GDC 2013 is coming up soon and word has it the BioWare founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk are getting a very special recognition- the lifetime achievement award. Personally, I’m happy to see them be recognized since the docs have really contributed a great deal to the gaming world, including SWTOR. BioWare founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk have been responsible for the formation of one of the top RPG studios in the world. That creation has led to some truly fantastic games such as Knights of the Old Republic, the Mass Effect series, Baldur’s Gate, the MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic, and many more. Suffice to say, BioWare has crafted some of the greatest RPGs in gaming history, and at this year’s Game Developer’s Choice Awards at GDC, the founding doctors will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to the art and…
UPDATE: SWTOR 2.0 Armor sets
With game update 2.0 – Rise of the Hutt Cartel live on the public test servers, we finally get the chance to see all the awesome new armor and weapon artwork. The Smuggler armor is sweet. The agent is cool, but I LOVE that Bounty Hunter helmet. Looks like the helmet from old Boba Fett concept art. If you haven’t already done so, you can read all about yesterdays update on Rise of the Hutt Cartel here, and check out the NEW 55 level Class Abilities Video here Update: Lightsaber from the-old-republic.ru mailed us a new video showing all the Arkanian gear sets in action. This is live demonstration:
Jawas gone wild! Hooded little creatures invade Xenoanalyst boss encounter!
It was supposed to be yet another Xenoanalyst hard mode operation for the Gree World event that ends soon… Most of the Alpha Strike Force guild group had never done this fight before and was in the process of figuring out its mechanics. The operation was on its third try and controlling the additional monsters (i.e. adds) attacking the group during the main fight was becoming the main issue.
SWTOR-RP Interviews Damion Schubert and Charles Boyd
They guys over at swtor-rp.com got a chance to do an Exclusive Q&A with Damion Schubert and Charles Boyd. The interview is of course about the upcoming Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion, and being a Star Wars: The old Republic Role playing community, the interview covers mostly story and RP questions. Reading through the interview Interveiw we get the feeling the developers answered answered the questions prior to patch 1.7 as they speak about a major new system coming “sooner than you think””. The Q&A Also get’s around Makeb and the new Cathar race. Below is a snippet: SWTOR-RP: Is the planet Makeb a pre-existing planet in Star Wars canon, or is this a completely new planet in lore to be uncovered by players as they travel through it for the first time? Charles Boyd: Makeb is a completely new invention of the Star Wars: The Old Republic team, and personally as a writer, I can’t tell you what an honor it is to have a chance to add something…
Star Wars Rumor: Mark Hamill on Spinoff Movies and Returning to Star Wars
Mark Hamill’s movie “Sushi Girl” just went to DVD and Blu-ray this week and ET Online did an interview and talked to him about this release as well as his involvement in the upcoming Star Wars films. Specifically, they asked him what he thinks about those proposed spinoff movies. “It’s all very, very exciting and so unexpected,” says Hamill. “I think that’s the quality I like about it most – it’s like getting a pair of pants out of the closet you haven’t worn in three years and finding a $20 bill in the pocket. It’s just so unexpected.” They go on to ask him questions about whether or not he will appear in Star Wars Episode VII and he says “They’re talking to us” and that “George [Lucas] wanted to know whether we’d be interested. He did say that if we didn’t want to do it, they wouldn’t cast…
Stat Scaling for 2.0- Are Your Stats Lower on the PTS?
If you’ve logged into the PTS recently, you probably have already seen that the scaling is different from what is live in the game. Stats are usually around 50-70% of the character sheet value in live. Everyone on the PTS was aware that BioWare would be changing the scaling formula but we didn’t know exactly what that would be. Now with 2.0, you can tell what these changes are going to look like. One user on the forum has taken the time to work from the old formula and try to build new co-efficients that will govern the stat scaling (yes, lots of math involved but it’s really interesting.) Here are some of his breakdowns: Defensive Defense Rating – Now scales roughly 118% slower Shield Rating – Now scales roughly 50% slower Absorb Rating – Now scales roughly 127% slower Armor – Now scales 2.5% slower, but remains on a linear progression HP – Buffed…
Galactic Reputation System
Should you bother getting your Galactic Reputation up in SWTOR? The Galactic Reputation System was introduced to the game with the 1.7 update and it seems to have some interesting qualities. This new system offers two reputation groups that are shared by both factions and then both the Republic and the Empire have two more groups that are faction specific. Shared Factions Reputation Groups The Gree Enclave and the The Voss are the names of the reputation groups that are shared by both factions. The Gree is actually a new race of individuals. Gaining reputation with this race and becoming allies is something that both factions want and for good reason. Their technology is so advanced that it’s way above the existing technology the Galactic now possesses. Located throughout the “Relics of the Gree”, you’ll need to complete missions in IIum’s Western Ice Shelf to earn reputation with the Gree…
Two Spawn Locations for Droid: Ancient Gree Defender and Destroyer
You may not be aware that the droid that spawns near the pylon of the PvP area will also spawn in the southern section of the Western Ice Cliff. This image created by Clopsy of Jeddit will show you exactly where to find it, including coordinates. This is a great find since it makes it easier to catch the spawn. There are eight confirmed spawn locations here and the spawn rate is 7 minutes. Check out the graphic to see for yourself. Thank you Clopsy!
SWTOR 2.0 level 55 Class Abilities Video
The guys from the-old-republic.ru mailed us a bad ass movie showing off the new level 55 class abilities. There is no denying that the Russian guys have been quick capturing this video, so kudos for their work! Electro Net, Force Barrier and Double Saber throw look pretty awesome, and its great that agents and smugglers finally get real mobility. The sith sorcerer defensive bubble animation is also exactly how I’d imagine it–as the sith sorcerer uses all their energy to repel all attacks. Good stuff! Check it out below:
Patch 2.0 is now on Public Test Servers!
You got to give it to Bioware! Just when we thought we were done with Patch 1.7 and the Gree world event, they announced patch 2.0 is now available at the Public Test Servers for us to test. Newly-released screenshot from the new level 55 operation For (the few) who don’t know, patch 2.0 is part of the upcoming digital expansion: Rise of the Hutt Cartel. Among other things the new patch incorporates: New legacy achievements New level cap set at 55 New level 55 gear A new level 55 operation Upgraded level 55 flashpoints (Athiss, Hammer Station, Cademimu, and Mandalorian Raiders) Terror from beyond Nightmare Mode Class combat changes
Cartel Market – New Market Items with Relics of Gree
Are you looking to see which new items have gone live with the new update Relics of Gree? There are some new items on the Cartel Market. So here’s an overview of what the update brought. Classic Looks for Armor BioWare has listened to the players when it comes to classic looks on the armor and streamlining the appearance of gear and they are bringing back some classic versions of armor sets that many players really liked. You can now find classic versions of Spymaster, Phantom, and Trailblazer armor sets. Space Pirate Cartel Pack The Cartel Pack’s description: Extraordinary items appropriated from pirates all across the galaxy. Packs contain rare bonus items found nowhere else. Features a wider variety of exclusive items than any previous pack. Other Stuff! We also had Jawagrams for Valentine’s Day which seemed to be a big hit at only 20 Cartel Coins and new customization…
Sith Talk Episode 48: Wait were recording Oh we are
Sith Talk Episode 48 is now live with the title: “Wait were recording Oh we are””. This time they talk about what they have been doing while out of commission. their in game time as well as a bit of the news you may have missed out on. Sudo is back with a new episode. This time they covered so much we just can not list it all here. Check it out below: Also remember to folow them on Youtube, Facebook , Twitter and podomatic
BioWare Says Repair Costs Being Recalculated Due To Community Concerns
Online Community Manager Joveth Gonzalez made a post on the official swtor forums about the raise in repair cost we saw with Game Update 1.7. Many players were frustrated about this issue, as it was increasing repair costs by at least 33%. Before game update 1.7, repair costs were based on the shell of the item, and didn’t account for the level of the mods inside. Now they fixed it to properly account for all components. This made running operations very expensive for people with high end gear, and some people including some of my guild mates had to stop doing this content due to this. Clearly there is room for improvement, and it needed re-evaluated. Good on them for that. Hi everyone, Thank you all for your feedback on the changes to repair costs introduced with Game Update 1.7. Upon review, we agree with you that repair costs did become too high with this…
SWToR Gree Event analysis…or taking a closer look at gamer personalities.
The SWToR community never seizes to amaze me… Even though some limited negative examples tend to grab our attention every now and then (these exist in every community after all), there are certainly moments that you’re proud to be a SWToR gamer. A recent example of this is Ardonorrin who posted an interesting analysis over the official SWToR forums dealing with the recently launched Gree event as well as the types of gamers the event appeals to. What type of gamer are you? An explorer, an achiever, a socializer, or a killer? His analysis is based off the Bartle test, a character theory based on the observations of Richard Bartle, the father of online multiplayer gaming and takes a closer look at the different types of gamers and essentially what makes an in-game event successful. It’s definitely a very interesting read and offers a different perspective on gaming as a whole….
Relics of the Gree: World Event Guide
If you’re excited about the Relics of Gree world event or still trying to work your way through the quests, you’re in luck because there are guides available to help you see it through to completion. I’m all about writing guides for SWTOR but for this world event, Dulfy beat me to the punch and there are no better guides than Dulfy’s. She spends so much time in the game and test servers that her guides are thorough and complete. So with that said, rather than type up my own Relics of Gree world event guide, I’m going to point you in the direction of hers. You can find it on her website: Dulfy.net Here is her navigation, complete with links to take you to each section of the guide to allow you to jump forward or backward as needed. Navigation How do I get there? Gaining Reputation Missions World…
What are we fighting for?
Image by F0rmaldehyde Yes we here at SWTORStrategies know, Valentine’s Day is over. But that Hallmark/Nestle money making day has no ownership over love! Love exists throughout the entire year, at every hour, boundless, at the whim of our collective hearts. True lovers don’t need a special day to love. So too does this video which came out the day after Valentine’s. You’ll love it regardless of what day of the year it is. It’s a story of lovers, with in the empire, who dare ask the question: “What are we fighting for?” Thanks King Théoden, for your work. It was awesome.
Harrison Ford will Return to Star Wars in Episode VII
A new update in the Star Wars Episode VII scene is that Harrison Ford will be returning as Han Solo. We’ve told you about all the spin-off movie rumors, many featuring a young Han Solo and while though do sound interesting, for Episode VII, many fans are excited to hear that Ford himself will be back to play Solo. USA Today gives us the original source: Latino Review reporter Umberto “El Mayimbe” Gonzalez appeared on Fox News Latino today to break the news that Harrison Ford will definitely be back to reprise the role in Star Wars VII, slated for 2015. Rumors have been swirling since November, but Gonzalez is the first to claim he has confirmation. “I found out yesterday. I did my due diligence, like I do with everything. Triple checked. Legitimate sources…His deal is done,” Gonzalez said. Late last year when the news of Episode VII was first released, Ford did…
Relics of Gree New Updates
Patch 1.7.0b was deployed this morning. This small patch was to correct an issue with several Return of the Gree missions that would allow players to skip steps by accepting shared missions from groupmates (so no more shortcuts, peeps!) The hotfix also corrected the following Legacy issue: In order to prevent players from running into an unresolved issue with Legacy unlocks for Improved Priority Transport: Personal Starship from Global Unlocks > Other > Convenience, the ability to purchase them has been temporarily disabled until we find a permanent solution. These unlocks will be enabled again in a future patch, and players are still able to purchase and use the Legacy Character Perk for Priority Transport: Personal Starship. While many were disappointed the downtime didn’t correct some other (possibly more serious) issues and bugs, at least the servers were back up and running without too much delay. Via: Patch Notes Stay…
SWTOR Harlem Shake
You all knew it was coming, so here it is baby. The Harlem Shake has come to SWTOR!!! A few have tried, but this first video does it perfect! The second video comes real close. They just didn’t get the beginning done right. Which is supposed to show only one person dancing while every one is minding their own. But it’s still a superb job, and the beginning is still pretty cool. I’m sure many more are on their way, so keep an eye out for them! Con lo Terrori[s]ta! Don’t forget to set it at 1080p for best audio and video quality. If you have audio enhancers, set them for total chaos! Props and respect to Logan and DkSharktooth for doing a great job!
SWTOR VIP Areas Now for More than Hanging Out
So the VIP lounge is where all the cool kids hang out? While BioWare may have had good intentions with creating the VIP areas, there was sadly not much point in going there. Everything that you needed for your character was found in other zones and areas so unless you were RPing or just goofing off, there wasn’t much point in hitting those VIP areas. But the new game update has changed that. Want access to a mailbox without a bunch of commoners hanging around it? Want a new place to get to your cargo hold or to use the GTN without a whole crowd around? Well, if you’re a VIP, you’re in luck. BioWare has now decided to make the VIP areas matter for something other than just hanging out or feeling special. Now the VIP areas also have the Galactic Trade Network terminals, mailboxes and Cargo. This could…
Free Quick Travel to Your Ship Every Hour, Until They Patch It
Whenever there is a game update, there is the chance that things will go wrong. Sometimes those little bugs work in our favor, even if only for a little while until they get patched. This happened with the most recent update nad you can now get a free quick travel to your ship every hour until it is patched. As Online Community Manager Joveth Gonzalez says in the forums: Hi everyone, With Game Update 1.7, we introduced the new Legacy Character Perk, Priority Transport: Personal Starship. This allows players to quickly shuttle to their personal starships. This ability normally has a 24 hr cooldown, and players have the option to purchase Legacy Global Unlocks to reduce this cooldown. Unfortunately, with Game Update 1.7, there is a bug which automatically unlocks the three levels of Legacy Global Unlocks for any players that is level 20 or above. This is not intended…
Amazing Jedi Sage SWToR Fanart!
It’s always great to see when the most talented SWToR fans publish their astonishing artwork.. It’s actually even better when their artwork uses SWToR as a theme. Erik Shoemaker has created an amazing piece of fanart that was inspired by the Jedi sage story line where you’re able to play a force and light saber wielding Jedi. According to him, the most difficult aspect of his creation involved getting the perspective right. Either ways the end result is spectacular to say the least. You can find Erik’s work at Devianart and other examples of SWToR-inspired fanart over at the official forums.
SWTOR Game Titles and How to Get Them for Yourself
Don’t forget to check out constantly growing list of guides for Star Wars: The old republic Do you like to collect titles in the game like some people collect achievements? Do you want to have many titles to choose from as you wish? Are you going after a specific SWTOR title? Whichever sounds like you, this guide will help you. Here we are going to cover all the SWTOR titles and how you get them. Flashpoint Titles You can earn six different Flashpoint titles throughout the game. Below is a list of each of the Flashpoints where you can earn a title, along with what you need to do to get each one. Black Talon Flashpoint- You’ll earn the title “The Stalwart” if you spare the life of the captain but if you choose to execute the captain, you’ll earn the title “The Merciless”. Directive 7 Flashpoint- When you complete this…
Watch this! Vice Lover – A SWToR machinima
There are many SWToR machinima videos out there but very few are as nicely done as this one made by Youtube user “HabanaSWToR”. In this video you will get to explore the “other side” of Nar Shadaa through the eyes of Habana – a young gunslingler.