wee: The Stealth Hippopotamus: "An NPC to do my grunt work? I love it."

Tell me more....

You get companions and they can have their own set of skills. I played for 6 hours yesterday and managed to get a companion, but not enough time to skill it.

If you liked KOTOR, you'll love it, even though it's an MMO.

What if I find multiplayer incredibly boring.
/also, I don't like that they've apparently pussified Revan. sigh.

Treygreen13: Clowns are a Ten: What if I find multiplayer incredibly boring.

Then don't play with others?

But it's an MMO? I mean, I suppose I could just stand in the corner, sipping at my mug of Tarisian Ale, watching everyone else talk to each other....

Nevermind me. I'm just bitter there's no KOTOR3. =/

I liked it until the Tarsian segment when it went a little Cracko on me, to get there you have to stealth the coffee pot.

I've played it for three days and I haven't grouped with anyone. Like the review says, you can occasionally miss content, but nothing major. Every major story mission has its own small instance (everyone who enters goes to their own personal copy of the area), so there aren't random people running about ganking your stuff. Also, when you talk to an NPC, other players are removed from view. There are some minor annoyances that will hopefully get ironed out, but nothing that kills the game for me.

Hey, I thought I was the only person who was completely ignoring the social aspect! Actually managed to piss a guy off today when I refused his SECOND group request. Apparently he thought I clicked the wrong button that first time, because, hey, who can turn down joining the legendary whatever his name was?

I'm enjoying it, though. I've gotten 4 players off their first planet. Too bad the servers are down the rest of the night.

Do they handle blasters better in this then they did in KOTOR? They were almost worthless.

Treygreen13: Clowns are a Ten: What if I find multiplayer incredibly boring.

Then don't play with others?

Doesn't that defeat the purpose of an MMO? Every MMO I've played you can do a ton of a fun stuff solo, but the truly epic content requires a group.

Magnanimous_J: Do they handle blasters better in this then they did in KOTOR? They were almost worthless.

I've found my blaster classes to be more fun than my melee ones, so I'd say so.

unicron702: Doesn't that defeat the purpose of an MMO? Every MMO I've played you can do a ton of a fun stuff solo, but the truly epic content requires a group.

There are a few group quests, but there are also a lot that you can't really do in a group. So, yes, you'll miss out on some stuff playing by yourself, but none of the main storyline stuff.

Started with forever alone and even a shopped in forever alone guy looking awfully huttish.

DeWayne Mann: unicron702: Doesn't that defeat the purpose of an MMO? Every MMO I've played you can do a ton of a fun stuff solo, but the truly epic content requires a group.

There are a few group quests, but there are also a lot that you can't really do in a group. So, yes, you'll miss out on some stuff playing by yourself, but none of the main storyline stuff.

I haven't played yet, but how is the "end game raid" content? Are their mobs that require 20 people to defeat, that sort of thing? I wondered about how it would work with lightsabers, wondering why you couldn't just run up to a Rancor or something similar and cut its' legs off single swipe, but a buddy playing told me they have different levels of power for the sabers, eliminating this. Seems odd, but I understand they had to do something to prevent a level 1 guy with a lightsaber cutting the heads off level 20+ mobs with a single mouse click.

DeWayne Mann: Magnanimous_J: Do they handle blasters better in this then they did in KOTOR? They were almost worthless.

I've found my blaster classes to be more fun than my melee ones, so I'd say so.

Operative gets to do both. Rogue type that gets backstab but can also take cover and snipe. Loving the operative. Had to switch to healer mode before servers went down cause the Sith Sorcerer was refusing to heal.

unicron702: DeWayne Mann: unicron702: Doesn't that defeat the purpose of an MMO? Every MMO I've played you can do a ton of a fun stuff solo, but the truly epic content requires a group.

There are a few group quests, but there are also a lot that you can't really do in a group. So, yes, you'll miss out on some stuff playing by yourself, but none of the main storyline stuff.

I haven't played yet, but how is the "end game raid" content? Are their mobs that require 20 people to defeat, that sort of thing? I wondered about how it would work with lightsabers, wondering why you couldn't just run up to a Rancor or something similar and cut its' legs off single swipe, but a buddy playing told me they have different levels of power for the sabers, eliminating this. Seems odd, but I understand they had to do something to prevent a level 1 guy with a lightsaber cutting the heads off level 20+ mobs with a single mouse click.

Well, my best character is level 17, and the level cap is 50, so...dunno. Maybe someone else can help.

Lightsabers are basically exactly how they were in KOTOR, which is to say vastly underpowered from the movies. There are in-universe explanations for this (and, sadly, I know them, because I'm a huge loser), but it's best to just think of them as normal swords from other RPGs.

MyRandomName: Operative gets to do both. Rogue type that gets backstab but can also take cover and snipe. Loving the operative. Had to switch to healer mode before servers went down cause the Sith Sorcerer was refusing to heal.

I messed up when I started out. I realized that there were 4 different play styles, but I thought that Smuggler = Bounty Hunter and Trooper = Agent, so I made a Consular, a Sith Warrior, a Bounty Hunter and a Trooper.

Finally figured out many hours later that, hey, my BH & Trooper use very similar tactics. I've sense made a Knight, a Sorcerer, a Smuggler & an Agent, but haven't played any of them yet. I'll probably go with the Agent at some point, though.

BH/Trooper is great fun, though. Reminds me a lot of the only other MMO I've ever played, Tabula Rasa.

DeWayne Mann: unicron702: DeWayne Mann: unicron702: Doesn't that defeat the purpose of an MMO? Every MMO I've played you can do a ton of a fun stuff solo, but the truly epic content requires a group.

There are a few group quests, but there are also a lot that you can't really do in a group. So, yes, you'll miss out on some stuff playing by yourself, but none of the main storyline stuff.

I haven't played yet, but how is the "end game raid" content? Are their mobs that require 20 people to defeat, that sort of thing? I wondered about how it would work with lightsabers, wondering why you couldn't just run up to a Rancor or something similar and cut its' legs off single swipe, but a buddy playing told me they have different levels of power for the sabers, eliminating this. Seems odd, but I understand they had to do something to prevent a level 1 guy with a lightsaber cutting the heads off level 20+ mobs with a single mouse click.

Well, my best character is level 17, and the level cap is 50, so...dunno. Maybe someone else can help.

Lightsabers are basically exactly how they were in KOTOR, which is to say vastly underpowered from the movies. There are in-universe explanations for this (and, sadly, I know them, because I'm a huge loser), but it's best to just think of them as normal swords from other RPGs.

Well let's just say a normal mob. Example quest: Go kill 10 bears. Is their a non-stupid explanation for why it would take more than 1 saber it to kill an unarmored animal?

meat0918: What, you didn't like that vibroblades and various armors were made of a lightsaber resistant composite material?

Don't forget that lightsaber construction has improved over time and that early sabers were significantly less powerful than "current" ones. This is why in Episode 2 you see a bunch of children standing around with lightsabers and no one is worried that they'll cut their own hands off or whatever. They're using depowered "training sabers" that are somewhat comparable to those early designs.

(Actually, the lightsaber resistant material thing comes from I, Jedi, which was a pretty good book. So I really don't have a problem with that.)

DeWayne Mann: They're using depowered "training sabers" that are somewhat comparable to those early designs.

Oh snap, I just checked Wookieepedia and they changed this explanation. Now, and I quote, they are "actual lightsabers that possessed a highly intensified electromagnetic containment field which was far more difficult to penetrate than that of a standard lightsaber. Thus the energy which formed the blade was better contained and able to do far less damage, and would result in welts, bruises, and minor burns instead of amputation or death. This feature could be readjusted by a fully trained Jedi to enable a Knight or Master to utilize a trainee's weapon in emergencies."

...that makes less sense.

unicron702: Well let's just say a normal mob. Example quest: Go kill 10 bears. Is their a non-stupid explanation for why it would take more than 1 saber it to kill an unarmored animal?

See above, basically. But, no, there's no non-stupid explanation.

When we're in a conversation with an NPC, each player picks the thing they'd like to say, the game rolls some virtual dice, and the winner gets to say that thing. It begins to feel oddly collaborative, and you never really know what's going to happen next.

I farking love this aspect. You get into metagaming the LS/DS points sometimes, but it's refreshing when you are confronted with a different opinion or way to play out a scenario.

CSS: Running Esseles, at one point you have the option of telling the ambassador of the other dude's offer. I opted to tell her, and won the conversation roll. Then back when the ambassador meets up with the dude and confronts him, I opted the "don't look at me, I don't know what you're talking about" option - and won again. Lulz were had.

It would be pretty easy to completely solo the game. Sure you'd miss out on Flashpoints at level. You don't have to do each quest, so you can skip the group quests altogether. Endgame is a different issue, but by then you may change your mind on soloing.

This is the first time in my few years of playing a MMO that I want to find others to play with. I want to see how things play out when the dialog roll goes against my alignment (utter LS JC Sage), and run around with someone else.

/lvl 18 on Shadowlands

During my pre-release access, I spent the first 12 character levels trying to do something radical: Play a massive multiplayer online role-playing game as if it were a single-player title.

Guess he really hasn't played many MMOs, generally you don't have any reason to even consider a group until level 10 or so of a 50-level game. TOR is actually no exception, since there's not a phase that really requires a group until 11 or 12 when you hit the first flashpoint. And even that can be dodged by taking the shuttle.

Basically the game is a sequel to the KotOR games with multiplayer and simple PvP tacked on rather than a group progression game. Which is great, because repetitive dungeon grinding is lame. A relatively involved plot-line is much more enjoyable, and multiplayer is much less annoying when it's an option rather than a requirement.

//The PvP phases are great, by the way, I haven't had so much fun playing king of the hill or murderball since Nox (or, to be less obscure, Goldeneye, I guess, roughly similar timing).

lbryant: So I just watched the intro video. Here's what I got out of it:

A smuggler (who isn't Han Solo) has to team up with some Jedi (who aren't Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi). The (Sith) Empire arrives in giant wedge-shaped ships (that aren't Star Destroyers). They have to get to the smuggler's ship (which isn't the Millenium Falcon), the fastest ship in the sector. One Jedi (who is totally not Obi Wan) stays behind to fight some Sith (who aren't Darth Vader) so that the others can make their escape. The others make it to the Not-Millenium Falcon, shoot up some Not-Star Destroyers and jump to hyperspace.

Really, LucasArts slash Bioware?

Really? You're disappointed that there are Star Wars movie references in the movie bits of a... Star Wars game? Really?

It actually is the Falcon, by the way, or at least an identical ship, btw. The Corelian corporation is, according to the setting, a company that's made modular freighters for millennia, favored by smugglers because "modular" plus a bit of ingenuity = "hard-to-find concealed cargo spaces" and "oversized engines that can outrun local police".

DeWayne Mann: DeWayne Mann: They're using depowered "training sabers" that are somewhat comparable to those early designs.

Oh snap, I just checked Wookieepedia and they changed this explanation. Now, and I quote, they are "actual lightsabers that possessed a highly intensified electromagnetic containment field which was far more difficult to penetrate than that of a standard lightsaber. Thus the energy which formed the blade was better contained and able to do far less damage, and would result in welts, bruises, and minor burns instead of amputation or death. This feature could be readjusted by a fully trained Jedi to enable a Knight or Master to utilize a trainee's weapon in emergencies."

...that makes less sense.

unicron702: Well let's just say a normal mob. Example quest: Go kill 10 bears. Is their a non-stupid explanation for why it would take more than 1 saber it to kill an unarmored animal?

See above, basically. But, no, there's no non-stupid explanation.

How powerful do the force powers get? For example, end game player with the best gear, will they ever be on a "The Force Unleashed" level of power? Will I be able to use the force to crumple an AT-AT into a Geo Metro sized ball with my mind?

Jim_Callahan: It actually is the Falcon, by the way, or at least an identical ship, btw.

Nah, the game takes place 3600 years before the Falcon was even made.

lbryant: So I just watched the intro video. Here's what I got out of it:

A smuggler (who isn't Han Solo) has to team up with some Jedi (who aren't Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi). The (Sith) Empire arrives in giant wedge-shaped ships (that aren't Star Destroyers). They have to get to the smuggler's ship (which isn't the Millenium Falcon), the fastest ship in the sector. One Jedi (who is totally not Obi Wan) stays behind to fight some Sith (who aren't Darth Vader) so that the others can make their escape. The others make it to the Not-Millenium Falcon, shoot up some Not-Star Destroyers and jump to hyperspace.

Really, LucasArts slash Bioware?

Wtf did you expect? Every stars wars spin off goes back to the classic designs. People recognise it. They relate to it.

The whole point of many star wars games is to give you the chance to play as you favorite characters...even if you aren't that person.

Back on topic. If you like mmos but want a chance to play a great game without having to join a guild and be online 24/7, then this game is for you. Even the space mini game is fun. I recommend TOR to anyone.

anyone know what time the servers are down until?

With EA supporting SOPA and Lucas being a total douche about the original trilogy I can easily skip this. Normally I would be interested but there is too much greed and anti-consumer sentiment behind this game.

unicron702: Will I be able to use the force to crumple an AT-AT into a Geo Metro sized ball with my mind?

Doubtful, but, again, can't say for sure.

FarkLiberty: anyone know what time the servers are down until?

Midnight eastern time. 4 more hours, basically.

Sucks, this was one of the few days this week I'd really have a chance to play.

DeWayne Mann: unicron702: Will I be able to use the force to crumple an AT-AT into a Geo Metro sized ball with my mind?

Doubtful, but, again, can't say for sure.

FarkLiberty: anyone know what time the servers are down until?

Midnight eastern time. 4 more hours, basically.

Sucks, this was one of the few days this week I'd really have a chance to play.

DAMN! Me too. I have work the rest of the week.

Ah well.

/May the force be with you

lbryant: So I just watched the intro video. Here's what I got out of it:

Not Solo has to team up with some Not Skywalker and Obi-Not Kenobi). The Notsith arrives in Not Destroyers. They have to get to the Nopelemmium Falcon , the fastest ship in the sector. Obi-Not stays behind to fight Not Vader so that the others can make their escape. The others make it to the Nopelemium Falcon, shoot up some Not-Destroyers and jump to hyperspace.

Really, LucasArts slash Bioware?

FIFY

Hey, question that I just remembered. I don't remember signing up for any guilds at any point. But whenever I go to the server select screen, next to the first server I joined (I've got characters on 3), there's an orange flag listed under "guilds" and if I hover my mouse over it, it says something like "The guild you signed up for online is on this server."

My best guess is that it's some sort of exclusive pre-release guild? But I honestly have no clue. Anyone else know? Like I said, I'm avoiding social stuff for the most point, so I haven't even looked at the in-game guild screen.

DeWayne Mann: Hey, question that I just remembered. I don't remember signing up for any guilds at any point. But whenever I go to the server select screen, next to the first server I joined (I've got characters on 3), there's an orange flag listed under "guilds" and if I hover my mouse over it, it says something like "The guild you signed up for online is on this server."

My best guess is that it's some sort of exclusive pre-release guild? But I honestly have no clue. Anyone else know? Like I said, I'm avoiding social stuff for the most point, so I haven't even looked at the in-game guild screen.

You signed up for a guild.

Cytokine Storm: You signed up for a guild.

:(

That's basically how I play MMOs. I don't join guilds and I don't RP with others, I can handle the make-believe on my own.

Is TOR offered on Steam? I didn't see it when I did quick look. Am I blind? Did they realy pas that up?

Clowns are a Ten:
What if I find multiplayer incredibly boring.

What I've seen so far the game is very forgiving when you want to go solo... but it will lock you out of certain dungeons; well it'll let you in but without another human or two it'll hand you your ass. Apparently if you are just that good you can solo some of the low end ones but GLHF applies.

But I've been playing it on and off for the last two days (Trying to finish ANNO 2070) with the chat minimised and all I'm getting is the "Bioward RPG" shine.

Saying that though, I'm still not sure if this is a game I'll keep a constant subscription too though. Yes I'm enjoying myself, sure I like the story. It's just something I may dip in and out of after my gametime has expired.

Torqueknot: Is TOR offered on Steam? I didn't see it when I did quick look. Am I blind? Did they realy pas that up?

Steam isn't allowed to have it. EA is pushing their own service, Origin, so they're calling TOR an "Origin exclusive"

I'm in love with the game.

Clowns are a Ten: What if I find multiplayer incredibly boring.

I want to be in UFC, but I don't want any violence...

DeWayne Mann: Torqueknot: Is TOR offered on Steam? I didn't see it when I did quick look. Am I blind? Did they realy pas that up?

Steam isn't allowed to have it. EA is pushing their own service, Origin, so they're calling TOR an "Origin exclusive"

Ahh, never heard of their service. So now I'm gunna be on Steam, Impulse and Origin? Assholes.

/I guess I could go to a brick and mortar store and buy it... but why?

Knobbs: Clowns are a Ten: What if I find multiplayer incredibly boring.

I want to be in UFC, but I don't want any violence...

I was super dissapointed the Madden series didn't have robust car racing elements.

Torqueknot: Ahh, never heard of their service. So now I'm gunna be on Steam, Impulse and Origin? Assholes.

/I guess I could go to a brick and mortar store and buy it... but why?

I love steam, and impulse has some good deals from time to time, but, yeah, I'm not getting involved with Origin.

That being said, I've heard Desura is pretty good too.