Star Wars: The Old Republic

Although in terms of gameplay mechanics The Old Republic closely resembles World of Warcraft, it's not just another MMO. It's a full-blooded RPG that makes your character important from the start and tells stories that are worth following. It also allows you to enjoy them alone if you're not keen on that whole multiplayer thing. There are a lot of unknowns in TOR's future but I keep my fingers crossed for it to be bright. [February 2012, p.50]

In a perfect world the review of an MMO game should be written a year after its debut, but it is how it is - the gamers want to know what they are getting into as fast as possible. How do I grade this game then? Very highly, because BioWare has developed an excellent game. It has great attention to detail, it's carefully thought out with a great world, good mechanics and a lot of cool little things that change this MMO into something new and uncommon.

BioWare have remarkably pulled a rabbit out of the hat with Star Wars: The Old Republic. While they haven't revolutionised MMO gameplay as we know it, they have delivered one of the best looking, most playable and most polished MMOs in history -- in fact, a level of polish you just don't expect from the genre.

The Old Republic hasn't raised the bar for MMOs, it completely reinvents the genre entirely.

SW:TOR reminded me more of Lord of the Rings Online than World of Warcraft: it's likewise an exquisite MMO that fools you with its pacing, its narration, its rhythm and immersion and you forget that you are playing with thousands of gamers in a server. You have a sense of playing a single-player game like Knights of the Old Republic, with the optional feature of joining other players, rather than a frenetic MMO, where you race to win loot and gain levels.

An achievement as an RPG and an MMO, The Old Republic offers something bold and new for gamers. Don't miss out.

Huge, colossal and epic. Maybe The Old Republic isn't the most innovative MMORPG out there, but BioWare has constructed a brilliantly assembled videogame. A must-have for genre fans and also for Star Wars enthusiasts.

The game has a few flaws here and there, but fewer than most MMOs do at launch and certainly not enough to make the game anything but a highly recommendable MMO title with a significant and enjoyable body of content.

But if any MMO game were to ever stand a chance of luring me back into the monthly-pay-to-play model, SWTOR is certainly it. With its movie-like presentation, engaging stories, and seemingly endless quest potential, this is one RPG that gets harder to put down the longer you keep playing. And I haven't even fully tapped into the advanced material like Guilds and serious PVP play. Combine all of this great content with one of the most stable and trouble-free launches in MMO history and you have your new role-model to which all other MMO games should aspire. Welcome to the future of online role-playing.

Addiction alert! Visiting galaxies far far away may lead to total addiction and loss of real-life interest. [Jan 2012]

Best of all, the game is undeniably a BioWare production. The story progression for each class-eight in all-would make a respectable standalone game. Put together in this massive shell, it's a revelation.

While Bioware might be called out for playing it a bit safe and sticking to an already familiar MMO formula, the game still has plenty to keep both Star Wars and MMO fans engaged. If you're looking for a fleshed-out MMO that isn't as overcrowded as WoW, then this is the game for you.

This MMORPG is of excellent quality. It has its flaws indeed, however, none of its key features is poor or faulty. On the contrary: the game is based on things that are working perfectly. An exceptionality of the game is underlined by its "campaign" mode that may easily be a substitute for a classic single player game.

An online role-playing game that is unlike anything else you've played in the genre so far. That alone makes it worth checking out, but with some surprisingly balanced player versus player content right out of the gate, and content updates rolling out already, you'd have to be mad to pass this one up.

Eight separate Storylines would be extraordinary for every singleplayer-game. Add to that the excellent dialogue and you have some real competition for World of Warcraft. Not bad for an MMO that young.

In conclusion, The Old Republic is an extremely addicting game with an amazing story, beautiful music and voice acting, and an engaging and fun gameplay. The bugs and glitches along with the monthly subscription fees might turn off some people to the game, but I still highly recommend it.

BioWare lived up to its promises to make story really matter in an MMO context with The Old Republic. Here, your characters are so much more than just avatars with stats.

In closing, I'll say that Star Wars: The Old Republic is a game I never knew I wanted. Years ago, I was upset to discover that there were no plans to continue Revan's story after Knights of the Old Republic II and instead continue exploring the Old Republic universe through an MMO. After experiencing burnout with World of Warcraft, I had resigned myself to no longer play these types of games. However, I couldn't be happier with what BioWare has done with The Old Republic and the experience continues to be enjoyable. The bottom line is, after 42 hours, I'm still having a blast.

It may carry a lot of the same foundations as other MMOs but BioWare has given the genre something it has desperately needed - actual RPG - and that can only spell good things for us all.

If you're sick of WoW but don't mind a game that doesn't fully reinvent the grinding wheel, this is most definitely worth a shot. If you're a KOTOR fan who doesn't care for MMOs but wants to see a continuation of the story, you'll find quite a bit of it here with plenty of references to the original game's plot and characters - but be aware that it's not nearly as easy to play this game solo-only as you might like.

A stand-out, wonderfully crafted MMO. The story elements deliver on every front, the vocal performances are excellent, and some genuinely clever innovations have been applied to PvP combat. There's also a massive volume of content to keep you hooked for a long time. But it's important to keep in mind that The Old Republic doesn't stray too far from standard MMO mechanics.

Ultimately, it's an MMO worth playing. If you're new to the MMO genre, a fan of Star Wars, or just someone who likes massively multiplayer madness, this one is for you.

While not perfect, The Old Republic is probably the most polished MMO on the day of release. EA, LucasArts and Bioware's combined efforts brings us the best of the Star Wars universe and the golden dream of every fan of the saga. Jedi or Sith, this game blasts your brain away.

It's finally possible to buy your own speeder and and get that wookie friend you've always dreamed about thanks to Star Wars: The Old Republic. Undoubtedly already one of the best online RPG's ever.

The Old Republic is here to stay, and offers epic galactic adventures making the most of the Star Wars universe. Although it doesn't evolve the gameplay of the genre, with a very conservative style, it takes a leap in improving the narrative, successfully achieving to tell a great story. We are eagerly waiting for updates and improvements in the future.

If the idea of a Star Wars MMO appeals to you, The Old Republic will be worth the cost of admission.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is not an innovative game, pushing forward the concept that World of Warcraft has started all those years ago. However The Old Republic has a ton of content, big open worlds and some fantastic storylines, making it a must have game for all Star Wars fans.

The Old Republic focuses heavily on the story which is what makes leveling fun. However once you reach the level cap the game gets far too repetitive too soon.

SWTOR: Bioware did it! Their first step into the "World of MMORPGS" is quite well done. Though the graphics in Star Wars: The Old Republic are not up-to-date and the game-mechanics are "business as usual", the game offers so much fun and exquisite entertainment. Especially the Story-Telling is awesome - every quest is told with good voice-actors. Nice Star-Wars-classes, funny PvP-arenas, nice space-opera-missions - definately a MMORPG with a very good start and so much potential for improvement in the further months/years.

A mammoth Star Wars epic with unlimited potential. Expect this to age like a fine wine. [March 2012, p.84]

If World of Warcraft marked the beginning of a new era for the MMO industry back in 2004, then The Old Republic will no doubt be long remembered as the title that helped bring that era to a close on an astoundingly high note.

Every couple of years we get an MMO whose level of hype and expectations are greater than the game could ever aspire to be and the same remains true for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Even so, the game is simply exceptional. If you're a Star Wars fan, a fan of BioWare RPGs, and you don't mind a themepark styled MMO, you will undoubtedly have a great time in the world BioWare has created with Star Wars: The Old Republic. BioWare has successfully fused the foundation of a solid MMO with their industry-leading story telling capabilities to create a final product that convincingly makes the case that as great as many MMOs have been, we've definitely been missing a significant piece of the puzzle for all these years.

The heavy emphasis on story-telling, coupled with the great voice acting, solid gameplay (outside of the space-based ship missions), good graphics and stellar sound track makes for an experience you have to try for yourself. If you are a Star Wars fan, an MMOG fan or a fan of past BioWare single-player RPGs, then you need to give this game a try.

Star Wars: The Old Republic's unabashed resampling of the prevailing MMO model offers a valid and in many ways more approachable alternative to Blizzard's juggernaut. It's a great starting point for those curious about the genre, as well as a refreshing change of pace for seasoned MMO veterans.

The Old Republic gives me exactly what I expect as a fan: Star Wars atmosphere till the cow comes home. I can flail around with lightsabers, fight spectacular space battles and roam around on the famous planets from the template. And indeed, the quests comply with genre standards. And well, the combat system is not particularly innovative. But on the other hand I get a customised story for myself, which drives me with the aid of the the dialogue, really cool AI companions and the freedom of choice into the game in an outstanding wise – this is something that I never witnessed in an online role-playing game in this way. I can already see myself levelling up all eight classes to level 50, just to experience the terrific story.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is the fresh breeze the MMORPG genre so urgently needed.

Despite its MMO label, Old Republic is a long and compelling space opera that can be played solo or in groups.

If BioWare can get over their identity crisis and make TOR increasingly more unique with future updates, this could be one of the best MMOs ever. For now, it's 'merely' excellent, and a bold experiment in bringing a worthwhile story to an online experience.

The Old Republic is a high quality MMO that Star Wars-fan will absolutely love. Graphics, sound and story fit perfectly within the diverse Star Wars-universe. The game owes a lot to MMO's like World of Warcraft and Lord of the Rings Online, however, many things we've seen in other games really shine in the capable hands of BioWare. The Old Republic is a game that will especially impress those new to the genre.

Offers such a single-playerish leveling up experience, that it's often easy to forget that you are actually playing an MMO. As an MMO it still lacks a lot of important features like LFG tool for flashpoints and an interface that actually supports group play, but at the same time it shows a lot of promise. If Bioware can fix the most glaring omissions The Old Republic has a potential to grow into a stable and long MMO love-affair. [Feb 2012]

A good game. It pays excellent homage to the film series (even though it's set before the movies), and is a really solid MMO.

TOR has me energized about the future of MMOs and, when my free press time ends, I'm going to be ponying up the cash to continue my subscription. That's the highest compliment I can pay.

So while the game certainly isn't the perfect MMO, it definitely gets enough elements right that it warrants your attention. Time will tell if it's enough to cause a sizeable dent in the powerhouse that is still World of Warcraft, but I'd say that this feels like the first legitimate contender to Blizzard's throne.

Blizzard has dominated the market by constantly adding new content to World Of Warcraft, but Old Republic is so story-driven that those regular updates could easily feel tacked-on. Old Republic already has an enthusiastic player base. The real test will be keeping players excited enough to keep their subscriptions going.

When it all works, it sings. It IS Star Wars and you are living in it. But when it doesn't, it frustrates, perhaps because the best moments are so good that you wonder why it all can't be that good.

LucasArts generally exercised greater quality control of Star Wars games than most licensed properties receive, though that didn't necessarily translate into titles that were actually good. I've played a few other Star Wars games in the past, and while the SNES platformers were pretty good, this one is even better. Knights of the Old Republic may just be the best game in the franchise, and succeeds at being a top-tier RPG even if one has no interest in Star Wars. BioWare did the license proud.

An average MMO but an excellent Star Wars game. [March 2012, p.42]

Star Wars: The Old Republic is an MMO founded upon a conservative, yet improving mentality. It delievers a great amount of good content within the Star Wars universe, and is by far one of the best games this genre has seen the last ten years.

SWTOR meets expectations and offers a refreshing single-player experience with the quality that Bioware has accustomed us. A third KOTOR has been expected for long, and in a certain way, this game is like a super KOTOR.

It probably won't be as succesful as WoW, but SWTOR seems to be on the right path and BioWare can make something huge if they fix some bugs and add a few things. Its main appeal, though, is that this MMO seems like a giant Star Wars themepark for fans.

The Old Republic is an excellent co-op RPG crafted around one of the deepest franchises ever created which BioWare very well understands and deals with. As an MMO game however it lacks quite some polish and a few features which should be mandatory nowadays. It's up to BioWare now to refine the game and fix the most important issues, especially client-side, to finally stand up as one of the best MMORPG on the market.

BioWare hasn't cast itself as a guerrilla movement trying to subvert the MMOG with The Old Republic. Instead it's been the Empire, working to produce a slick, gigantic experience that, in the time of free-to-play, feels polished enough to demand monthly fees. How long this empire – vast and imposing, but archaic in structure – will last in the face of newer MMOGs and their rebellious payment models isn't easy to discern. This isn't the first of a new order of MMORPG, but it may well be the last of the old.

Massively-multiplayer online games are always a work-in-progress, so it's not surprising that Star Wars: The Old Republic's launch wasn't flawless. What matters is that it's an extremely satisfying experience that sets the stage for a bright future, so long as BioWare continues to support the game for the coming years with constant updates.

BioWare has largely delivered and will have answered many of its critics, but there is not much in the way of innovation here. The Force alignment structure may be systemically unsalvageable, and with little end-game content currently available for those characters who have reached level 50, one wonders whether BioWare will be able to hold on to the more serious gamers and guilds who yearn for a variety of large-scale challenges.

The surprises are few, but The Old Republic is nonetheless an online RPG of uncommon quality. And with a broad, overarching story to guide you through, you might even reach maximum level with a smile on your face, even if you are one to abandon an MMOG before that point. Such is the power of a beloved universe with so many tales still left to tell.

A viable alternative to the mighty World of Warcraft and a seamless marriage of reliable MMO mechanics and components from BioWare RPGs. While there are a few issues to iron out, the character-driven story focus ensures that the game offers something different than its genre counterparts.

BioWare always said they would have an emphasis on storytelling and on this account they are right on target. Thanks to excellent voiceovers and epic soundtrack even the most mundane quest feels important. Other aspects outside the story may need some work – UI needs a overhaul and the instancing of whole planets needs to go the way of the Dodo bird, when they have the load under control. Server queues, minor bugs and the above mentioned UI aside, the launch – of this easy to access and thrilling MMORPG – has gone relatively smoothly and I'll be following and playing this game a lot in coming months.

It succeeds as both an MMORPG and a Star Wars game -- and if you're feeling burned by the past 12 years' worth of Lucas' meddling, I leave you with a final bit of reassurance: In all of my travels, I've never once come across a mention of a midichlorian or a Gungan. That's gotta be worth something, right?

For the most part, I'm deeply impressed. In terms of sheer gameplay mechanics SWTOR is a WoW-alike, yes, but it's a highly polished WoW-alike, and that does make a difference.

BioWare has done what many thought might be impossible, and delivered the world's second ever triple-A MMO. That is a mighty achievement and a huge relief. But it may yet turn out to be too little - or rather, too much - too late.

The graphics are occasionally stunning – with long draw distances rendering outdoor and space locations particularly effective and, so far, relatively lag and glitch free – an achievement in itself for most MMOs.

If BioWare can deliver a good load balancing for the real launch of the game, The Old Republic is geared up for success: the franchise works as well as we'd have hoped, the game remains pretty classical, but well-rounded, and there's this added bonus of the BioWare games that we came to know and love: the story. Actually, Eight stories, one for each class, supported by other narrative elements for every quest. It makes for a massive content to discover, enough to remain occupied until BioWare fixes the little balancing issues, refines the interface, fixes some bugs and the like. With Wookies, it would have been nearly perfect for an MMO launch.

Star Wars: the Old Republic is a good MMORPG with lot of action and an awesome atmosphere. If you are tired of Azeroth, you´d better have a look at it. If you love Star Wars, well... get ready to say goodbye to your social life!

After playing SWTOR for, well longer than I am willing to admit, I was really impressed with the quality and play style that SWTOR brings to the MMORPG market. The feel of the game, along with the content and canon of being Star Wars will, be able to appeal to many people, not just the hardcore MMO gamers. That being said, SWTOR focuses on role-playing gameplay, rather than the massively multi-player one. Because of this, if you are not in to role-playing, then you will not get the most out of SWTOR. The game is slow to get started, but once it does, there is a lot to draw your attention.

It still needs some major tweaking and many patches (especially when it comes to PvP), but The Old Republic is a very promising MMO that could become a major game for the genre.

In creating such an enormous experience you'll need to devote a huge swath of your life to it, and yet it does remarkably little to make that moment to moment grind even moderately fresh. This is a must play for fans of Star Wars who want a traditional MMO experience with high production values and a lot of spoken dialogue. If you're looking for an innovative MMO set in the Star Wars universe, you will likely be disappointed.

The Old Republic is far from perfect, but no game since World of Warcraft has offered a similar experience with such a wide appeal.

I wound up bailing out on Star Wars: The Old Republic well before hitting the level cap, but not before digging into it more so than any other MMO I've played. Even if it is an unhappy marriage between two wildly different game types, the fact that it kept me hooked for so long at least counts for something.

There's little doubt that The Old Republic could have been a groundbreaking release, but it instead chooses to hew closely to the MMO formula, relying too much on the grind and outdated mechanics that don't gel with the Star Wars license. [Issue#119, p.110]

It's essentially the same game that's been around for over a decade, with slightly prettier window-dressing.

Still, if you're not really one for MMOs or you won't have the time to level up a character, please move along. The Force is strong with this one, but not so strong that you should throw away your console and invest in a beefy PC.