Star Wars: The Old Republic

[Alandoril]

Everything else aside, it's an ok game but as it is at the moment it isn't really worth the sub.

 

[Verzin]

I guess we need to define how you're using dynamic. For me, a dynamic gaming experience means it is constantly in a state of change, or potential change. The only games that really offer this are sandbox games, or any game with sufficient random variables. Bioware (and Obsidian) RPGS offer a tightly controlled narrative experience. There's little dynamic to it outside of "Do I press A, B or C during this conversation". At no point does anything you do take the story off the rails, or veer it off in a startling new direction. You're still going to get marched through all the set pieces and conflict points. At best, you're offering a slight influence over tertiary elements. And this is in no way meant to be a slam on those games. Even the best story based games of all, like Planescape, are anything but "dynamic".

I don't necessarily think TOR's storytelling is on par with their single player games...it's not. But it couldn't be. They're handcuffed by the restrictions of the genre. Single player games are primarily about STORY. MMOs are primarily about BALANCE. You can bend everything to fit the story in a single player game. In a MMO, the story has to bend to the mechanical needs of the game. You can't, for example, have someone killing their companion, or annoying them to the point where they leave forever, only to find themselves unable to solo the content any more because they've irrevocably broken their character.

Anyone looking to appreciate TOR's story content needs to do so with the limitations of the genre in mind. This is not Witcher 2, folks. You're still collecting 10 bear asses. You're just doing it in style, now.

You have a point there. I suppose I should review my definition of Dynamic, lol. I stand corrected.

 

[Zack Alklazaris]

The game is awesome. It feels a little linear at times, but if you actually take the time to get into the story it may very well effect you on an emotional level. I've never felt bad for killing someone in an MMO before.

Also the game is young, the little things that are pissing people off may eventually get changed. I say its definitely worth checking out.

 

[Triangulon]

I would say that I was extremely cynical about TOR prior to release. I hated the look of its stale MMO combat and scoffed at the suggestion that the dialogue, full voicing and story would make up for it. I have to hold my hands up and say I was wrong. Yes the gameplay can seem stale and boring but the story and dialogue, and the fact that it is Star Wars, more than make up for it. In fact it is one of the most enjoyable games I have played in some time.

 

[Kiltguy]

Being my first MMO, playing on a RP-server, I have found it to be a most gratifying experince, but that mostly has to do with the fact that I actually found peeps willing to RP.

Gamewise, it's solid, if a tad boring at time (hate grinding), but the fact that I can round all the gameplay with RP-ing makes it worthwhile.

Graphics are nice, I like the scenery and the overall designs of the game.

Story, voice acting(!) all got the "Star Wars" feel to it.

You can always cancel your sub if you don't like it, but if it's worth throwing you money on, I really can't say.

So in conclusion:

- Grinding.
- Douchebags.
- Some game play mechanics really wears me out.

+ Big open game.
+ Freedom of choice (darkside, lightside or netrual [yes, you can be neutral, takes effort.])
+ Nice people.
[+ Role-playing (IMO the strongest factor that keeps me playing)]



I can't stress enough how much of this is my general "feel" of the game so far, these are not number crunching data or fact, and should be viewed as opinions only.

 

[danintexas]

SWtOR is a solid themepark MMO that combines a lot of elements from WoW with a lot of elements you see in Bioware's storytelling. It also has the Star Wars setting.

I think it's a great game, it's a lot of fun.

But if you go in expecting a perfect game you'll be very, very mistaken.

It's got the least amount of bugs of any MMO launch, but there are definitely bugs.
There's a lot of content to explore and a lot of things to do, but if you rush to end-game and start raiding every night as soon as possible you'll run out within a month.
There's some great stories and some really challenging choices, but there's also some very serious limitations due to the genre and Bioware not having infinite resources.

I hope you're getting the picture. It's a solid game that's evolving the genre. It's not a perfect game that's causing a revolution.

This pretty much nailed it. For the first time in 7 years me and my wife cancelled our WoW subs - 2 accounts each BTW. We have had so much freakin fun in SWTOR. I havent lost this much sleep to an mmo since my old EQ 1/UO days

 

[Paragon Fury]

This.....didn't really help.

Man, this game really has split people.

 

[Windcaler]

I love SW:TOR. Its a really awesome game, especially for an MMO which until now lacked the whole story and choice side. If you like hot key based MMO's Im pretty sure you'll like SWTOR. If you like star wars too then you'll really enjoy SWTOR.

If money is tight for you then I wouldnt get it. In this horrible economy I find it hard to justify purchasing extra luxuries like games when that money can be better spent on essentials. Which is why Ive been replaying older games I already own or purchasing cheap indie games rather then going out to buy expensive new experiences. However thats a decision you have to make for yourself.

 

[demotion1]

I love the game. If you have budget restrictions though maybe you should wait a bit until the base price drops a bit. For me it has been money well spent so far. Very well spent.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

This.....didn't really help.

Man, this game really has split people.

I've played pretty close to every significant MMO since Ultima Online. If you tell me specifically what you're looking for and what your expectations are, I can tell you whether or not you'll find it in TOR.

 

[Paragon Fury]

Well, if I had to describe had it, I'd say it's something like this. I like WoW because of the actual more and universe, and it has content updates fairly often. However, the lack of actual story while doing things sucks. Also the insistence on playing with players in order to do end game things sucks.

The other MMO I really like is Guild Wars. I liked the mechanics and speedy progression more. The actual story to guide you to the end game was nice too. The two things I liked most though were the NPC party members and heroes, and the lack of obsession over gear. The NPC party members meant you didn't need players, even for endgame, though you mad micro skills for some parts. The gear also capped out fairly early, and time was spent more on customization and getting fancy-looking armor, rather than pure stats. Meaning you don't get tossed for not having top-tier armor.

 

[maddawg IAJI]

As far as MMOs go, I place Swtor pretty high on the list. Even after all the controversy, bugs and such, I'd still rather play Swtor then anything by Turbine, All Points Bulletin or even DC Online. Especially more then DC Online and APB. Those games are only bearable with friends.

Just chock me up as another person who would recommend it.

 

[Paragon Fury]

Well, I decided to go for it. But this is taking forever to download......