PTS Update – March 13th, 2014

The public tester servers were down for a few hours today. During that Time, BioWare added a new patch. The changes are listed below: General Season 1 rewards will be sent out to players who qualified with a Group rating. Classes +Combat Jedi Knight Guardian Focused Defense has been redesigned: It now empowers you with 10 charges of Focused Defense, lasting up to 30 seconds. Whenever you take damage a charge of Focused Defense is consumed to heal you for a moderate amount. This ability can be used while stunned or otherwise controlled but cannot be used while above 70% health. Cooldown increased from 45 seconds to 2 minutes. Sith Warrior Juggernaut Enraged Defense has been redesigned: It now empowers you with 10 charges of Enraged Defense, lasting up to 30 seconds. Whenever you take damage a charge of Enraged Defense is consumed to heal you for a moderate amount….

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Moraband new official name of sith homeworld?

Here is something strange. In Star Wars Insider #148 that the name of the Sith homeworld is called Moraband. This kind of puts an end to the Expanded Universe-derived Korriban planet name. Unless Moraband is referring to the homeworld of ancient Sith Lords, and not the Sith species (Korriban). This will be kind of strange though since the ancient Sith Lords who discovered and enslaved the Sith species were fallen Jedi who caused the Hundred-Year Darkness around 7000 BBY. They weren’t born on one planet (Moraband). They were many Jedi from many walks of life who followed Ajunta Pall in his quest to use the dark side. Of course this is just all EU stuff, so as far as TCW is concerned it’s irrelevant. But if you’re trying to somehow keep the old EU alive with that sort of rationalizing, it doesn’t really work.. The Sith Lords of old were…

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Patch Notes – 2/25/2014 – 2.6.1

Patch notes for tomorrows update is now available. Check it out: Highlights New Mount! The Desert Sleen creature mount can now be obtained from the Bounty Brokers Association vendor in exchange for 50 Completed Bounty Contracts. It requires Legend rank with the B.B.A. The new title “Conscript” is now available! This title is granted to players joining the Star Wars: The Old Republic community through Amazon, and is also available for purchase on the Cartel Market. Cost: 10 Cartel Coins General The Item Modification Stations in the VIP areas of the Republic and Empire Fleets now work correctly. The achievement “Galactic Beastmaster” no longer requires “Beastmaster of Ilum” to complete. The Starfighter Launch Decks on the Republic and Empire Fleets now grant Rested experience. Sith Warriors and Sith Inquisitors will now be able to receive the “Species: Ugnaught” Codex entry by interacting with the Lore Object next to Rudd in Nemro’s cantina…

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SWTOR Galactic Starfighter Ships Companion Guide

Companions play an important role in Star Wars: The Old Republic and they do make the game more enjoyable. This guide focuses on the default companions assigned specifically to fill the crew positions for the Galactic Starfighter ships. Each faction will start out with a set of four default companions that are exclusive to the ships but you’re not limited to only using these. The assigned positions for the default companions and their names are below: Don’t forget to check out constantly growing list of guides for Star Wars: The old republic Empire Offense- MZ-12 Tactical- Salana Rok Engineering- Aven Geth Defense- Writch Hurley Republic Offense- B-3G9 Tactical- Kendra Novar Engineering- Ashy Defense- Oro Wogawa After choosing your starfighter ship, you’ll pick out your crew. You’ll start by choosing your co-pilot from one of the four default companions listed above for your faction. After choosing your co-pilot, you can fill each…

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Bolstering and You: A letter from the Combat team

Tait Watson got the Combat team to write an in-depth explanation of the Bolster system. I’m raelly starting to like this bird. You can read the whole thing in it original here, or our copy paste below. If you ask me, bolster still a bit broken, its still way better then the recruit gear system they previously had, Personally I would like to see it in a place where people that did end game pve could use that gear for pvp and have it be perfectly viable. The fact that a set of 66 blue’s are better for pvp then full dreadguard is lame. Hey gang! I know a number of people have been waiting on a post about some more specifics on how bolster works and interacts with items and the regular stat system, so I thought I would try to bring a little light to what is one of…

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Star Wars Retro games: Dark Forces

With the release of DOOM in 1993, the gaming industry went into overdrive in coming up with similar games using the first-person perspective. Some games, such as Heretic and Hexen, simply licensed id Software’s game engine. Others choose to build their own 3-D first-person shooters from the ground up. LucasArts Entertainment was one of the latter companies, and Star Wars: Dark Forces was their first stab at the genre. Released in 1995, Dark Forces was the first Jedi Knight game, though the original release did not use the “Jedi Knight: Dark Forces” tagline. Later re-releases would, however. The story revolves around a mercenary called Kyle Katarn, an ex-soldier of the Empire who now works freelance for the Rebel Alliance. After a minor interlude wherein Kyle steals the plans for some obscure new Imperial weapon called the “Death Star”, our hero is tasked with investigating General Rom Mohc and his plans…

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Companion affection explained

For people that have been in the game since day one, this might not be interesting read. But for newer people, or people WHO haven’t really thought much into companions, this might be interesting. I present to you, my guide to Companion affection. Conversation The most common way to gain (or lose!) affection with companions is to have them with you during cut scenes, or speak with them directly when they offer you missions in cantinas or your ship. The base affection gain for a dialogue option they approve of is +15, and the base loss for one they disapprove of is -1. Those values are modified by a multiplier that reflects how late in the storyline the companion joined up with you. Less commonly, there will be choices they strongly approve of, which have a base +40 gain, or strongly disapprove of, for a base loss of -30. In very…

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PTS Game Update 2.5: Galactic Starfighter Patch Notes

Here are the latest patch notes from the Public test servers. If you have the time, go try out Galactic Starfighter now Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ PTS Game Update 2.5: Galactic Starfighter Patch Notes Last Updated: November 15th, 2013 All content and features on the Public Test Server are not final and are subject to change. Galactic Starfighter Access the Galactic Starfighter Hangar Bay by clicking the Ship Icon on the in-game minimap. Players can queue solo or as a group for free-flight 12 v 12 PvP Battles in the first Galactic Starfighter gameplay type: Domination! During Domination, players fight to control multiple satellites. Points are awarded according to how many >satellites each team controls, and the first team to reach 1000 points earns victory. Highly customizable Starfighters available: The Scout – Fast, agile, and maneuverable. Scouts make up for their lack of armor and shielding with incredible elusiveness. The Strike…

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Game Update 2.4.1 Patch Notes

patch 2. BioWare will be taking down the servers tomorrow for schedule maintenance and to deploy a new patch.  Below are the patch notes, but I have to say this is one hell of a fixing patch. They are  fixing lore on Quesh, Tatooine and Taris, They are fixing the group finder for operations. But I am most thankful for them making the debuff on the draxus cleansable by all classes. Nothing has pissed me off more on that fight than having to try to heal through the debuff when the other healers, even when called on it, wont cleanse the damn debuff. Well, that and DPS that dont know how to interrupt and then suddenly mass affliction for everyone! Game Update 2.4.1 Patch Notes General Priority Transport Terminals on the Republic Fleet have been adjusted and no longer fail to transport players in some instances. The “Area Loot” Preference now functions as…

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Consolidated Bugs Update

With a new patch, comes new bugs. Here is consolidation of all the BioWare posts on the official forums regarding bugs. Post 1 AmberGreen Can’t complete New Frontiers mission for TFB | 08.06.2013, 01:29 PM Hi there folks, We are adding this to the Known Issues today, but New Frontiers/Ancient Allies is currently bugged for players who have already completed the mission “Terror From Beyond” and we’re currently planning to have this fixed in Game Update 2.3.1. Thanks for your reports and patience while we get this resolved for you! Post 2 AmberGreen Kolto Tank/Carbonite Chamber/Chair/Remote Ship do not regen energy. | 08.06.2013, 01:02 PM Hi there! I would like to get some more information from you folks about this to be sure that we catch all instances of this bug. Right now, each item does not appear to be broken across the board for each Class. For instance, in…

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20 Canceled LucasArts Star Wars Titles Revealed

The book Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts released in 2008 but recently has made news for the list of cancelled Star Wars games that were reported to be in development at LucasArts. The book contains logos for 20 Star Wars titles that were in development at LucasArts at that time. There are some interesting titles on the list. You will find a tie-in for Episode VII subtitled Shadows of the Sith and even a third Jedi Knight title which a lot of fans say they really wanted to see. It looks like maybe they expected to continue the Star Wars movie serious via games until the Disney contract came through. Now just because these 20 titles are written as “cancelled” by LucasArts, that doesn’t mean that these concepts will never become games at some time in the future. Which on the list would you most want to see? Book Description:…

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KOTR for iPad Reviews and Purchase Info

If you are an Apple iPad user and you love KOTOR you will be happy to know about the release of KOTOR for iPad. Released on May 30th by Aspyr Media, this game now comes on the iPad and gives you many great features and story to enjoy. It’s available in the iTunes Store and it’s a real must-have for KOTOR and Star Wars fans. KOTOR remains one of the best Star Wars games ever to launch so there is really no question about whether or not you should play it. The main question, however, is whether or not it’s playable on the iPad. While the controls are a little clumsy, it’s a great solid game and with it, you can take the Force with you wherever you go! See reviews of KOTOR for the iPad: IGN Review of KOTOR for iPad  Eurogamer Review of KOTOR for the iPad  MacWorld…

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Game update 2.2 Patch Notes

2.2 Patch is now available for download through the launcher so if you are near a computer, now is your chance to get ready for game update 2.2. It’s not listed in the notes but word is that Master Strike/Ravage is now affected by alacrity. Good news for Sentinels and Marauders. Check out the full patch notes below: Highlights Nightmare Mode is now available for Terror from Beyond! New Vehicle! The Helix Hyperpod is now dropped in Nightmare Mode Terror from Beyond. New Rewards! New items have been added to several Story Mode encounters for the Terror from Beyond and Scum and Villainy Operations. (Additional Details under Operations.) New Feature! Characters in a guild will receive an XP and Reputation bonus based on the number of characters from unique accounts in the guild. (Additional details under General.) New sub-tier of Gear! The Kell Dragon gear can be obtained from Nightmare…

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SWTOR: Game Update 2.2 now on PTS

BioWare just opened the Public test servers with game update 2.2. I haven’t testet it out my self yet, but  LightSaber from the-old-republic.ru send over a new video showcasing some of the awesome new stuff that comes with game update 2.2.  This Doesn’t seem like a huge patch but rather some nice additions and changes. Check out the patch notes below the video. The video shows Dark Ward, The Visual changes to flamethrower, Kell Dragon gear & New Rated PvP Weapons  we get with 2.2. Check it out: Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Game Update 2.2 PTS Patch Notes Last Updated: 5/24/2013 The patch notes published for the Public Test Server are intended to guide testing. They are not final and are subject to change. The Public Test Server Patch Notes will be provided in English. The final release notes will be provided in English, French, and German when the content is moved to…

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Bounty Hunter Class Changes in RotHC

Troopers ain’t the only class that gets some attention by BioWare today. Just like the other few days BioWare also posted a second developer blog that goes through the Bunty HUnter class changes in Star Wars: The old republic Rise of the Hutt cartel. You can read the original post over at the official SWTOR webiste, or below. If you missed any of the other class updates posted this week, you can check the out here: Smuggler Class Changes in RotHC Imperial Agent Class Changes in RotHC Jedi Knight Class Changes in RotHC Sith Warrior Class Changes in RotHC Trooper Class Changes in RotHC Bounty Hunter Class Changes in RotHC Hello everyone. My name is Austin Peckenpaugh, and I’m a Senior Designer on Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, responsible for class design and combat systems. As such, I’m here to shed some light on the changes to the Bounty Hunter class…

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Trooper Class Changes in RotHC

BioWare continue there developer blog updates on class changes in Star Wars: The old republic – Rise of the Hutt cartel. You can read the whole article over at the official SWTOR Website or continue reading below. If you missed any of the other class updates posted this week, you can check the out here: Smuggler Class Changes in RotHC Imperial Agent Class Changes in RotHC Jedi Knight Class Changes in RotHC Sith Warrior Class Changes in RotHC Trooper Class Changes in RotHC Bounty Hunter Class Changes in RotHC Hello everyone. My name is Austin Peckenpaugh, and I’m a Senior Designer on Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, responsible for class design and combat systems. As such, I’m here to shed some light on the changes to the Trooper class in Game Update 2.0. We’ll be writing about recent class changes coming to The Old Republic, but this time we’re going a little…

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Smuggler Class Changes in RotHC

BioWare posted a lengthy developer update today, regarding Smuggler Class Changes in Rise of the Hutt cartel.  In this update,  BioWare Senior Designer, Austin Peckenpaugh goes through what to expect: Check out the full developer update over at the official Star Wars: The old republic website here, or read the snipet below:    If you missed any of the other class updates posted this week, you can check the out here: Smuggler Class Changes in RotHC Imperial Agent Class Changes in RotHC Jedi Knight Class Changes in RotHC Sith Warrior Class Changes in RotHC Trooper Class Changes in RotHC Bounty Hunter Class Changes in RotHC Hello everyone. My name is Austin Peckenpaugh, and I’m a Senior Designer on Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, responsible for class design and combat systems. As such, I’m here to shed some light on the changes to the Smuggler class in Game Update 2.0. We’ll be writing about recent class changes…

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PTS update notes – March 6

BioWare deployed a new update to the public test servers yesterday with a new patch to Game Update 2.0.  check out the  full patch notes below.  Annoyingly, many of these changes (Sniper changes, Missile Salvo change, etc.) aren’t new today but were put in a couple days ago. I don’t know why they listed them again. Classes and Combat Jedi Knight Alacrity no longer reduces the channel duration of Force Stasis. Sith Warrior Alacrity no longer reduces the channel duration of Force Choke. Jedi Consular Sage Empowered Throw now also increases the damage dealt by Sever Force. Shadow Force Breach’s accuracy debuff now lasts 30 seconds (up from 18) when Combat Technique is active. Kinetic Combat Bombardment now makes Project generate 15% more threat per point and cost 15% less Force per point while Combat Technique is active. Slow Time now has a 9second cooldown and costs 20 Force. Damage remains…

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SWTOR Voice Actors Video

Do you want to learn more about the voice actors who play in SWTOR? Want to see who plays what and the other previous roles they have held? You might be surprised to see some of the people taking part in SWTOR. Here’s an awesome video (you may have seen before) that shows the voice actors for each playable class. Trooper – Jennifer Hale, Brian Bloom Smuggler – Kath Soucie, Maury Sterling Jedi Consular – Athena Karkanis, Nolan North Jedi Knight – Kari Wahlgren, David Hayter Bounty Hunter – Grey DeLisle, Tom Spackman Imperial agent – Jo Wyatt, Bertie Carvel Sith Inquisitor – Xanthe Elbrick, Euan Morton Sith Warrior – Natasha Little, Mark Bazeley music used in the video: Faster Does It from Kevin MacLeod’s Related Posts 2.2.1 Datamined Info SWTORBioWare founder updates us on the server Queue issuesChoreographed Combat…sometimesNew world boss spotted on Corellia in 2.0 Taris: Legacy of…

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JJ Abrams Confirmed as Director of Star Wars VII, Speaks on the Role

It’s official: Abrams is directing Star Wars VII How does Abrams feel about being selected as the director for Star Wars: Episode 7? Reports say he called it “as surreal as it is exciting.” Abrams spoke with some press before heading into the Producers Guild Awards on Saturday night where he was there to accept the Norman Lear Achievement Award for such television works as “Felicity” (1998-2002), “Alias” (2001-2006), “Lost” (2004-2010), “Fringe” (2008-2013) as well as the current series “Person of Interest” and “Revolution.” Abrams is also known for his movie directing of “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible.”” He was on my personal shortlist for directors I wanted to do this early on but he initially said he wasn’t interested. Supposedly, the former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy (who will produce the films) convinced him to change his mind in early January after visiting him at the Santa Monica offices of…

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EUCantina Interviews Drew Karpyshyn

The guys over at EU Cantina had the chance to sit down and interview Drew Karpyshyn. The interview is mainly about his new book Annihilation, but Drew Karpyshyn also answers questions regarding Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil.  Unfortunately the interview don’t touch his work on Star Wars: The old republic, But Mr. Karpyshyn love to see it make the jump to TV or the big screen someday. EUC: Aside from The Tales of the Jedi  and Knight Errant, most of The Old Republic novels and comics tie directly into video games. As you peer into the future, where does The Old Republic era go from here? DK: I think the Old Republic era is going to continue to grow. It’s proven quite popular with the fans, and it still has so much untapped potential for authors and other creative types to explore. In addition to more games, books and graphic novels, I’d love to see it make the jump to…

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Star Wars Episode 7 Rumor Roundup 2

The Force Net brought us one of the most popular rumors of the week- the news that Carrie Fisher said at a book signing she would be in Episode 7. AS excited as many of us may be to see her in another film, it turns out it was just a joke. One of The Force Net’s readers, Curt, claims Fisher told him at a book signing that she would be in the new movie: I was at Carrie Fishers booksigning in Cherry Hill, NJ on November 15, and the interview she did started with the question ‘Are you really going to be in a new star wars movie?’ and Carrie answered quietly ‘Yes….I thought it was already common knowledge.’ She did not elaborate, as she probably doesn’t want to crow too loudly at this point in the project development. But this is the first confirmation from one of the main OT Cast. LFL…

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TOR TV: Video Guide to Voiced Emotes on the PTS

The guys over at swtorface.com created a short video showing all the voiced slash commands currently available on the public test server. This is slash commands  like /apologize /cheer, /chuckle, etc etc etc. It’s apparently not complete yet, as it is possible to find more sound files when you data mine the client. In this video you can listen to (and see the actions of) Smuggler, Jedi Knight, Trooper, Bounty Hunter and Imperial Agent SwtorFace will be updating this as more commands become available. You can follow there progress here. Related Posts Debunking The Common Myths of Casino Games that You Didn’t knowFirst SWTOR Game Update: “Rise of the Rakghouls”Star Wars Commander Gets Major New UpdateFlying Solo: A Look at the Deleted Scene from Solo: A Star Wars Story 1.6.3 Patch Notes 1/23/2013Grand Ivy Casino Bonus Tips 2021Planets of Star Wars the old republic: Ilum10.000 Nerf Herders!

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Companions 101: Kira Carsen

Here we are for a new installment of Companions 101 and this week it’s all about Kira! Courtney Woods is our guide into the world of Kira Carsen and everything you need to know about her backstory, emotional attachments and understanding Kira. Be warned that all of these Companion segments could contain story spoilers. Here is a snippet: The best kind of padawan should challenge their master… or at least, that is what Kira Carsen believes. Kira is not your typical Jedi, raised on Korriban in the Sith Academy, she has witnessed the brutality of the Empire first hand. After escaping from Imperial Space, Kira had to look out for herself until Master Bela Kiwiiks found her and brought her to into the Jedi Order. It isn’t surprising that Kira and Kiwiiks share a special bond, but Kira was afraid to share her past until she could prove herself as…

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