View Full Version : Bioware + Lucas Arts Announcement
There have been some invites going out to different gaming sites to a press conference type event hosted by Bioware and Lucasarts. Many say they will announce the long awaited Kotor MMO, rumored to be titled Star Wars: The Old Republic. If you visit Joystiq.com or Massively.com you can see a scan of the invite sent and it even looks like Star Wars. Also around the beginning of the summer a top person at EA confirmed it was a Kotor based MMO. As you may know EA is publishing for Bioware now. Also during this summer Bioware reps said look for the game in Q4 or 2008 or Early Q1 2009. It has been worked on for about 3 years now.
This thread is to discuss what you would want from the game if you played it, and to possibly get a guild started.
Let me start by saying I hope it is released soon seeing as they have been working on it for a very long time. I would like something with a mix between PRE CU/NGE and WoW. Take the solo-ability for casual players from WoW. Mix the "Custom" classes from SWG with possible arch-types like WoW's background arch-types of DPS, Tank, Healer Ranged DPS. Jedi should be a hero class that is unlocked from a quest chain at the highest level to be equal length/difficulty with Onyxia chain quest. One point I would like to get some discussion in on would be Instances in this game. I don't really see this being 20/40 guys go against one boss. If you look at star wars if its a group fight it's always rather large the only "Boss" fights in the movies would be Sith v. Jedi. I would like to see more battles verse large groups of mobs in some sort of event possibly ending with you attacking a general of some sort. Loot would be received from the last kill of each "Event".
motownatl
10-10-2008, 01:28 AM
The one thing I hope and pray for is that it is NOT an MMO. I hope it is a completion of the KotOR series. At the very least a single player game with the option to go further in an MP environment. I have no problem with pay tp play ( I belong to 3 MMO communities currently) but I don't believe an MMO will be the best game possible to continue the stories.
You had great suggestions, but being a great fan of the SP game, I do hope the last three years have been spent making the most awesome SP game available because after the KotOR 2 ending the players deserve it and I believe that an MMO would rob them of that.
...That being said I will have decide which of my Current MMO's I will be dropping should it truly turn out to be an MMO.
Seeing as massively.com was invited to the unveiling of the game I'm pretty sure it's a MMO.
tsmith15
10-10-2008, 04:39 AM
If it provides a full experience for PvE and has no monthly subscription fees I would probably play it.
motownatl
10-10-2008, 07:10 AM
Seeing as massively.com was invited to the unveiling of the game I'm pretty sure it's a MMO.
Well that will kinda suck...
motownatl
10-10-2008, 07:25 AM
If it provides a full experience for PvE and has no monthly subscription fees I would probably play it.
With all due respect my friend.....
Dream on. No way they will work this long on an MMO and NOT charge you a monthly fee
I don't care what anyone says Guild Wars was not an MMO. I am not happy to pay the 15 dollars a month but you get a quality game that is constantly being worked on. You also get quality players that can afford the 15 dollars. I was young when I played UO so I have nothing against little kids but when it comes to some things in MMO's you want a mature guild that will progress through PvE or PvP content. MMO's are supposed to be challenging and rewarding. I even think WoW is a really easy MMO. You can easily hit 70 in one week with the new buddy system by 2 boxing. You can also later sell your second account. I want this game to be set during the Jedi Civil war. Characters will level to a max level and then unlock a quest to either become a jedi and restart or pick to relevel a character from zero. Of course within the first 6 or so levels you will pick to be sith or jedi by one quest line that can go one of two ways.
motownatl
10-10-2008, 09:18 AM
If I hadn't already played KotOr 2 I would probably want it to be during the Jedi Civil War as well, but there was such a gaping plot hole left in the last Old Republic game, that I hope the MMO addresses the wraping up of that plot line. And thanks to George Lucas, I am full up on the prequel/ middle of the story type... stories. lol
One way I was thinking they could do this is that in KotOR 2, it was hinted that Revan went to search for the true Sith and that he would need all Force wielders regardless of alignment to help fight the threat. If it is an MMO, I hope they go that route as I can see how that could be an ongoing story worthy of an MMO.
Another thought that I had was maybe the rebuilding of the republic and the Jedi Council. This could create a dichotemy wherein you have very dedicated Jedi, Jolee Bindoo type Jedi, bounty hunters, sith, Mandalorians, Exchange Personnel and even a class for Senators that want to work the government side of rebuilding the republic. Heck the possibilities for the different worlds/ systems that you could assist with rebuilding could be limitless.
It should be reasonably difficult to level to Jedi, and it's the endless grind that I dread getting to that point that makes me wary of an MMO format. Not that I hate MMO's but you know there is only so much grinding I can take. What would be cool is if they integrate the conversational dialog that was in the single player game. The reason for this is even if you choose a Jedi, your decisions/ responses/ actions will truly determine whether you will be light or dark.
I remember reading an interview from a dev over at Bioware about the MMO. They couldn't say it was star wars due to the licensing of SWG which runs out I believe this december. I remember him saying something to the effect of have 2 way quests, good and evil play it how you want to and that the npc's will remember you and spread on the good or bad word.
decepticon
10-12-2008, 01:42 AM
I would LOVE for this MMO to come out. LOVE.
spamminator
10-12-2008, 03:20 AM
The question is, what platforms will it come out on? First X360/PS3 MMO?
I would also prefer it to offer a full $60 single player experience, with further content provided in an MMO setting. Kind of like what AoC had.
I don't think you guys understand what a MMO really is. If you want a singleplayer kotor you won't find it in the MMO. First of all the combat will be completely different and you more than likely won't have 2 NPC's following you. This game will definitely have a massive amount of lore behind it, no pun intended. It's star wars and in order to have the lore be meaningful they will have to have iconic people from the first and second kotor game. This game will definitely have quests you can solo but it will not be KOTOR 3. Most of the developers are from kotor 1 or SWG. It will be an MMO like WoW because all of the developers talk about how much they play wow in any interviews. They have all said they want to take the good from WoW and put it into what they think will make a good MMO. I really doubt this will be a console MMO because they always say how they want the game to be really deep but you can't really have too many button combos with a controller. Also MMO's are always about community do you expect everyone to buy the keyboard attachment for the 360. Even if they would use the headsets sitting in the major town you wouldn't be able to advertise the sale of items or if you are LFG. MMO's don't work on consoles if you ask me. I would bet 1000 bucks it will be PC with maybe some sort of attempt at a 360/ps3 port with in company testing leading to the cancellation of a console release.
Also just thought of text boxes in a console version, it would have to be big and the text would have to be large as well. If you haven't noticed it is really hard to read text on standard def TV's because everyone is supposed to have HD. So in order for it to work for SD TV users the text would have to be large.
I really hope one of the sites invited has some sort of stream or perhaps one at lucasarts.com. If not I'm sure the stories will be posted with in 30 minutes as it has been called the most anticipated game of all time.
motownatl
10-12-2008, 09:38 AM
I have to agree with what Kash said, If you're really looking forward to this being on a console, well... good luck. Not saying it's out of the question, but there is a reason the majority of MMOs (almost all IIRC) are on PC's.
On the other hand Kash, all the reasons you listed may mean they are making a SP and an MMO ( a tiny bit of wishful thinking here). The dynamics of this situation are further skewed by the fact that Lucasarts has been trying harder and harder to push thier games towards consoles and If the MMO is on console then it will have all the difficulties you mentioned.
Also, I guess my fear is that the content will be sooooo watered down in an MMO. I have always looked as MMO's as the type of game you want when you never want the story to end. But with the history of Lucasarts on story continuation, I'm afraid this can be as bad as it's intended to be good.
Okay Motown you make a valid point. Lets pretend and everything I say after this just pretend its all official. So the announcement comes and it turns out it is after kotor 2. Revan comes back from where ever he went and guess who his new apprentice is... The exile she was said to have followed Revan to where said the "True sith" were. So they come back and visit with Bastila, Carth, and Mandalore/Canderous. These people become the main story driven characters, as a player you do things to either help them or to thwart there efforts. Also all the other party members fom the games can become generals on different planets. You could also have Hanharr become a crime lord or mentor to the bounty hunter class. So we have talked about the good side now imagine that the true sith does emerge. In order for the republic/jedi/mandalorians(revan told mandalore to be ready for battle) to feel in danger they need to be losing this battle to the sith and they need to ake a new sith lord or somehow have a spirit of one come back to command the "true sith". There is enough of a background lore and you would feel like you are really doing something if you are helping your favorite characters from the original games. The only problem I can see is that the sith lord would be new and that might not work. So it could be during the jedi civil war but then Revan is still evil and all the jedi are almost dead.
Let me know if that would at all get you excited for the MMO.
I found this piece of information on a forum sticky dedicated to showing all the evidence of it being a KOTOR MMO. You may have heard of the EA CEO confirming the game in an interview well read this:
"In an interview with Portfolio.com, EA CEO John Riccitiello confirmed that BioWare was working on a Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic game, and it would “certainly have a massively multiplayer online component to it.”
Riccitiello also states that the KOTOR MMO will “sidestep the consoles owned by Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo,” presumably making it a PC exclusive.
To all the KOTOR fans–excited? Or would you rather have another single-player experience?"
iccanui
10-13-2008, 01:13 AM
From July.
We've had plenty of speculation -- lots and lots of it -- but now we've got confirmation from Electronic Arts chief executive John Riccitiello that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is indeed getting a massively multiplayer online iteration. Portfolio.com has the story.
The article quotes Riccitiello as saying, "... the one that people are dying for us to talk to them about -- in partnership with Lucas, coming out of BioWare, which is, I think, quite possibly the most anticipated game, full stop, for the industry at the point when we get closer to telling you about it." When directly asked if this was confirmation of Knights of the Old Republic Online, the executive said simply, "yes".
http://www.massively.com/2008/07/17/kotor-mmo-confirmed-by-electronic-arts/
motownatl
10-13-2008, 02:27 AM
Ok Kash Touche. You managed to get me excited...that story would defitnetly be an awesome one and I can actually see it moving into an MMO format. I think as far as the sith factor, you were on the right track that the "true sith" would probably be the main Antagonist.
I completely agree about the PC only argument. It would truly be the only rthe game could be truly realized.
Iccanui, thats a good point I had forgotten about that comment from EA's CEO. So I guess I better get my AWSD buttons warmed up.
As far as jedi go there would be plenty at this time. I would love to see it as a class or perhaps you have to hit max level before you can change into a jedi. Either way I almost guarantee this game will have jedi in it. You became a jedi part way through both Kotor's. I could really see it being set before KOTOR as well while Revan is the dark lord. If they go this way they won't have the heroes from 1 & 2 because they will either be simple soldiers like what the players will be. Bastila would still be a padawan more then likely. The only thing I see being weird about post-kotor 2 is that the council would have to be remade. This however leaves Revan, the exile, and Bastila. Also in the games you could turn other people into jedi so maybe they could turn say handmaiden into a council member. What do you guys think about the jedi council if it is post kotor 2. Or what do you think if it is pre kotor 1, during the mandalorian wars.
iccanui
10-14-2008, 01:43 AM
What im hoping for is Mass Effect MMO with Star Wars theme. Im playing ME right now and the interactions, the intelligent story lines that are effected by your choices so its not all generic would not only fit into this setting, but i think is the next evolution of this genre. One thing that makes a MMO get old is the repetition. Once you play it through its like... you just stay cause its habit and your friends are there. But to implement classic bioware storytelling that is evident in KOTOR, Jade Empire and Mass effect is just a perfect piece to a epic MMO. Also what i think has been on the cusp of the next evolution of this genre, full on cinematic interactions. AoC kinda tried it, but it falls off after certain level and doesnt capture it. I mean, lets face it, reading text is kinda last decade. I wanna have a conversation with my NPC's ala mass effect.
I dunno, the stage is set, all the pieces are there for this to be a great game. Cinematic and engaging story telling, epic source material, beautiful settings. I think this game is gonna shake things up in this very stagnate genre. Most of us that really play MMO's have been waiting for the realization of a true " next gen MMO " and are really bored with whats around atm. WoW really is old now and is not innovative and moves like a lumbering ox. EA with warhammer has shown a almost anal commitment to game polish and bioware, i would say, is the most respected and talented story telling game company in the business. Perhaps a perfect match.
I cant wait personally. Im gonna play stargate worlds just cause im a SG nut. But this is the true next MMO i am waiting for and from what i see so far, im already looking at existing MMO's like they are flat, boring and 1 dimensional.
Thats where i am anyway.
I don't see them straying too far from a standard MMO because most that have strayed away from the common mold haven't been super successful. I don't mean this is going to be a wow copy but if you look at KOTOR 1 it is basically a standard RPG with all the dice rolling going on in the background and such. I do see them being innovate in story, faction, depth, and end-game content.
I've decided to form a guild. It will how ever not be an official TRS guild. My brother and his roommate told me that I would make a perfect guild leader. If this game comes out (IT WILL!!!) I will be making a sith/evil based guild and all TRS fans are welcome to join. We want to play on a PvP server if there is a difference. If anyone wants to join I will be setting up forums in the next week or two. Leave a post here and I'll either post the URL back in this thread or just send out PM's.
motownatl
10-22-2008, 01:29 AM
Yes, it will be an MMO called Star Wars: The Old Republic (Saw that one comming) but I am so looking forward to because the things they are going to try to implement:
Summary: Even though it will be an MMO they are trying to make it story based as much as possible. Grouping will be encourages but soloing will be doable. There will be companions (YES!) that I gathering will be NPC companions who you can affect like the KOTOR games. Decisions are final and can't be reversed. Looking for more details.
motownatl
10-22-2008, 01:31 AM
Screenshots look awesome for this game, I think this may even own WOW if done right!
motownatl
10-22-2008, 01:32 AM
Just go to the new website which I can't post on here I believe but is easy if you do the google thing OR type www. and then type the first letter of each word in the new game title .com
aerodash84
10-22-2008, 02:35 AM
Screenshots look awesome for this game, I think this may even own WOW if done right!
Pics or it didn't happen :D
On that note, I read a live blog stream from the 1Up staff at the press event. I'm excited, disappointed and skeptical all at once. Excited for a new KOTOR game, but disappointed that it is an MMO. Everything described makes me skeptical. It almost sounds to ambitious to even make it out. It sounds like a great single player game, but how it will transcribe to an MMO I have no idea. I also don't really notice much gameplay changes in BioWare games when it comes to classes, but I may need to revisit them and make sure. There weren't video cameras or pictures allowed so a lot of it is just accounts of what was seen. The official website has very little info if any real info or in game screens except some back story on the universe. So far it's more like we have a really cool idea... we'll get back to you when we got something.
Link to the office site: http://www.swtor.com/
Edit: going to note they said no official beta testing time has been sent, but recommend signing up for the website to increase you chances of getting an invite.
YAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
www.swtor.com I don't like that most of the saber hilts are freaking fat. It looks like they are holding big gatorade bottles.
I like that each class has a different story so that re-rolling won't be the same grind.
scoobydiesel
10-22-2008, 07:03 AM
Im slow on ths today but man i really hope its mac friendly.
if anythng i guess id play it on 360 also if i can
motownatl
10-22-2008, 07:40 AM
Man scooby, I hate being the bearer of bad news but, initially at least (and by that I mean a few years), it doesn't sound like it. But you can prolly get an inexpensive pc that can play it if your mac can't, from what I have heard. Doesn't sound like you need an uber comp to play.
scoobydiesel
10-22-2008, 07:52 AM
Yeah i know they said PC today....but im hoping by the time it comes out they might give us something else.
But if true i wil buy some cheapo PC to play it. and thats crazy for me to say that o_O
aerodash84
10-22-2008, 12:54 PM
Yeah i know they said PC today....but im hoping by the time it comes out they might give us something else.
But if true i wil buy some cheapo PC to play it. and thats crazy for me to say that o_O
Producers of MMOs would be smart to make games Mac friendly. I think that's why WoW and Blizzard products sell so well. Being dual format friendly is nice. Especially not having to buy a Mac version of a game, because finding a copy is rough.
Can't you just get a virtual windows program. I've seen people at school with them it looks like you have a windows desktop in a mac window and they were playing counter-strike.
aerodash84
10-22-2008, 08:39 PM
Can't you just get a virtual windows program. I've seen people at school with them it looks like you have a windows desktop in a mac window and they were playing counter-strike.
Pretty sure the Mac itself loads the Windows operating system. So you can have to OS running on a Mac. You'll need your own copy of Windows and I'd recommend OEM versions to save on some money.
I guess that might work as well. Personally I would say it's not coming out on MAC because I don't believe many other bioware games have, but I could be wrong.
scoobydiesel
10-23-2008, 03:43 AM
I honestly dont want to boot camp or put windows on my MBP since it would take up more space then to just have the game be supported for Mac.
aerodash84
10-23-2008, 04:39 AM
I honestly dont want to boot camp or put windows on my MBP since it would take up more space then to just have the game be supported for Mac.
I wouldn't either. I'm for more games being Mac compatible. I really want to see more dual system games like Blizzards disks. I don't want to have to buy two copies of something to play on two different computers.
scoobydiesel
10-23-2008, 06:28 AM
If SWTOB is Mac friendly at lunch i will be buying it an playin to right away.
That would be so awesome. I would stop my WoW(not that i really play it anyways) an yea...
had to try an make sure it stays on topic on here and not just a mac fest lol
aerodash84
10-23-2008, 07:26 AM
I'm hoping to get into Beta to see how the game plays. I just have a lot of worries that the game would make a better single player game then multi-player.
scoobydiesel
10-23-2008, 10:10 AM
i think that will be almost everyones worrites, because everyone wants KOTOR3 and if i remember they said this is 3 and 4 and 5 and on or osmething like that, which doesnt make alot of people happy to a point
aerodash84
10-23-2008, 10:13 AM
i think that will be almost everyones worrites, because everyone wants KOTOR3 and if i remember they said this is 3 and 4 and 5 and on or osmething like that, which doesnt make alot of people happy to a point
Well they had planned sequels, but thought it would make more sense to make an MMO. That to me sounds like it locks them in. It seems like people from the originals probably won't be alive. It just sounds like they're stuck in this time frame and it's a world which seems cool but focuses more on a single player story and occasionally needing help.