. Take a look at this video to see all of the physical collectibles and the in-game items available in this limited edition. (Official Forums)

STAR WARS: The Old Republic Fan Friday
Each Fan Friday we shine the spotlight on just a few of the incredible pieces of work that are done by the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ community. This month we’re highlighting some of the awesome artwork and stories created by the fans, as well as sharing new Return wallpapers and forum icons. (Official Forums)

Read an excerpt from Drew Karpyshyn’s Revan

Looking forward to the upcoming novel that will reveal all you ever wanted to know about the Jedi Revan? The book might be coming out on November 15, but if you can’t wait any longer and want to get a taste of what’s in store, look no further. Random House has posted an excerpt of the book’s first chapter on their website, free for anyone to read. Get a peek here. You can pre-order Revan on Amazon.

Beta Media Coverage Extravaganza

Jedi Knight and T7-5

Recently several press outlets were invited by BioWare to play a section of The Old Republic, and today their impressions have been posted around the Web. Their time with the game focused on combat, story, companions, Flashpoints, and PvP, all as the Republic side. We will post some of the highlights of these previews below as well as a listing of all the various outlets’ writeups. Read more»

Facebook Image of the Week: October 19, 2011

The featured screenshot on Facebook this week depicts a Trooper Commando going solo towards an enemy base. See all previous Facebook images here.

SWTOR Trooper

A lone Trooper storms towards the command center deep inside The Gormak King’s Hall.

The Lost Suns Review

Star Wars: The Old Republic has seen two webcomics, Threat of Peace and Blood of the Empire, both set before the events of the game. With The Lost Suns, the story unfolds alongside players’ stories in The Old Republic. The series is a five-part miniseries and is penned by SWTOR writer Alexander Freed. With all five issues now released, this review serves as an overview for the series as a whole. The Lost Suns is seen as a companion to the game, with the storyline similar to a class story. A word of caution: this review contains some spoilers. Read more»

Class Focus: Trooper

Fact Sheet

  • Species: Human, Zabrak, Mirialan, Cyborg
  • Starting Planet: Ord Mantell
  • Combat Type: Ranged Damage Dealing/Tank
  • Weaponry: Blaster Rifles/Blaster Cannons
  • Armor: Heavy
  • Ship: BT-7 Thunderclap
  • Famous Troopers: Commander Cody, Delta Squad

Summary

The Troopers are the core and strength of the Galactic Republic military. Battle-hardened, intimidating and fearless, the Trooper stands as the ideal soldier in the fight to maintain order in the galaxy. Whether the Republic needs someone to lead the charge into battle or hold the line against overwhelming numbers, the Trooper is always up for the task. Boasting unrivaled firepower and the best battle armor available, the Troopers of the Galactic Republic are a force not to be trifled with. When push comes to shove, the Trooper will be there to retaliate with a rifle butt to the face. Read more»