Speeders have always been a big part of what makes Star Wars what it is. They may not have always been at the foreground of events, but the flying cars and bikes go a long way toward creating the setting of the Star Wars universe. Because of this, it is a no-brainer that speeders would become the mounts of The Old Republic. Maybe one day we will see players riding tauntauns, varactyls or even rancors, but for now players will find themselves being carried around by the mechanical beasts known as speeders. But what makes these wonders of technology work, and what is the difference between the various types of speeders? Today we shall explore the different classes of speeders and the technology that drives them. Continue Reading »

There is so much big news going on in the SWTOR universe right now. Guilds have been deployed, players have begun to enter that game, and the experience we have been waiting years for is finally upon us. On Monday BioWare sent out the guild deployment notices which also gave the world a list of all the server names players will be able to choose form. Just like in beta, these server names are inspired from the lore of the Star Wars universe; various character names, items, and locations make up the various names for everyone’s servers. Some of these names are well known among Star Wars fans, while some are a little more obscure. To let everyone know where their server name is taken from I have compiled this list giving a brief background of the lore that inspired the server names.

Note: Some of the server names are taken from NPCs and locations in TOR. In these cases I have not included any background on them to avoid spoilers. I will also add any new servers that are activated to this list so check back for the most up to date version.

Continue Reading »

No matter your opinion on the prequel trilogy, you have to admit that they got one thing right: lightsaber combat. The quick flurries, flashy moves, and amazing acrobatic feats really showed off how cool it is to fight with a lightsaber. Since the development of the modern lightsaber, seven distinct fighting styles have surfaced that take advantage of the lightsaber’s unique properties and capabilities. Last week we looked at how the lightsaber was developed, this week we are going to look at each of the fighting styles utilized by those who wield these mighty weapons. We will explore both the philosophy behind these forms, as well as their advantages and disadvantages in combat. Continue Reading »

There are not many items that scream Star Wars more than a lightsaber. The mere sight of one can induce feelings of nostalgia and recognition in any Star Wars fan in a way that few other things can. Though in its original conception it was intended to be a weapon used by many different people in the Star Wars universe, it eventually became a tool that could only be utilized by Force Sensitive beings. To a Jedi, a lightsaber is a tool, something to help them maintain peace and to measure their attunement to the Force. For the Sith, it is a weapon, a way to impose their will on others and to serve as a symbol of their strength and superiority. The mere sight of one can stop a conflict before it begins, and those who have witnessed one in action can speak of the lightsaber’s ability to inspire allies, or cause a sense of dread in opponents.  But how were these weapons first conceived, and how do they even work? I will answer these questions for you in this week’s edition of TOR Lore. Continue Reading »

Disclaimer: This article will reveal some minor spoilers from Revan, as well as some other novels/comics that have been released regarding The Old Republic.

The Shan family has stood out as one of the most important families in the Old Republic era, with at least two members of the family playing extremely important roles in some of the biggest conflicts during their time. Known for their prodigious talent in whatever area of expertise they specialized in, the Shan family has the ability to get things done. With their tendency to be tied into the grand scheme of things, it is important to look back on what this family has contributed to the galaxy, and their members’ roles in moving the story of The Old Republic forward. Continue Reading »

@Saravi_ to @dawnsrose Ever tried to navigate the swtor Fan Art forum? So much hard work/talent, lost under new posts. There’s got to be a better way!

This is a good point. I have posted in that forum, and I read a couple of people’s work. But, my word, there is a ton of very good products in this forum. Is there truly a better way to organize it? Continue Reading »

James Ohlen (updated)

Hey Everyone,

This build has our first iteration of the Legacy System! At its core the Legacy system is about allowing players to create a family tree of characters. Family is pretty important to the Star Wars universe, with the Skywalker family having one of the most interesting dynamics in movie history. This version is just the foundational components that we will use to build upon in the future. Here are the features of this iteration:

• Once your character has completed their Chapter 1 storyline, they will be able to choose a Legacy Last Name. This Legacy Last Name must be unique and is shared across all characters on that server – so choose carefully!
• Once you have unlocked your Legacy, any and all characters on that server will now contribute to that player’s Legacy Experience Points. Much like normal experience points, when you reach certain Legacy thresholds, you will increase your Legacy Level.

We already have plans for how we will expand the functionality of the Legacy System in one of our major post-ship patches. This will include being able to shape your Legacy’s family tree, and give you a reward for all those Legacy Levels.

We look forward to reading your feedback on the Legacy System!

–James

 

So announced today is a Legacy System. This system is going to allow you to choose a legacy name for your character, once they complete chapter 1.  Now up to this point we have heard that last names will not be available in game. I get the feeling this particular feature has been on and off the table so many times that saying it is not going to happen is the safest route, cause then if it does it is a bonus. Continue Reading »

There is no culture in the Star Wars universe that defines the phrase “Survival of the fittest” more than the Mandalorians. This warrior culture has proven time and time again that it is war that drives them in the universe. Yet they do not engage in battle because of blood lust, or any great desire to conquer. They fight because they feel that their culture–in fact all cultures–define themselves in combat. They see war as the catalyst for an evolving culture, the constant thing that forces people to develop and grow. Though they may seem evil to many in the galaxy, those that study their people and their history will see that they actually live by a warrior code of honor that compels them to challenge worthy opponents wherever they find them. They have proven time and time again that they are more than a match for anyone in the galaxy, even Jedi and Sith, making the Mandalorian warriors one of the most fearsome sights in the galaxy. Continue Reading »

Unless you have been avoiding the internet and any sort of Star Wars news entirely in the past month, you know that Drew Karpyshyn’s newest book, Revan, was released this Tuesday. The hype surrounding this novel is huge, not only for the fact that it wraps up the loose ends of what happened to Revan after Knights of the Old Republic but for the fact that it releases the first pieces of background information about the mysterious Emperor of the Sith Empire. But the million credit question is this, should you pick up the book for yourself or just find all the important information out online? I shall endeavor to help you answer that question with my spoiler free review. Continue Reading »

Revan. The very name floods you with memories from Knights of the Old Republic. Revan is one of the most memorable and beloved characters in the Expanded Universe, both because of his history and his role in one of the most popular Star Wars games of all time. He started as a prodigal Jedi Knight who led the Republic to victory in the Mandalorian Wars before becoming a Dark Lord of the Sith bent on subjugating the Republic to his will. Despite a near death experience, he returned to the Light Side and defeated the Sith Empire that he himself created. Then he vanished, never to be heard from again. Revan’s life after the events of KOTOR is a mystery, but Drew Karpyshyn’s upcoming Revan novel should finally fill us in on what adventures Revan undertook after his role in bringing down the Sith Empire he helped create. In anticipation of this novel I will be filling you in on everything we already know about Revan, how and why he entered the Mandalorian Wars, why he fell to the Dark Side, and how he returned to the Jedi. Join me as I dive into the history of one of the most iconic Star Wars characters of all time. Continue Reading »