each class will be able to get a total of 5 companions through out the game. Each companion will be able to do different types of damage or play different roles in a group. Each companion will also give different bonuses to your crew skills.
Star Wars is an expansive universe. You' will be playing the game, you will be fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Here we make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind Star Wars: the old republic
With more people playing SWTOR beta and game testing now, we are seeing more info coming out about it. While these players are still bound to the NDA, it is to be expected that some general knowledge will come out about the game.
If you will be playing SWTOR with a group of friends, it makes sense to form up your own guild so you can all play together and take advantage of any guild perks and benefits right from the start. Here is how to
Datacrons are part of the codex system in Star Wars The Old Republic. They are placed throughout the worlds for the players to find, usually in hard to reach places. As a reward for this exploration ingenuity, if a player successfully reachs and interacts with certain datacrons, one of the player's character stats will be increased -- permanently. Here is the complete list of Datacrons, rrdered by codex entry #
Even though is just illustrations by the talented artist Joseph Senior, we can’t help wonder if this would be the image we see when looking up the word “adorkable” in the dictionary.
Senior has also given Hello Kitty makeovers to other Star Wars characters like Darth Vader, Boba Fett, C-3PO and more:
I know it has been a while since PAX, but I recently came across the whole presentation in HD. No more bad sound or pixel's acting up. The whole presenation of Biowares Star Wars: The old republic is 76 min but it is worth a watch.
Lucasfilm Ltd. announced today that the live-action Star Wars Saga will be converted to 3D! There are few movies that lend themselves more perfectly to 3D; from the Death Star trench run to the Tatooine Podrace, the Star Wars Saga has always delivered an entertainment experience that is completely immersive. Presented by Twentieth Century Fox and Lucasfilm Ltd., the cutting edge conversion will take that immersion to the next thrilling level, with Industrial Light & Magic supervising the project. Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace is expected to be released theatrically in 2012. A release date has not yet been determined. "Getting good results on a stereo conversion is a matter of taking the time and getting it right," said John Knoll, Visual Effects Supervisor for Industrial Light & Magic. "It takes a critical and artistic eye along with an incredible attention to detail to be successful. It is not something that you can rush if you want to expect good results. For Star Wars we will take our time, applying everything we know both aesthetically and technically to bring audiences a fantastic new Star Wars experience."
To see an exclusive video with Knoll discussing his role in 3D stereo conversion, click on the image below to be taken to our video player.
Check out this awesome R2-D2 that’s big enough for a full-size person to fit in! R2-D2’s body is made out of a plastic barrel quipped with sounds, internal fans, LEDs, motors and a rotating dome.
Can you imagine Luke Skywalker attempting to walk the path of a Jedi without the assistance of Obi-Wan, the Princess, or Han? It is these companions that not only opened doors for Luke in the Star Wars movies, but also the personalities that helped make an IP great.
BioWare is attempting to recreate this magic with the companion system in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Will having a built in duo inhibit the group dynamic or will these unique sidekicks add another level of depth and immersion? Ten Ton Hammer, has an interesting editorial on this:
Yeah, you might be able to grab your companions butt without fearing an incoming sexual harassment lawsuit, but they have far more uses than a quick tickle and giggle. Companions will be specifically tailored to your class with their own complimentary skills and abilities. If you choose to play ranged damage class, a companion might specialize in melee skills that will offer protection in battle or a fighter may be joined by a companion that has healing skills aiding in your survival.
Read Ten Ton Hammers "The Comfort of Companions" then post and let them know what you think! Are you looking forward to forging relationships with these NPCs or do you think they will toss another roadblock in the multi-player aspect of the game?
Podracing was a popular sport in the less developed regions of the galaxy. It has been called "the ultimate test of skill and daring on Tatooine," and was certainly one of the most dangerous sports ever invented, killing many racers.
Podracers were small, one-man repulsorcraft, composed of an anti-gravity pod propelled by one or more pairs of large turbine engines. The engines were not physically connected to each other, being linked instead by power couplings consisting of plasma discharges. The engines were connected to the pods themselves by means of long, Steelton cables.
Characterisitics
Besides housing the racer's pilot, each pod contained a repulsorlift engine that kept the craft at a specific, low-level altitude. The turbine engines were incredibly powerful, and were connected by an energy binder that kept them from flying apart. Podracing was popularized in the Outer Rim Territories during the last decades of the Galactic Republic. Its underground nature, great excitement, and almost gladiatorial propensity for carnage held immense appeal to all manner of folk living on the fringes of society.
Because of the reflexes needed to control the pod as it raced around the course at breakneck speeds, as well as the dexterity needed to control the pod racer, all pod racers (apart from Anakin Skywalker) were nonhumans. Inhuman physical attributes, as well as extra pairs of hands, came in handy when trying to control the pod at its top speed of around 900 km/h.
History
Podracing traced its roots back to the days of animal-drawn carts, from which evolved races with hanno speeders. Ultimately, this sport's development kept pace with that of galactic technology to evolve into Podracing. The concept of modern day podracing was started on Malastare by alien racer Gustab Wenbus. Wenbus had entered himself in a race with a super-fast prototype pod designed by a mechanic named Phoebos.
One of the most famous Podraces was the Boonta Eve Classic, held on Tatooine in 32 BBY. The spectacular race was especially notable for being won by a Human, nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker. This marked the first time a Human had ever won a Podrace. Other popular races at the time included the Vinta Harvest Classic on Malastare, the Ando Overland on Ando Prime and the Aleen Classic.
Although technically illegal (often controlled by the Hutts) Podracing flourished during the rule of the Galactic Republic, particularly among planets in the Outer Rim and on worlds such as Malastare and Ando Prime. The sport was also watched by citizens from the Core Worlds; large viewscreens in seedy establishments such as the Outlander Club on Coruscant relayed Podraces from all over the Rim territories. Podracing's popularity reached an all-time high following Skywalker's win, but as the political situation in the Republic deteriorated, so did the appeal of Podracing.
Many of the sport's generally-accepted criminal activities were exposed, and some of the most famous racers were arrested for a variety of crimes. Podracing was soon outlawed in the Core. Shortly before the outbreak of the Clone Wars, it was reported that attendance had dropped more than fifty percent from the era of the Battle of Naboo, although betting transactions remained at an all-time high. Podracing soon gave way to swoop racing and other forms of extreme sports.
With the Declaration of the New Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire, Podracing became outlawed, and under the Empire's far more stringent standards of law enforcement, the sport fell out of popularity altogether, though by 30 ABY, it was noted that the sport had been making a comeback in some systems.
Only one week after its release, the free-to-play Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures has already logged in over one million players. In order to celebrate this milestone for Clone Wars Adventures, SOE and LucasArts have rewarded all of the current players with a limited edition Golden Mouse Droid Pet. Also, players will be able to log in this weekend to participate in their first ever in-game party.
The party will be held today, and it will be the first of weekly parties on Clone Wars Adventures. It will be a party where players can meet up, accept duels, and chat amongst themselves. A gathering for the Jedi Members will also be held today for all of the exclusive members. The team behind Clone Wars seems very excited about this event.
According to John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment, they are thrilled with the achievement they have made and “look forward to seeing the player community continue to grow… we’re happy to see that fans of all ages are enjoying the content as much as we enjoyed creating it.” Sounds like a good time! For those who are interested in the browser-based game and all of its festivities, you can visitClone Wars Adventures‘ website
Admittedly, it looks like the team over at BioWare really want to give you the option to be Han Solo, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Just, please, for our sake and yours, think of a unique name to call your own. Partying with a "San Holo" or "Pan Solo," or even "Haan Sulu" will probably give even the most die-hard fan a headache.
First up, if you want to play a Smuggler with a little pizazz, they suggest that maybe you take a peek over at the ultra-dextrous Twi'leks, known for their charisma, good looks and... well... dexterity. All a good Smuggler needs for a balanced breakfast. As well, Smugglers will be able to grab an awesome WOOKIE COMPANION to accompany them on their travels. In this particular case, that Wookie companion appears to be "Bowdaar," the mighty Wookie warrior, unbested in arena combat and a strong contender for the world's strongest carpet.
Finally, the team also revealed that Smugglers will gain access to a sleek Corellian XS Stock Light Freighter, a ship that, according to this dev post, can make the "Balmorra run" in just a handful of parsecs.
In addition to this, the SW:TOR webcomic series "Blood of the Empire" has reached its twelfth and final issue, where Teneb Kel must face the consequences of his actions. Click here to read on for the conclusion!
The final webisode of The Old Republic webcomic Blood of the Empire is now online at swtor.com: Issue 12 (aka Act 3: Burn the Future Chapter 4) brings us the final 7 pages of the exciting story, written by Alexander Freed, with art by Dave Ross.
Blood of the Empire reaches its twelfth and final issue, and Teneb Kel must face the aftermath of his actions. Exal Kressh is defeated, but the Emperor and the Dark Council will have further plans for their servant. What fate is Teneb prepared to carve for himself? And what will he do about Maggot?
This webcomic will be part of Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars: The Old Republic # 6, to be published on December 1, 2010.
Teneb Kel is only steps behind his prey, the emperor's apprentice, when light is finally shed on her dark plans. The foundling Sith Lord must find and face her one last time to uncover the secret behind her betrayal . .
Back in September 2008, a classic B3ta compo emerged: make sci-fi retro. In true science-fiction style, it’s high time for a sequel, so there’s a new batch of photoshopped images of the fantastical future, yesterday.
Check out these great mashups of Star Wars, Futurama, and more!
The guys over at Red Rancore put together another incredible gameplay compilatin. This time the Bounty hunter gets some love.
I know it's been a while, but I finally have the third installation of the Gameplay Compilation series completed. This time, I've chosen to display the Bounty Hunter in action, with selected gameplay footage from all officially released video thus far in pre-beta. I've also added in a bit more detail to the abilities now that some are confirmed from reporting done at GamesCom and PAX. As always, I'm open to critique, comments, and any wanted additions to my videos.
Originally released to the home video market in 1979 by the then-fledgling Magnetic Video corporation, this is the rarest of Star Wars material on video. I spent the better part of a year and a half looking for this original video at a reasonable price and I finally recently found it! This is the original version as it was aired on ABC-TV in 1978 with Robert Conrad as narrator and not the 1995 version that was re-dubbed with a different narrator's voice and broadcasted on the Sci-Fi channel. It's also the first piece of Star Wars material, predating even the VHS release of Episode IV: A New Hope, by two years. (Lucasfilm and Fox would not officially Originally aired on ABC in 1977, this special features behind-the-scenes footage from the sets, the visual effects, interviews with the cast and creators of the legendary film. Interviews with Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, George Lucas, and Gary Kurtz are featured on this video narrated by the late William Conrad. This special was only reissued once in the United States on video in its original format, as part of a double feature with a similar special on The Empire Strikes Back.
The video and audio quality is typical for late 1970's video releases, with the source print being a 16mm print. Also, attached to most of the Magnetic Video prints is a trailer for The Empire Strikes Back that is not present with the current trilogy DVD set.
The only other U.S. video release of this special is a 1995 reissue through a mail-in offer with Kellogg's Cereals, which replaces William Conrad's voiceover with another actor. The rest of the special is similar to its initial appearance.
Corellia was the capital planet of the Corellian system, which included Selonia, Drall, Tralus, and Talus. It was also the birthplace of smuggler and New Republic General Han Solo as well as Rogue Squadron pilot and New Republic hero Wedge Antilles, along with many other humans who played important roles in the histories of the Rebel Alliance, New Republic, and Galactic Alliance.
Collectively, the planets of the system were known as the Five Brothers. As the largest planet and the closest to Corell, Corellia was often called the "Eldest Brother" or the "Eldest." Historians believed the Celestials assembled the system artificially, the worlds brought from other parts of the galaxy for unknown reasons. Some believed that these Celestials populated Corellia with Humans from Coruscant.
Geographic features
Corellia's surface was extremely temperate, dominated by rolling hills such as those of Bindreg, thick forests, lush farmland, golden beaches, and large seas. Snow-covered mountains dominated part of the landscape. With most of its famed manufacturing centers lifted into orbit, the planet remained largely rural and undeveloped, with small villages and farming communities comprising the bulk of urban development. It is rumored to have many deep underwater caverns with orange Lightsaber crystals.
The largest cities were Coronet—the planetary capital, the tourist haven of Kor Vella, the double-city Tyrena, and the mountain hamlets of Doaba Guerfel and Bela Vistal. Immigrants from the neighboring planet of Selonia constructed an elaborate network of tunnels beneath the planet's surface. These Selonian Tunnels were used by people of all races as a kind of subterranean metropolis, though the deepest levels were traveled exclusively by Selonians. Space above Corellia was dominated by massive shipyards.
Snow-covered mountains on Corellia.
Culture
Corellians were often considered intrepid and maverick by other Core peoples, spawning expressions warning against telling a Corellian the odds for success; for a Corellian, beating the odds is always a reward in itself. This sense of immortality was visible in the common Corellian tradition of cremating the dead and compressing their ash into synthetic diamonds with artificial gravity generators. Corellians also dealt justice to those that committed the most heinous acts with a death penalty.
Corellians were a sentimental breed, and when separated from their homeworld became sentimental at the sight of Corellian treats like the sweet ryshcate pastry or a bottle of the woody, potable Whyren's Reserve. There was a Corellian sect known as the Ensterites, who forbade marriage with anyone from outside the Corellian system. Marrying someone from outside the Corellian system would result in being shunned by one's fellow Ensterites. It was a Corellian custom for husbands-to-be to have large bachelor parties with their friends.
Family was held in high respect on Corellia. It was considered most dishonorable to involve innocent family members in a quarrel held with one family member. Conversely, great courage was seen as highly honorable, deserving of outward recognition through traditions such as the Corellian Bloodstripe. The color green also seemed to hold special meaning, as it was considered the traditional coloration for wedding gowns, Jedi robes, and CorSec markings.
Corellia was originally a monarchy, but was ruled by a democratic government after Berethron e Solo established constitutional rule in 312 BBY.
Military
The Corellians were known for their prowess with ships. From building ships to flying them, Corellians were well known for their skills. Because piracy and smuggling were well-known occupations of a strong number of Corellians, the local navy had been specializing in techniques designed to combat economic loss due to their activities. Because of this need, the navy was well-developed and modernized.
The CR90 Corvette and the Corellian Gunship were two examples, as well as the powerful Corellian Dreadnaught, three of which were constructed in 40 ABY. These three ships were painted dark blue and had egg-shaped hulls. The Millennium Falcon's threat board gave each of these at least twice the firepower of an Imperial Star Destroyer. They were designed mainly for close combat with other capital ships. The Dreadnaughts were constructed in the Kiris shipyards, located in an asteroid field at the edge of the system. Two of the Dreadnaughts were destroyed in an attempt to turn the Hapes Consortium against the Galactic Alliance.
Of interest is the fact that Corellia's navy remained autonomous from the Imperial Navy throughout the time of the Galactic Empire, maintaining its own independence and individual naval traditions until it was dissolved following the original Centerpoint crisis. From this point until partway through the Yuuzhan Vong War, Corellia lacked any autonomous military forces, relying solely on the sector fleet provided by the New Republic.
A Blockade Runner above Corellia.
History
Infinite Empire
Corellia was a slave world of the Infinite Empire. In circa 30,000 BBY, Corellian slaves helped build the Star Forge. When the Rakata fell victim to a plague, the Corellians freed themselves in a revolt that occurred around 25,200 BBY. Corellian explorers early in their history scaled the Kor Vella mesa.
Galactic Republic
Corellians spent the next 200 years reverse-engineering the hyperdrive without the Force tools of the Rakata. A midstep, hyperspace cannons, connected Corellia with other Core Worlds such as Coruscant and Duro. The reinvention of the hyperdrive in circa 25,053 BBY let the afore-mentioned and other worlds become the Core Founders of the Galactic Republic.
While rumors of the Jedi Order's dawn on Corellia were false, as the Jedi were originally from Tython, the Corellian Jedi did keep a distinct set of traditions that set them apart from other Jedi, including green robes and Jedi Credits.
Corellian Engineering Corporation was founded early on, perhaps before the dawn of the Republic. Corellia Star Drive splintered off CEC in c. 5,000 BBY, but was bought out by CEC in c. 3,000 BBY. CEC was one of the larger shipbuilding firms in the galaxy, and its shipyards were one of the most extensive in the galaxy. Examples of Corellian ships included the CR90 Corellian Corvette, the YT-1300 freighter, and the DP-20 Corellian Gunship.
Corellians were among the first and foremost hyperspace explorers. Within a millennium, the Corellian Run was mapped; the Corellian Trade Route by 5,500 BBY. The Corellians discovered New Plympto in 10,019 BBY, Goroth Prime in 8,000 BBY, and Koboth prior to 219 BBY. They colonized Rabaan (7,299 BBY), Socorro (3,000 BBY), Trulalis, and Trigalis. Corellia was an early trading partner of the Wookiees when Kashyyyk entered the Republic (c. 3,956 BBY). In the Mandalorian Wars, it was the site of important Republic Navy drydocks.
Almost 10,000 BBY, a spartan sect established a monastery on Kor Vella. During a boom in CEC's popularity, miners discovered ore deposits near the mesa, transforming the Kor Vella community into a luxurious center of tourism and wealth.
Corellia allied with Selonia and Drall circa 500 BBY in a failed attempt to conquer the Federation of the Double Worlds. 30 years later, Corellia attempted to secede from the Republic; although progressing far enough to close its sector's borders and withdraw from the Senate using Contemplanys Hermi, the plan ultimately failed and the system continued as a begrudging Republic member-state.
The elitist Nomad's Retreat in the Nomad Mountains expanded its membership to become a public resort in 400 BBY. Over the next few centuries, a village grew around the retreat, known as Doaba Guerfel, and eventually merged with the Retreat, becoming a resort town. A few decades later in 380 BBY, a Corellian Jedi named Keiran Halcyon defeated the Afarathu pirates, a sect of Selonian terrorists, whom were trying to kill all Humans on Corellia. The Afarathu were not gone forever, and would plague Corellia during the Galactic Civil War.
King Berethron e Solo established a democratic government in 312 BBY, replacing his own absolute monarchy. Corellia was home to several multi-stellar corporate conglomerates, including Gowix Computers (founded in 219 BBY), the Corellian Mining Corporation, and of course CEC. Many of these competed directly with the Trade Federation and InterGalactic Banking Clan for galactic influence. Over time these companies became very powerful and in 150 BBY overthrew the historic parliamentary constitutional monarchy founded by the Royal House of Solo in favor of a government more amenable to unrestricted commerce. This new business-supported regime was called the Diktat.
Since 1977, Todd Stanton has always been a fan of Star Wars. From his youthful days of trading cards to his adult years of DVDs, the 6 films has always been a part of his life.
30 Years of Star Wars is his documentary of a lifelong franchise some have called "this generation's Beatles".
Come join Todd Stanton, along with many of his friends, to a galaxy far, far away and re-experience his journey of the last three decades through an amazing collection of multimedia history.
Lucasfilm isn't shy about diving deeply into Star Wars lore to churn out plastic toys based on the people, starships and beasts of George Lucas' universe(s). But what about turning those Star Wars video games into action figures?
Sounds like two upcoming video games could be ripe for Lucas exploitation. According to the September 17 episode of The ForceCast, answers from an interview with Hasbro’s Derryl DePriest confirmed the plans:
0:44:00 – And as we look at 2012, that’s really where we think we’re going to look at The Force Unleashed II and The Old Republic. We have to work in some of those great characters.
Of the many, many Star Wars video games, how many of them have been rendered in plastic 3 3/4" form? As a lapsed Star Wars action figure collector, I'm asking you, hoping for an answer.
The GTTV crew just revealed a new cut-scene from the highly anticipated sequel to the fastest selling Star Wars game ever: The Force Unleashed II
Starkiller encounters an Imperial greeting party upon arriving at the stronghold in search of an unnamed Jedi in this cut-scene from Force Unleashed II!
It's a full Star Wars: The Old Republic Fan Friday this week and along with the usual updates with fan art and forum fun there is also a very cool Developer's Corner that shares a bit about ship design. Anyone who has every wondered how concept art is created needs to check this one out.
This week the Art Team is pleased to share a step-by-step demonstration of how a piece of concept art is created for The Old Republic. Senior Concept Artist, Ryan Dening, will give us a break-down of the process involved and some of the thinking that went into this particular concept.
Even as cool as that update is, it still isn't the star of this show! Also released today is a video Developer Dispatch that discusses how the team designed SWTOR for the Jedi. Learn more about the Jedi classes and what it takes to make these iconic wielders of the force come alive in game.
Guided by the Light Side of the Force, the Jedi are the ultimate defenders of peace, justice, and the Galactic Republic. The developers of Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ are taking great care to ensure that Players can experience the classical Jedi fantasy represented in the films by such iconic characters as Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, and Yoda.
At the same time, choice is at the heart of The Old Republic and Players can also explore many other ways they can take their Jedi characters. Whether that means walking the path of the Dark Side like Anakin Skywalker or simply adopting a unique combination of fighting styles, a variety of options will be available.
If you are beginning your adventure for the first time, it is easy to get started. All you have to do is create an account and make your character.
After creating your character you can explore the Jedi Temple, duel with lightsabers, race speeder bikes, decorate your house, fly a starfighter, use the Force, battle droids and much more!
Features include:
Extend the Fantasy: Kids no longer have to wait until the next exciting episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated TV series to continue exploring and enjoying the Star Wars universe. With Clone Wars Adventures, kids can go online to experience exciting thrills as you duel iconic adversaries with your own custom lightsaber, speed through the galaxy in your starfighter, defeat enemies and take down starships. Adventure online to discover your destiny!
Play Free or Upgrade:Clone Wars Adventures is a free-to-play game, but players who want to take the galactic action to the next level can purchase a monthly membership. Players can also buy cool Star Wars universe items from within the game through micro-transactions using Station Cash.
Minigames & More: From Droid Programming to Speeder Bike Racing, Clone Wars Adventures puts you in the driver seat to experience epic action in immersive minigames that take you to your favorite locations in the galaxy. Become the proud owner of a tricked out Droid pet or throw a party in your player house -- the fun is endless!
Fun With Friends: Whether you are on adventures with old friends or competing for leaderboard status with new ones, Clone Wars Adventures is a lively virtual world that connects players in fun and safe ways. Show off your achievements in your Trophy Room, use safe chat and emoticons to express yourself and celebrate in-world events with the entire galaxy!
Embedded Card Game:Clone Wars Adventures card battles lets players pit a variety of fun characters, creatures and vehicles from The Clone Wars television show against one another in a unique, fast-paced combat similar to the gameplay styles of traditional games such as War and Concentration.
Kid-Friendly: Parental controls allow for the customization of safety options, including pre-canned chat and playtime settings for younger players.
See the original announcement for Clone Wars Adventureshere.
