The official SWTOR site has been updated with some new content. First, Sean Dahlberg has written an article on capturing the look and feel of The Old Republic. The article details taking concept art and turning it into in-game models and other processes involved in getting the game world looking right. You can read the full article here.

Next, Mark Howe has posted a blog entry on his progress in working on the game as lead animator. He specifically talks about getting a Star Wars feel on things in the game, as well as the animations for combat. Check it out here.

Keeping with their promise of an update each week, new screenshots have been revealed on the official site. Of course they are added too our gallery as well. Fans should be pleased with this batch of shots as they are definitely starting to look better. The lightsabers are noticeably smaller and the pictured Jedi and Sith are wearing more familiar outfits. You can check out all the new screenshots in our gallery.

CVG has gotten the chance to preview The Old Republic as well as show off some new screenshots from the game. Their preview focuses on companion characters, other areas of Bioware’s expertise from previous RPG’s, and the art style seen in the game. The art style has been a hotly debated topic among fans awaiting the game, and Bioware has commented on this.

“We wanted to make sure we had a unique look,” says art director Jeff Dobson. “We didn’t want to look like anything else out there. At the same time we didn’t want to cross the line and become too cartoony or so stylised that people couldn’t relate to it. We really strive to make our game look like our concept art. Quite often I’ll walk past somebody’s PC and see some nice concept art suddenly begin to move on their screen.”

The preview also goes over the game’s combat system, as well as how the characters will visually progress so high level characters are distinguishable. You can read the preview at CVG.com.

IGN has had a chance to speak with Jeff Dobson about the game’s visual style. Many fans have voiced displeasure with the game’s style so far, especially the rather large lightsabers. Jeff addresses this issue and more in the article, so read on to find out what he has to say.