BioWare, maker of the Mass Effect series and the original Knights of the Old Republic, is one of my favorite game studios. Once Bioware was combined with my love of Star Wars, there was no question whether or not I would give Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) a try.
SWTOR is a massively multiplayer online PC game based in our beloved "galaxy far, far away," thousands of years before the films take place. The Galactic Republic reigns peacefully here until the Sith make an unexpected return--in the form of a new Empire. Although these two foes now maintain a shaky treaty of peace, conflict threatens to break out again between the Republic and Empire.
This is where you come in. Initially, you elect to be either a Jedi or Sith, trooper or bounty hunter, or smuggler or Imperial agent. Character creation is fun and robust, with plenty of alien species and customization available to get your look just right. I’m a green-skinned Mirialan Jedi Consular. Say that three times fast.
After creating your character, you must choose which side you place your lot with. If you prefer to fight for the Republic, you cannot interact with any of your friends in the Sith Empire, and vice-versa. Although choosing a faction is common in today’s MMOs, it is frustrating to have to choose between playing the story you want and the story your friends want. As a result, all of my friends are Sith and I am the only one playing a light side Jedi. I can’t play with them in-game or even send them a message, so I am often playing the game alone.
Lucky for me, solo play is stress-free and enjoyable in SWTOR. Seeing the familiar "conversation wheels" from other BioWare titles make the game feel less like an MMO and more like a single-player game where I am the only person the NPCs care about. Quests at the beginning levels are quick and painless, and because of the terrific voice acting, I even find myself listening to the dialogue instead of skipping it.
The music in the game is incredible as well. While playing, my ears often catch a hint of a familiar melody from the films, and it effortlessly makes me feel like I am a part of the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars: The Old Republic is only a few days into its early launch, so I have barely scratched the surface of all that the game has to offer. I also have a long way to go before forming a full opinion of the game. After just a few levels, though, I find myself counting down the hours to our kiddo’s bedtime so I can play. There is usually an obligatory wait time before I can play because the servers have too many people, but it hasn't been too bad so far.
Star Wars fans should give this game a try, even if you’ve never played an MMO before, just to feel like you can play a part in your favorite movies. The game officially launches on December 20, and charges a monthly subscription fee.
