Friday Update: Inquisitor Progression Video, New Community Blog, Launch Events
Welcome to one of the last Friday Updates before launch! You may have been thinking it would never come, but the Sith Inquisitor character progression video has been released, with a full dose of Force Lightning. Check out what the different armor sets for the Sith Sorcerer and Assassin look like in the video below.
Even within the Empire, Sith Inquisitors are respected and feared for their deception and control over the Force™. Channeling their hatred, they bend the Dark Side of the Force to their will to crush their enemies while manipulating their allies. See for yourself just a few of the many paths of advancement for this wielder of the Force in Star Wars™: The Old Republic™.
Starting today, a new Community Blog has been added to the official website. The blog will feature more frequent updates from the dev team, and get this – they won’t always be posted on Fridays. Currently, with the forums to be wiped soon, they will be re-posting some pertinent dev posts from the forums to the blog to make sure everyone has a chance to read them. Also expect some future entries that showcase different aspects of the community. Check it out here.
In anticipation of the upcoming launch of Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, we wanted to ensure we have a place to communicate the latest game status updates, community-focused news and developer thoughts as efficiently as possible to our fans. While our Forums are a great place to go for discussion and debate, this blog allows us to talk about things in greater detail, and to keep updates collected in one place.
Unlike our previous schedule of Friday Updates, this blog will be updated more frequently and at any time during the week, with updates being both big and small. Over time we plan to expand the blog to showcase the passion and excitement of our community, but we’ll start small and get bigger as we move forward. Initially, we’re going to use the blog to re-post a few recent (and important!) posts from our Forums, as the Forums are going offline for an overhaul before launch.
Excited about the launch of TOR? Live in a major(ly lucky) city in the US or Europe? Then make sure to attend one of the launch events for Star Wars: The Old Republic, which will have official presence from BioWare. In the US, head to Best Buy Union Square in New York City and the Best Buy South Austin in Austin, Texas on December 19. In Europe, events will be held at the Virgin Megastore in Paris, France and at Oxford Street GAME in London on December 14. If you are able to attend, know that we are extremely envious, and we expect photos.
On December 20th, 2011, BioWare and LucasArts will be launching Star Wars™: The Old Republic™. To celebrate the game’s release, we are hosting a series of launch events in several major cities in both North America and Europe!
Class Focus: Jedi Knight
Fact Sheet
- Species: Human, Zabrak, Miraluka, Mirialan, Twi’lek
- Starting World: Tython
- Combat Type: Tanking, DPS
- Weaponry: Lightsabers
- Armor: Medium Armor, Heavy Armor
- Ship: Defender
- Famous Jedi Knights: Luke Skywalker, Ven Zallow, The Exile
Summary
The most iconic of all the classes, the Jedi Knight is for many what defines the Star Wars universe: a solitary warrior for peace in a galaxy filled with turmoil. Across all eras, the Jedi Order has served the Galactic Republic as the guardians of peace, with the Jedi Knights being the majority of the Order. Masters of melee combat and armed with a lightsaber, Jedi Knights strive for peace through the guidance of the Force. Defenders of the diplomacy of the Galactic Republic, the Jedi Knights represent the first line of defense against all threats, whether that is the Sith or any other foes. Unparalleled idols of tranquility, there is no challenge that a Jedi Knight cannot rise to face; as much leaders of men as followers of the Force, nothing can shift a true Knight’s focus and determination. Read more»
Friday Update: Jedi Consular Character Progression
The Update from BioWare this Friday brings with it a video on the character and armor progression for the Jedi Consular. A paragon representing the qualities of peace and diplomacy that the Jedi Order and the Republic stand for, watch as the Jedi Consular progresses in both ability and wardrobe to compliment her ascension as a Jedi Master.
Jedi Consular Character Progression
The Jedi Consular is both a revered ally to the Republic and a dangerous adversary to the Empire. Their ability to revive fallen allies in combat and to manipulate the Force to remain hidden from their enemies makes them an invaluable asset. Get a small glimpse of the many paths of advancement for this powerful Force-wielding class. (Official Forums)
Class Focus: Sith Warrior
Fact Sheet
- Species: Human, Cyborg, Zabrak, Sith Pureblood
- Starting World: Korriban
- Combat Type: Tanking, DPS
- Weaponry: Lightsabers
- Armor: Medium Armor, Heavy Armor
- Ship: Fury
- Famous Sith Warriors: Darth Vader, Darth Malgus, Darth Krayt
Summary
The most recognizable of the Sith classes, the Sith Warrior strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies and dominates through strength, power and intimidation. Channeling their emotions of fear and hatred Sith Warriors feed their lust for power by using their affinity to the dark side of the Force to vanquish all who stand in their way. Nobody is safe from these menaces of the battlefield, not even their own masters or apprentices. The Sith Warrior is the strong arm of the Emperor representing the strength and reach of the Sith Empire solely with their presence. Able to take on countless foes in battle or quickly cut lines through the enemies’ defenses the truly skilled Sith Warrior is unparalleled in toe-to-toe combat. Read more»
Class Focus: Smuggler
Fact Sheet
- Species: Human, Twi’lek, Zabrak, Mirialan, Cyborg
- Starting World: Ord Mantell
- Combat Type: Ranged Damage, Healing
- Weaponry: Blasters
- Armor: Light Armor
- Ship: XS Freighter
- Famous Smugglers: Han Solo, Hylo Visz, Atton Rand
Summary
Armed only with their sharp wit, charisma and a handy blaster pistol or two,the Smuggler of the Old Republic makes his way in the galaxy through the trading of illegal goods. So even though siding with the Republic may be a bit counter-intuitive, when considering the other option, it isn’t much of a choice. Freedom is perhaps what a Smuggler values most and a tyrannic rule under the oppression of the Sith would offer much less freedom that the democracy of the Republic. By nature of their trade, Smugglers often require a wide array of skills. They are among the best pilots in the galaxy, handy with a blaster and some would say that luck is one of their many skills. Whether you need to transport containers of spice to the seedy streets of Nar Shadaa or weapons through enemy space to resupply troops, you can always count on a Smuggler to get the job done… for the right price. Read more»
Class Focus: Bounty Hunter
Fact Sheet
- Species: Human, Rattataki, Zabrak, Chiss, Cyborg
- Starting World: Hutta
- Combat Type: Ranged Damage Dealer, Ranged Tank
- Weaponry: Blaster, Flamethrower, Wrist Rockets
- Armor: Heavy Armor
- Ship: D5-Mantis
- Famous Bounty Hunters: Boba Fett, IG-88, Dengar, Bossk, Steve Blum
Summary
Armed with the best weaponry and armor available on the black market, as long as the price is right the Bounty Hunter will take on any mark. Freelancers by nature Bounty Hunters aren’t usually picky about where their next paycheck comes from, but the Empire seems to be paying the most for their services. Once a price is put on a mark’s head it isn’t a matter of if but when the Bounty Hunter will make an appearance. No mark is too difficult, Smuggler, Trooper or even Jedi; the Bounty Hunter has the skills and equipment to take them down. Although mostly independent Bounty Hunters belong to an ancient brotherhood and co-operation to take down a tough mark is not unheard of. Experts with blasters and always carrying a few tricks up their sleeves with the latest in gadgets and firepower, the Bounty Hunter is a fearsome foe in combat and a nightmare to those that find themselves wanted by the Empire. Read more»
Friday Update: Imperial Agent Character Progression, Revan novel preview
The Friday Update this week gives us a new trailer in the form of the Imperial Agent’s character and armor progression. Take a look at how the Agent’s abilities and armor sets change as he levels up and chooses an advanced class.
Additionally, there is another preview of the upcoming novel Revan available. Previously, chapter 1 was available to read online; now chapters 3 and 11 are also available to read before it comes out. Revan is released November 15 and you can pre-order at Amazon.
Imperial Agent Character Progression
As you progress in Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, your character will gain experience, growing more powerful and discovering new skills while also acquiring more advanced gear.
Through cunning, stealth, and ruthless tactics, the Imperial Agent has no shortage of ways to complete his objectives. Even so, as the complexity and importance of his missions increase, the Agent will have to acquire new skills and equipment to help him combat the ever-growing threat to the Empire. This video shows you a sampling of the many different armors and abilities the Imperial Agent can obtain as he travels the galaxy. (Official Forums)
Exclusive Preview: ‘Revan’ Novel
On November 15th, fans of Star Wars™ will finally learn the answers surrounding the mystery of what became of the redeemed Jedi Revan after the events of the first Knights of the Old Republic™. Drew Karpyshyn’s Revan picks up immediately after the events of the game, and follows the former Sith Lord as he travels beyond the Outer Rim to confront a danger that he can’t quiet remember, yet cannot forget.
To prepare you for the release of Revan, we are excited to present you with an exclusive look at chapters three and eleven of the book! (Official Forums)
Georg Zoeller on Trooper Combat
Another blog focused on an individual class, RepublicTrooper.com, had some questions about the Trooper’s combat abilities, and who better to ask than Principal Lead Combat Designer Georg Zoeller? Zoeller outlined how they went about designing the class to be a ranged tank, Trooper stats and abilities, and what each spec focuses on.
One especially interesting bit learned is that all-Trooper Flashpoints and Operations are viable in the game.
Absolutely possible. The screen might get a bit busy from all the gunfire, but other than that, there’s nothing that would prevent you from doing this. You’d obviously have to bring team members from both Advanced Classes (Vanguard and Commando) to cover all bases.
Read the entire interview at RepublicTrooper.com.
Daniel Erickson talks Sith Inquisitor
Recently the blog The Sith Inquirer was able to get some answers out of Lead Writer Daniel Erickson about the storyline for the Sith Inquisitor. While the Inquisitor’s story was written by former BioWare employee Rebecca Harwick, Erickson was the one to help flesh out all the loose ends. Topics Erickson covers include inspirations for the Inquisitor’s story, companions, and even revealing the voice actors for the class: Euan Morton and Xanthe Elbrick for male and female characters, respectively. Check out an excerpt below.
Rebecca Harwick was the writer for the entirety of the Sith Inquisitor. She’s gone on to her dream of getting a masters in ancient Byzantine history (yes, really) but as I helped flesh out all the stories I can speak to this one. First and foremost was the Emperor/Palpatine inspiration. To be just bat-**** insane or to be subtle and clever. On top of that there was a bit of Raistlin Majere, some Moriarty and just a smidge of Dr. Belloq. You’re the one who knows what’s really happening, who has seen enough of the galaxy to grow wise or insane.
Check out the entire interview at The Sith Inquirer.
Class Focus: Jedi Consular
Fact Sheet
- Species: Human, Mirialan, Miraluka, Twi’lek, Zabrak
- Starting World: Tython
- Combat Type: Utility, Healer, DPS
- Weaponry: Lightsaber
- Armor: Jedi Robes
- Ship: Defender
- Famous Consulars: Yoda, Kit Fisto, Nomi Sunrider, Satele Shan
Summary
Like the Sith Inquisitor the Jedi Consular is more well renowned for their knowledge and skills with the force than for their abilities in melee combat. Do not be fooled though, the Jedi Shadow can turn his knowledge of the force into a viciously effective weapon when needed. True to their stereotype however, they can also use the force to heal and strengthen their allies in combat and perhaps nothing is feared more than a legion of troops supported by a skilled Jedi Sage. Able to use his knowledge of the force, natural wisdom and charisma the Jedi Consular makes for an outstanding adviser to diplomats and friends of the Republic. Able to turn the tides of war equally through words as well as actions the Jedi Consular is an invaluable asset to a team looking to take on the might of the Sith Empire. Read more»
