Star Wars: The Old Republic

[Delsana]

Most of you interested in it probably played the beta last weekend and suddenly found yourself unable to go back to Skyrim or BF3 or Modern Warfare 3 because the game was just THAT GOOD and the story was just THAT CAPTIVATING. This is the situation for many that had what you'd call a "withdraw" from the game when the beta ending (publicly).

Most of you that weren't there have probably already put in your beta keys for the millions that will be accessing it during Thanksgiving Weekend during the next special beta (there of course the 4 year beta testers still and many 2, 3, 1 year, and month testers as well) next weekend.

And many are anxiously awaiting the 15th when all those who have pre-ordered will begin to be given early access into the game.

---

My question is, what are your thoughts? Of course, remember, that the NDA was actually officially lifted (you can check yourself at the websites general forums under "Opening the Republic" if you like) but I digress, the NDA, being 90% released (except for the most recent build being after the special test) has been dropped and so many options exist to communicate now.

[The non-disclosure agreement prevented and enforced the non-leaking of details of the game outside limited press releases and while no NDA is 100% tight, they were very serious and removed accounts of those that violated it. But, after 4 years of testing, that has finally come to almost a complete close, and hence why sites are now posting new information]

---

I myself had a level 23 Sith Inquisitor on Nar Shadda wearing my first class-prerequisite armor as a Sorcerer AC. I spent about 48 hours playing over that 3 and a half day opening (minus maintenance). I couldn't stop and I have no doubt that it is--in my opinion--the best game that will be released in 2011.

---

Edit:

I won't fill the area with "WoW killer" this and "GW 2 killer" that, but it wouldn't be a lie to say that many cancelled their subscriptions after that beta ended, hundreds of thousands even. It would also not to be wrong to say that if any could truly make a masterful MMO (and keep in mind an MMO on initial release will not be the best game ever, as it will need much work as all MMO's always have and in time it will be what WoW was in 6 years,not to say that WoW is super great, but it was a better product after 6 years than it was on release) that it would be BioWare in their style of story, voice acting, and characterization.

Edit 2:

I truly hope this forum isn't bias in some way towards other games, because while enjoying particular games is great and dandy, have only a sliver of the group of gamers and thus only having that sliver be the ones to express their opinion would be very bad for a forum about games.

 

[Delsana]

My poor thread...

I feel as if it was neglected intentionally. It had such a genuine and noble purpose, and instead it was ignored and left to rot. The poor thing, it never had an ill thought towards anyone.

I am shocked though, that the Skyrim threads can dominate this forum and yet, a game much better than it gets ignored. And even if that wasn't agreed upon, a game that will reach many more people is ignored.

 

[IncognitoHat]

If it makes you feel better, I skipped the beta this weekend because I've been playing the alpha client for the last seven or so years.

And also because of Skyrim.

 

[Neverhoodian]

My poor thread...

I feel as if it was neglected intentionally. It had such a genuine and noble purpose, and instead it was ignored and left to rot. The poor thing, it never had an ill thought towards anyone.

I am shocked though, that the Skyrim threads can dominate this forum and yet, a game much better than it gets ignored. And even if that wasn't agreed upon, a game that will reach many more people is ignored.

Now now, there's no need to feel betrayed. We aren't part of a secret cabal out to destroy Bioware (well maybe some of us are, but they're in the minority). People are still riding high on the Skyrim wave, that's all (I know I still am). Sometimes threads fall through the cracks, particularly when a hot new title has just been released.

You have to bear in mind that those of us who didn't sign up for the beta have heard mixed feedback on the game. Some hail it as the savior of the stagnant MMO genre, while others deride it as WoW with lightsabers. Based on official previews and the odd leaked video, the general consensus in recent months has been in favor of the latter comparison. As a result, many of us are skeptical about the game.

As for myself, I'm cautiously optimistic. The story elements and conversations appear to merge the best of the KOTOR and Mass Effect games, though I'm not sold on the minute-by-minute gameplay and combat.

 

[Lyri]

Most of you interested in it probably played the beta last weekend and suddenly found yourself unable to go back to Skyrim or BF3 or Modern Warfare 3 because the game was just THAT GOOD and the story was just THAT CAPTIVATING. This is the situation for many that had what you'd call a "withdraw" from the game when the beta ending (publicly).

Most of you that weren't there have probably already put in your beta keys for the millions that will be accessing it during Thanksgiving Weekend during the next special beta (there of course the 4 year beta testers still and many 2, 3, 1 year, and month testers as well) next weekend.

And many are anxiously awaiting the 15th when all those who have pre-ordered will begin to be given early access into the game.

---

My question is, what are your thoughts? Of course, remember, that the NDA was actually officially lifted (you can check yourself at the websites general forums under "Opening the Republic" if you like) but I digress, the NDA, being 90% released (except for the most recent build being after the special test) has been dropped and so many options exist to communicate now.

[The non-disclosure agreement prevented and enforced the non-leaking of details of the game outside limited press releases and while no NDA is 100% tight, they were very serious and removed accounts of those that violated it. But, after 4 years of testing, that has finally come to almost a complete close, and hence why sites are now posting new information]

---

I myself had a level 23 Sith Inquisitor on Nar Shadda wearing my first class-prerequisite armor as a Sorcerer AC. I spent about 48 hours playing over that 3 and a half day opening (minus maintenance). I couldn't stop and I have no doubt that it is--in my opinion--the best game that will be released in 2011.

---

Edit:

I won't fill the area with "WoW killer" this and "GW 2 killer" that, but it wouldn't be a lie to say that many cancelled their subscriptions after that beta ended, hundreds of thousands even. It would also not to be wrong to say that if any could truly make a masterful MMO (and keep in mind an MMO on initial release will not be the best game ever, as it will need much work as all MMO's always have and in time it will be what WoW was in 6 years,not to say that WoW is super great, but it was a better product after 6 years than it was on release) that it would be BioWare in their style of story, voice acting, and characterization.

Edit 2:

I truly hope this forum isn't bias in some way towards other games, because while enjoying particular games is great and dandy, have only a sliver of the group of gamers and thus only having that sliver be the ones to express their opinion would be very bad for a forum about games.

Is this thread for people who were in the beta or for people to come in an say "omg i want/don't want this game"?
Not entirely sure who your target audience is here, probably why the thread bombed.

I truly hope this forum isn't bias in some way towards other games, because while enjoying particular games is great and dandy, have only a sliver of the group of gamers and thus only having that sliver be the ones to express their opinion would be very bad for a forum about games.
Leave snippets like this out, especially since you made yourself out to be completely bias'd by saying that this game beats all other.

Anyway, I played Beta and I really wasn't that impressed with the game as a whole. Yes it was pretty and the voice acting wasn't bad however I don't really feel like I'm going to want to play it.
I'm tired of MMO's in general if I'm honest and kicking starting a Star wars themed WoW is not in my list of things to do right now.

Back to DotA 2 for me.

 

[Delsana]

My poor thread...

I feel as if it was neglected intentionally. It had such a genuine and noble purpose, and instead it was ignored and left to rot. The poor thing, it never had an ill thought towards anyone.

I am shocked though, that the Skyrim threads can dominate this forum and yet, a game much better than it gets ignored. And even if that wasn't agreed upon, a game that will reach many more people is ignored.

Now now, there's no need to feel betrayed. We aren't part of a secret cabal out to destroy Bioware (well maybe some of us are, but they're in the minority). People are still riding high on the Skyrim wave, that's all (I know I still am). Sometimes threads fall through the cracks, particularly when a hot new title has just been released.

You have to bear in mind that those of us who didn't sign up for the beta have heard mixed feedback on the game. Some hail it as the savior of the stagnant MMO genre, while others deride it as WoW with lightsabers. Based on official previews and the odd leaked video, the general consensus in recent months has been in favor of the latter comparison. As a result, many of us are skeptical about the game.

As for myself, I'm cautiously optimistic. The story elements and conversations appear to merge the best of the KOTOR and Mass Effect games, though I'm not sold on the minute-by-minute gameplay and combat.

Most of you interested in it probably played the beta last weekend and suddenly found yourself unable to go back to Skyrim or BF3 or Modern Warfare 3 because the game was just THAT GOOD and the story was just THAT CAPTIVATING. This is the situation for many that had what you'd call a "withdraw" from the game when the beta ending (publicly).

Most of you that weren't there have probably already put in your beta keys for the millions that will be accessing it during Thanksgiving Weekend during the next special beta (there of course the 4 year beta testers still and many 2, 3, 1 year, and month testers as well) next weekend.

And many are anxiously awaiting the 15th when all those who have pre-ordered will begin to be given early access into the game.

---

My question is, what are your thoughts? Of course, remember, that the NDA was actually officially lifted (you can check yourself at the websites general forums under "Opening the Republic" if you like) but I digress, the NDA, being 90% released (except for the most recent build being after the special test) has been dropped and so many options exist to communicate now.

[The non-disclosure agreement prevented and enforced the non-leaking of details of the game outside limited press releases and while no NDA is 100% tight, they were very serious and removed accounts of those that violated it. But, after 4 years of testing, that has finally come to almost a complete close, and hence why sites are now posting new information]

---

I myself had a level 23 Sith Inquisitor on Nar Shadda wearing my first class-prerequisite armor as a Sorcerer AC. I spent about 48 hours playing over that 3 and a half day opening (minus maintenance). I couldn't stop and I have no doubt that it is--in my opinion--the best game that will be released in 2011.

---

Edit:

I won't fill the area with "WoW killer" this and "GW 2 killer" that, but it wouldn't be a lie to say that many cancelled their subscriptions after that beta ended, hundreds of thousands even. It would also not to be wrong to say that if any could truly make a masterful MMO (and keep in mind an MMO on initial release will not be the best game ever, as it will need much work as all MMO's always have and in time it will be what WoW was in 6 years,not to say that WoW is super great, but it was a better product after 6 years than it was on release) that it would be BioWare in their style of story, voice acting, and characterization.

Edit 2:

I truly hope this forum isn't bias in some way towards other games, because while enjoying particular games is great and dandy, have only a sliver of the group of gamers and thus only having that sliver be the ones to express their opinion would be very bad for a forum about games.

Is this thread for people who were in the beta or for people to come in an say "omg i want/don't want this game"?
Not entirely sure who your target audience is here, probably why the thread bombed.

I truly hope this forum isn't bias in some way towards other games, because while enjoying particular games is great and dandy, have only a sliver of the group of gamers and thus only having that sliver be the ones to express their opinion would be very bad for a forum about games.
Leave snippets like this out, especially since you made yourself out to be completely bias'd by saying that this game beats all other.

Anyway, I played Beta and I really wasn't that impressed with the game as a whole. Yes it was pretty and the voice acting wasn't bad however I don't really feel like I'm going to want to play it.
I'm tired of MMO's in general if I'm honest and kicking starting a Star wars themed WoW is not in my list of things to do right now.

Back to DotA 2 for me.

---

In a factual comparison, it is technically better, that's not really biased to say, I'd say the opposite if other games were "better". As for it being WoW? Well WoW copied off UO and all the others, so naturally any new MMO will be compared to WoW as it is the newest popular thing, but I'd have to say that WoW and TOR are very very different, in almost all regards.

As for DotA 2... seeing as how Defense of the Ancients made by Eul in WC3 Reign of Chaos over 6 years ago was modified, then cracked, and then stolen by numerous individuals as they modified the game into some item-spam fest... I can't really say I'm all that pleased with it having an actual game spin-off which just emphasizes the same problem which is a negative standard in my view.

---

As for the alpha client... I'm pretty sure it hasn't been in build for 7 years, not in a testing phase at least.

---

As for the positive optimist, I'd have to say that I agree with your points.

 

[])rStrangelove]

TOR is a good game, but thats it. Really enjoyed playing the beta as a Sith, but when it comes to paying the monthly fee i dunno if i will still play that much.

So many good games coming out atm, still havent finished DeusEx! And Skyrim, BF3, Batman, AC soonish.

Gah!

 

[ShockValue]

I wasn't really paying much attention to this game but I did give it a try last weekend. I had a lot of fun with it and I think I may have to pick it up now when it comes out. >.>

 

[Delsana]

My poor thread...

I feel as if it was neglected intentionally. It had such a genuine and noble purpose, and instead it was ignored and left to rot. The poor thing, it never had an ill thought towards anyone.

I am shocked though, that the Skyrim threads can dominate this forum and yet, a game much better than it gets ignored. And even if that wasn't agreed upon, a game that will reach many more people is ignored.

Or, alternatively, we're more interested in discussing a game which we have already played, and many of us are intentionally avoiding getting hyped up for a game that's not out yet? It's even possible, and I know this might be a shock to you, that people can genuinely prefer Skyrim or indeed another game to TOR.

For myself, my excitement level for TOR went through the floor when it become evident just how restrictive the game is. Want to play a thinking man's Sith Warrior who hunts powerful artifacts? Nope, sorry, your storyline is "RAWR SITH ANGRY". Ok, how about an Inquisitor of the Sith-hybrid race who forgoes some force mastery in order to be deadly with his traditional single-blade lightsaber? Nope, sorry, you can only be race X, Y, or Z, and you MUST use a double-bladed lightsaber, and be shit with it in comparison to a Warrior. Alright then, how about a scheming Sith Alchemist? Nope, Inquisitors are about shooting lightning and healing things. Ugh, *sigh*, OK how about "Bounty Hunter with a heart of gold"? Nope, Sith Empire only. Etc etc etc.

But that's the problem with the game, no matter what the adverts are claiming, it's not about "your story", it's about playing through one of eight preset stories, and your character development amounts to choosing to be slightly better at one of two aspects of a predetermined set of skills. Hell, you can't even choose what weapon you use.

It really is a single-player game with social hubs and co-op dungeons, and that's not something I want to pay a monthly fee for.

--- You can be a Bounty Hunter with a heart of gold, though you're a bounty hunter, so that's a hugely thin line to walk for the Republic which doesn't advocate or accept bounty hunters legally.

--- The Assassin AC for the Inquisitor class is actually capable of defeating a warrior in DPS focus or hybrid quite well. Class doesn't mean everything. Though again, it's an Inquisitor.

--- I don't know of any Warrior that was RAWR ANGRY, as that story is actually interesting in some form and leads to several different outcomes. But again, you ARE a Sith Warrior and you do use anger in lightsaber combat to augment the dark side as that is how the dark side and Sith work.

I do respect your view, and it's true that it could be considered limited in some fashion, but it is an MMO focusing on story, lack of repetitive combat (they're trying), and having an impact as well as being unique and engaging in 'heroic combat' (again, they're trying). I would say that while people insulted WoW in its initial condition, that TOR will also be insulted in its initial condition despite what it brings to the table. I think the potential and its future will be quite impressive though.

 

[Delsana]

Pre ordered the collectors edition months ago and can't wait...but Skyrim is holding all my SWTOR hype away for the moment. I loved the beta, but now I'm just going to play Skyrim until it comes out.

Damn I feel so damn lucky. I went from Dark Souls...Skyrim...Now SWTOR. Im the RPG King! XD

I'm not sure Dark Souls can be called an RPG... doing that would open a bag of worms that could start labeling almost everything as "RPG" just because of class mechanics... Hello RPG Modern Warfare.

Did you do Deus Ex? That's a type of RPG.

---

No Thanksgiving beta or early access for you?

 

[Delsana]

Pre ordered the collectors edition months ago and can't wait...but Skyrim is holding all my SWTOR hype away for the moment. I loved the beta, but now I'm just going to play Skyrim until it comes out.

Damn I feel so damn lucky. I went from Dark Souls...Skyrim...Now SWTOR. Im the RPG King! XD

I'm not sure Dark Souls can be called an RPG... doing that would open a bag of worms that could start labeling almost everything as "RPG" just because of class mechanics... Hello RPG Modern Warfare.

Did you do Deus Ex? That's a type of RPG.

---

No Thanksgiving beta or early access for you?

I was going to take your post seriously until I saw you calling Dark Souls not an RPG and calling human revolution one. There both RPGs but its laughable that Dark Souls is as RPG as you can get when human revolution is basically gears of war 3 meets splinter cell. But both are great games never the less.

I got the email for thanksgiving beta access but again, won't do it because of Skyrim. But I will do early access

Assumptions are probably the worst thing that Humanity ever invented. In any case, I still disagree that Dark Souls is an RPG, all it has is a basic RPG and class mechanic system, which would allow far too many things to be called RPG's if it was labeled one as well. As for Deus Ex, its current iteration is definitely RPG-style if you look at it. I like to think of Dark Souls as a Thriller Adventure game, though you could MAYBE call Deus Ex an adventure but I think that's a major stretch. Splinter Cell is definitely not related to either though, not in any sense from what genre that is.

Strange Skyrim was dull to me, but I tried TOR and I couldn't put it down.

 

[Zhukov]

I am shocked though, that the Skyrim threads can dominate this forum and yet, a game much better than it gets ignored. And even if that wasn't agreed upon, a game that will reach many more people is ignored.

Okay, setting aside my personal opinions of the games in question, you're really not doing yourself any favours by saying things like this. It just makes you sound sore and makes other people disgruntled.

Anyway, as for TOR... eh. I like me some Bioware, but I don't like MMOs and I have nothing but thinly veiled disdain for Star Wars. I think I can safely give this one a pass.

 

[viranimus]

Bah, this is making me mad. Ive yet to get access to try the game yet. Even with preorders. Feeling sort of punished with preordering when it seems beta keys are fairly free flowing right now. Oh well, not like I have time to play anyway.

 

[isometry]

But that's the problem with the game, no matter what the adverts are claiming, it's not about "your story", it's about playing through one of eight preset stories, and your character development amounts to choosing to be slightly better at one of two aspects of a predetermined set of skills. Hell, you can't even choose what weapon you use.

It really is a single-player game with social hubs and co-op dungeons, and that's not something I want to pay a monthly fee for.

That's the problem for me as well, TOR would have been a great single player game but I won't touch it because of the tacked on MMO parts.

We don't usually look at it this way, but MMOs are the strongest form of always-on DRM. Combined with constant game updates, this means the players are at the mercy of the developer. There can be no mods and when the developers change a part of the game you like, or add new required parts you hate, there's nothing you can do about it. And it will definitely happen, over the course of a few years the game will go through such major changes as to be unrecognizable.

I actually replayed KotoR just a few months ago, and it has aged very well. Definitely one of the best games of all time, and some of the best star wars material since empire strikes back. One of my gripes is that if I tried to come back to TOR 7 years from now, sadly because it's an MMO the game would be unrecognizable and not have aged well.

So even though I'd really like to experience the story of TOR, there is no way I would deal with WoW-clone combat and MMO hyper-DRM. I unrealistically hope that one day all the voice acting and writing gets remade as a non-mmo.

 

[Clive Howlitzer]

I had an invite to the beta in my inbox on my Bioware account but I didn't notice it until the deadline was gone. I don't really intend to ever buy the game but it woulda been nice to play the beta.
I assume it involved thousands of guys swinging light sabers at each other?

 

[Rawne1980]

I did enjoy the beta.

As far as games go SWTOR has impressed me. The storylines and mundane quests are really well done, the characters are pretty fleshed out and even those standing around aimlessly seem to have purpose.

As it is still in beta it is still glitchy in some areas but hopefully they will sorted out. For instance, a lot of people complaining about getting "stuck" on certain parts of the floor in Taris.

I joined a guild a while ago with some friends and we picked classes to start off as (on Imperial) but i'm having second thoughts now. Originally picked Sith Inquisitor but have been playing Smuggler for the beta and got hooked so think i'm going to switch it up and go Bounty Hunter for the headstart.