The MMO (massively multiplayer online) genre has been dominated by the World of Warcraft for many years. Many MMOs have tried and failed to stand up against the WoW juggernaut, but one has stepped away from the pack. Star Wars: The Old Republic is the recently released MMO by Bioware, the development company who has made games such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and the original Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Promising an epic storyline with the fun social aspects of an online game, is the force really with this one?
Bioware has placed an emphasis on the fact the storyline is an integral part of the title and they were not kidding. Each character class you choose to play as has their own storyline with their own plot points and supporting cast. For once, you are given a clear direction and purpose in an MMO. The stories can be quite interesting, but I found many of the characters to be quite forgetful and shallow. In fact, there were many times where I would be involved in the intrigue of one character for twenty minutes, completing a mission or task they have requested me to accomplish. Afterwards, I would never see or hear them again, struggling to figure out who "what's-his-name" was or what "whatever-that-person" looked like. As it would seem, there are many characters that will come and go that the development team could have easily fleshed out.
But make no mistake, the game is fully voice-acted-- that is no small feat. Every single character has something to say and in a game with such a massive universe, that is an achievement worth taking note of. You are also able to participate in various cutscenes and choose dialogue options for your own character to say akin to the dialogue wheel of Mass Effect.
What is perhaps most intriguing is the companion system. Throughout your adventures, various characters will tag along for the ride and join your campaign. They can assist you in combating enemies, bring input to conversations, and go out and help perform your errands. The thing about MMOs is that there are things people can do besides fighting monsters and other beings and most games call this the crafting or profession system. Players can take various jobs that greatly influence an in-game economy in various ways. Want to take up armor crafting? Go ahead! How about making weapons? That's there too.
The concern many players have with crafting systems is that it forces them to sit out of combat and progress in the crux of the game. But in The Old Republic, you may send your companions out to do these tasks while you continue to do whatever it is you please. It's a very welcoming mechanic to the system.
When we look at the core combat system of the game, it is very similar to titles like World of Warcraft. Even though it may be unoriginal, it's a tried-and-true formula that makes for a fun experience. You have an "attack" ability that uses your equipped weapon to attack your opponent, but you also have various abilities to use to your disposal that can change the playing field.
In the end, if you are looking for a new MMO experience, this is something definitely worth trying out. If you are looking for a Star Wars experience, this is also something worth trying out. If you are looking for a title you would expect from Bioware, this may actually not be your cup of tea. But if you are willing to spend the $60.00 price tag, it is a unique experience that you shouldn't hesitate to venture into.
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