Star Wars: The Old Republic is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game which takes place in the Star Wars universe. It is free to download and play, however it doesn't fully embrace the free-to-play model because it has gameplay restrictions. Some features can be enhanced by purchasing Cartel Coins which will automatically give the player a "preferred status". In addition, all restrictions can be lifted by opting for a monthly subscription fee.
Upon entering the game, the player must choose his allegiance between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic. After that, a class and species have to be selected and then the character's appearance can be customized. Classes are very different from one another, for example the Jedi will use the lightsaber and favor close distances, while a Trooper will use a blaster rifle and prefer fighting from a long range.
The first few missions are designed as a tutorial, however for players with little MMO experience these can seem a bit difficult. This may happen because the game lacks interactivity. It tells the player where he should go and what he should do, but it doesn't show him any directions. The gameplay is very good though. Combat and movement are smooth, leveling up is pretty fast and most quests are interesting. The game heavily emphasizes the team-play walk through. Beginning with the fifth level there will be missions which will require 2 or more players. Since the game is very popular, there are always people in the in-game chat requesting help from each other.
For a MMORPG it has top notch cinematics and storytelling. Every quest will have a spoken dialogue and different ways to answer questions. Even something meaningless like the player having to kill 10 raiders fits in the grand scheme of things, and can influence his alignment to the dark or light side. The voice acting and sound effects are way above game standards, but the graphics could be better.
Lastly I have to say that the only downsides are the fact that it requires ~25 GB of free space and that it has a pay-to-win system. In any case, this game is a must-try for any Star Wars fan, and for gamers in general.
v2.8 [May 16, 2014]
2.7.1 Patch Notes
Highlights
Ranked Warzone Season 2 has started! Season Two has opened for combatants! Giradda the Hutt summons you to join the Ranked Warzone Arena queue and compete for glorious rewards (to be announced later). Ratings have been reset for this occasion and, in the mighty words of Baron Deathmark, “Get in there and go berserk!”
Season 2 Leaderboards Now Live! The Ranked Warzone Arena Leaderboards have been updated for Season Two! Season One has been archived and is still able to be viewed.
Ranked Warzone Missions! Ranked Warzone Arena Daily and Weekly Missions are now available from the PvP Mission Terminal. These quests offer increased Credit and Ranked Commendation rewards. Pick them up today and honor Giradda the Hutt!
Double XP Weekend returns! From May 2nd at 18:00 GMT until May 5th at 07:00 GMT, gain twice the experience while fighting for the Sith Empire or the Galactic Republic!
Bounty Contract Week is back! Starting May 13th at 12:00 GMT and going until May 20th at 12:00 GMT!
Cartel Market
The Cavern Varactyl creature mount is now available in the Cartel Market! Cost: 2400 Cartel Coins.
The Exterminator's Armor Set is now available for preview in Collections.
The Humble Hero Armor Set is now available for preview in Collections.
The Corsec Electrobaton is now available in Collections.
Pieces of Mira's Armor Set are no longer invisible when worn.
The tooltip for the Deep Red/Deep Yellow Dye Module now correctly identifies its colors.
The Cartel Market version of “Title: Conscript” can now be sold on the Galactic Trade Network. The version of this title granted as an in-game Mail reward remains untradeable on the GTN.
Corrected a typo in the description of the Deep Pink/White Dye Module which indicated the primary color was Deep Purple.
The Marka Ragnos Armor Set now unlocks in Collections if pieces were purchased from the Interplanetary Component Exchange (I.C.E.) vendor.
The Collections interface now navigates correctly when clicking into another category if you are above Page 10 on your current category.
General
Addressed an issue that could cause a crash in certain Flashpoints, such as Esseles, Black Talon, Boarding Party, and The Foundry.
The Bolsterizer has been added to the training area of the Ziost Shadow (Imperial Fleet) and the Gav Daragon (Republic Fleet). Using this console bolsters the character as if he or she had entered a Warzone.
Increased the rendering quality of Lightsabers in the Preview Window.
The Taxis on Coruscant no longer flicker while in flight.
Fixed an issue that could result in permanent disconnection from the chat server.
Quick Ground Target Activation of Ground Target Area of Effect abilities no longer results in improper character animations when using the ability on your character.
Added a background image to the Nightmare Dread Fortress and Nightmare Dread Palace Achievement pages.
The "Species: Gran" Codex Entry can now be obtained by Imperial players on Balmorra.
The Codex Entry "The Red Engine" is now correctly restricted to Sith Inquisitor and Sith Warrior.
Corrected an issue where the Cormium Crystal Shard, commonly known as the “blue museum crystal,” could not be picked up by players, rendering the +10 Datacron on the Imperial and Republic fleets impossible to attain.
The ears on Male Twi'lek Body Types 2, 3, and 4 are now visibly humanoid and no longer appear smooth.
Fixed an issue where low level characters could bypass level requirements on certain Legacy perks
STORY OF SEASONS: Friends of Mineral Town for windows from Marvelous Inc.
