Star Wars: The Old Republic

BioWare company decided to continue its tradition of including characteristic narrative and create a complex story, thus opposing a common tendency of depriving MMO games of elaborate stories. The Old Republic sheds light on a previously unknown episode in the expansive fictional universe of Star Wars presenting a complex story. During the game you engage in numerous, dynamic multiplayer dialogues, in which all group may decide on the response. Players' decisions often determine the course of a mission or even its outcome.

In the game you can stand on one of the two sides of the conflict, and to be either a lightsaber wielding Jedi (Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular) or a Sith clad in dark robes (Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor). Apart from these most characteristic classes, you can choose from a few others. Apart from the Jedi Order, the Republic is also represented by: Smugglers and Troopers. Their opponents are ed by Bounty Hunters and Imperial Agents. They all are characterized by different fighting styles. For example, Smugglers can use cover system and fire from hiding.

The core gameplay, apart from unfolding the aforementioned extensive story, focuses on exploration, fighting, and developing of your character’s skills. An interesting feature are companions (NPCs) who can aid you in combat. A good example of that might be the Dashade, a representative of Jedi hunting alien race – he is willing to ally with the Sith. Your relations with companions depend on your actions - if they do not agree with what you do, you can expect a fitting comment from them, or even a betrayal. Building a strong team is very important, because companions are helpful at collecting materials, creating items, and performing side quests. You give orders to your crew from aboard your personal ship, which is also a means of transportation and the main base for all players.

Most objectives set by the game can be done solo. Of course, playing with friends is a lot more fun, the more since some missions require groups of players. In addition to extensive PvE, the game developers prepared many competitive modes. One of the most spectacular examples of that are so-called battlegrounds, i.e. story-driven battles, in which two teams fight over strategic locations (e.g. cannons that are able to destroy the oncoming cruiser).

As befits Star Wars, the game world is not limited to just one planet. You can explore most of the known worlds (e.g. Coruscant, Tython, Korriban), but also some completely new ones, and even take part in space battles (made in form of rail shooters). Some planets are clearly dominated by one of the two factions, while on others the struggle for supremacy is still ongoing. Although the individual planets differ radically, all share great graphic design and stylistics. The game engine is perfect for generating extensive landscapes. Character models and the environments are set in a comic-like style.