Star Wars: The Old Republic Preview

Ten Ton Hammer has taken a closer look at four of the sci-fi MMORPGs slated for release in 2009, including BioWare’s Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Hardcore Star Wars fans never argue over who shoots first in the Mos Eisley cantina, but there is quite a bit of debate about the worth of the existing Star Wars MMOG, Star Wars Galaxies. Little doubt remains that the game’s popularity declined drastically after the release of the NGE update. Coincidences in timing or causal relationships don’t matter at this point; the majority of Star Wars fans do not feel that they have a satisfactory MMOG for their beloved franchise.

BioWare, the force (tee hee) behind Star Wars: The Old Republic (SW:TOR or TOR), is famous for making quality games that deliver compelling plots. From Baldur’s Gate to Knights of the Old Republic to Neverwinter Nights to Mass Effect, BioWare produces hits, so the potential for TOR is high.

Every Star Wars fan who plays MMOGs will certainly give TOR a look. Even MMOG gamers who are not huge Star Wars fans will be curious because they know the IP and the developer. Finally, there are gamers who don’t normally play MMOGs but will try TOR because they love BioWare games.