Star Wars: The Old Republic News - Friday Update: Jedi Knight Unveiled!

As we reported earlier this week, we kind of knew this one was coming. But while this news may not be surprising for many of us, the Jedi Knight has been officially revealed today as this week's Friday Update. The Jedi Knight reads as kind of the counterpart of the Sith Warrior, as both classes seem to have a melee (lightsaber) bent.

The Jedi Knight is described below:

Valiant, Determined, Guardian of Peace

A symbol of hope in dark times, the Jedi Knight stands for the legacy of the Jedi Order—more than twenty-thousand years of protecting the Republic and keeping the peace across the galaxy. Though Jedi Knights have served as generals, guerilla fighters, and warriors for generations, their legendary combat prowess faces its greatest test during this age.

Through years of disciplined training and meditation, the Jedi Knight hones body and mind into perfect harmony. Combining the foresight of the Force with unrivaled reflexes and practiced physical precision, the Knight turns combat into an art form, gracefully executing acrobatic feats in tandem with elegant lightsaber tactics.

A source of inspiration to allies and intimidation to adversaries, the Jedi Knight’s presence is welcome in any confrontation. The Order’s long history of fighting for justice has earned the trust of countless friends and the hate of innumerable enemies. Few, though, are foolish enough to challenge a seasoned Jedi Knight unless they have the skills and technology to even the odds.

Facing the Dark Side

The Jedi’s dark counterparts scored many victories during the war, expanding their Empire, and putting the Republic on the defensive. Since the Treaty of Coruscant, the Sith have consolidated their military might, even while the Jedi have withdrawn to Tython, a move that’s been looked at with suspicion by many of the Republic’s politicians. Nonetheless, the war is far from over, and the Jedi Knight’s resolve remains firm. With unwavering allegiance to the Republic and the light side of the Force, the Jedi Knight fights with valiant determination, wading into the thick of any battle to protect freedom and democracy and hold fast against those who oppose it.

No matter how dire circumstances may become, the Jedi Knight trusts the Force and keeps a cool head. Knowledge and self-control are the critical components of wise decisions, and emotional and mental clarity are an absolute necessity. Maintaining focus allows the Knight to rely on intuition; a right mind leads to right action.

For many, the Jedi Knight is the guardian of a precious dream; a dream of peace, a dream of justice, a dream of a brighter future. The fate of the galaxy depends upon the Knight’s ability to keep this dream alive.

Details on the class have previously been scant, but he has been observed in a number of gameplay videos to date, so the class or its look won't come as a total surprise. Well, except for the concept art for the "ornate armor", which honestly has way too many buckles. The reveal does come with four new screenshots and pieces of concept art, as well as the three special ability clips, so check them out in the official Jedi Knight HoloNet entry.

Alternatively, you can view the new screenshots and concept art in our Star Wars: The Old Republic gallery.

UPDATE: A new interview revealing some additional details about the Jedi Knight class has been published over at GameSpot. The interview reveals that the class drew heavy inspiration from the character Mace Windu, and that would be similar in functionality to the Jedi Guardian of Knights of the Old Republic.

The Jedi Knight will also have access to team buffs and auras, and it was also hinted at that he would be able to fulfilll a tanking role, as it was revealed he will be able to manipulate aggro (Mind Trick, anyone?!).

Read the full interview here.

Thanks to user greed0104 for the tip!