Counting down the 10 Best Star Wars games isn't easy, with so many good games out there...

There are dozens of Star Wars games, and weeding out the best of them is difficult. Historically, LucasArts' and now Lucasfilm Games' oversight has ensured that developers and publishers put time and effort into crafting enjoyable Star Wars titles that don't tarnish the IP's reputation.

All the games on this list are some of the best pieces of Star Wars merchandise out there, and I can safely recommend every single one to Star Wars fans. However, not all stars gleam with the same brightness, and there are games on this list that outshine their competition. Here are the ten best Star Wars games of all time, ranked by a few humble fans.

#10: Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017)

Despite experiencing arguably one of the worst launches in gaming history (thanks to the game’s ridiculously excessive monetization, severe game balance issues, and an overall lackluster amount of content,) EA's second entry in the rebooted Battlefront series made a surprisingly strong comeback in its short post-launch lifespan. With the removal of pay-to-win elements like burn cards, hero unlocks, etc., and new maps and modes, Battlefront 2 finally redeemed itself in the eyes of c??asual players a??nd hardcore fans alike.

While EA’s decision to abandon the game so soo??n after removing loot boxes (and reducing in-game monetization overall) seemed conspicuous, the developers at DICE did an excellent job redeeming a game that only months before would have be?en unsalvageable. Unfortunately, this goodwill has not prompted the announcement of a new sequel.

#9: Star Wars: Galaxies

While sadly no longer accessible in its original form, the legacy of Star Wars Galaxies lives on in the hearts and minds of Star Wars fans across the globe. While many other Star Wars games placed players in the action-heavy roles of Jedi, smugglers, and other roles that harken back to the films, Star Wars Galaxies presen??ts you with the ??opportunity to live in the universe

Social interactions, server-wide roleplay, and collaboration were just as crucial to the gameplay as the lightsabers or an E-11 blaster rifle. Whether you wanted to be a starfighter pilot Wookie, an intergalactic Twilik entertainer, a Bothan medic, or many other combination of species and profession, you could do that. Given the passionate yet relaxed attitude of the game and its player base, it’s a little wonder that Star Wars Galaxies has continu?ed to live on in an unofficial, community-run capacity.

#8: Star Wars Episode I: Racer

Whether you played it in the arcades or on a home console, Star Wars Episode I: Racer captures the frantic high-speed energy of sci-fi racing like a few others before or since. The frenetic speed and intensity of each race, combined with aggressive AI bots always ??more than happy to bump you out of the race, will give your hand-eye coordination a run for its money.

Whether you’re racing across the desert plains of Tatooine or along the Mon Gazza speedway, you better be prepared for all the twists and turns coming your way or you’ll find your podracing career brought to a sudden, messy end. While the controls might be a bit jank, the hilarity of exploding and being re??duced to a heap of mechanical rubble as your character’s heavily compressed voice screams in agony is enough to make one burst out laughing with masochistic glee.

#7: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

While a few other Star Wars games let players choose between the light and dark sides, usually from a light or neutral position, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed explicitly explores the darker side in greater depth. The Force Unleashed has the player take on the role of Star Killer, Darth?? Vader’s secret apprentice, who sets out to prove himself to his dark master.

The hack-and-slash combat system and the detailed physics system allow players to use their lightsaber and the Force in new and unorthodox ways. Star Killer's journey lets you explore a variety of iconic Star Wars locales as they progress through a ??captivating narrative about the birth of the Rebel Alliance. With a Nintendo Switch port released just last year, there’s no better time to jump in and unleash the power inside you.

#6: Star Wars: The Old Republic

Given its over thirteen-year lifespan, it’s hard to argue that Star Wars: The Old Republic hasn’t stood the test of time. Where it might lack, such as its merely passable graphical fidelity and generic art style, it mostly makes up for the vast amount of story and gameplay content. Whether you prefer to play solo, fight alongside other players in PVE missions, test your mettle in PVP, or all of the above, you can do so in this title. Including new expansions and updates over the years makes Star Wars: The Old Republic one of the best Star Wars RPGs.

#5: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Respawn Entertainment’s first foray into the universe far, far away, with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, luckily proved to be a smashing success because of the game’s deep story campaign, challenging but not necessarily unforgiving boss battles, and invigorating puzzles and platforming?? sections. While the consulted navigation and chunky performance hold the game back, the game soars more often than it falls.

#4: Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast

Many Star Wars games to date have allowed players to experience the heroic fantasy of wielding a lightsaber against a wide range of foes. However, few have incorporated lightsaber combat mechanics as intricately as Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast.

The fluid responsiveness of the combat system allows players almost limitless options in terms of swing angles and directions, making you truly feel as if the force is with you. While the story-driven campaign is competently told, and its levels provide players with ample challenge, the multiplayer component truly stands out. I've played many Star Wars games, and none have made me feel as much like a Jedi than I did when I was playing Jedi Outcast.

#3: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

While the title itself now might be a bit inaccurate, owing to the addition of the recent sequel trilogy, LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga presents a tempting bundle of content, with a few sprinkles of new content thrown in for good measure. The fresh inclusion of “Arcade Mode�allowed players to engage in 1-on-1 deathmatches with adjustable modifiers such as time limits and maximum lives. Likewise, “Bounty Hunter�m??issions allowed players to revisit previously completed levels to locate s?pecific targets as a timer ticked down menacingly.

This enhanced re-release also saw the implementation of a “Power Up�mechanic, where the player could randomly find blue glowing orbs that would multiply their damage output, granting temporary health recovery and boosting their damage output. LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga is the model exampl?e of what a re-release can, and should, offer: A decent number of quality-of-life improvements and just enough bits of new content to sway existing fans into recommitting their time and money toward it.

#2: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Even now, almost twenty years after its release, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remains the best single-player Star Wars title to date. While diehard fans can point to many contributing factors, the game’s extensive dialogue?? options left the deepest impression on me. Tied into the morality system (by which players�actions would be judge??d as good or evil,) the player always has to be mindful of not only what they are saying but who they are saying it to.

Choosing the “good�path may not always lead to a “good�relationship with that NPC character. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic clarifies that while both the Jedi and Sith orders may traditionally deal in absolutes, you may find yourself walking a slightly murkier path. Between the stellar voice acting, the richly sophisticated combat system, and the incredible worldbuilding, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remains an out-of-this-world RPG that no Star Wars fan should overlook.

#1: Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005)

It’s a little ironic that Battlefront II appears twice on the same list, but in both cases, the selection is easily justified. (This entry is not to be confused with the first on this list, a 2017 sequel to the reboot of the Battlefront series.) While the original Star Wars Battlefront (released in 2004) was a resounding success, its sequel expanded the potential for what players could hope to see in a multiplayer Star Wars game to intergalactic proportions

From its thirty-two-player multiplayer capacity to its drastically improved AI bots, there was, and still is, a lot to appreciate here. The addition of space combat gave veteran Battlefront players something of a new form of gameplay to experiment with, and the strategic Galactic Conquest mode is an addictive war-simulator that tests your resource-management and decision-making skills. Top this off with a surprisingly-enthralling single player campaign that follows the rise of the Galactic Empire through the eyes of your average Stormtrooper, and you've got the best Star Wars game ever made.

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Spanning from 25000 - 1000 BBY and easily the lengthiest era in Star Wars continuity, the Old Republic is awash with historically significant events and some of the most influential characters Star Wars has to offer. Indeed, boasting characters like Bastila Shan, Darth Bane, and Revan, the Old Republic has understandably received a fair share of the Star Wars spotlight in the last quarter century.

But, while the Old Republic games rightfully garner much of the attention covering this formative time in Star Wars, it's the literary reads that contain a treasure trove of value. Here, hidden within these creative classics, fans can find some of the most engaging characters, themes, and plotlines in Star Wars. Thus, utilizing my decades of source reading, I have identified the best Star Wars read??s on t?he Old Republic for your reading pleasure.

The Old Republic: Revan

Unquestionably, a gem of a read from the literary Godfather of the Old Republic, Drew Karpyshyn, Revan checks in as a best for any fan of the Old Republic. This up-tempo novel tracks the all-time Star Wars video game great after the events of Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and ties directly into the events of the popular MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Most knowledgeable Star Wars Old Republic fans likely hold a special place in their heart for the Revanchist, and Revan encapsulates why. Since debuting in the award-winning Knights of the Old Republic, Revan's trademark mix of light, dark, and the in-between has permeated his lore. Thus, being a memorable entry on the titular character, Revan artistically nails his intricate nuance and introduces many legendary shapers of the Old Repu??blic to a grande??r audience.

Lost Tribes of the Sith

Without a doubt, a top read on the Old Republic, Lost Tribe of the Sith boasts the Star Wars sci-fi staples fans have come to love, draped in the historical context of the Old Republic. Following a stranded group of Sith from Naga Shadow's Sith Empire as they crash land on a primitive planet littered with untold horrors, Lost d??etails the many obstacles the tribe must overcome to survive.

Deftly proving his fluency in the era with Lost, best-selling author John Jackson Miller brings these unconventional wayward Sith to life. Moreover, while conveying thei?r generational fight for survival, Miller illustrates the stark differences this tribe has with more traditional Sith, simultaneously exacerbating the same call to power all Sith share.

Tales of the Jedi Omnibus

A foundational collection of lore regarding the Old Republic era, the Tales of the Jedi omnibus represents the upper echelon of reading material on this titular subject. This artistic omnibus collects the praised 'Dawn of the Jedi' and 'Tales of the Jedi' comic series in one glorious read. Written by comics legend John Ostrander and former Benedictine monk Tom Veitch, Tales focuses on the bloody beginnings of the Jed??i and Sith orders as they carved out their ?place in the galaxy.

Focusing on the most important galactic events of the era, Tales introduces readers to Old Republic legends like Exar Kun, Ulic Qel-Droma, Naga Sadow, and Nomi Sunrider, detailing their exploits in the Old Republic. But, while this omnibus might seem daunting because of its overall length, I assure interested readers that the stories told within serve as the backbone of Old Republic lore and undoubtedly remain among the best Star Wars reads on the Old Republic.

The Old Republic: Deceived

A superbly crafted novel by author Paul S. Kemp, Deceived follows the exploits of Darth Malgu??s, a legendary Sith of the Old Republic. Beginning with the Sacking of Coruscant, Malgus spearheads the assault, desecrating the fabled Jedi Temple and leaving nothing but carnage in his wake. But, before the Sith Empire delivers the coup-de-grace to the crippled Republic, the Treaty of Coruscant is struck, leaving Malgus questioning his peers' dedication to ending the Republic.

Tenured writer Kemp creates an integral entry into the Old Republic mythos, shedding light on the underlying events surrounding the cinematic Sacking of Coruscant and the Darth at the forefront. Along with the vivid imagery it conjures, Deceived draws high marks as poignant lore on Darth Malgus, notably showcasing his differences from the traditional Darth model and introducing Star Wars fan?s to this unique Dark Lord of the Old Republic.

Darth Bane Trilogy

Full of engrossing anti-heroes and captivating villains, the Bane trilogy ranks as a best-read to fans of Sith, the Old Republic, or Star Wars.? Beginning with 'Path of Destruction', award-winning author Drew Karpyshyn chronicles the life of Darth Bane, from his abusive upbringing on the mining planet Apatros to his galvanizing of the Sith under the Rule of Two, giving readers invaluable insight into galactic history.

Here, Karpyshyn brings Bane to life with clear and concise prose, showcasing the progenitor of the Rule of Two as he formulates the Great Plan. Truly, this seminal trilogy encapsulates everything that makes Star Wars so alluring, combining ??memorable characters with a masterful plot and pa??cing, crafting one helluva read on the Old Republic.

The Old Republic: Annihilation

Penned by lauded Star Wars scribe Drew Karpyshyn, Annihilation introduces roguish Republic SIS agent Theron Shan in a race against time to thwart the Sith Empire after the Battle of Ilum. Admittedly thrust into the eye of the Sith hurricane, Shan must overcome reservations about his past, his distrust of authority, and bloodthirsty Sith zealots to ?save the Republic he is sworn to protect.

Annihilation checks all the boxes, providing Star Wars readers with a detailed backstory on the enigmatic Theron Shan, his cinematic parents, and his role in the acclaimed Star Wars: The Old Republic MMORPG. Therefore, when discussing the best reads on the Old Republic, it would be a disservice if Annihilation were excluded from contention.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Vol. 2 Omnibus

The Knights of the Old Republic Vol.2 omnibus follows Jedi Zayne Carrick, of Carrick Station fame, and his adventures traversing the dangers of the Old Republic. Here, collecting issues #19-37 of the hailed Knights of the Old Republic comic series by Marvel, Vol. 2 dives into the thick of the unlucky Jedi Ca?rrick's story, seei??ng him on the run and unable to prove his innocence in a Jedi padawan massacre.

Undoubtedly one of the best reads on the Old Republic, Vol. 2 keys on many of the prevalent issues of the era, like warring Sith factions, the Mandalorian menace, and galaxy-threatening weapons. Here, Star Wars veteran Jonathan Jackson Miller nails the high-stakes nature of the Old Republic, concocting a fast-paced story with a relatable protagonist and delivering a best-read on Star Wars the Old Republic.

Red Harvest

Lastly comes Red Harvest, a top read from the Old Republic era that harkens to zombie-loving fans across the Star Wars univer??se. As growing unrest settles across the? galaxy following the re-emergence of the Sith Empire and the attack on Coruscant, the sinister Darth Scabrous, seeks to complete an ancient Sith ritual that will deliver him command of an undead army. Yet, hope lies in the gifted Jedi Hestizo Trace, whose unique flora force powers threaten Scabrous's evil machinations.

Courtesy of bestselling author Joe Schreiber, Red Harvest presents Star Wars Old Republic fans a sci-fi space horror read at its finest. Importantly, Schreiber's accentuation of the gory details combined with his expert backdrop choices gives readers a tangible sense of dread. Moreover, as the novel progresses and these ominous feelings build, Star Wars readers?? are left with lasting impressions that accurately reflect the grandeur and horror of th??e Old Republic.

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The Old Republic could be under new management as BioWare shifts focus

It sounds like things are shifting at Electronic Arts and BioWare. A new report from IGN says EA is nearing an agreement to hand development and operation of Star Wars: The Old Republic to a third-party studio.

According to IGN's report, Broadsword Online Games—developer of Ultima Online and Dark Age of Camelotâ€??”would take the reins. The deal is expected to be final as soo??n as this month.

Over half of the 70 to 80 people on the core Old Republic team are expected to move to Broadsword. Those remaining with? EA will reportedly have an opportunity to look for other roles in the c??ompany, but could otherwise see layoffs.

Star Wars: The Old Republic ?will keep getting updates, including the upcoming 7.3 patch, a?nd EA would remain publisher.

On the BioWare side, the team will focus its resources on current single-player efforts. This includes both Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and the next entry in the Mass Effect series.

W??e reached out to Electronic Arts for comment, and a spokesperson provided the following response:

“Almost 12 years after launch, Star Wars� The Old Republic remains a success and continues to grow its dedicated and passionate community. We’re so proud of the work the team has done, and the future of the game and the community continues to be very bright. We’re evaluating how we give the game and the team the best opportunity to grow and evolve, which includes conversations with Broadsword, a boutique studio that specializes in delivering online, community-driven experiences. Our goal is to do what is best for the game and its players.�/p>

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb8M5P1QKX8

A new era for the republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic has been running for quite a while, having launched back in 2011. It added free-to-play options a year later, and has since ?rolled on with expansions and content updates.

It's not surprising that EA wants to keep its Star Wars MM??O?? running. But moving it from BioWare does draw some attention back to the developer.

Both Dreadwolf and Mass Effect are in development, though we haven't heard much recently from either project. The new Dragon Age has passed an alpha milestone and received a subtitle, while we haven't heard much about the new Mass Effect since its reveal.

Some senior talent has also left the company, though former executive producer Mark Darrah has returned as a consultant to work on Dreadwolf. Additionally, EA reportedly told VentureBeat that the Mass Effect team is helping with production of the new Dragon Age.

All this seems to point towards a push to get something out the door for BioWare. Hopefully The Old Republic can at least find a go??od home for the players still adventuring in it.

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Celebrating a decade of The Old Republic

BioWare's MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic is hitting its 10-year anniversary this year, and it has some festivities in store. The next expansion for the Star Wars MMO, Legacy of the Sith, was revealed today for a holiday season launch on PC.

Legacy of the Sith will include the aquatic planet Manaan, as players search for Darth Malgus. There's also new collaborative missions, like a Flashpoint on Elom and an Operation in the remains of a deep-space rese??arch station.

The new expansion will also introduce Combat Styles, allowing players to independently choose a specific class story and combine it with ability sets from other tech or Force-wielding classes. There's also an updated character creation system, update??s to itemization and loadout, and streamlined class des?ign in store.

Having launched in December 2011 for North America and Europe, The Old Republic has been running for some time now. And though it's seen a lot of changes over the years, it seems like fans have stuck with it, and some of these new updates—like the option of being a Dark Side character masquerading as a Jedi—sound pretty rad. Legacy of the Sith wi?ll be free for all subscribers when it la??unches in holiday season 2021.

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One of BioWare's finest

One of the most successful and revered MMORPGs of all-time is expanding its platforms nearly a decade after release. Today, Star Wars: The Old Republic is finally available on Steam.

This move comes as part of EA's concerted effort to put more of its games on Steam. Approximately two dozen were added in June. This is The Old Republic's Steam debut be?cause it originally launched ?back when EA was creating Origin as a rival to the Steam storefront. 

However, the whole game doesn't run through Steam. The Old Republic still requires its own client that has to be installed on your PC. However, launching through Steam comes with Steam trading cards and achievements (the latter will be implemented in a future update). Also, there's cross-play and cross-save progr?ession between Steam and the direct client.

If you're interested, Star Wars: The Old Republic is free-to-play up to a certain point, and it's pretty generous with how much content it'll let you try. It's free up to level 60, th?ere are no time restrictions, and it includes access to the first two story expansions. Upgrading to an optional $15/month subscription increases the level cap to 75, opens up raids and PVP elements, and unlocks the remaining expansions. It's worth noting that buying a single month's subscription gets you permanent access to those ??expansions, even if you eventually cancel.

Star Wars: The Old Rebublic [Steam]

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Free for subscrbers

After a three-year absence of updates, Star Wars: The Old Republic will be getting a new expansion this September. Called Onslaught, this latest update will add a brand new story, two new planets, a "Flashpoint," a new "Operation," and some brand new abilities. Revealed on the official Old Republic website, the description reads, "Onslaught puts you at the center of the reignited war between the Galactic Republic and th?e Sith Empire. Will you remain loyal to your faction or work to undermine a??nd sabotage their war efforts? The choice is yours."

Players will take a journey to Onderon, the planet of "untamed jungles and savages beasts," stop off at Mek-Sha, a fuelling station situated in a mined-out ast??eroid, and explore a new area of Corellia for the climactic finale of the story. The flashpoint, playable at any tim??e, will be set on Dxun, a lush jungle set on one of Onderon's moons.

As far as gameplay enhancements go, Onslaught will feature a brand new gear type called "tactical items." These items are said to be "build-defining items" that will alter the playstyle and abilities of your characters. New genera?l item sets will be obtainable via crafting, "Galatic Command," ?PvP, and PvE. Finally, the level cap will be raised to 75, with every advanced class unlocking new abilities as they progress.

Onslaught will be free for all subscribers to The Old Republic when it launches in the fall. There is no word on whether it will be offered st??andalone for any free-to-play users.

Announcing 'Onslaught', the Newest Expansion Coming to Star Wars: The Old Republic [The Old Republic]

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To Alderann!

2016 has ended on a really rough note with the death of Carrie Fisher, but she was beloved by many, as evidenced by this heartwarming tribute going on currently in The Old Republic.

As of this week thousands of players have been visiting the planet of Alderann, and paying their respects to Fisher at House Organa. One person managed to create a character that looks just like her, and players f??rom all over the galaxy have been attending a remembrance ceremony of sorts for the actress.

A lot of folks are hoping that this can lead to some sort of in-game memorial, like a statue. It's been done before, and MMOs are the perfect place to do it.

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Go to Texas, make an MMO

It looks like The Old Republic devel?oper BioWare Austin is working on an entirely new IP with MMO elements.

In a job listing, BioWare Austin says it is looking for a Senior Lead Server Engineer who has experience in “designing distributed simulation systems, particularly i??n an MMO or similar online context.” In other words, it wants someone who knows how to make the MMO bit of MMORPG.

The listing claims the work is for a “new, unannounced BioWare IP.” Seeing as BioWare Austin’s only other game is Star Wars: The Old Republic, is this a sign that it’s? now ge?tting ready for life after the Force?

If so, that will be interesting. I wonder how BioWare will handle an MMO that isn’t constrained by it being part of an already existing universe. It’ll also be cool to see whether it is able to improve on the underwhelming MMO functionality of The Old Republic while maintaining the engaging solo play it had.

So, World of Dragon Age coming in 2018? With the Warlords of Iron Bull’s Meaty Manflesh expansion in 2020? I’m sold.

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'Knights of the Fallen Empire'

Man, I'm surprised Star Wars: The Old Republic is still trucking along. You have to give it to BioWare (and to some extent, EA) for staying with it after its mixed reception at launch, so-so expansion packs, and its transition into free-to-pla?y. I was there day one, and promptly quit after reac?hing level 50 as there wasn't really a whole lot to do after I had experienced a few of the stories.

But with the newest Knights of the Fallen Empire expansi?on that launched last week, I'm back in, dabbling a bit with old and new characters alike. It's a marked improvement.

Let's start with some of the enhancements the expansion has made globally, outside ??of the confines of the new storyline. I immediately created a new character and found that there have been a ton of concessions to make it less of a slog. For starters, XP gain has seen a stark increase across the board, so you don't have to do nearly every mission on a planet to move on to the next one -- instead, you can essentially follow the core storyline and th?at's it. This is how it always should have been structured, as most of the sidequests are rather dull. It's also much easier to see what is and isn't story related (narrative quests have a purple tint).

Gear statistics have now been simplified so you don't find nearly as much trash, and fast travel is enhanced thanks to instant access to flight paths. Companions have been severely streamlined when it comes to gear as well (in a good way), so you can basically choose whoever you want and fit t??hem into any role you wish. Here's the biggest change: you can basically do everything, including required Flashpoints (dungeons), by yourself.

It's silly to say since this is technically an MMO, but Old Republic has made a ton of concessions for solo players. For the most part when I embarked upon my journey to max out at level 50 years ago I played alone, but there were a ton of sections where I needed assistance or was required to grind to progress with the story. With the dawn of Knights of the Fallen Empire, that need is basically eliminated. In this way, it now truly feels more like a Knights of the Old Republic 3. In the past it was ludicrous to ask someone to pay a subscr?iption fee to experience that by yourself, but it's much easier t??o swallow for free.

As previously mentioned, the new narrative is actually quite good, and feels like a true follow-up to KOTOR. To start the Fallen Empire storyline (which now goes to level 65), you'll need to have a maxed out 60 character. By subscribing (and thus gaining access to the expansion), you'll net one max boost, so you can breeze past the previous Hutt Cartel (previously 55) and Shadow of Revan (previously 60) ?add-ons. From there it's dead simple to start up the campaign, as you only need to queue up the mission on your ship.

Missions in Empire are now more pointed. They don't feel like a shoehorned-in excuse to justify an MMO and a subscription fee -- they feel like quests from a classic BioWare RPG. Everything is much more cinematic and imposing, and the dialogue feels more meaningful. They're also completely removed from the gamey elements of Old Republic, almo?st like a separate mode entirely, devoid of grindy, time-wasting activities. In essence, this is something worth paying for, especially if you? have some free time and want to go through it in a month before unsubscribing again.

Over half of the Empire chapters have been released, and others will subsequently be released over time. It's something I would normally get kind of miffed about (gotta keep people subscribed somehow), but given all the other improvements, I just to?ok to creating another cla??ss instead.

It took BioWare long enough, but Star Wars: The Old Republic's 4.0 build really feels like what the game should have been like at launch. Whether you're a new player jumping in for the first time or a disenchanted veteran who's cautiously interested in subscribing again, The Fallen Empire is worth a shot.

_{[This impressions piece is based on subscription time purchased by the reviewer.]}

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The second coming of Karpyshyn

Drew Karpyshyn, largely known for his work on the first two Mass Effect games and Jade Empire, is once again working for BioWare after a three year hiat??us.

The author left the developer in 2012 to work on his Chaos Born novels and is returning to BioWare following their completion. Karpyshyn says his return isn't a sign that a new BioWare project is on the horizon, instead saying via his blog that he will be working on Star Wars: The Old Republic.

I discovered Karpyshyn through his Star Wars: Darth Bane trilogy, and later found out he was the lead writer on the first Mass Effect game back in the day. If you're a BioWare fan, you've probably played something he's worked on. Karpyshyn had his hands in Baldur's Gate II, Neverwinter Nights, and both Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and The Old Republic. As someone w?ho really enjoys the storytelling in his novels and games, this is easily the best news I've? heard in a while.

If you want more details on the reunion, ask him yourself. Karpyshyn will be hosting an AMA on Reddit's fantasy subreddit, /r/fantasy, October 8.

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Back to 'BioWare-style storytelling'?

BioWare has shown off some more of its upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic expansion, Knights of the Fallen Empire, a??t gamescom. The newest trailer that actually shows gameplay can be seen above.

The expansion will feature an episodic story that can either car?ry on your character’s story, or begin fresh with a new character at the start of the expansion’s sto?ry.

BioWare has also announced that a new companion will be available for those who subscribe to The Old Republic before Knights of the Fallen Empire’s launch. The expansion will be free to all subscribers when it releases on Octobe??r 27.

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'This is the expansion for our players'

BioWare has been at the helm of Star Wars: The Old Republic for a fairly long ??time now. Come December, the game will have been around for four years. All the while, BioWare's been tweaking, expanding, and enhancing?? the player experience. As everyone knows, MMOs don't stay static following release; they're constantly changing.

Jeff Hickman, studio general manager at BioWare, knows this all too well. But, he thinks that maybe the developer's strayed a bit from what The Old Republic's players really want: narrative-driven experiences. This is Star Wars, a??fter all. Most everyone has a special connection to the stories that grace that universe.

So, for Star Wars: The Old Republic's next expansion, BioWare's putting the emphasis on plot again. On October 27, 2015 Knights of the Fallen Empire will release, and it'll be free for subscribers. It'll launch with nine chapters, and the studio's dedicated to adding ??a new chapter every month once 2016 rolls around.

As Hickman put it, Knights of the Fallen Empire introduces a new enemy, "the emperor who's on his eternal throne." The expansion will begin with the player locked up and frozen in Carbonite, only seeking to escape. It seems like it won't be long before the weighty decision-dri??ven narrative branches will begin. Hickman said that during the escape, there will be a Sun Generator that's on the brink of meltdown. The player will have to choose whether to prevent that or simply save themselves. Regardless of which choice is made, it's almost a certainty that it won't sit well with someone in the party.

Although Knights of the Fallen Empire will take place at a high level, newcomers won't be put out because of it. Along with the add-on, all?? subscribers will be given a level 60 character. Long-time players can decide if they want to tackle this content with an existing character, or if they want to start fresh with a?? new one.

However, not everything BioWare has in store for The Old Republic is forward-focused. The developer's going back and retooling the eight stories in the game to make them more streamlined and to put plot more prominently in the spotlight. Likewise, it's also upgrading 50 or so oper?ations bosses and boosting flashpoints to level 65.

Throughout the entirety of listening to Hickman speak, he kept stressing the same points over and over: players want story, players want meaningful choices, and players want to be customizable heroes or villains in the Star Wars universe. BioWare knows its audience better than anyone, and if it's right, Knights of the Fallen Empire looks to be a nice return to form for The Old Republic. Hickman certainly thinks so, as he concluded the talk by simply saying "This is the expansion for our players. This is what th?ey want."

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Honestly I'd forgotten about TOR

At its E3 conference, EA has shown us what’s new in a title we’d all managed to forget about: BioWare’s MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic. Its new expansion, Knights of the Fallen Empire, is said to bring new player-driven story, new comp?anions, and new areas.

Knights of the Fallen Empire will be free to all cu?rrent subscribers to the game, and it’s coming October 27.

Here are some screenshots for you whi??le we wait on a trailer to be available ??to share:

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May the 4th was with him

BioWare writer David Gaider has hinted that he'd?? "love" to work on another Star Wa?rs RPG.

Though BioWare developed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic, there are no Star Wars games in the studio's To Be Co?mpleted list ... yet. 

Replying to a fan yesterday on Twitter, Gaider said: "I'd love to work o?n another Star Wars RPG. Maybe with @ChrisAvellone, to temper my bad habits. Hey, I can dream. :)"

He also added that while his worst memory of working on Knights of the Old Republic was when his "favourite ending was cut," "seeing the KotOR opening for the fir??st time, with the music??, made [his] heart sing with joy."

Seemingly amused when his tweets hit the press, Gaider later added: "BioWare??'s David Gaider also wants a pony, his own bar, and a summer? home in New Orleans." 

Let m??e know if that works, Gaider. I could really do wi?th a summer home, too.

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The expansion is $19.99

You remember Darth Revan? ??Well he's back! In DLC form!

BioWare has announced that an upcoming DLC will feature the classic Revan character from KOTOR in The Old Republic. It'll arrive on December 9th, priced at $19.99.

The level cap will also be raised to 60, and there will be new story missions, Flashpoints, and Operations. If you pre-order before November 2nd, you'll get an in-game statue item, one week of early access, and the Rise of the Hutt Cartel DLC for free.

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It's like the Sims now! BUT IN SPACE!

EA revealed the next update for Star Wars: The Old Republic at its gamescom press conference. The Galactic Strongholds downloadable content will let you build a home in the game. Yup, SWTOR is now Sims. Y??ou can show off? your cribs to friends in the game. ;

The update will also include Guild flagships, used to go around space and conquer planets.&n?bsp;

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Galactic Starfighter now out for F2P players

Looking at the year ahead for Star Wars: The Old Republic, senior producer Bruce Maclean says there are two more digital expansions on the way -- "one similar to Galactic Starfighter in scope and one more closely resembling Rise of the Hutt Cartel." The team is moving to a three-week cycle between minor patch??es, up from two weeks, in order to budget more time for bug testing. Similarly, major content updates are shifting to a nine-week cycle.

Besides those big-ticket items, The Old Republic will have a Double XP weekend from March 14 - 17, Update 2.7 with two additional Flashpoints and a new tier of gear on April 8, and Update 2.8 -- described as the "biggest update up to this point" -- with more ships and a new Ship Role for Galactic Starfighter on June 10.

Speaking of the Starfighter expansion and its 12 vs. 12 spaceship battles, that is now playable for free. No need for preferred status or t??o?? be a subscriber any longer.

Producer's Road Map 2014 [Star Wars: The Old Republic]

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Billions!

Super Data Research has released their di?gital sales review of 2013, analyzing how much revenue was made from free-to-play, mobile, console, and PC digi??tal content. In the free-to-play category, the top ten games based on revenues worldwide made a total of $3.574 billion. Yes, billion.

The top earner was CrossFire at $957 million, a free-to-play first-person shooter you've probably never heard of. League of Legends came in at second with $624 million, and Nexon's Dungeon Fighter Online came in at third with $426 million.

Other top earners include World of Tanks at $372 million, World of Warcraft with $213 million, Star Wars: The Old Republic with $139 million, and Team Fortress 2 at $139 million. Most impressive to me is that Lineage I, a game that's been out for 14 years now, made another $257 million last year.

Impressive, if not a little disheartening. There's additional stats worth checking out on Super Data Research, just brace yourself at the mobile section when you see how much Candy Crush Saga makes every single day.

US digital games market update: December 2013 [Super Data Research]

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*pew pew pew whooosh*

The Galactic Starfighter expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic has been av?ailable ??to Subscribers of the MMO since early December, and now it's time for Preferred Early Access users to get in on the action.

Preferred Early Access members can now join Subscribers in 12 vs. 12 dogfighting battles and will also be getting their hands on a few in-game bonuses, including a couple of pilot suits and an in-game title -- not as numerous as the bonuses Subscribers received, but hey, free stuff.

The only group left now are free-to-play Access members; they'll be allowed to?? dogfight o??????????????????????????n February 4.

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But you'll need to be a subscriber to play it right now

As promised, the Galactic Starfighter expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic has gone live for subscribers today adding 12 vs. 12 PvP free-fli??ght dogfighting, complete with the ability to customize ships.

On top of getting early access to Galactic Starfighter, subscribers will also be receiving several exclusive in-game bonuses such as paint jobs and titles. Preferred Status Players, anyone who's previous??ly been a subscriber or has made an in-game purchase, will be able to access the expansion beginning on January 14, with free-to-play access being granted a month later in February.

Am I the only one who feels as though that, while Galactic Starfighter seems like a jolly good time, this is all a little too late for the M??MO?

The post The Old Republic ‘Galactic Starfighter’ expansion is live appeared first on Destructoid.

Ah, this brings me back

Here's another look at the upcoming Galactic Starfighter expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic, aka the first truly interesting thing I've seen out of this game in months. The familiar sights and sounds of Star Wars dogfights do the soul good.

Battles go up to 12 vs. 12, and ships themselves can be customized aesthetically and also play different roles in skirmishes, like Scout or Strike Fighter. I'm happy for you, The Old Republic, but deep down it's really another Rogue Squadron that I want most.

Galactic Starfighter will release in phases. The expansion is out first for subscribers on December 3, then it's "preferred status" early access on January 14 for players who have b??ought something from the online store, followed by free-to-play launch on February 4.

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A Star Wars expansion I actually want to play

As an absolute sucker for space battles in the Star Wars universe, this new digital expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic is looking mighty fine. I've resisted the call of BioWare's MMO even with it going free-to-play, but Galactic Starfighter's player-versus-player dogfights are tempting.

The new content rolls out as early as December 3, 2013 -- that's when Old Republic s??ubscribers are granted their coveted early access. "Preferred status players" (people who bought something from the online store) are next on Ja?nuary 14, 2014. Finally, the remaining player base gets the expansion on February 4, 2014. Sounds about right.

Is this enough of a draw to get you interested -- or re-interested, if you're a returning player -- in the game? I should also mention that subscribers as of November ??1 get an exclusive Galactic Starfighter early Gunship unlock and custom Gunship paint jobs. Rub it in, why don't you!

Subscriber Early Access Rewards

• Early Access to Galactic Starfighter on December 3
• Exclusive Paint Jobs
• Two Pilot Suits
• Two Titles (“Test Pilot” and “First Galactic Starfighter”)
• Subscribers get the maximum leveling and progression benefit (a Starfighter Pass will also be available for purchase in the Cartel Market beginning January 14)

Preferred Status players will receive:

• Early Access to Galactic Starfighter on January 14
• Two Pilot Suits
• Exclusive Title (“Test Pilot”)

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An end to the trilogy may yet see the light of day

Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords was a stellar Star Wars RPG that shone despite its bugs and rushed production schedule. It left me wanting to a sequel and, speaking to Eurogamer, Obsidian's Chris Avellone also harbored further plans for the crew of the Ebon Hawk. Knights of the Old Republic III actually existed i??n pre-production at Obsidian but it never made it past the?? pitch process.

Obsidian's Chris Avellone says that "it felt like we were pitching and pitching and it just wasn't going anywhere, and at some point people just drew a line and said 'it's just not going to happen.'" I had never considered the KOTOR games to be part of a potential trilogy but Avellone confirmed that the plan was to have "The Exile" from KOTOR II potentially meeting Revan from KOTOR I and finding "the true Sith Lords."

But enough of all that, what of HK-47, one of the best supporting characters in an RPG ever? "At one point HK-47, its legs dismantled, would "ride around in your backpack," Chris explains "like C-3PO does with Chewbacca in Empire Strikes Back." Brilliant!

The best parts of KOTOR II were when your crew began expanding and you felt like you were making a really close-knit group. I'd love to see KOTOR III happen but if it never does, I'm glad that there's mods like The Sith Lords Content Mod that can help me sque??eze ever??y last bit of goodness from the game.

Fear is the path to the dark side [Eurogamer]

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Play as the Cathar

BioWare has rolled out "Game Update 2.1: Customization" for Star Wars: The Old Republic. As previously demonstrated, this update introduces ??the Cathar as a playable race up for purchase at the Cartel Market as well as an Appearance Designer Kiosk.

The kiosk?? is where you'll be able to customize your character's physical appearance, hair style and color, and species. There are also Dye Modules for modifying armor sets, because no one wants to look ugly when they're out exploring the galaxy. Rounding out update 2.1 are individual purchases that allow character and guild renaming, among other things.

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EA claims 1.7 million more subscribers since transition to free to play model

EA's president of labels Frank Gibeau announced during yesterday's earnings call that after Star Wars: The Old Republic transitioned to a free-to-play model, "the monthly revenue has doubled." Gibeau also confirmed that the game saw more than 1.7 million new players since going free-to-play, and that subscribers had "stabilized? at just under half a million."

That's hardly the World Of Warcraft figures that EA would have been aiming for but once again, it shows that going free-to-play isn't necessarily the death-knell of an MMO. On the earnings call, Gibeau also mentioned that new content would be coming every "six weeks or so." Whilst I played the beta of The Old Republic i??t didn't grab my attention. It would be interesting to get back in and see what the free-to-play hooks are like first hand.

The post Free-to-play has ‘doubled’ income for The Old Republic appeared first on Destructoid.

It's a start, I guess

Star Wars The Old Republic update 2.1, dubbed the "Customization" update, now has a new trailer that shows off a significant addition to the fray -- the Cathar race (remember Juhani from Knights of the Old Republic?). This is the first major patch after the 2.0 build of the game, which launched with the Hutt Cartel expansion.

For non-Star Wars fans, the Cathar are a feline species who can be pretty temperamental, yet l?oyal and proud.  While the Cathar wouldn't be my first choice to add to the game, any new races are a positive thing -?- especially free ones that help extend replay value.

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Plus Injustice, Rise of the Hutt Cartel, and Soul Hackers

After a couple of lackluster weeks of new releases, we're spoiled for choice this week. A? plethora of games drop, begging for your attention. Time to blow more money.

At the top of the list, for me, is the latest piece of Dishonored DLC, The Knife of Dunwall. Daud, the DLC's protagonist, only appeared in the main game briefly, but he has a central role in the story of Corvo's set-up. I'm really looking forward to seeing Dunwall through his e?yes, and learning more about the enigmatic assassin. 

Also arriving this week is the DC fighter, Injustice: Gods Among Us, where a bald man in a mechanical suit can beat up Superman; Pandora's Tower finally gets a US release, long after the rest of us have been able to enjoy it; Star Wars: The Old Republic gets a new premium expansion in the form of Rise of the Hutt Cartel; the new Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner game, Soul Hackers, launches on the 3DS; and the wonderful but tragic Papo & Yo gets a PC port. All this and more comes ou??t this week.

So, what are you grabbing?

Xbox 360: Injustice: Gods Among Us, Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall, God Mode, Sacred Citadel, Call of Duty: Black Ops II - Uprising

PS3: Injustice: Gods Among Us, Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall, Sacred Citadel, Dragon Fantasy, Arcania: Game of the Year Edition 

PC: Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall, Star Wars: The Old Republic - Rise of the Hutt Cartel, Victoria II: Heart of Darkness, Eador: Masters of the Broken World, Sacred Citadel, Darkfall Unholy Wars, God Mode, Papo & Yo

Wii U: Injustice: Gods Among Us

Wii: Pandora's Tower

3DS: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Soul Hackers, Witch & Hero

PSN: Sniper Ghost Warrior 2, Mad Dog 2: The Lost Gold

Injustice: Gods Among Us (PS3, Wii U, Xbox 360)

Sacred Citadel (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

God Mode (PC, Xbox 360)

Pandora's Tower (Wii)

Star Wars: The Old Republic - Rise of the Hutt Cartel (PC)

Victoria II: Heart of Darkness (PC)

Eador: Masters of the Broken World (PC)

Darkfall Unholy Wars (PC)

Papo & Yo (PC)

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Soul Hackers (3DS)

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Dance the night away

With a name like Update 2.1: Dance of the Hutts, you know you're in for a change of pace. Headlining this April Fool's Day joke for Star Wars: The Old Republic are dance-based? PvP combat and "an affectionate, but reluctant new mount, the Huttese Transporter."

Although this mount cannot be taken for a joyride on weekends -- and it collects a five percent tax on Cartel Coin purchases -- that's a small price to pay for a ridable Hutt. If games didn't take themselves so seriously year round, we'd be in a much more entertai?nin??g place.

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Are you still playing?

BioWare has plans to release the Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic on April 14, ??2013 in all territories, the studio announced today. Pricing for the new content is $9.99 for paying? subscribers and $19.99 for free-to-play users.

This expansion bumps the level cap up to 55 and opens access to the planet Makeb, among other things. There's five-day early access in it for those players who pre-ordered by January 7, though if you missed out on that offer, current pre-orders still include extra ?incentives: the "Scourge of the Hutts" title, a Makrin Seedling Mini-P??et, and the Dr. Oggurobb Hutt Holostatue.

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