MMORPG.com's Michael Bitton writes this week's list with a rundown of twelve different classes that could be included in BioWare's upcoming MMORPG, Star Wars: the Old Republic.

The hype-level for Star Wars: The Old Republic is through the roof and some might consider this curious. After all, according to an article on Kotaku, our most accurate timeframe for a release is "less than a decade," but that hasn't stopped skeptics and fans alike from speculating wildly about the game.

Of course, one of the most contentious issues is that of the classes to be featured in The Old Republic. The developers at BioWare have stated that they want fans of Star Wars at every level to be able to recognize and much more importantly, identify, with the available classes in the game. Indeed, the most recent class unveilings have easily recognizable analogues to characters from the films, and BioWare hasn't been shy about the fact these analogues played an important role in determining the implementation of the game's classes. The problem then, is this: there are five classes left to officially reveal (we know Jedi and Sith are coming, come on) but there aren't many "classes" in the films that would make sense while also filling out important roles in gameplay. This isn't to say that BioWare will only stick to the films for their class choices, I do definitely think they will both pull from their own previous Star Wars games, other existing Star Wars games, and of course the Expanded Universe. But there is a definite sense they are going for the "iconic" classes where possible.

Read Twelve Possible Classes

Are you kidding me?
Is this article REALLY just somebody's speculation about what classes be in the final game?
Seriously?

You sent me an email notification for this crap?
OMG what a waste of 25 seconds!
Stupid MMORPG.com...

It's nice to speculate, but I think he's waaaaay off, and clearly hasn't been following statements from Bioware. Crime Lord? Politician? Really? Why would they have a seperate Pilot class when they could give ships to Jedi, BHs, Smugglers, etc? They've already stated there won't be a dedicated healer class, that means no 'medic'. Gah.. pay attention!

I'm afraid I have to agree that the speculation behind this thread is even more baseless than a lot of the "OMG This game will FAIL" posts that spam the TOR boards.  The fact that it's an article only makes it worse.

Prax 

Heh, I got pulled in by the title, thinking some sort of announcement had been made about expanding the number of classes to 12.  *sigh*

Originally posted by sudsboy

Heh, I got pulled in by the title, thinking some sort of announcement had been made about expanding the number of classes to 12.  *sigh*

Same here. Was very disappointed by what was actually waiting for me...

Ahem....

not only Bioware stated there will be only 8 classes but this article is far far away from all infos, interviews, guesses and even leaks!

First don't expect any pure healing classes. If you played Kotor, know Bioware a bit you would understand it.

Also the #7-9-10-11 are only different Sith/Jedi classes than can be fully filled with talent trees or subclasses.

The #2 Pilot would be a total failure as if there is space content it has to be available for all characters.

The #4 is also a big miss as there won't be any non combat class in SWTOR and regarding all classes will mostly have droid available as companions there is no need to make a Droid Handler profession.

And finally the slicer has been filled in by the Smuggler.

So out of 12 possible classes that leave us 6.... better luck next time.

Please no pet classes or healer classes CRINGE. If there are healer classes that basically means I cant enjoy PvP and if there are pet classes then theres blatently not going to be any skill in pvp but anyway back to speculating. some of the suggestions are obvious and pretty definate since from kotor, others are bizare. here is my speculation

http://swtor.com/info/holonet/classes  notice the layout with first class on either side is heavy armoured/tank

-republic tank trooper                  |||||                      bounty hunter tank empire -

-republic rogue/sneaky smuggler     ||||        sith assassin/HK droid  rogue/sneaky empire-

-republic ranged DPS/mage (aka jedi consular)    |||||    (aka sith lord) mage/ranged DPS empire-

-republic mele DPS (aka jedi guardian)           |||||               (aka sith maruader) mele DPS empire-

I hope its more mixed up than this but seems like they are taking a very WAR approach with classes to me.

Although I haven't kept up-to-date on all of the announcements, I think there's definitely scope for some kind of droid class - either with droids (of varying types?) as a playable character (as in KOTOR 1 and 2) or as a "pet" class for specified character classes.

Just an idea, but if you're going to disagree with my picks you might want to suggest some alternatives yourself. Let's make this fun for both parties. You get to beat on me, and I get to learn how stupid I was for not thinking of the class suggestions you all come up with.

I'm not saying this to be snide, I'm genuinely curious to know what ideas you all have for classes as well.

P.S. This response isn't directed towards anyone in particular, I'm just tossing it out there.

Come on Stradden,

I don't want to shoot the messenger here, BUT, a little more editorial discretion won't hurt this site's cred'. This is beyond speculation, this is almost fan fiction. Absolutely baseless and more of a MMO masturbation than anything else.

Peace.

Sorry Mike didn't want to sound rude. The title was misleading you know...

So far we have:

• Republic:
  • Jedi
  • Smuggler
  • Trooper
• Empire
  • Sith
  • Bounty Hunter

As the Empire doesn't has a "scoundrel" type class yet it would be one of the slots. Some kind of spy/scoundrel type

For the last slot in each faction I see 2 paths:

• Non playable Droids =>  The last Republic class could be some kind of Politician.
• Playable Droids => 1 class on each faction will be a droid one

Originally posted by Deewe

Sorry Mike didn't want to sound rude. The title was misleading you know...

So far we have:

• Republic:
  • Jedi
  • Smuggler
  • Trooper
• Empire
  • Sith
  • Bounty Hunter

 

As the Empire doesn't has a "scoundrel" type class yet it would be one of the slots. Some kind of spy/scoundrel type

 

For the last slot in each faction I see 2 paths:

• Non playable Droids =>  The last Republic class could be some kind of Politician.
• Playable Droids => 1 class on each faction will be a droid one

 

 

No offense, did you read the article? :P Highlighted in red what I'm referring to.

No apology necessary, by the way. Being negative is fine, but I DID cover those in the piece. :)

Originally posted by MikeB

Just an idea, but if you're going to disagree with my picks you might want to suggest some alternatives yourself. Let's make this fun for both parties. You get to beat on me, and I get to learn how stupid I was for not thinking of the class suggestions you all come up with.

I'm not saying this to be snide, I'm genuinely curious to know what ideas you all have for classes as well.

P.S. This response isn't directed towards anyone in particular, I'm just tossing it out there.

In my opinion, atleast I hope so, all of the Jedi/Sith "advanced" classes will be apart of how your character progresses story-line wise and how you've spent your tree points (ala KOTOR).  As one of the above posters tried to mock you for suggesting they would have a Politician class, I personally love the idea.  Politicans will just have better support from their group and as you have stated, perhaps being able to have more companions, such as bodyguards.  The other class that has a good chance is Slicer.  If anyone is familiar with MUDs and and the SWR code-base they would know that Slicers (and Politicians) are a very popular choice in those games.  Slicers can behave like hackers, but have superior power when it comes to converting droids to do their bidding.  

And MikeB, don't let the community here get under your skin.  Nothing is wrong with having a fun thread of speculation about a game the community is dying to play.

Originally posted by Vyre

And MikeB, don't let the community here scare you away.  Nothing is wrong with having a fun thread of speculation about a game the community is dying to play.

I believe what people are a bit peeved about is that this isn't just a "fun thread", its being misrepresented as gaming news. Were it not posted as a news item, I certainly wouldn't care, but as it stands I just don't see the relevance.

I like what that previous poster said, with the droid conditionals.

Really, the reason people are being harsh is it feels like you haven't played KOTOR since it came out, nor read the sw:tor newsfeed.  And yeah, I came to the site all excited that there might be news out of bioware and was disappointed also...

Yrs,

Shava

Originally posted by Lord_Vayde

Originally posted by Vyre

And MikeB, don't let the community here scare you away.  Nothing is wrong with having a fun thread of speculation about a game the community is dying to play.

 

I believe what people are a bit peeved about is that this isn't just a "fun thread", its being misrepresented as gaming news. Were it not posted as a news item, I certainly wouldn't care, but as it stands I just don't see the relevance.

I can understand that, but being around this site so long I've gotten used to the "gaming news" section being more like "editorial posts and gaming news".  :)

 These are all viable options. I am sad to admit this but I have not played KOTOR.  How did the game handle character health? Did health regenerate over time? Was there medical tools at your disposal? Force powers?

We know the game will emphasize heroics (one vs. many), but will it also offer many vs. one ( traditional MMO Boss fights). This is where healers are heavily desired.

All this speculation on my part can easily be answered if I knew what you know in regards to KOTOR.  

If there is no real answer. (You rested after fights to regain health), then I suspect a MMO of this type will need some mechanism for big combat challanges.

My 2 cents was originally the droid angle. Namely because we know they performed medical services out of combat and a variety of other functions in the Star Wars world.

I am also inclined to think the Political Pet class thing will work too. We already know there are companions players get,  I suspect a politician with a laser gun and guards will work too as a crime lord . 

I really think people will be in for a rude awakening when SWToR comes out and they hopes that it will fit in the old mold for how you play fails to work anymore. From the looks of what has been shown so far with the smuggle, trooper, and bounty hunter we have seen ideas that are for lack of a better word all ranged based. A range based tank, a ranged based dps, and a range based stealthy/ lotro burg like class. 

The cookie cutter isn't going to work here, I am sure jedi and sith will pretty much be one class with three ways to play it. Combat orientated, balanced, and force orientated. Also yes I agree whoever at mmorpg.com let this guy write this and didn't slap his hand and say bad bad bad should be shot. It would have been smarter to find readers near biowares austin lab and get him an interveiw in there. 

Reading this artical felt more like reading another I miss SWG post than an actuall report.

Originally posted by Deewe

Sorry Mike didn't want to sound rude. The title was misleading you know...

So far we have:

• Republic:
  • Jedi
  • Smuggler
  • Trooper
• Empire
  • Sith
  • Bounty Hunter

 

As the Empire doesn't has a "scoundrel" type class yet it would be one of the slots. Some kind of spy/scoundrel type

 

For the last slot in each faction I see 2 paths:

• Non playable Droids =>  The last Republic class could be some kind of Politician.
• Playable Droids => 1 class on each faction will be a droid one

 

 

There is no "empire"

There is no "empire"

Um, yes there is - Sith Empire.

Are you following the game? The two allegiences are Sith Empire and Galactic Republic.

swtor.com/info/holonet/allegiances

@Article's Author:

You obviously also cannot be following the game to even suggest there will be 12 classes or think there will be any dedicated healer class.

swtor.com/info/holonet/classes

There I see only room for 8 classes, 3 are officially taken, 2 are reserved for Jedi and Sith and the last 3 are anyones guess but not someones speculation being passed off as an article on a respected gaming site - This is the place for facts not speculation. How dissappointing.

Originally posted by Vyre

Originally posted by Lord_Vayde

Originally posted by Vyre

And MikeB, don't let the community here scare you away.  Nothing is wrong with having a fun thread of speculation about a game the community is dying to play.

 

I believe what people are a bit peeved about is that this isn't just a "fun thread", its being misrepresented as gaming news. Were it not posted as a news item, I certainly wouldn't care, but as it stands I just don't see the relevance.

 

I can understand that, but being around this site so long I've gotten used to the "gaming news" section being more like "editorial posts and gaming news".  :)

Right. I apologize for the confusion, but yes this is an editorial piece. Not official The Old Republic news, etc. By the way "I'm not scared away" I've got tough skin, don't worry. :)

Originally posted by fansede

 These are all viable options. I am sad to admit this but I have not played KOTOR.  How did the game handle character health? Did health regenerate over time? Was there medical tools at your disposal? Force powers?

We know the game will emphasize heroics (one vs. many), but will it also offer many vs. one ( traditional MMO Boss fights). This is where healers are heavily desired.

All this speculation on my part can easily be answered if I knew what you know in regards to KOTOR.  

If there is no real answer. (You rested after fights to regain health), then I suspect a MMO of this type will need some mechanism for big combat challanges.

My 2 cents was originally the droid angle. Namely because we know they performed medical services out of combat and a variety of other functions in the Star Wars world.

I am also inclined to think the Political Pet class thing will work too. We already know there are companions players get,  I suspect a politician with a laser gun and guards will work too as a crime lord . 

I haven't played KOTOR in years now, but IIRC, Light Side force users had healing abilities, and Dark Side had draining abilities, as well as many different healing items each. 

Also, I specifically remember them saying that the game will NOT feature many VS one battles, that they really wanted to avoid that, so there would not be healers quietly sitting in the back providing support (maybe companions, but not players... )

They've said it a few times, there would be no dedicated healer, each class will be able to use either abilities or items to heal.

---

Originally posted by MikeB

No offense, did you read the article? :P Highlighted in red what I'm referring to.
No apology necessary, by the way. Being negative is fine, but I DID cover those in the piece. :)

---

Sure I did, even 2 times!

Don't you agree we went from 12 "classes" to 2-3 ;)

---

Originally posted by aleos
 
There is no "empire"

---

Aleos, you know better than that: http://www.swtor.com/info/holonet/allegiances/sith-empire

Being picky on the name, tsk!
 

Originally posted by nzBlustone

There is no "empire"

 

Um, yes there is - Sith Empire.

Are you following the game? The two allegiences are Sith Empire and Galactic Republic.

swtor.com/info/holonet/allegiances

 

@Article's Author:

You obviously also cannot be following the game to even suggest there will be 12 classes or think there will be any dedicated healer class.

swtor.com/info/holonet/classes

There I see only room for 8 classes, 3 are officially taken, 2 are reserved for Jedi and Sith and the last 3 are anyones guess but not someones speculation being passed off as an article on a respected gaming site - This is the place for facts not speculation. How dissappointing.

 

The piece having 12 classes isn't me thinking there will be 12 classes (I know the total will be eight,) but simply a list of potential classes to fill the remaining five (the intro itself mentions there are only five left to reveal). I also decided to go in depth with Jedi and Sith subclasses since we all know they are coming, but I wanted to get into what we could possibly expect from them since we already know they are on the way.

Aside from factual stories, we also do editorials here, which is what this piece is.

So in the piece you will find possibilities for the 3 completely unknown slots, some more likely than others, and several examples of potential Jedi / Sith sub-classes or specializations.

As for healers, I've never seen BioWare state there would not be any healers, if any of you can find an example, it would be great. But, especially given the discussions still going on at the official TOR boards, it doesn't sound like the issue has been settled.

I based my idea there would be a set of healers on the fact BioWare has stated there would be traditional roles, going so far as to mention both Tank and DPS roles. So, naturally, healer would make sense too.

My personal preference would be individual player abilities and medpacs, as I stated in the piece, but I basically went on to say that assuming there are healers, what would they be? I even used the Imperial Medic suggestion to say that the fact I couldn't really pin down a convincing Sith example is probably a good indicator we might not see traditional healers.

I stand by my opinions, but as I said earlier, if you feel I missed anything obvious, let me know.