Star Wars: The Old Republic

So you're interested in the Star Wars MMO?  Well, you've come to the right place.  Having participated in a beta test weekend and halfway through the second, I can assure you that this game is good.  But how good?

Good enough to capture the Star Wars universe.  Rich in story and lore, this is a game for those who are looking to immerse themselves into an incredibly detailed world.  Star Wars fans new and old will not be disappointed by ludicrously lush landscapes, towering temples, deep dungeons and incredible instances.  (Alliteration award anyone?)

Of course you get to choose to start as a light or dark user of the force.  Each side consists currently of four main classes which can spin off into subclasses to suit your fancy.  Each subclass has three skill trees in which to progress your character through the game, whether doing DPS, support/healing or tanking.

So far having played a smuggler, Jedi knight and a Sith, each instance brought a good pace to the game.  The first part of the game consists of several starting quests which are designed to set you up with a companion, designated subclass and a decent weapon.  (Lightsabers!  Woot!)

Unlike Star Wars Galaxies (Ugh!) this game allows anyone to become a Jedi.  No longer a feature of chance, as long as you can complete the initial story quest line you will become one with the force.  Although this does take a bit of the 'magic' out of the force, it doesn't penalize players in any way.

The Smuggler class I played allowed a 'cover' system in which you develop several skills that are best used while in cover.  During or before combat, images of yourself will appear behind certain crates, trees, rocks or other such paraphernalia allowing you to take advantage of such skills.  Which initially this does seem to limit you, it pulls off very well.

So in short, I pre-ordered because of how impressed I was with the beta.  Hope to see you all soon.

May the force be with you.

-We should be consistent with our perception of past, present and future; not only they themselves, but in relation to the others. The past keeps us within sight of lessons learned, the future keeps us within sight of our goals and the present keeps us within sight of ourselves. -TheChiaGod