Star Wars: The Old Republic is Bioware’s answer to those asking for Knights of the Old Republic 3 and beyond. By taking the series into the realms of MMORPGs, Bioware is attempting to give fans KOTOR 3,4,5,6,7,… (this was how they described it at the media only gameplay demo that was shown at E3 2011. However, aside from creating sequels to previously successful titles, Bioware is also tackling another difficult feat in itself: taking on the MMO juggernaut that is World of Warcraft.
Now, let me preface this article by stating that I’ve never played a minute of World of Warcraft. I’ve seen the game be played and I know enough about the game to get by but I was always more of a Diablo guy myself (I know, Diablo isn’t technically an MMO but it’s still just as addictive). What I do know about WoW, however, is that the game is a bit lacking in the story department. In fact, this is something that seems to be the case with just about every MMO on the market. And this is precisely one area where Bioware is attempting to turn some heads of the hardcore MMO crowd.
By bringing in extremely detailed, production level story elements, The Old Republic looks absolutely gorgeous. Add in Bioware’s signature decision based cut scenes (which have an extremely powerful effect on your own experience/story line) and you’ve got an MMO that actually feels like a traditional RPG. The EA representatives at the show floor particularly emphasized a case where they had just defeated a Sith lord in combat. The player then has the choice to either spare the lord or kill him. Showing both scenarios, killing him pushed the character more towards the dark side while sparing him allowed the player to meet up with him later after he had joined forces with the Jedi.
It was also noted that each character class has his/her own unique story line as well as different perspective on the world around him/her. This particularly showed during the group decision making sessions. This feature allows for a multiplayer version of their decision based cut scenes where each of four players in a raid gets their own list of possible answers. And, depending on the overall relevance of each answer, the game actually decides who will speak on behalf of the group.
Presentation-wise, the game was absolutely gorgeous. I couldn’t tell whether the music was taken as excerpts from the movies or if there was an entirely new soundtrack, but everything seemed fully orchestrated, akin to the scores that John Williams creates. As for the vastness of the worlds, the game seemed absolutely enormous in terms of all proportions (both in terms of explorable areas and in how tall the structures seemed to be).
As for gameplay elements, the game really doesn’t make many changes compared to other standard MMO’s on the market. However, there does seem to be more emphasis on puzzle solving and according to the trailer, there will also be missions where you fly ships. As for ‘raids’, The Old Republic coins the term ‘operations’ where multiple groups of four players form together to finish the operation.
All in all, it’s difficult to say whether The Old Republic will win my heart over from the eventual release of Diablo III or other gamers from their staple MMO franchises that they are still currently playing. However, for everyone else (including all Star Wars junkies), The Old Republic looks to be an incredibly immersive experience that can easily consume your life. The game has been pushed back even further but looks well on its way according to the E3 build. The only question, though, is when the game inevitably does take over your soul, will you choose the dark or light side?