Bioware certainly didn’t waste time with their updates for Patch 3.0 after announcing the upcoming changes on Commandos and Mercenaries. Today in a new developer blog post, the Austin-based developer offered details on Vanguards and Powertechs. The changes are not as extensive as the classes covered in yesterday’s post but are definitely worth a closer look. Some highlights: Vanguards All Vanguards are getting two additional passive abilities – Blaster Impact and Blaster Augs No drastic changes to vanguard tanking other than the addition of a new ability called ion storm that sprays waves of ionizing energy in a 10-meter cone range Assault specialist is now called Plasmatech and has undergone significant changes Tactics discipline gains two additional abilities – Tactical Surge and Cell Burst Powertechs All Mercs get two additional passive abilities – Puncture and Prototype cylinders No drastic changes have been made to Powertech tanking, but there is a new…
SWTOR Cartel Market Update – Imperial and Republic Essentials Bundles
The SWTOR Cartel Market updated this past month with some new bundles and items for both Imperial and Republic essentials. Check them out in full detail below. Imperial Essentials Bundle (500 CC): http://tor-decorating.com/category/acquired-source/cartel-market/bundles/imperial-essentials-bundle/ 1x Imperial Dignitary’s Rug 1x Imperial Wall Sconce 1x Imperial Worktable (Alert Status) 1x Imperial Supply Locker 1x Imperial Crate Pallet 1x Imperial Medical Bed Republic Essentials Bundle (500 CC): http://tor-decorating.com/category/acquired-source/cartel-market/bundles/republic-essentials/ 1x Engineering Access Panel 1x Republic Crate Pallet 1x Republic Supply Locker 1x Republic Wall Sconce 1x Ornate Merchant’s Rug 1x Republic Starship Couch Unlock: Inventory Module (140 CC) – 20 % OFF Going Places Basic Bundle (250 CC) – 60% OFF Major XP boost (270 CC) – 25% OFF Additional Char Slot (540 CC) – 10% OFF Dye Module Kit (150 C) – 25% OFF
Developer Blog: Trooper and Mercenary changes announced
With Patch 3.0 just around the corner, the flow of information from Bioware is increasing. This time around, through their developer blog, they announced the upcoming changes for Trooper and Mercenary classes. In specific: Changes announced are subject to change Mercenary and Trooper classes will receive the most dramatic changes as compared to all other classes as part of Patch 3.0 Resource costs for troopers/mercenaries have been adjusted – in some cases they have been decreased, while in some others have been increased. Both Trooper and Mercenary classes get additional passive abilities added
Star Wars Episode VII gets a title and more plot rumors emerge
The people behind the official Twitter account of Star Wars had a surprise for fans today; they announced that “The Force Awakens” is the title of Star Wars Episode VII. In addition, they revealed that the J.J.Abrams crew has finished principal photography. While the title doesn’t reveal much, a lot of websites are already speculating about the story behind Episode VII. – Possible Spoiler alert- According to Joblo.com : I’m told that in the back story for the film, Luke Skywalker does something amazing with the Force. He’s really powerful, more of “wizard than lightsaber wielding warrior.” Basically, Luke Skywalker has a “Force Unleashed” moment and realizes he might be bad for the universe. The aftermath of that event is difficult for Luke. Luke Skywalker has become the most powerful Jedi ever, but he doesn’t believe he’s the wisest. He doesn’t want to make the mistake his father made by thinking…
Damion Schubert leaves Bioware
SWToR developer Damion Schubert announced on his personal website that he quit his job at Bioware. Schubert has been with Bioware for 8 years and admitted that working and launching SWToR was the highlight of his career. He was also quick to point out that his resignation will have no impact in the development of SWToR and Shadow Realms. Based on his announcement it appears that it was his own decision and he plans to take some time off away from the game development world. While no specific reason was given about his departure, he pointed out that his decision was unrelated to his comments relating to “Gamergate” controversy. Damion Schubert SWToRStrategies.com would like to thank Damion for his contribution to SWToR and wish him the best on his future endeavors. You can read his full announcement right here
Bioware posts stream schedule for upcoming advanced class changes
Bioware’s community manager Eric Musco, was once more at the forums today posting information about upcoming community team streams. With patch 3.0 just around the corner, Eric highlighted some of the topics his team will be covering. In specific: As many of you know, we will be streaming around each individual Advanced Class and the changes coming to their Disciplines in 3.0. We will be starting those streams this week and do one set of base Class mirrors each week for the three weeks thereafter. Here is our currently planned schedule. As always this could change, but here is our plan as of right now! Friday, November 7th – Bounty Hunter and Trooper Thursday, November 13th – Inquisitor and Consular Friday, November 21st – Warrior and Knight Wednesday, November 26th – Agent and Smuggler Thanks everyone! We’ll see you on stream to talk about all of the changes coming to…
The Best Star Wars Video Game Ever: Nostalgia Time
Now here is a topic we’ve talked about here before. What are the best Star Wars video games of all time? This is a question that always brings back strong feelings of nostalgia as we think on some of the games that have come and gone. It’s also a question that comes up from time to time in the form of a poll. This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve seen this and I doubt it will be the last but here is a list on Ranker that talks about the best Star Wars video game ever. Currently in first place is Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (no surprise there). You can vote on the 34 items in the list and give points to your pick for favorite Star Wars game ever. Some other titles on the list: Star Wars Arcade Star Wars: X-Wing Star Wars: The Force…
Read or listen to a excerpt from “Star Wars: Tarkin” by James Luceno
StarWars.com is offering a unique opportunity for all fans of Star Wars science fiction books. The website is previewing the second book released since Disney took over Lucas’ franchise, titled “Tarkin” in an audiobook form. The latest publication is set to be released today (November 4,2014) so if you’re on the fence about it you can either listen or read a 50 page excerpt that was also made available. The book’s back cover reads: He’s the scion of an honorable and revered family. A dedicated soldier and distinguished legislator. Loyal proponent of the Republic and trusted ally of the Jedi Order. Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly . . . and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion. Rule through the fear of force rather than force itself, he advises…
SWTOR 2.10.2a Patch Notes
BioWare will be pushing a new patch with tomorrow maintenance. Below are the patch notes: 2.10.2a Patch Notes Live Date: November 4th, 2014 General The Republic and Imperial Medical Droid Decorations now function properly. “Slot Machine: Smuggler’s Gambit” now Binds on Pickup. Cartel Market The Architect’s Pack has been added to the Cartel Market.
Star Wars Retro games: Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles
I remember purchasing this game when it first came out and I fell in love with it. I would play for hours on end and never get tired of it. In this game, you choose from one of five Episode I-era Jedi to run, jump, slash, and use the Force with through the game’s ten levels. Each Jedi has his or her own Force powers and special items. For instance, Obi-Wan Kenobi has a forward dash-and-slash move and uses thermal detonators, while his teacher Qui-Gon Jinn produces a Force shock wave and tosses around pulse grenades. No matter which character you control though, you play through the film’s plot as if you were Obi-Wan or Qui-Gon, from the scene where the trade council tries to poison them to the final battle with the notorious evil Sith Darth Maul. The gameplay is a refined version of that found in Star Wars: Episode…
Datamined: SWToR Miner livestreams Patch 3.0 Commando and Mercenary changes
You might never heard of his name before but if you’re moderately interested in SWToR, you definitely read about his work in fansites across the web. Recently, SWToR_Miner had some challenges from Bioware and the content he releases about upcoming changes and updates to our favorite game but this isn’t stopping him however from hosting livestream events on Youtube. This time around, he talks about Patch 3.0 commando and mercenary changes that we’re going to see when Shadow of Revan gets released. The livestream is a little bit over 2 hours but definitely gets into the details of Patch 3.0 and specific details of the before-mentioned classes.
Star Wars: Galactic Defence is now available for iOS, Android and Amazon
The acquisition of the Star Wars franchise by Disney recently, also brought us a number of different gaming announcements for PC, consoles and more lately mobile devices. The latest one is Star Wars: Galactic Defense by DeNA, a free-to-play tower defense game based on the Star Wars Universe. The game is now available for download for most mobile platforms and covers both original and prequel trilogies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5-SJP85djA While tower defense games are not something new, I have to admit that most Star Wars games tend to get special attention because of that element. The inclusion of special characters from both trilogies definitely adds to the game and incorporates a special twist to a game genre that we have seen in many different forms. You can get Star Wars Galactic defense from Apple Store, Google Play or Amazon Store.
Star Wars Episode VII villain image leaked
With Star Wars Episode VII wrapping up filming earlier this week, rumors started flying again in many websites across the internet. While it would be great if every single one of them were true, one needs to take them with a grain of salt. Is this the new villain of Star Wars Episode VII? Image source: starwarsunderworld.com The latest one comes from Star Wars Underworld and deals with the main villain of Episode VII. The owners of the website claim that they managed to get a hold of a picture of the main villain from the upcoming Star Wars movie that’s set to be released on December 18 next year. Whether this is a real or not remains to be seen, but one does have to admit that it looks somewhat familiar (especially to SWToR fans – which would be a pretty cool movie tie-in). The website claims that the authenticity of the image…
TOR TV: Patch 3.0 GUIDE – Combat Systems Changes & UI Improvements (Short Visual Overview)
One of the better known SWToR video bloggers, Vulkk, has posted a segment from Bioware’s official livestream about the upcoming changes of Patch 3.0 (or Shadow Revan expansion). Unlike the last guide he posted on the disciplines system, this time the clip is focused on the combat system changes and user interface improvements. The video is about 13 minutes and offers a pretty good overview of what Bioware has in store for us.
PvP Season 3 rewards announced!
Biowares’s assistant designer Alex Modny took it to the official forums today to announce the rewards for PVP season 3. Judging by the reaction, most SWToR fans were rather pleased by the announcement and the improvement over Season 2. In specific: The culmination of Season 3 is fast approaching and many furious rumbles have yet to be waged. The end of Season 3 will come with Game Update 3.0 and your rating, when the servers come down for the update, will determine which tier you are in and what rewards you receive. The higher your tier the more glorious your rewards! Just like in previous seasons, the Highest Earned rating that determines the tier you are in – not Current – so no need to feel like you are risking Rating by going after the next tier up! To see your Highest Earned Rating, check the Warzone Rating and Stats…
TOR TV: Patch 3.0 guide – Disciplines System Explained
One of the better known SWToR video-bloggers, Vulkk, has put together a very interesting video explaining what fans should expect to see with patch 3.0 and the Disciplines system in specific. The video is a little bit over 13 minutes and provides a great overview of the system and highlights the changes between what currently is in place and what will be available after Shadow of Revan (aka Patch 3.0) becomes available. While Vulkk is using a Sorcerer’s tree to explain the changes, the guide is certainly useful to understand the Disciplines system across all classes.
Star Wars Battlefront Releases Holiday 2015
The big news is here! Star Wars Battlefront will release for Holiday 2015. Electronic Arts has announced the launch window finally. While we don’t have an exact date just yet, we know that it’s coming in the holiday season of 2015. May the Force be with you: Star Wars Battlefront will release for Holiday 2015. — Electronic Arts (@EA) October 28, 2014 This means it will release at the same time as J.J. Abrams’Star Wars: Episode VII, which hits theaters on December 18, 2015. in fact, it’s very likely that this was planned deliberately to coincide with the movie release. This fun fact was mentioned in a conference call between EA boss Andrew Wilson and investors and then later confirmed with the tweet above. While the time frame is still vague, it at least gives some direction on how the game is developing and when we can expect to see more about it….
TOR TV: SWTOR 3.0 – YAVIN 4 & RISHI
Here is a video by Vulkk. This video has two simple goals – to show the great new screens and design-art of the new worlds as well as tell us a little more of their History & Lore, to prepare us for the exploration and adventures awaiting us in Shadow of Revan 3.0. In the end of the video Vulkk have the notes from the Q&A section during the NY Cantina Event. The Devs gave more information and hints on what is to come with the next Expansion to SWTOR. Learn more about the History & Lore of AVIN 4 & RISHI, the 2 new Worlds in SWTOR 3.0 Shadow of Revan . Check the NY Cantina Q&A for more new info on the expansion in the end of the video: ► VIDEO DESCRIPTION This video will tell us a little of the History and Lore of the 2 new planets…
Developer Blog: Bedtime in Concordia
Bioware released yet another Developer blog today titled “Bedtime in Concordia”. This time around the blog focuses on Shae Vizla‘s story – a Mandalorian who was credited for working with the Sith Empire and helping in storming the Jedi Temple in Coruscant. Shae Vizla Bedtime on Concordia A blazing campfire cast three shadows across the open plain. The longest stretched from the angular form of a man still clad in the armor of his people, the fire’s light stumbling and bouncing across decades of pockmarks and scrapes in the Mandalorian iron’s surfaces. The other shadows’ figures were clad in training gear, their bodies still growing too quickly for proper armor to fit for long. Galron watched his twin daughters over the flames. Tayn and Mari had done well in the day’s hunt, handled their weapons and gear properly, and shown great patience. He would tell their mother that they were growing…
Limited time Cartel Market items are now available
Community manager Eric Musco was once more at the official SWToR forums providing updates about upcoming content releases. In this case, Mr.Musco provided a quick update on some cartel market items that are going to be available for a limited time only. In specific: I wanted to let you know about some new items coming to Cartel Market later today. These are each of the items and their Cartel Coin price. Note that these items are only available for a limited time and will come off of the Market on 11/4. Walkhar Trickster – 1800 CC Ghostly Magus Armor Set – 1000 CC Ethereal Rakling (Minipet) – 140 CC Phantasmal Rakling (Minipet) – 140 CC Statue of the Agonized (Decoration) – 150 CC Thranta Trophy (Decoration) – 130 CC Infected Tree (Decoration) – 120 CC Returning Item! TRK-R Treatment Chamber – 1200 CC While no date was provided as to…
Blast from the past! X-Wing, Tie-Fighter to be re-released for modern PCs
For those of us who are of a certain age, there was a period where using your computer required using MS Dos, floppy disks and in some cases dial-up modems. Gaming in that period introduced us to some legendary Star Wars titles from Lucasarts such as X-Wing and Tie-Fighter – two amazing space combat simulators that are still being talked about today. While many DOS emulators exist, one of their main drawbacks is that they’re not very intuitive and difficult to use. At the same time though since most of these games run on either 5¼-inch or 3½-inch floppy disks (remember those?), few people have held on to their games from 20 years ago. A screenshot from X-Wing in a all its Super VGA glory! Good Old Games (GOG) decided to address these issues by re-releasing both X-Wing and Tie Fighter as downloadable content for $10 each. The former also includes the Imperial Pursuit and…
TOR TV: Starfleet Dental – Pop Muzik
I admit that this video isn’t recent but it’s definitely one of the better made SWToR fan videos that deserves some extra attention. It’s titled Pop Muzik and it was originally released back at launch when the game (and the hype) were flying high. “Pop Muzik” is probably the fastest and most musical way to experience all SWToR locations in a short period of time.
NYCC 2014: Star Wars Rebels discussion panel and exclusives
The New York city Comic Con ended earlier this month and videos from the event are starting to surface on the web. Of particular Star Wars interest is the one for Disney’s latest TV series called Star Wars Rebels. In the four-part video posted below, we take a closer look at the connections between the original Star Wars movies and the series as well as the back story of Rebels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo2u1gJJhos&index=2&list=PLZRd3qFud5ts40VL4OarQ2sLQgVKaxDWj During NYCC, Disney also revealed an exclusive clip titled “Phantom Chase” that you can watch below. SWToRStrategies is certainly watching “Rebels” with a lot of interest. The show has the right balance to appeal to both new and long-time Star Wars fans. It is Star Wars done right. One can certainly see the connections between the original movies throughout all the episodes of the series. Voice is acting is extremely nicely done. The dynamic between Hera and Kanan remind us a lot of Princess Leia…
SWToR revenue surpasses $100 million for 2014
Superdata research released yet another report looking at the most popular Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games. In the past, the same firm had published information relating to the top 10 PC games by free-to-play earnings for 2013 which set SWToR at no.8 with $139 million right behind World Of Warcraft with $213 million. This report, in addition to others, signaled a come-back for Bioware’s first attempt at MMOs and was source of excitement for fans of the game. SuperData’s research data for 2013 The latest report released covers January to September 2014 and looks at the top 10 MMOs by revenue for the year. While SWToR didn’t make the top 10, it still remains at a respectable no.12 with $106 million in revenue, right behind Elder Scrolls Online with $111 Million. Keeping in mind that Shadow of Revan is yet to be released, one would expect to see a significant increase over the last 3 months of the…