Jedi Knight Q&A at GameSpot

Hot on the tail of the Jedi Knight class reveal comes GameSpot with a Q&A about the class, much like they had for previous classes. In it GameSpot asks BioWare's director of production Dallas Dickinson and senior game designer William Wallace a couple of questions about the class. Here's an excerpt:

GameSpot: We're pleased to be able to reveal the early details on the Jedi knight profession. This is obviously an iconic character class represented by some of the most famous characters in Star Wars fiction. Give us an overview of this profession.

Dallas Dickinson: The Jedi knight is based very much on [Samuel L. Jackson's] Mace Windu archetype [from the Phantom Menace motion picture]. He is a powerful, force-wielding warrior who will be called on to protect the galaxy from a great evil. Players should expect to be involved in a bit of intrigue but mostly to be focused on hunting down and combating the Sith and their representatives throughout the galaxy.

I must say that a lot of the description sounds eerily much like the Sith Warrior description; quick into melee, dominating with melee powers, advertising dual wielding for the class. Not entirely unexpected, since it only makes sense for this kind of class mirroring (and hopefully that will put any doubts about mirroring to rest, though I doubt it). And we always knew that the Jedi were going to be combat heavy, but I can't help but be very disappointed by the description I see in the Q&A.

I guess I was just hoping for somethign more... spiritual.

Ah well, three more classes to go. There's still some hope that there will be a class that actually sounds fun to me.


[link] to Jedi Knight Q&A at GameSpot.

Jedi Knight Class Reveal

My they're early with the Friday update today. As rumored it seems that indeed today they officially reveal the Jedi Knight class. Here is the official news:

For thousands of years the Knights of the Jedi Order have been the guardians of peace and justice in The Old Republic. Through disciplined training and meditation, the Jedi Knights achieve perfect union of body and mind, allowing them to meet any situation with focused, fearless attention. Strengthened by the Force, they are able to turn this training into brilliant displays of lightsaber combat inspiring allies and disheartening those who would see the Republic fall.

Access the latest HoloNet entry now to see a full profile of these heroic Jedi Knights, including videos showing them in action! Also, be sure to visit the Media section to get downloadable screenshots, concept art, and wallpapers!

And indeed they have the Holonet page up as well. Here's an excerpt from the description:

Valiant, Determined, Guardian of Peace

A symbol of hope in dark times, the Jedi Knight stands for the legacy of the Jedi Order—more than twenty-thousand years of protecting the Republic and keeping the peace across the galaxy. Though Jedi Knights have served as generals, guerilla fighters, and warriors for generations, their legendary combat prowess faces its greatest test during this age.

And don't forget the media for the class; the screenshots and concept art you can get from the Holonet page too, but there's also two new wallpapers:

  
Oh, and the new class forum for Jedi Knights is now open as well.

Not entirely unexpected to see this class, even before the rumors started earlier this week. We always knew that Jedi was going to be a class and after the Sith Warrior it became quite obviously that the Jedi class would be Jedi Knight.

Only three classes left to be revealed. My speculation is that one will be some kind of Imperial Agent (by whatever name; the Imperial answer to the Smuggler), some kind of Senator (by whatever name; the Leia/Padmé class) and some kind of Imperial Officer/Governor class (by whatever name; the Grand Moff Tarkin class and answer to the Leia/Padmé class). I guess we'll see in time. I predict the next class reveal to be somewhere around Christmas.

Rumor: Jedi Knight Next Class?

As reported by Darth Hater it seems that some members in the BioWare community have uncovered some information that seems to indicate that BioWare is close to revealing the next class, and that this class is the "Jedi Knight".

In a thread on the forums posters are listing evidence for this.

When going to the "jedi-knight" url on the holonet you get a page stating "You are not authorized to access this page." This text indicates that it is a valid URL for upcoming content, as otherwise it'd just give a blank page (and previously revealed content had such a text as well before it was released).

But more telling is the following picture people uncovered in the website's directory structure:


That subtitle reads "savior of the galaxy".

Also the following two forum images were uncovered:

 
The first one of those clearly seems to be a jedi, and the second might be an Imperial Agent or such as many are speculating. But it's unlikely that they'll reveal two classes at once. It looks quite likely that they'll reveal another class this Friday (or soon at least).

Of course, as with all rumors, this isn't anywhere near official until BioWare say that it is official. Though I do recall Sean saying that he wanted to leave such 'hints' around for forum members to uncover, so it's looking likely that we'll get the Jedi Knight class soon.


[UPDATE] It seems that Darth Hater has something more to report on this. Apparently some user found the flash animation for the Jedi Knight, making it as good as certain that this will be the next class reveal. Even more telling is that it seems that both this Flash animation and the header title image (I reported on above) have been removed from the site, making it clear that BioWare didn't really want those to leak just yet (too late). I've replaced the image above with one someone managed to save and put on flickr, but believe me it was on swtor at first.

Timeline 5: The Battle of Bothawui

Jedi Master Gnost-Dural has a new timeline update for us today. But first today also brings us the eighteenth issue of the online comic. As per the official news:

The eighteenth issue of Threat of Peace™ is full of suspense and suspicion. Jedi Master Orgus Din is called away from Balmorra to pursue a suspect in the Senate Tower bombing, the Bounty Hunter Braden. Meanwhile, Lord Baras foils an assassination attempt on Korriban, and Jedi Knight Fortris Gall requests Lieutenant Tavus’s help on Dantooine.

Check out the latest issue of Threat of Peace now.

Of course, the big news today is the timeline. here is the official news:

A new holorecord in the Jedi Archive captures a poignant moment in the Republic’s recent history. Master Gnost-Dural recounts the story of the battle of Bothawui—a battle in which the courage and sacrifice of Jedi and Republic forces scored a major victory against the Sith Empire.

BTC 18 – Nearly a decade after the return of the Sith Empire and the start of the Great War, the Empire had scored dozens of victories, establishing its dominance in the Outer Rim. As the Sith turned their forces toward the Mid Rim, however, the Republic prepared a bold surprise. When an Imperial squadron arrived to seize control of Bothawui, the entire Republic fleet was waiting. The fleet’s victory was celebrated across the galaxy, but the truly inspiring moment was yet to come. As the Republic fleet dispersed to defend other battlefronts, only a small force remained behind to face the Empire’s retribution. The Jedi and Republic troopers on Bothawui never had a chance of surviving the Imperial attack, but their courage and selflessness in the face of impossible odds won a victory far greater than that from any single battle. The heroic stand on Bothawui restored hope across the galaxy, and rallied the Republic’s forces to fight with renewed courage.

Watch the fifth Timeline holorecord, The Battle of Bothawui, narrated by actor Lance Henriksen.


You can also download a high resolution version of this video.

And as usual the full text:

WHEN THE EMPEROR PLANNED THE REPUBLIC’S DESTRUCTION, HE DID NOT FORESEE THE NEED FOR ALLIANCES.

THE SITH WOULD SWEEP THROUGH THE GALAXY, SYSTEMATICALLY EXTERMINATING THEIR AGE-OLD JEDI ENEMIES AND DISMANTLING THE PROUD REPUBLIC.

BUT THE EMPEROR’S VISION WAS CYNICAL.

HE DID NOT COUNT ON THE BRAVE SACRIFICES THE REPUBLIC’S HEROES WERE WILLING TO MAKE.

AFTER THE SITH OFFENSIVE SEIZED THE SESWENNA SECTOR OF THE OUTER RIM, THE IMPERIAL ARMADA TURNED ITS SIGHTS CLOSER TO THE CORE. THE MID RIM.

BELIEVING THE REPUBLIC WAS STILL RECOVERING FROM ITS HEAVY LOSSES, IMPERIAL FORCES CHARGED INTO BOTHAN SPACE, WHERE THEY WERE CAUGHT OFF GUARD BY THE FULL FORCE OF THE REPUBLIC FLEET.

THE REPUBLIC FLEET OBLITERATED THE IMPERIAL SQUADRON AND THE BATTLE OF BOTHAWUI BECAME THE REPUBLIC’S FIRST MAJOR VICTORY IN THE WAR.

THE NEWS SPREAD ACROSS THE GALAXY, REKINDLING LOST HOPES AND RE-ENERGIZING EXHAUSTED DEFENDERS.

THE REPUBLIC FLEET MOVED ON, BUT A COURAGEOUS FORCE OF JEDI AND REPUBLIC SOLDIERS REMAINED ON BOTHAWUI TO AWAIT THE EMPIRE’S RETURN.

THE VENGEANCE OF THE SITH CAME SWIFTLY.

IMPERIAL BATTLE CRUISERS FROM AROUND THE GALAXY CLOSED IN ON BOTHAN SPACE TO RECOUP THEIR LOSSES.

A HIGH-POWERED PLANETARY SHIELD PROTECTED BOTHAWUI FROM BOMBARDMENT, FORCING THE IMPERIAL FORCES TO ENGAGE ON THE GROUND.

JEDI MASTER BELTH ALLUSIS, SEVEN DOZEN OF THE ORDER’S FINEST KNIGHTS, AND FOUR THOUSAND OF THE REPUBLIC’S STRONGEST SOLDIERS DUG IN TO DEFEND THE SHIELD GENERATORS… OR DIE TRYING.

THE DISPARITY WAS STAGGERING.

AN UNPRECEDENTED IMPERIAL ARMY, FIFTY THOUSAND STRONG, DESCENDED ON BOTHAWUI’S BRAVE DEFENDERS.

THE DEFENDERS WERE UNDAUNTED.

WITH NO EXPECTATIONS OF SURVIVAL, THEY WERE MINDFUL OF THEIR DUTY.

BUT OVERCONFIDENT IMPERIAL COMMANDERS THREW ALL THEIR ARMIES’ MIGHT INTO THE DIRECT ASSAULT AND THEIR GROUND FORCES FELL IN DROVES.

FOR EVERY REPUBLIC SOLDIER WHO DIED, TEN IMPERIALS WERE KILLED.

THE EMPIRE WAS FORCED TO CALL IN REINFORCEMENTS.

DESPITE THE DEFENDERS’ DETERMINATION, THEIR LINES WERE WHITTLED AWAY UNTIL ONLY A HANDFUL OF SOLDIERS AND JEDI REMAINED.

THEY RALLIED TO JEDI MASTER ALLUSIS FOR A FINAL STAND.

IMPERIAL GRAND MOFF ZELLOS OFFERED TO SPARE MASTER ALLUSIS IF HE AND HIS BRAVE COMRADES WOULD SURRENDER.

NEITHER PRIDE NOR FOOLHARDINESS DROVE THE DEFENDER’S DECISION.

THEY WERE GUIDED BY THE FORCE.

THEY HAD PASSED BEYOND THE FEAR OF DEATH.

THEIR GLORIOUS LAST STAND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

ALLUSIS AND HIS MEN FELL, BUT NOT BEFORE THE IMPERIALS WERE DRIVEN TO RETREAT.

THE BATTLE OF BOTHAWUI WAS A DRAW.

THE HEROES OF BOTHAWUI INSPIRED BOLD NEW REPUBLIC STRATEGIES THAT EVENTUALLY HALTED THE EMPIRE’S ADVANCES.

IN RETROSPECT, THOUGH, THE REPUBLIC LOST TOO MANY SYSTEMS IN THE EARLY YEARS OF THE GREAT WAR.

THE EXECUTION OF THE EMPEROR’S BRILLIANT STRATEGY WAS FLAWLESS.

SURVIVAL WAS THE BEST THE REPUBLIC COULD HOPE FOR.

I HAVE SPENT MUCH TIME NOW PIECING TOGETHER THE PUZZLE OF THE EMPEROR’S INITIAL DESIGNS, AND I HAVE A THEORY THAT IS QUITE SURPRISING.

I’LL DEVELOP THAT FOR MY NEXT REPORT.

Bah, damn cliffhangers.

Quite a heroic last stand. Almost brought tears to my eyes.

MMO Gamer Interviews Blaine Christine

The website The MMO Gamer has an interview with BioWare's Blaine Christine, producer for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Here's an excerpt:

The MMO Gamer: Ever since TOR was first announced there’s always been a very big emphasis on heroism; you, the player, aren’t just some regular schlub who wandered in from off the street, you’re a hero! Everything you do is heroic!
But if you’re an “evil” character, say, playing a Bounty Hunter or a Sith, wouldn’t you be a villain, not a hero?

Blaine Christine: [laughs] I certainly can’t deny that.

I guess what we mean by hero is not necessarily in the good guy sense, but hero in the you feel like you’re taking on a ton of enemies at once, your storyline is impactful and meaningful… you don’t feel like you’re being sent on quests to collect ten boxes for some random vendor.

The MMO Gamer: So you can play as an antagonist, the story for the “evil” classes doesn’t just swap names and places around from the stories of “the good guys”?

Blaine Christine: I would say yes, very much. The storyline for the Sith Warrior, if you want to play a bad guy, he is a bad guy.

Your storyline as it goes through, he’s not a nice, friendly dude. You see that in the gameplay footage we’ve released, where you get the choice to save or kill the captain.

These are heavy choices, and if you strike him down, you get dark side points that are going to influence how your character develops, influence how the rest of the story goes. You kill somebody, they’re not there later.

It's a nice interview, though not a lot of new things in there. Really just a re-iteration of things that they've already said a dozen times over.


[link] to interview with Blaine Christine at The MMO Gamer.

The Battle for Balmorra!

BioWare has revealed another planet, namely the war-torn world of Balmorra. Here is the official news:

Due to escalating tensions on the devastated, war-torn world of Balmorra, both the Sith Empire, and the Galactic Republic are looking for new recruits to ship out! Be sure to get caught up on the newest playable planet in the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ universe! Find out more about the story and struggle of this manufacturing world famous for its battle-droids and weapons.

Access the HoloNet entry to read the story behind Balmorra’s escalating tensions, as Republic-sponsored Balmorran Resistance forces strive to keep the planet’s resources out of Imperial hands. Don’t forget to visit the Media page to see Balmorra brought to life in stunning screenshots, concepts, and wallpapers!

Ooh, it seems that BioWare is now putting the full url in their html (so that when I copy-paste their html source for the quote above I don't have to manually edit all the urls). Thanks BioWare.

Anyway, that doesn't make any difference to you I'm sure, so back to Balmorra.

As the news post states they've also got a couple of new images for us. Allow me to list them here for you.


Screenshots
 
 

Concept Art
 
 

Wallpapers
 

There you go. Looks like a planet that's just made for PvP; it should be noted that this is the first planet that links to both the Sith Empire and The Republic at the bottom. Every other planet was either one or the other (and Nal Hutta had neither listed).

Developer Dispatch: The Making of Coruscant

BioWare has two new updates for us today; a new issue of the comic and a new developer dispatch movie. Here is the official news for the comic:

The seventeenth issue of Threat of Peace™ begins with a Lieutenant Tavus making a not-so-subtle romantic pass at Jedi Knight Satele Shan. An awkward moment is averted as the pair arrives on Dantooine to deal with yet another Republic military outpost where the troops have not withdrawn. Even as discussions begin with the stubborn Republic major, news arrives of Master Zym’s death and the Senate Tower bombing…

Check out the latest issue of Threat of Peace now.

And it seems that they fixed the direct link to comic pages.

The second bit of news is more exciting, as the developers give a bit of an inside look into making the planet Coruscant in their developer dispatch video. Here is the official news:

From the majestic skyline to the dark and seedy underground levels, a large team of The Old Republic developers worked together to construct the dynamic city-world of Coruscant. Watch our latest Developer Dispatch, The Making of Coruscant, to hear developers discuss the creation of the Republic’s capital from the deepest basement to the tallest skyscraper.

Coruscant is sounding really, really impressive. Can't wait to set foot on it and explore.


[link] to the comic news.
[link] to the Developer Dispatch video news.

BioWare Blog: The Story of the Sith Warrior

The big news this week was openign of the applications for Game Testing. Due to the overwhelming interest the servers have been down for extended periods of time this week, but are back up now and look like they'll remain so. Even so, the application process had (and possibly still has) a number of problems though BioWare is actively working to resolve as many of those issues as they can. Even so, if you want to apply and are having trouble you can take a look at the issues thread which lists a number of known problems and solutions.

For this Friday's update we get a BioWare blog entry, titled "The Story of the Sith Warrior". Here's an excerpt:

You begin the Sith Warrior story as the apprentice of one of the most powerful Sith Lords in the Empire. Yes, you serve him, as Vader served the Emperor, but he knows that you are at your best and most powerful the more you can flex your muscles. As long as your master’s ultimate directives are met, you are encouraged to entertain your every impulse and do as you please.

Unbound and unleashed on the galaxy, you wage war against the Jedi, relentlessly hunting and neutralizing their most powerful and important players. You can leave an indelible darkness on every planet you visit or find less wanton routes to your goals, as you eliminate rivals, acquire your own minions and build your personal power base.

There's not a lot of new information there and seems mostly a promotional piece for the class (unlike the previous blogs that I remember, which also showed some insight in the creation of the class). Most of the information is really in the bit quoted above, all of it open to speculation (what do they mean with "acquire your own minions"?).

But I will admit that the following made my inner rebel smile: "You can even have secret designs to redeem yourself, embrace the light and destabilize the Empire from within."


[link] to the BioWare Blog: "The Story of the Sith Warrior".