Bioware and Lucasarts have confirmed the existence of the massively multiplayer role playing game, Star Wars: The Old Republic. Electronic Arts will be publishing the title in partnership with the two companies.
Bioware Austin is developing the title and is focused as a “story driven MMO.” Bioware co-founder, Ray Muzyka states the story component of the title will make players feel connected to their characters.
The game is geared as a “pick up and play”, meaning it will be accessible to new players even those who are not familiar with the Star Wars universe and that companion characters will be an integral part of the MMO aspect. Companion characters can be altered to the players will, i.e. turn them towards the Dark Side!
The Old Republic takes place 3,500 years before the films and 300 years after KOTOR II. You will be able to choose between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire with each having multiple sub-classes and their own stories. The combination of player choice, specific stories for sub-classes, and companions work into a unique combination for a MMO.
The art style for The Old Republic is reminiscent of the previous KOTOR games with a saturated tone, viewed as “concept art come to life!” Bioware has affirmed that they tried to make the player characters very iconic so that it would be likened to players tastes. Also, the game is also accessible on a technical side, stating that you don’t need the top 5% of machines to run it.
A release date is currently slated “sometime in the future.” The title is only for the PC and there will be a various subscription models in order to accomidate everyone who wants to get into the game.
Star Wars The Old Republic Official Site
