Developer. Bioware Platform(s). PC Windows UK Release date: Out Now RATED: 12 Pay Monthly: 8.99 www.swtor.com
Whispers rippled across the industry back in 2010 ‘Bioware are making an MMO based on their previous STARWARS knights of the old republic series’ this was made real by the epic E3 trailer that followed. All this excitement left me feeling anxious, yes I love Bioware - yes I love STARWARS, but ultimately the greater the expectation – the greater the fail. This worry was not un-justified, Bioware have never made an MMO before and - lets face it - the franchises previous attempt, STARWARS Galaxies, died a quick death. However the pros – Bioware are a pair of safe hands - the makers of the Mass effect series and Dragon Age to name a few. Furthermore no one can argue Bioware and EA’s commitment with a pre-release cost estimated at 150 to 200 million dollars. STARWARS The Old Republic is the most expensive game ever made on release. Now I know that people who like STARWARS and MMO’s will want to play this game and indeed they have bought it. Bioware saw strong sales on release, the reason then for me reviewing this game 3 months after release stems from the importance of an MMO’s ability to keep people playing, so lets see how a reviewer who’s hit the level cap and seen the whole game feels about SWTOR. So in a dark room in some galaxy far, far away, I sit down, install the 3 discs, choose a server - in my case a Player Vs Player (PVP) one and create a character. The first choice is whose side you’re on? Do you want to be a part of the Sith Empire or the Galactic Republic? Then it’s just a matter of what sort of combat style best suits you, here is a brief breakdown of classes with thanks to starwarsmmolevelingguide.com which includes the info on Tank, Damage and Healer choices (see green logos).