This is not a review, the game is in beta--and people who review games that aren't released need to be punched in the face.

So I've been looking at this game with fair apprehension, I must say I expected very little. The beta--although only representing the early levels, really gave me a sense that I WAS in the star-wars universe, something I've really never felt in an MMO before. That being said a lot of the quests were the typical, kill 10 of these, gather 10 of those crap. But they added a story to them and made it seem like I actually had a purpose for them instead of giving me a bunch of "flavor text".

People say the graphics suck, they really don't--again they were way above what I expected. I was prepared to see WoW graphics, and instead came out with high detailed, high resolution textures everywhere. The hair is even extremely detailed which for some reason has always served as a gauge to whether a game has good graphics or not. The visuals in the game are definitely based loosely off the Clone Wars style--which I actually remember reading a few year ago was what the original intent artistically. 

The zone design is somewhat empty, but it doesn't mean it's all bad. I mean Star Wars zones were very empty, desolate even. Tatooine was absolutely barren, as was Hoth, as was Naboo ( even though I'm almost positive I didn't see this planet in the game). I mean they had their rich cultural centers, but besides that it was mostly just wilds and fields. The zones seem very right to me--they fit into the lore. The only place I had an issue with was the Sith starting zone on Korriban--it just seemed very restricted. But once I got out of there the zones seemed to open a little more. 

The combat--well it's nothing to boast about. It was only slightly above my low expecations, which was WoW quality combat. It's a little more interesting with the Smugglers, Agents, Bounty Hunters, and what not. The Jedi actually seem to fall into the classic roles of other MMOs and I was actually less impressed with them than the ranged shooter classes. But I mean, the combat works--every class has a function, although shooting some to heal them seems mildly retarded to me. However, games aren't founded in reality, that's why they're games . . . right? 

Character creation used to be a big deal to me, how many options can I have--do I look like everyone else or different? You know, that kind of stuff. But I've started to realize that it's not the most vital thing ever, especially when you end up covering you character in armor anyways. Yes it's a definite plus on any game that does have it, but you must also keep in mind that the models have to animate well or you could have a plethora of options and it would never make a difference because you would hate your character 70% of the time. And in a game where you see your character often it's pretty pivotal to have quality models over variety in character creation. Now I'm not saying the characters are perfect, but again--they actually exceeded my expectations. I liked the character models for the most part, they had a range of animations and everything felt like it really worked--which is often my problem with Asian MMOs, they sacrifice a lot of the visual quality for more advanced options (besides FFXIV, which actually had extremely high quality visuals with almost no customization at all). I mean if I had to rate the character creation system, I would give it a 70%. 

So the game actually entertained me, I was wrapped up in my characters story. I didn't really play with a lot of people except for once or twice when I was forced to. The option was there to group, I just didn't really feel like it at the time--I just wanted to see what happened next. I mean if anything impressed me the most it was the time and thought they put into developing truly interesting quest lines, and if I would guess the end-game content will probably have a tremendous story to go along with some traditional raids. I am actually rather excited for a game I expected to despise and never planned to buy--maybe that is just the ploy of a beta, maybe it's just because the game is actually good. 

So, I read your beta impression ...

And it was in fact written as a beta impression rather than a "review". Good write up! +1

Hi,

well, i really dont know why, but your post just leveled up my hype for this game from 50% to 55%. I enjoyed reading it and felt straightforward and honest.

Nice one.

Very nice write-up, and I agree with your assessment, except that I am a little more impressed with the combat. I found that once I got used  to it and got a few more skills to throw around, it seemed very smooth, fluid, and fast-paced. The melee classes didnt really feel much different than other, similar games, but the ranged (blasters and cannons), felt real good. I'll probably stick with GS and Commando because of this. Everything else you mentioned, especially the graphics, artstyle, and character creation, I pretty-much agree with you to the letter...

Good write up. Thanks

Nice write up.  I am in a similar boat except I skipped beta and decided to pre order because I haven't experienced an MMO launch in way too long.  So really not that similar at all, but we will both be playing come launch.

This review was clearly biased, and likely made by a Bioware employee. I mean, he didn't even mention the lack of crickets and that you can't even swim.

i agree about the combat. when i play a force user i feel like i am a warrior or mage from wow kinda.

which is why i will be playing an IA at launch. i am sure i will make a sith warrior alt eventually but i have much more fun with the classes that use blasters and throw grenades at the moment.

Originally posted by baphamet

i agree about the combat. when i play a force user i feel like i am a warrior or mage from wow kinda.

which is why i will be playing an IA at launch. i am sure i will make a sith warrior alt eventually but i have much more fun with the classes that use blasters and throw grenades at the moment.

Yeah, for whatever reason the force using classes were my least favorite as well. I really enjoyed my bounty hunters during beta. I am looking forward to playing trooper with some rl friends.

Originally posted by Krytycal

This review was clearly biased, and likely made by a Bioware employee. I mean, he didn't even mention the lack of crickets and that you can't even swim.

I mean, obviously--that's the only possible reason why anyone would try to share a personal experience, because they work for Bioware; and it's not a review, it's an impression.

Originally posted by MisterSr

This is not a review, the game is in beta--and people who review games that aren't released need to be punched in the face.

So I've been looking at this game with fair apprehension, I must say I expected very little. The beta--although only representing the early levels, really gave me a sense that I WAS in the star-wars universe, something I've really never felt in an MMO before. That being said a lot of the quests were the typical, kill 10 of these, gather 10 of those crap. But they added a story to them and made it seem like I actually had a purpose for them instead of giving me a bunch of "flavor text".

People say the graphics suck, they really don't--again they were way above what I expected. I was prepared to see WoW graphics, and instead came out with high detailed, high resolution textures everywhere. The hair is even extremely detailed which for some reason has always served as a gauge to whether a game has good graphics or not. The visuals in the game are definitely based loosely off the Clone Wars style--which I actually remember reading a few year ago was what the original intent artistically. 

The zone design is somewhat empty, but it doesn't mean it's all bad. I mean Star Wars zones were very empty, desolate even. Tatooine was absolutely barren, as was Hoth, as was Naboo ( even though I'm almost positive I didn't see this planet in the game). I mean they had their rich cultural centers, but besides that it was mostly just wilds and fields. The zones seem very right to me--they fit into the lore. The only place I had an issue with was the Sith starting zone on Korriban--it just seemed very restricted. But once I got out of there the zones seemed to open a little more. 

The combat--well it's nothing to boast about. It was only slightly above my low expecations, which was WoW quality combat. It's a little more interesting with the Smugglers, Agents, Bounty Hunters, and what not. The Jedi actually seem to fall into the classic roles of other MMOs and I was actually less impressed with them than the ranged shooter classes. But I mean, the combat works--every class has a function, although shooting some to heal them seems mildly retarded to me. However, games aren't founded in reality, that's why they're games . . . right? 

Character creation used to be a big deal to me, how many options can I have--do I look like everyone else or different? You know, that kind of stuff. But I've started to realize that it's not the most vital thing ever, especially when you end up covering you character in armor anyways. Yes it's a definite plus on any game that does have it, but you must also keep in mind that the models have to animate well or you could have a plethora of options and it would never make a different because you would hate your character 70% of the time. And in a game where you see your character often it's pretty pivotal to have quality models over variety in character creation. Now I'm not saying the characters are perfect, but again--they actually exceeded my expectations. I liked the character models for the most part, they had a range of animations and everything felt like it really worked--which is often my problem with Asian MMOs, they sacrifice a lot of the visual quality for more advanced options (besides FFXIV, which actually had extremely high quality visuals with almost no customization at all). I mean if I had to rate the character creation system, I would give it a 70%. 

So the game actually entertained me, I was wrapped up in my characters story. I didn't really play with a lot of people except for once or twice when I was forced to. The option was there to group, I just didn't really feel like it at the time--I just wanted to see what happened next. I mean if anything impressed me the most it was the time and thought they put into developing truly interesting quest lines, and if I would guess the end-game content will probably have a tremendous story to go along with some traditional raids. I am actually rather excited for a game I expected to despise and never planned to buy--maybe that is just the ploy of a beta, maybe it's just because the game is actually good. 

 I applaud you on writting this up as a beta impression instead of a review. Heck you are being more professional there than some of the "professonal reviewers".

Goo write up!!!

Well we are talking about the best RPG companion in the market Bioware, so they went thru a path of knowledge, to some it just seems like the best single players RPG ever (wich also i agree), but it is also a very solid MMO it is a new era of MMO gaming, it doesnt have many new features regarding gaming it self but VO with the immersion of each class is amazing, damm 8 days to burn... maybe ill just knock my self out and ask someone to awake me in 8days

I agree with you on most parts, except that the zones didn't feel that empty to me. I never know what people really mean when they say areas are 'empty' or 'lifeless' anyway. Ord Mantell felt very alive to me. At some parts, I did feel like I was running through a battlefield.  Sure, there are no epic war battlefields between the NPC's, but seeing some soldiers shoot at enemies from behind their barricade while other explosive sounds rang through the background, and aircrafts flying through the sky from a far distance made it feel alive enough to me.

Not trying to say you were wrong, just giving my own impression on that part. It's pretty cool the Beta managed to sway your opinion in the end, and it was a nice write-up too!

Nice write up... and I agree with you, you can't judge a book by it's cover.  I figure it will be a patch or two before anyone really knows what is in store for the game.  One way or another, I will get my $60 worth out of the game, anything beyond that will be gravy.

Nice write up bro.

Originally posted by Krytycal

This review was clearly biased, and likely made by a Bioware employee. I mean, he didn't even mention the lack of crickets and that you can't even swim.

dude its jumping that matters, not swimming. jumping is all the mmorpgs are about bro

that and /dancing