Column

• With Friends Like These

  There are many great things going for Star Wars: The Old Republic, but guild features currently isn't one of them. In this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column, we discuss the importance of guilds and how BioWare can improve on the game's guild feature set.

  Posted on 02/07/2012 by Michael Bitton

• The Dorkside - An Honest Review

  There are two things that are always sure to twitter-pate our readership: Coyote Sharptongue's pithy MMO commentary and Star Wars: The Old Republic. Today we bring you the best of both in our latest Coyote's Howling. Read on!

  Posted on 02/02/2012 by Coyote Sharptongue

• The Endgame Grind: PvE vs. PvP

  While many of us would like to see MMO developers try something different when it comes to the endgame, we're all familiar with 'the grind' by now. But does Star Wars: The Old Republic offer worthwhile progression in both PvE and PvP? Or is one area stronger than the other? Read on for our thoughts!

  Posted on 01/31/2012 by Michael Bitton

• Voice Acting Ups and Downs

  One of the most discussed features in Star Wars: The Old Republic is the voice over quest dialogs. Not only is the main storyline quest arc voiced, so are ALL quests. Today we discuss the pros and cons of the voice acting in SWTOR. See what you think and then leave your ideas on the subject in our comments.

  Posted on 01/27/2012 by Garrett Fuller

• Content Locusts Killed My MMO

  It used to be that hitting the level cap in an MMO was something that took months, if not years, to actually accomplish. These days, however, it's more a function of hours. After hitting the top, what is there to do? In today's Player Perspectives, we take a look at what we call "content locusts", those who greedily devour content rather than enjoy it. See what you think!

  Posted on 01/27/2012 by Isabelle Parsley

• How to Improve PvP

  Last week we broke down some of the PvP changes (and their resulting issues) introduced to Star Wars: The Old Republic with the release of Update 1.1 "Rise of the Rakghouls." Today, we're offering a constructive take on how BioWare can improve on PvP in SW:TOR going forward.

  Posted on 01/24/2012 by Michael Bitton

• Tightening Up the Graphics

  The lack of high-resolution character and armor textures outside of cutscenes in Star Wars: The Old Republic turned out to be an intentional move by Bioware and has stirred quite an uproar in the player community. We offer our thoughts in this week's SW:TOR column.

  Posted on 01/17/2012 by Michael Bitton

• Five Reasons to Play Galactic Republic

  Sure in SWTOR, the Sith Empire is "cooler", but they don't have wookiees. In this week's List, we take a look at five reasons no one should miss playing a member of the Galactic Republic.

  Posted on 01/16/2012 by William Murphy

• Innovation in the Old Republic

  One of the things that many players clamor for in their games is innovation, something new and never before seen. In today's Player Perspectives, we take a look at several ways that Star Wars: The Old Republic has advanced the MMO genre with innovative features, if only through small touches. Check it out and then let us know what you think.

  Posted on 01/13/2012 by Isabelle Parsley

• Crew Skills and the Endgame

  Crew Skills are a pretty interesting implementation of crafting in Star Wars: The Old Republic, but do they hold up in usefulness once you reach endgame? Read on to find out!

  Posted on 01/10/2012 by Michael Bitton

• 5 Ways The Sith Empire is Pure Win

  This week, The List goes Star Wars: The Old Republic and the Dark Side. We take a look at the top ways we think that the Empire rocks. See if you agree or not. Either way, let us know what you think in the comments.

  Posted on 01/09/2012 by Garrett Fuller

• Bonus Series? Or Troll Series? You Decide!

  We take a look at BioWare's "bonus series" questlines and whether or not they can really be considered a "bonus" in this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column.

  Posted on 01/04/2012 by Michael Bitton

• Slain by the Sith?

  A lot of talk has been swirling around the idea that Star Wars: The Old Republic is somehow the much ballyhooed "WoW Killer". Is it or is it not? That is the question. In today's WoW Factor, we take a look at that notion and offer a few thoughts on the subject. Check it out and then add your own thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 01/02/2012 by Joseph Sanicky

• The Droid I Was Looking For

  Isabelle Parsley admits it: She's hooked on Star Wars: The Old Republic. In today's Player Perspectives, we examine that state of hookedness and why it's such an unusual phenomenon these days. Read on!

  Posted on 12/30/2011 by Isabelle Parsley

• Beam Me Up, Please

  With last week's launch of Star Wars: The Old Republic, many folks' imaginations have been opened to the idea of space-themed MMOs. In today's Coyote's Howling, we opine that the fantasy genre "needs a well-deserved rest". See if you agree and then leave us your ideas in the comments.

  Posted on 12/29/2011 by Coyote Sharptongue

• Maintaining that "BioWare" Experience

  The fourth pillar of story is alive and well in the launch product of Star Wars: The Old Republic, but will this continue with the same quality post-launch? Join us in this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column as we offer some thoughts on the subject.

  Posted on 12/28/2011 by Michael Bitton

• The Lost Sense of Journey

  In his latest column, MMORPG.com Managing Editor Bill Murphy takes a look at the opposing ideas that we have both gained and lost parts of the journey within the MMOs we love to play. See what Bill's got to say and then let us know what you think in the comments.

  Posted on 12/26/2011 by William Murphy

• Launch Day!

  Join us in this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column as we discuss our experiences with the game so far and its long-awaited launch.

  Posted on 12/20/2011 by Michael Bitton

• More Star Wars!

  As if there haven't been enough articles about Star Wars: The Old Republic on the internet this week, we've decided to add one more to the fray. From the storylines, to the Bounty Hunter, and the Head Start access waves, we offer a few thoughts on each.

  Posted on 12/16/2011 by William Murphy

• Top 10 Reasons to Play SWTOR - Part 3

  In the final part of a three part series, Pokket details the last of her top ten reasons why she will be playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. Pokket starts with Number 4 and continues the downward until we know her number one reason to dig into SWTOR. Check out Game Face #14: Top 10 Reasons to Play SWTOR Pt. 3.

  Posted on 12/15/2011 by Hillary Nicole

• On Regional Restrictions & SWTOR

  In today's Devil's Advocate column, we take a look at the increasingly annoying regional restrictions that many MMOs today employ including *gasps* Star Wars: The Old Republic. See if we're on the mark with this and then let us know what you think in the comments.

  Posted on 12/14/2011 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The Wait is (Sort Of) Over!

  With day one of Early Access behind us, this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column looks back at the past 24 hours and even offers a farewell to one venerable Star Wars MMO.

  Posted on 12/14/2011 by Michael Bitton

• SWTOR: Rules of Enragement

  There's no question that a lot of n00bs will be checking in to play Star Wars: The Old Republic. That said, there are some tried and true rules that n00bs should pay attention to and which we will impart our vast knowledge about in today's column. Check these puppies out and then let us know what you think in the comments.

  Posted on 12/08/2011 by Coyote Sharptongue

• Modification Madness Redux

  Back in October we wrote about the madness surrounding discussion of Star Wars: The Old Republic's item modification system. This week, with solid information in hand, we're looking at the past, present, and future of the item modification system. Read on to find out what we think and share your own thoughts in the comments below!

  Posted on 12/07/2011 by Michael Bitton

• A Master Beta Scorned

  There are a legion of fans out there who, like Cinderella being ignored for the Glass Slipper, did not get their Star Wars: The Old Republic beta testing opportunity. In today's Coyote's Howling, we learn just how bitter that can make a person. Read on!

  Posted on 12/01/2011 by Coyote Sharptongue

• Mirrored Classes

  Recently we took a look at five not-so-great things about Star Wars: The Old Republic, but we may have left out one glaring omisssion: mirrored classes. This week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column examines the mirrored class design found in the game and how it impacts the overall experience.

  Posted on 11/30/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Five Not So Great Things About SWTOR

  In this week's The List, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton follows up on our previous "5 Things We Love About SWTOR" by taking a look at some of the not so great things about Star Wars: The Old Republic.

  Posted on 11/28/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Freedom!

  MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton celebrates the dropping of the NDA and offers some of his own thoughts on the craziness that followed in his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column.

  Posted on 11/23/2011 by Michael Bitton

• 5 Things We Love About SWTOR

  With last week's lifting of the non-disclosure agreement, the lid came off and people are writing like mad about Star Wars: The Old Republic. In The List today, MMORPG.com Managing Editor Bill Murphy takes a look at five things that seem to be very popular with fans. Check out Bill's ideas and then let us know what you think in the comments.

  Posted on 11/21/2011 by William Murphy

• SWTOR – Dark Side or Light?

  In today's Player Perspectives, MMORPG.com's Isabelle Parsley is beginning to consider how she will play Star Wars: The Old Republic. Isabelle wonders whether to choose Light or Dark side when she first logs into SWTOR and a few thoughts about the overall good vs bad thing going on. Check out Isabelle Parsley's Player Perspectives and then leave a couple of comments.

  Posted on 11/18/2011 by Isabelle Parsley

• Drop the NDA!

  MMORPG.com's Mike Bitton is keeping his weekly column devoted to Star Wars: The Old Republic short and sweet today with a simple request and few words that eloquently say, "DROP THE NDA!" See if you agree with Mike's thoughts and then add a few comments.

  Posted on 11/16/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Fansite Summit #2 Reactions

  MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton has some thoughts on the latest Old Republic news, including new details coming out of the latest Fansite Summit. Check out what he has to say and leave your comments below!

  Posted on 11/09/2011 by Michael Bitton

• SWTOR Launch Day

  In her latest Player Perspectives column, MMORPG.com's Isabelle Parsley admits that, despite earlier ambivalence about the game, she's actually looking forward to Star Wars: The Old Republic. Find out what changed her mind and what she hopes to discover on SWTOR Launch Day. Read on!

  Posted on 11/04/2011 by Isabelle Parsley

• Spoilers Suck

  In his latest column devoted to Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton is thinking ahead to how he will insulate himself from the spoilers that so many are willing to divulge in chat, on Ventilo and online forums. See how he plans to keep the storyline secret from himself and then leave us a couple comments when you're through.

  Posted on 11/02/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Making the Switch?

  MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton has noticed many Star Wars: The Old Republic fans are suddenly interested in upgrading to the Collector's Edition of the game. He has but one question for these folks, "Why?"

  Posted on 10/26/2011 by Michael Bitton

• The NDA Goes Alderaan

  As we've said, the NDA has lifted for press members for Star Wars: The Old Republic and excitement permeates the air. A day as grand as this one could not pass by without poignant remarks from our own Coyote. See what Coyote has to say about SWTOR and about NDAs and more in his latest column for MMORPG.com. Leave us your thoughts when you're done!

  Posted on 10/20/2011 by Coyote Sharptongue

• Modification Madness

  As the release date for Star Wars: The Old Republic nears, most systems have been revealed and discussed. There yet remains, however, one feature that has yet to be fleshed out: The item modification system. In today's article, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes a look at what is known about item modification. See what Mike has discovered and then let us know what you think in the comments.

  Posted on 10/12/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Dark or Light?

  In his latest column for MMORPG.com, Community Manager Mike Bitton looks at the idea that players' decisions will send them down a path of light or dark, regardless of their faction alignment. Check out what Mike has to say and then leave us your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 10/05/2011 by Michael Bitton

• The Lure of Star Wars: The Old Republic

  In today's column, MMORPG.com Managing Editor Bill Murphy, or Captain Obvious as we sometimes call him, writes about the ever-present elephant in the room, Star Wars: The Old Republic. He calls on those who already love the game and those who've predetermined their hatred to put all that aside until the game actually is released. Check out what else Bill has to say in his latest column. Then don your Teflon undies and weigh in on the discussion.

  Posted on 10/05/2011 by William Murphy

• The End of an Era and Beginning Anew

  For true Star Wars fans, the end of 2011 is bittersweet with the ending of Star Wars Galaxies but the dawning of a new saga with Star Wars: The Old Republic. In today's column, MMORPG.com's Mike Bitton expands on that thought a bit. Check out Mike's thoughts and then leave a comment or two.

  Posted on 09/28/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Star Wars: The Old Trek

  In his latest column here at MMORPG.com, Coyote takes a look at Star Wars: The Old Republic, not as someone who has memorized every word every developer has uttered since birth, but as someone who has read enough from the fan base to be annoyed. Only Coyote can turn that annoyance into something pointedly hysterical. Read on and then share your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 09/22/2011 by Coyote Sharptongue

• Is Fatigue Setting In?

  While it's only been about two years since Star Wars: The Old Republic was announced, in many ways it feels like two decades. In today's column devoted to SWTOR, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton wonders whether or not the wait is getting too long as there still seems no end in sight. Read on and then weigh in on the conversation in the comments.

  Posted on 09/21/2011 by Michael Bitton

• SWTOR's Story Will Change Questing Forever

  Exclamation points and walls of text are the standard for quests in MMOs today. In his latest column, MMORPG.com Managing Editor Bill Murphy takes a look at innovative new quest features that Bioware is bringing to the table with Star Wars: The Old Republic. See why Bill thinks questing will change forever and then let us know what you think in the comments.

  Posted on 09/15/2011 by William Murphy

• The Darker Side of Smuggling

  If Han Solo played Star Wars: The Old Republic, there's no question he'd play the Smuggler class. Smugglers, by their very nature, aren't always good guys, sometimes allying with nefarious characters such as Jabba the Hutt. As MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton says, "Han Solo wasn't always a hero". In today's column devoted to SWTOR, Mike talks about the darker side of the smuggler. Check out Mike's thoughts and then add yours in the comments.

  Posted on 09/14/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Will SWTOR Be the Last Big-Budget MMOG?

  Recently, SOE's John Smedley opined that SWTOR would be one of the last big budget MMOs with a subscription model. In The Free Zone today, MMORPG.com's Richard Aihoshi takes a look at Smedley's opinion and offers a few thoughts about its viability. Keep reading and then let us know what you think in the comments.

  Posted on 09/13/2011 by Richard Aihoshi

• The War of Guilds and Stars

  Loving our games passionately is a hallmark of MMO players. But the rhetoric aimed at games that haven't made our "personal A List" seems to have ratcheted up lately when it comes to Guild Was 2 and Star Wars: The Old Republic. In today's column, MMORPG.com Managing Editor Bill Murphy looks at the chasm that divides players into Guilds & Stars and wonders how it happened. Keep reading! Lend us your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 09/08/2011 by William Murphy

• Appearance Tab Redux - Modifying Armor

  The Star Wars: The Old Republic site has been home to many spirited conversations. Chief among them is a 20,000+ series of posts about the lack of an appearance tab shipping with the game. In today's SWTOR column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes another look at the discussion and offers a few thoughts. Be sure to leave us a few of your thoughts in the comments when you're finished.

  Posted on 09/07/2011 by Michael Bitton

• PAX 2011 - That’s More Like It

  After the crushing disappointment from Bioware during Gamescom earlier this month, MMORPG.com's Mike Bitton was relieved in a B-I-G way with revelations about Star Wars: The Old Republic coming out of PAX. Check out Mike's thoughts about the big news and then leave us a few comments.

  Posted on 08/31/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Story of the Week: Bioware & SWTOR

  The Story of the Week this time 'round isn't really so much a single story as a pair of stories surrounding Star Wars: The Old Republic. Both created a lot of stir and generated a ton of commentary. Read our Story of the Week Feature to see what we're talking about and then add a few comments.

  Posted on 08/27/2011 by Suzie Ford

• Sex & Games & Rolling Dice

  Earlier this week, a video interview with one of Bioware's developers stirred up a veritable poop storm of controversy when it was suggested that Star Wars: The Old Republic would not feature same-sex relationships between players and compantions. In his latest column, MMORPG.com Managing Editor Bill Murphy offers his opinion on the issue. Read on and then weigh in with your (calm, cool & collected) thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 08/25/2011 by William Murphy

• Gamescom - A Massive Disappointment

  A lot of fans of Star Wars: The Old Republic were primed and ready for exciting news from the development team during last week's Gamescom. But what a difference a week makes. In his latest SWTOR column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton talks about his disappointment with what eventually came out during Gamescom. Read on and then add your comments.

  Posted on 08/24/2011 by Michael Bitton

• The Real Top 10 MMOs of 2012

  It's hard to accurately predict what will be popular in the MMO-space these days. Last week, we took a look at a 2009 piece predicting the success of certain MMOs in 2012 that...ain't gonna make it. In The List today, MMORPG.com Managing Editor dons the swami's hat and prognosticates about 2012 and what he believes will be the real success stories of the year. Read on!

  Posted on 08/23/2011 by William Murphy

• Gamescom Speculation Time!

  With this year's Gamescom in full swing, fans are turning their eyes to any news from the Star Wars: The Old Republic team. After today's EA press conference, even more anticipation has set in. MMORPG.com's Mike Bitton has some speculations to share about what he hopes to hear from Bioware this week. Read on!

  Posted on 08/16/2011 by Michael Bitton

• The Top 10 MMOs of 2012 - Revisited

  Back in 2009, our own Jon Wood took a look at the ten games he thought would be dominating the market in 2012. This week, we take a look at Jon's list and find out whether his predictions are on track or a bust.

  Posted on 08/15/2011 by William Murphy

• The Old Republic Doesn’t Excite Me

  MMORPG.com's Isabelle Parsley has donned her flameproof thong and stands ready for the fire to descend given the title of her latest Player Perspectives column. Check out why Isabelle is less than thrilled about Star Wars: The Old Republic and then weigh in on the conversation in the comments below.

  Posted on 08/12/2011 by Isabelle Parsley

• Playing With Friends

  In many MMOs today, grouping is an optional behavior. Bioware is working to bring the social aspect of grouping back into MMOs with Star Wars: The Old Republic. In today's column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes a look at all the reasons that grouping in SWTOR is unlike anything ever seen in MMOs to date. Read on!

  Posted on 08/10/2011 by Michael Bitton

• 'Welfare Epics'

  MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton discusses the recent revelations regarding Star Wars: The Old Republic's Operation loot distribution in this week's The Old Republic column.

  Posted on 08/03/2011 by Michael Bitton

• San Diego Comic-Con Highlight Reel

  A lot of Star Wars: The Old Republic fans were very happy with the news coming out of last week's San Diego Comic-Con. Some were not, particularly in light of some controversial topics that came up. That said, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton has dissected all of the SWTOR news out of Comic-Con and brings you the Star Wars: The Old Republic Comic-Con Highlight Reel. Check it out and then let us know what you think!

  Posted on 07/27/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Do Weapon Restrictions Bug You?

  Do the weapon restriction built into Star Wars: The Old Republic's class design bug you? Well, they sure bug MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton! Check out what he has to say on the subject and share your thoughts in the comments below.

  Posted on 07/13/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Classic Star Wars Games and TOR

  MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton is on a quest to rekindle his love for Star Wars games in preparation for the release of Star Wars: The Old Republic. In today's column, Mike takes a look back at three classic Star Wars titles and talks a bit about each. See if your favorite Star Wars game made the list!

  Posted on 07/06/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Do You Really Want a Beta Invite?

  In his latest column devoted to Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton wonders how many people truly want into the game's beta. After all, as Mike suggests, a beta is supposed to be work, a way to help the development team ensure that the game soon to be released is actually ready for release. It's not just an "early look". Check out Mike's excellent thoughts and then add a few of your own.

  Posted on 06/29/2011 by Michael Bitton

• E3 2011: What We Now Know

  Now that E3 has closed its doors for another year, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton has gleaned all that has now been revealed about Star Wars: The Old Republic and he's got something akin to a 'wrap report' to share with you. Read on and then weigh in with your thoughts.

  Posted on 06/15/2011 by Michael Bitton

• E3 2011: What We Know So Far

  As E3 2011 kicks into high gear, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes a look at things that have been revealed about Star Wars: The Old Republic over the last week or so. Hopefully, the discussion at E3 will center around some of those topics and help fans gain new insight. Check out Mike's thoughts about SWTOR and E3. Let us know what you think when you're finished.

  Posted on 06/08/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Commando vs Vanguard

  In his latest column devoted to Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton utters those iconic boxing words: "Let's get ready to RUUUUUMBLE!" In the red corner, we find the Commando. In the blue corner, the Vanguard. Check out Mike's thoughts about the two classes and then let us know what you think.

  Posted on 06/01/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Lore Outside the Game

  In this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes a look at some of the ways the game's lore is being expanded upon. Whether novels, site lore, timelines or web comics, the SWTOR team is determined to give players all the lore they can handle. Mike has thoughts to share about the out of game lore so check it out!

  Posted on 05/25/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Unlimited Powah - The Sith Inquisitor

  In his latest column devoted to Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes a look at the Sith Inquisitor. As the title implies, this is one bad ass dude. Check out what Mike has to say about the Sith Inquisitor and then leave a comment or two.

  Posted on 05/18/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Immersion Days Coverage Wrap-Up

  During a recent visit to EA's Redwood Shores studio for Star Wars: The Old Republic "Immersion Day", MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton had the opportunity for interviews, previews, hands on time and a lot more. Mike's got the full recap of all of the articles related to that day in case one slipped by. Check it out!

  Posted on 05/13/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Cautious Optimism and The Old Republic

  In his travels around the 'Net, Lead Writer Bill Murphy has noticed a trend among some to assign "love or hate" titles to the opinions expressed about a few games here at MMORPG.com. Particularly vocal are those who claim that MMORPG.com either loves or hates (depending on which side the writer's on) Rift and Star Wars: The Old Republic. In today's column, Bill takes on that notion and gives his take on The Old Republic and how some misconstrue cautious optimism as 'hate'. Check it out!

  Posted on 05/12/2011 by William Murphy

• More for Explorers - The Codex

  In his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes a look at The Codex. Revealed late last week, The Codex is a hybrid of the best features from Bioware's previous titles, Dragon Age and Mass Effect. Check out Mike's thoughts about The Codex and then weigh in with your own in the comments.

  Posted on 05/11/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Datacrons: Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?

  In his latest column devoted to Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes a look at new information revealed about Datacrons. Datacrons are hard to find but exciting discoveries for the Codex lore boost as well as a permanent stat boost. See what else Mike thinks about Datacrons and then let us know your thoughts.

  Posted on 04/20/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Star Wars The Old Republic: Pick a Role, Any Role

  In his latest column about all things Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes a look at last week's information about Advanced Classes in the game. See what Mike thinks about Advanced Classes and then add a few thoughts of your own in the comments.

  Posted on 04/13/2011 by Michael Bitton

• The Jedi Trooper

  Some Star Wars: The Old Republic controversy began shortly after PAX East when it was revealed that players would be able to put on any 'wearable' armor even if it changes the look as created in the pre-existing lore. MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton has a few thoughts to share about this issue. Read on!

  Posted on 04/06/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Does Size Matter?

  In a recent discussion on the official Star Wars: The Old Republic forums, the issue of world size came up. In today's SWTOR column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton wonders if the size of a game world really matters...or not. Check out Mike's thoughts and then leave a comment or two with your opinion.

  Posted on 03/30/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Guild Headquarters= Awesome

  Not too long ago, Bioware and the Star Wars: The Old Republic dev teams announced that guilds could pre-register on the official site. This allows guilds to get set up and running as well as gives them the ability to take advantage of cool guild features on the site. MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton says this is AWESOME! Find out why and then leave us your comments.

  Posted on 03/23/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Flashpoint Thoughts

  During last week's PAX East, new information was revealed about flashpoints in Star Wars: The Old Republic. While MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton was not able to attend in person, he devoured all available information about flashpoints and has some thoughts to share. Check it out!

  Posted on 03/16/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Top Draws of PAX East 2011

  PAX East is the first major convention on the East coast with many developers of this year's highly anticipated MMOs making an appearance. In The List today, MMORPG.com Lead Writer Bill Murphy talks about the games high on the staff's list of 'must visits' and what they expect (hope?) to find out. Read on!

  Posted on 03/11/2011 by William Murphy

• PAX East Primer

  As PAX East nears, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton turns his eye towards Star Wars: The Old Republic and what fans might see during the convention as devs show off the game. Check out what Mike hopes to find out during PAX East then let us know what you hope will be shown in the comments below.

  Posted on 03/09/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Gotta Go Sell

  "OH LOOK! Junk! Let's pick it up!" Every game is filled with it and for some inexplicable reason, players pick up every gray (or useless) item to sell in town for ridiculously low prices. Would that happen in real life? In today's Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton climbs up on his soapbox to discuss the needless tedium associated with selling grays. Check out his thoughts and weigh in with your own in the comments below.

  Posted on 03/02/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Work in Progress

  When a game is as keenly anticipated as Star Wars: The Old Republic, it generates a lot of discussion. Sometimes it seems difficult to remember that the game is, as MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton says, "a work in progress" and that what seems to be finalized content or a finished feature probably really isn't. It's all about maintaining perspective during development. Check out Mike's latest SWTOR column and leave your impressions in the comments below.

  Posted on 02/23/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Is Romance Important?

  In Bioware's popular RPGs, Mass Effect and Dragon Age, romance plays and integral part in the plot. Romance is big part in the Star Wars films. Now with Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton wonders if romance will play a part in the game. Check out his thoughts and then add a few of your own in the comments below.

  Posted on 02/16/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Combat Musings

  Bioware developer Georg Zoeller has been very active on the Star Wars: The Old Republic forums lately with many of his postings centering on combat. In his weekly SWTOR column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton takes some of Zoeller's thoughts about combat and offers our readers a few thoughts. Check out Mike's interpretation of Zoeller's posts and then add a few of your own combat ideas in the comments below.

  Posted on 02/09/2011 by Michael Bitton

• If You Strike Me Down

  It is inevitable that every character will die at some point in a game but it is the mechanic behind death, the penalty behind dying, that overjoys or irks players. In this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton discusses the game's death penalty and why the devs chose the system they are creating. Check out Mike's thoughts and then give us a few of your own in the comments.

  Posted on 02/02/2011 by Michael Bitton

• The Treaty of Coruscant

  For some players, the lore, or the story, behind a game is crucial to their enjoyment. Creative minds work quite hard to make sure the lore is entertaining and, in the case of Star Wars: The Old Republic, symbiotic with existing background lore. Check out MMORPG.com Community Manager Mike Bitton's thoughts about a recent discussion on the SWTOR forums about the Treaty of Coruscant. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below.

  Posted on 01/26/2011 by Michael Bitton

• The Quiz: SWTOR Edition

  Think you know Star Wars: The Old Republic? If so, you'll want to test your mettle against The Drew Wood Quiz Power Hour and his tough questions about SWTOR. Take The Quiz and let us know how you did in the comments below.

  Posted on 01/19/2011 by Drew Wood

• Speaking Up

  Updates to favorite games in development are things that keep communities active and alive. When the news gets thin, the community gets restless. In his latest column about Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a look at SWTOR's efforts and just why keeping quieter than expected might be a good thing. Check it out and then let us know your thoughts below in the comments section.

  Posted on 01/19/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Are Mounts Important?

  Mounts are one of the core features in most MMOs on the market today and are the subject of MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton's latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column. While Bioware has indicated that basic MMO features will be included SWTOR, not much has been said about mounts. Check out Mike's ideas about SWTOR mounts and then weigh in with your own opinion in the comments below.

  Posted on 01/12/2011 by Michael Bitton

• The Republic Trooper

  In his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a look at the Republic Trooper. While announced early on, the Bioware dev team recently expanded the available information about the Trooper. Mike takes a look at the new information and offers a few thoughts. Read on and then be sure to leave us a comment or two below.

  Posted on 01/05/2011 by Michael Bitton

• Prognostications for 2011

  It's that time of year, the time when things wind down for the preceding twelve months, the time of reflection and the time for looking ahead to the coming year. In his latest MMORPG.com column, Bill Murphy prognosticates about 2011. Check out his thoughts and then add a few of your own in the comments section below.

  Posted on 12/30/2010 by William Murphy

• The Year In Review

  In this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton runs down all of the major news stories related to SWTOR in 2010. Make sure you haven't missed anything of great import by checking out Mike's article. Be sure to leave a comment or two below.

  Posted on 12/29/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Community Q&A Thoughts

  Last week, the dev team for Star Wars: The Old Republic produced a short Community Q&A that raised several intriguing questions for MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton. Check out Mike's thoughts and then leave us a comment or two below.

  Posted on 12/22/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Wearing Your Heart on Your Face

  In his latest column about Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton has a few words to say about a recent thread on our SWTOR forum where the discussion centered around one's face reflecting one's alignment. Check it out and comment below!

  Posted on 12/15/2010 by Michael Bitton

• This Weapon is Your Life

  In his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton gives readers a bit of history behind the importance of the lightsaber, both to individuals and to the overall lore behind the game. In addition, Mike ponders how the acquisition of lightsabers will be accomplished. Check out Mike's thoughts and then add your own to the mix in our comments section.

  Posted on 12/08/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Sith Not-So Pureblood

  In his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a look at the Sith Pureblood playable race. Mike delves into Sith history to determine why it is that the race despises the Jedi so much and whether or not a 'pureblood' is precisely that. Check it out and then join the discussion below.

  Posted on 12/01/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Community Q&A Thoughts

  In his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a look at last Friday's community Q&A and the information that the Bioware development team revealed. Mike found a lot of great tidbits that he's excited to discuss so keep reading! Be sure to leave us a comment when you're done.

  Posted on 11/24/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Crew Skills: Impressive, Most Impressive

  In his latest column about Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a look at the recently detailed crew skills and crafting. As the title says, Mike is most impressed by what he's learned and has a few thoughts to share about it. Check out Mike's column then leave us your comments below.

  Posted on 11/17/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Warzone Thoughts

  In his latest column covering all things Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a look at last week's news about Warzones. Mike admits to being pleasantly surprised by what the Bioware team showed off with regard to Warzones and he's got a few thoughts about what it all means. Read Mike's thoughts, then head over to the forums to have your say.

  Posted on 11/10/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Intel on the Imperial Agent

  In his latest look at Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com's Community Manager, Michael Bitton, checks out the new information recently revealed about the Imperial Agent and its advanced classes, companion, ship and the Chiss playable race. Mike has a lot to say about the Chiss playable race for Imperial Agents so head on in to read it, then let us know what you think on our forums.

  Posted on 11/03/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Two Years and Counting

  In his latest column regarding Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton talks about the game's two year journey to where it is today. The official site debuted almost exactly two years ago and Mike questions whether or not Bioware and LucasArts tipped their developmental hands a bit too early. Check out Mike's thoughts and then tell us what you think.

  Posted on 10/27/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Things SWTOR Isn't

  In his latest MMORPG.com column, Managing Editor Jon Wood takes a look at the Internet's perception of Star Wars: The Old Republic. There is a lot of hype, speculation and misinformation floating around the 'Net these days and Jon takes those things and the people who post them to task. Find out which issues Jon has a bone to pick with and then let us know your thoughts on the forums.

  Posted on 10/21/2010 by Jon Wood

• The Legacy System: Journey vs. Destination

  In this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton discusses the buzzing of the SW:TOR community over the game's oft-rumored about Legacy System.

  Posted on 10/20/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Daniel Erickson’s Quest Breakdown

  In this week's Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a look at information revealed recently by Lead Principle Writer Daniel Erickson. Erickson spoke about the game's quest content breakdown. See what Mike thinks of the information posted on the SWTOR forums and then let us know what you think on our forums.

  Posted on 10/13/2010 by Michael Bitton

• What's Your (Advanced) Class?

  In his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a look at the Smuggler class and its two Advanced Classes. The Smuggler was recently and prominently featured on the official site, using it as an example of how the Advanced Class system will work in SWTOR. Mike breaks down the information revealed in that revelation and offers thoughts about what it all means. Check it out!

  Posted on 10/06/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Never Tell Me The Odds!

  In his latest column covering Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a closer look at the Smuggler class. The Smuggler recently received some attention on the official SWTOR site with more information revealed about advanced classes, available ships for flight, companions and more. See what Mike thinks about the new information and then join in the discussion!

  Posted on 09/29/2010 by Michael Bitton

• I, Jedi

  In his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton takes a look at probably the most recognizable character archetype from the game: The Jedi. While acknowledging some reservations about the overarching story, Mike figures that the Jedi adventure just might make the whole game worthwhile. Find out why in Mike's latest look at Star Was: The Old Republic.

  Posted on 09/22/2010 by Michael Bitton

• The Story Problem

  In his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic column, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton expresses some concerns about the game's story. Bioware is known as THE storytelling game maker and Mike wonders whether the ambitious story for SWTOR will diminish the overall player experience. Read Mike's thoughts and then add your own on our forums!

  Posted on 09/15/2010 by Michael Bitton

• More F2P for the West?

  With the conversion of three of popular western titles (DDO, Everquest 2 and Lord of the Rings Online), Richard Aihoshi wonders in this week's Free Zone column whether or not more 'western' development companies will start to develop free to play games from the outset. See what Richard thinks and then add your thoughts on the forums!

  Posted on 09/13/2010 by Richard Aihoshi

• PAX Prime 2010 Wrap-Up

  In his latest Star Wars: The Old Republic article, MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton has taken all of the information from last week's PAX and synthesized it into a readable one-stop-source for all thing SWTOR. Find out what exactly was revealed at PAX and what Mike thinks. Be sure to swing by the forums to add your thoughts to the mix as well!

  Posted on 09/08/2010 by Michael Bitton

• KOTOR in The Old Republic

  In this week's column about Star Wars: The Old Republic, MMORPG.com Community Manager reveals a dirty little secret: He loved Knights of the Old Republic II. He liked the first KOTRO enough but two was -it- for him. Mike spends time in this column considering what aspects of the KOTRO series could be effectively brought into play in Star Wars: The Old Republic. See what he thinks then add your own ideas to the mix.

  Posted on 09/01/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Five Things PAX Should Show Us

  As the MMORPG.com team readies itself to head off to PAX, columnist Bill Murphy has a few ideas about what we all should learn from our favorite game developers during the conference. See if you agree with Bill and add any other thoughts you might have on our forums!

  Posted on 08/31/2010 by William Murphy

• Great Expectations

  MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton continues his look at Star Wars: The Old Republic. In this week's column, Mike discusses expectations and the effect that recent announcements from Bioware have had on those expectations. Find out what Mike dreams about for SWTOR, the current state of those dreams based on new information and then add your own thoughts to the discussion on our forums.

  Posted on 08/18/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Space Combat Cont'd: On Rails Edition!

  MMORPG.com Community Manager Michael Bitton has another fascinating article about space combat in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Last week, Mike expressed concern over Bioware's statement that space combat would be an "alternative gameplay experience". But what a difference a week makes. Find out if Mike still has worries about space combat...or not.

  Posted on 08/11/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Space Combat

  After Bioware's announcement that Star Wars: The Old Republic would feature space combat, forum buzz across the 'Net began. Some wondered if space combat meant mini-games. Others opined that it meant fully-featured immersive combat that would enhance and complement the ground game. This week, MMORPG.com's Mike Bitton takes on the issue of space combat, discussing his hopes and concerns.

  Posted on 08/04/2010 by Michael Bitton

• Five Reasons to Avoid Beta

  In this week's The List, MMORPG.com columnist Bill Murphy takes on beta testing and gives five compelling reasons why folks should avoid it like the plague. Agree or disagree, Bill's column is sure to start an excellent conversation.

  Posted on 07/20/2010 by William Murphy

• The Butterfly Effect

  In the news slow week before E3, MMORPG.com Star Wars: The Old Republic columnist Eric Barnett sets his mind to wandering about what might happen if Bioware were to take two routes that seem to be popular among developers recently: moving to a Free 2 Play model and ignoring the IP's niche in favor of a larger audience.

  Posted on 06/09/2010 by Eric Barnett

• Sith Warriors, Clone Wars and Companions, Oh My!

  MMORPG.com Star Wars: The Old Republic columnist Eric Barnett recaps this past week's news about the game.

  Posted on 06/02/2010 by Eric Barnett

• Night School for Advanced Classes

  MMORPG.com Star Wars: The Old Republic columnist Eric Barnett writes this look at the recently announced advanced classes for the upcoming game and talks about how their advent opens up a new world of playable possibilities.

  Posted on 05/19/2010 by Eric Barnett

• Opiate for the Masses

  MMORPG.com Star Wars: The Old Republic Columnist Eric Barnett returns this week with a look at the lore and other small tidbits of information being leaked out of the Bioware studios surrounding the development of their highly anticipated MMO.

  Posted on 05/12/2010 by Eric Barnett

• Top 10 Games of 2012

  Jon breaks out his crystal ball and peers three years down the road. Which 10 games will dominate the market then?

  Posted on 08/11/2009 by Jon Wood