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Star Wars: The Old Republic: Impressions of the Imperial Agent
MMORPG.com's Dana Massey recently traveled to the LucasArts compound for a demo of Bioware's upcoming MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic. While there, he got a look at the recently announced Imperial Agent.
Previews By Dana Massey on November 20, 2009
The recently revealed Imperial Agent class in Star Wars: The Old Republic provides the Empire with a hefty dose of subtlety and intrigue. While many classes, like say the Sith Warrior, barge through levels with their lightsabers blazing, the Imperial Agent uses stealth and tactics to quietly creep up on her enemies.
LucasArts and Bioware put on a press demonstration last week in San Francisco to give us the first chance to see these guys in action. While it was quite clearly very early - we were told to imagine the "stealth" effect as the character snuck around on a massive theater screen in the LucasArts compound - this class adds something to the Star Wars world that has never really been the focus before: subtlety.
advertisement "[The Imperial Agent] experiences the underbelly of the empire," we were told during a presentation by Jake Neri, a Producer with LucasArts, and Blaine Christine, a Producer with Bioware Austin.
The class seemed to be a combination of an RPG rogue and control class. It takes advantage of the Smuggler's cover mechanic, which allows it to jump into predefined positions within each level to avoid immediate detection and fire off some salvos with more security. The first couple of encounters they tried showed that Agents better be ready to do some fore-planning.
For example, one ability let them toss a bomb at an enemy undetected. The trick is that it wouldn't go off until that enemy took damage. Then, they could mesmerize, distract or otherwise incapacitate (in our demo, they had a sleep dart) the second guard before turning the blaster onto the first guy, who would promptly explode.
;)
From a range, the Imperial Agent totes a mighty wallop from its sniper rifle, but in close, things really get interesting.
Making use of a stealth belt, they can sneak around a level undetected. Through the use of a mechanic that hearkened back to the days of Thief: The Dark Project; the agent quickly takes out individual enemies with a very graphic and satisfying backstab. This was no subtle MMO style prod either. The knife was out, right through the guy's back (and out the other side) before you could blink an eye.
"[They're] subtle... clean," we were told, and it was definitely true. In the level they showed, the Imperial Agent took out every breathing soul in the room without so much as an alarm bell. This class will definitely appeal to those who prefer to control and outwit their enemies with careful planning rather than just shooting them in the face.
;)
It rounds out the Empire classes to have someone a bit less flashy, but no less deadly. It also provides a new dimension to the kinds of stories Bioware and LucasArts can tell.
"[The Imperial Agent is about] working your way through deceitful Empire plans," they explained. The Sith Warrior is iconic, but not exactly hard to spot with the demon horns and red lightsabers. The Bounty Hunter is more of a cowboy. His job is to take people down, and maybe bring them in, but it probably won't happen quietly either way. The Imperial Agent is at its best when no one knows they're there. He can get into stories that the others really cannot.
There are now six revealed classes in the upcoming story-driven MMO, but of course, the Imperial Agent wasn't all we saw in San Francisco. Check back with us on December 3rd and we'll have for you a preview of each of the final two classes left to be revealed, as well as an interview with one of the game's developers.
"the Imperial Agent uses stealth and tactics to quietly creep up on her enemies."
Shouldn't be his/her... his or her.
Link to the article doesn't seem to work for me, takes me to the latest 'features'
My problem with stealth classes in Bioware games is that stealthing is a chore, since you have NPC party members that don't stealth. So you have to leave them at the door somewhere, stealth ahead of them, and then go back for them. So in Bioware games where I did play a class that could stealth, I never put points into that ability since I hated leaving my crew behind or having to go back and get them.
they dont use stealth, but use a magical belt of invisibility that allows them to pass by unseen......
"the Imperial Agent uses stealth and tactics to quietly creep up on her enemies."
Shouldn't be his/her... his or her.
A lot of RPGs identify a class with a certain gender, that's just the way it's worked for a long time, even back to the days of some PnP games.
Have you ever played KotOR (the series that ths MMO is based on)? That's the way it works.
While such a class can be a lot of fun in a single player game, I have serious misgivings about it in an MMO. Yeah, it's really cool that the player is able to clear an entire level without triggering an alarm, but what are his friends doing in the meantime? Alt+tabbing so that they can play hearts while they wait?
What friends? everyone will be running solo missions through the class story arcs and using henchies for flashpoints (instanced missions/dungeons) instead of players.
This game is going to be a single player Rpg with the option to play CO-op through instance missions, dungeons and pvp.
Ill be surprised if people could even see each other outside flashpoints and major cities.
Edit: I'm not trying to troll, I will honestly be shocked if this game resembles a normal MMO at all. Too much is going into story and player choice. It seems more like a single player Rpg with co-op options than a mmo.
What the fuck are you blatering of?
This game has all the MMO elements you would ever need, from social activities to economy, crafting&harvesting, PvP combat, raids and everything else. They already confirmed it.
Otherwise, how could they even think of challenging World of Warcraft? Don't forget that Electronic Arts is set to do exactly that. They tried Mythic and Warhammer with WO, now they are putting their money on Bioware and Star Wars. And this time, they may actually succeed.
Until now, Bioware only talked about their unique take on MMOs which, unsurprisingly, involves deep storylines, class arcs, NPC interactions just like the ones we are used to in their single player games; except now they will be applied to a MMORPG, which is a massive innovation by itself for the genre.
After playing Dragon Age, I have even more faith that Bioware can pull it off. They showed they can do great dungeon, bosses and story with a gameplay very akin to MMO ones, especially WoW. Beta will come soon anyway, and everyone will be able to judge then.
I noticed now that you're a sandbox fan. Well, I like sandbox too and I've been deeply involved in checking every sandbox out there, from Mortal Online (I am in beta now) to Darkfall Online, Fallen Earth, EVE Online etc.
The only successful sandbox MMO is EVE Online right now, and I don't like to be an astroship. All the rest is largely incomplete, to the point that the best theme park MMOs are more satisfying and entertaining. To create a successful sandbox MMO like DFO, MO and FE tried you would need massive experience as a developer and consistent funds.
Maybe CCP will pull it off with their new World of Darkness MMO, but until then I will be on SWTOR or STO, provided they are good enough.
It seems like you have already judged. You have just reached a different verdict.
PvP, crafting,raids? Well, if there is one crafting profession, one arena for team-based PvP, and a couple of raid-size 'dungeons', then what they have claimed will be factually accurate.
Will it be satisfying to the general MMO crowd? You tell me.
AS for popularity - well, swords and sorcery tends to be more popular than Science Fiction. Look at the numbers of each type of MMO out there.
Star Wars is a huge IP - but this isn't the Star Wars of the movies - it's KOTOR. A much smaller IP.
Looking forward to it.
actually, it isn't even kotor. if anyone pay attention to biowares site for the game. its planned as a pickup years/ centuries after the end of the movies. and all.
Also, combat system does not work like kotor. more faster paced really.
While I do enjoy sandbox games I am also looking forward to TOR.
The last good MMO/CO-Rpg that released with a great story was Guild Wars.
I'm hoping TOR delivers a single player rpg type experience. If that means the game will be 99% solo centric then so be it.
Leaving out repetitive raids,dungeons and pvp mini game may be bad for the mmo crowd but it would totally turn me onto the game.
I don't want EQ/WoWs version of the SW universe.
Sounds like they've already been shown the last two TOR classes.
Well, I guess those will make a nice post-Thanksgiving treat for the rest of us lol
Why are her arms so thin? Looks stupid.
Aye, though they may as well have just said "the last class".
Unless I missed a PR (I honestly haven't been following the game as closely as I used to), then they still haven't released the Jedi class, and I think it's pretty much a given that there's going to be one. Especially since they have the sith warrior. Which would mean 1 last class + the jedi class.
Will be interesting to see what they come up w/.
Aye, though they may as well have just said "the last class".
Unless I missed a PR (I honestly haven't been following the game as closely as I used to), then they still haven't released the Jedi class, and I think it's pretty much a given that there's going to be one. Especially since they have the sith warrior. Which would mean 1 last class + the jedi class.
Will be interesting to see what they come up w/.
Jedi Knight was already revealed a few weeks ago. Six classes are revealed with two left. One for Republic and One for Empire.
You missed something. Jedi Knight has been revealed.
I always love stealth in Bioware, The tactic seems to be the same in all Bio games: Set some snares, Sneak to your enimes backstab one, run to were your guys are waiting and when enemies are close to your party the snare takes some and your party takes care of the rest.
I Will love this class but I wonder how good will it be in pvp, this type of class are normaly or OP or just to weak in pvp.
well, you gave away one major thing. Final two classes will be shown by Dec 3rd. That alone was worth reading this article!
Agree!
I think this will be a very interesting class and is one of the classes I must try out the most
Now, I haven't followed the game extremely closely, but I'm pretty darned sure that it picks up some centuries after the time of the KOTOR games, not the movies. Is that not correct? After all, it's still "The Old Republic" :)
Can't wait to find out what the last two classes are going to be.
Actually, in many circles, it's considered proper grammar to use "her" when referring to an individual whose gender is not revealed....or when simply referencing a generic person placed in a given situation.
This game is beginning to interest me. Please keep the info coming!
Looks like a really interesting class to play, both in gameplay and immersion. I dislike my chars being too heroic so I love the low key profile on these guys.
Really happy about this, strongly anticipating the last 2 class info for TOR on Dec 3rd.
Looks like a single player game with a subscription fee to me.
Who cares bout the classes, I want to learn about the "free" world, the crafting/gathering, the economy, the items and different types of NPC's, PVP and the meaning of PVP, ability to go evil?, these are the things that will make A MMORPG, classes are ine very single player game, BIOWARE U are a great single player game maker, I highly doubt u will have the slighest clue on how to make a longevity interesting mmorpg. O well.
Does anyone else think the guy in these pictures looks like Tony Dungy...NFL head coach or Imperial spy?
Hmmm I always remember his being used when the gender is unknown and that they started doing the his or her for political correctness. But I realize that they do gender classes like the Captain in Lotro is considered female etc.
I miss Star Wars.
IF ONLY THEY'D HAD INVISIBLE BELTS ON ENDOR, THEN THE SHIELD GENERATOR COULD'VE REALLY EASILY BEEN BLOWN UP AND THEY WOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED EWOKS AT ALL.
I miss Star Wars.
Aye, though they may as well have just said "the last class".
Unless I missed a PR (I honestly haven't been following the game as closely as I used to), then they still haven't released the Jedi class, and I think it's pretty much a given that there's going to be one. Especially since they have the sith warrior. Which would mean 1 last class + the jedi class.
Will be interesting to see what they come up w/.
The Jedi Knight class was already revealed. Are you saying there was a second Jedi class announced?
I almost always think you are right MMO Doubter, but not this time. This time I think you are very wrong. Fantasy MMOs may seem incredibly popular right now, but the market is absolutely glutted with them. They seem like a sure-fire hit because World of Warcraft's dominance. I bet things would be much different in the MMOverse if Blizzard had made Worlds of Starcraft instead of World of Warcraft.
As it stands I think people are tiring of fantasy MMOs (I know I am,) and this is one reason why people are clamouring for Star Trek Online and Star Wars: The Old Republic. I think the age of sci-fi MMOs will dawn with these two games, no matter what negative things you can say about them.
Also claiming that "KOTOR is a much smaller IP" is like travelling back in time 5 years or so and saying "World of Warcraft won't be that big, Warcraft is a small IP. Much smaller than Lord of the Rings."
Centuries after the movies? I think you mean to say "Centuries after KOTOR" which would be millennia before the movies. It's definitely still set in The Old Republic that we were introduced to in Knights of The Old Republic, hence the name "Star Wars: The Old Republic."
Edit: The devs have also made direct reference to KOTOR characters, i.e. Darth Revan, so there is a definite story continuity there as well.
That Imperial Agent is the spittin' image of former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy minus the gun of course.
He even looks like he is getting the nickel defense ready with the headset.
It seems like you have already judged. You have just reached a different verdict.
PvP, crafting,raids? Well, if there is one crafting profession, one arena for team-based PvP, and a couple of raid-size 'dungeons', then what they have claimed will be factually accurate.
Will it be satisfying to the general MMO crowd? You tell me.
AS for popularity - well, swords and sorcery tends to be more popular than Science Fiction. Look at the numbers of each type of MMO out there.
Star Wars is a huge IP - but this isn't the Star Wars of the movies - it's KOTOR. A much smaller IP.
lawl at you! KOTOR is actually a massive IP, comparable to the movies. But you would know that, because you have all the unforeseen answers. Don't you? Blizzard spy.
"Comparable to the movies"?
I think that clears up any doubt as to your rationality regarding this subject.
"Blizzard spy"?
I guess you haven't been following the threads about the recent addition of a cash shop to WoW.
You have shamed yourself with this post, not me.
"Comparable to the movies"?
I think that clears up any doubt as to your rationality regarding this subject.
"Blizzard spy"?
I guess you haven't been following the threads about the recent addition of a cash shop to WoW.
You have shamed yourself with this post, not me.
Quoted for truth.
You could ask 1000 people who saw the original star wars when it came out in the 1970's what "the old republic timeline" meant. Maybe 1/3 of them would get it.
Or better yet, get a group of people that are not from the the sci-fi demographic/mmo demographic and they could tell you that Star Wars was a Sci-Fi movie with "laser swords and psychic powers" at the least
Ask those same people what kotor was, or "the old republic" in star wars and you'll get some funny looks.
People know star wars who haven't seen it.
People don't know the expanded univerise unless they seek it.
So has there been any information on the common area or main starting city? I know its so called story driven but if its an MMO it will have the usual rally area where players can all meet up to go on their story driven adventure? I picture a city with around 2K players all looking for groups to do the story driven adventure. Because the alternative is a server lobby listing activve games and active players that you can log in and join. If thats the case its not an MMO anymore than counterstrike is an MMO.
I've had poor experiences with MMO stealth classes in several games and have hope that Bioware gets it right. Although the stealth mechanics often worked as expected there were three problems. The first was falling out of stealth during your attack and revealing yourself to nearby foe. Similarly, if you were sniping a target it usually sent an alarm that caused those close by to give chase. This usually lead to the second problem, which was "active" crowd control. While you can sometimes plan ahead and sap a few before a kill, if you are dealing with a large crowd of targets things will often require active crowd controls to manage those numbers. The third and biggest problem I always seemed to have was that stealth classes usually sucked in PvP unless they were backed up by other stealthers or a pocket healer (stupid Witch Hunters). It was as if the stealth mechanics suddenly stopped working and again without active crowd controls you were a sitting duck.
A few things Bioware may do right, I hope is this:
1. Because each class is given class specific questing thru the story arc it should at least be fun and often soloable as stealthers generally go.
2. They are able to use environmental cover and hopefully while sniping from that cover be difficult to spot.
3. The use of specialized grenades could allow for the active crowd control they might need if things get busy.
4. Stealth classes are usually the last to be balanced out. Hopefully they don't wait. And with that a small suggestion. This class usually deploys very high burst damage while protected by the weakest armor in the game. Don't balance it that way. PLEASE! Instead, challenge the player's skills and make those crit kills a positional requirement. As part of their unique HUD it could include the "potential" crit % of an attack launched as they circle a target or take a sniper's bead from a distance. Their armor and gear are allowing them to stealth, it should greatly influence how difficult it will be to target them.
5. It's Bioware dammit and they makes some awesome games. Given the small number of classes I think they could do this one right with enough focus.
/steps off soapbox
probably clearing one side while the combat classes are on the other side rising a stink, making noise and leaving a patch to the Item of Power more or less open for the IA...
Quoted for truth.
You could ask 1000 people who saw the original star wars when it came out in the 1970's what "the old republic timeline" meant. Maybe 1/3 of them would get it.
Or better yet, get a group of people that are not from the the sci-fi demographic/mmo demographic and they could tell you that Star Wars was a Sci-Fi movie with "laser swords and psychic powers" at the least
Ask those same people what kotor was, or "the old republic" in star wars and you'll get some funny looks.
People know star wars who haven't seen it.
People don't know the expanded univerise unless they seek it.
I was talking about Star Wars fanbois exclusively, but I get what you're saying regarding outsiders. But even then, there are a large number of people who aren't Star Wars fanbois who still love KOTOR, if only the game. It was the best selling game during the year of it's release, I believe. But I wasn't a die hard fanboi until AFTER I played KOTOR and began reading about the Old Republic. And I'm almost positive that I'm not that rare of a breed, though I like to pretend I am sometimes.
As far as people who saw the movies in the '70's, well, they're all dead now or something right? I mean, wasn't it a post-Vietnam-era experiment to gage the reaction of vets in a sci-fi encounter. And didn't something like half the vets in the theaters across the U.S. end up killing each other for fear of the Dark Side?
That's exactly what happened. So, it goes without saying, but... in your face.
"Comparable to the movies"?
I think that clears up any doubt as to your rationality regarding this subject.
"Blizzard spy"?
I guess you haven't been following the threads about the recent addition of a cash shop to WoW.
You have shamed yourself with this post, not me.
People are always telling me to use those little sarcasm boxes when I speak, but I neglected to in this instance, because not only is it a complete waste of time, but so is talking to you, really. You oft give off the impression that you know something, when you've only read it from one source. So, in your tradition, I took the liberty of typing up a bit of drabble in your honor!
You're welcome!
P.S. What exactly does the cash shop in WoW have to do with anything? Is it my "Blizzard spy" comment? Did you put that shop there...? o.Omg you did... Tell your leaders that they're idiots, then. Releasing a cash shop that sells meaningless little toys for your toon to do whatever with is the end of WoW. Not everything following vanilla, mind you. Just this cash shop. Now, we all know that WoW has truly turned... to the dark side. And, so, it goes without saying, that you TOO have joined! Haven't you??
"the Imperial Agent uses stealth and tactics to quietly creep up on her enemies."
Shouldn't be his/her... his or her.
The "politically correct" way to put it would be "their enemies", but his/her is fine, too.
Spot on :P
"Their" is grammatically incorrect. It implies more than one person. His or her is awkward, but correct.
If you played Kotor you would know such things exist. Your post is fail.
If you played Kotor you would know such things exist. Your post is fail.
He's saying "they don't use stealth, they use stealth called something else." Isn't "invisibility that allows them to pass by unseen" the way stealth is used in most MMO's?
"Their" is grammatically incorrect. It implies more than one person. His or her is awkward, but correct.
Not necessarily. It works both ways. For more information see: www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/their.html
Not necessarily. It works both ways. For more information see: www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/their.html
Your link actually supports the argument you're challenging. : ) 'Their' is plural, i.e. more than one. So the article stated:
'...the Imperial Agent uses stealth and tactics to quietly creep up on her enemies.' = Correct
IMO, it probably would have been better worded like this:
'...the Imperial Agent uses stealth and tactics to quietly creep up on enemies.'
Or:
'...Imperial Agents use stealth and tactics to quietly creep up on their enemies.'
Always glad to see some people can still pay attention to things like grammar and make an effort not to come across like teeny-bopper, chat-room-dwelling, net-speaking simpletons....
This mmorpg is the biggest mistake Bioware will ever make.
Let's hope that when this ....thing is canceled, arrogant people at Bioware will see their mistake and commit on to develop KOTOR III, instead of Yet another mmo.
I guess I'm in the wait and see mode. Don't know how linear the gameplay is going to be yet. When is it suppose to be released?
Thios is an online MMO ., you play the one charachter .... not sure waht you are saying is at all relevant.
What a complete and utter fool.... This game will be phenomenal from the content they are producing and the engine being used.... They have a very high probability of being very very succesful.
FOR real KOTOR fans this will be way better than more of the same dross.
Is that former Colts coach Tony Dungy pictured on the front page screenshot?
IMHO
So this here shuttle craft affords no protection but that barrel over there does because it has a blue glowing statue? Wow ya um I can stand behind a tree in LOTRO and gain cover now...life size blue glowy statues make the game very realistic when a trooper can stand behind a smug and still get killed because he is not on the blue glowy thingy and does not have the ability to be in cover...I smell epic fail on this monkey but we shall see.
LMAO , you beat me to it , was gonna post the same thing ..
While I do enjoy sandbox games I am also looking forward to TOR.
The last good MMO/CO-Rpg that released with a great story was Guild Wars.
I'm hoping TOR delivers a single player rpg type experience. If that means the game will be 99% solo centric then so be it.
Leaving out repetitive raids,dungeons and pvp mini game may be bad for the mmo crowd but it would totally turn me onto the game.
I don't want EQ/WoWs version of the SW universe.
I was going to respond to the illogical and negative posts that flood this update along with all the other threads referencing this game, but this one says it all.
Why are you posting on this website again? Oh right, lame attempts at trolling...
Agreed, I look forward to being able to stop the speculation. Although I still hold that the last two classes will be some kind of buff/debuff archetype.
Any real fan would take the third part of KOTOR singleplayer storyline over mmorpg bs anytime.
Don't get me wrong, mmorpgs are all cool and everything, but no mmorpg will ever beat a good singleplayer rpg.
Bioware could have did all they wanted with TOR....that is after they release the conclusion to KOTOR trilogy.
Now they are rushing for quick money grabbing with this mmorpg and that will be downfall of sw rpg games...and thanks to that such an amazing thing as KOTOR will never have a proper conclusion(and yes I refuse to accept that Revan and Exile got defeated by mere sith who you will be grinding through to level up.
The arrogance of Bioware executives("TOR will be KOTORIII, IV and any other part you would neeed!!!111muhahaha1") will be their downfall.
Wait, who says there won't be a KOTOR 3? Does an MMO immediately invalidate the possibility?
SWTOR as they have said is "Kotor 3,4,5,6,7 and so on". So I wouldn't expect to see KoTOR 3 as a SPRPG. However don't mark out the possibility of a free prequel to SWTOR. They have talked about their stance on free teasers for the public, look at Dragon Age journeys and you will understand what I'm talking about.
Quoting Bioware Executives:
"TOR will be KOTOR 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 and whatever number you want".
Thats quite aclear "no we won't give you a conclusion to trilogy,go enjoy the mmo and bring us money" statement.
Oh and mmo plot makes it clear:
KOTORI: Revan goes on a journey to defeat True Sith
KOTORII: Exile follows him.
TOR: True Sith after 300 years invade the known universe, Revan FAILED back then, now YOU go on to slaughter True Sith who look just like Sith and whom Revan had so much difficulty winning against, despite being one of the most powerful force users and having a wound of force by his side...
The whole premise of TOR is that "lol, KOTORI and II does not matter,those characters failed at doing what they wished to do, now go fight against those true sith who are simple sith but TRUE!"
Was it so hard to do something like this:
1. Creating KOTOR III and showing us Revan and Exile defeating True Sith....with a after-credits hint that a few ships escaped.
2. Creating TOR with premise that those few ships with True Sith apprentices(and no true sith) rebuilt at least ~30%of True Sith strength and are now invading the Republic.
The whole path Bioware took is clear - more money, more money, more money.
Dont get me wrong i understand where your comming from but i had to comment on part of what you had to say which to be honest always pisses me off to no end. And that was the comment on the beta will be out and everyone will be able to judge then. Beta is NOT for judging but to help make the game a better game when they release the first part of it (ignoring future patches and what not). In beta your suppose to help find the bugs, instead of whining that oh this "class isnt complete or this quest is not working and this game is crap" of course the game wont be complete and quests will not be working right because its beta, its a time to test things like stressing the hardware to make sure it can handle the stress, to see if the devs can handle the stress with out going bald!! You really cant "judge" how a game is going to be on the beta, i have helped out on some crapy betas only to find out that the finished project is a true gem.
I don't usually post in this flame-haven you guys call a forum, but the last two classes have already been announced.
http://swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=91932
Jedi Consular and the Sith Inquisitor.
So there you go, support classes. Where are my harvesters and crafting now?
I'm surprised this information hasn't spread around more.
Actually it was spread around a lot if anyone wanted to take the time to look. Unfortunately they're too busy flaming here about the performance of a game that has not even been released. If you wanted to know what the classes were and how HUGE the fan base for this game already is you had to look no further than the forums for the game on the official SW:TOR site. They've had official threads for the new classes for a while now.