Star Wars: The Old Republic ‘Beta Test Weekends’ begin in September. Players will realize the large collection of charging
08/04/2011 – 11:06 pmEA today announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic ‘Beta Test Weekends’ will start in September, it is expected to be listed officially in Christmas. In addition, the developer will hold “Beta Test Weekends,” allowing “selected players” to check out the game early.
Official opening pre-order page
The official opened the sale page for the game, three versions are avalibale: Standard $59.99 (equivalent to 386 CNY), Digital Deluxe $79.99 (equivalent to 515 CNY), and the whopping Collector’s Edition $150 (equivalent to 1000 CNY).
According to the report of 17173 a few days ago, the Collector’s Edition includes Exclusive Gentle Giant Darth Malgus statue, Star Wars: The Old Republic game disks in collectible metal case, The Journal of Master Gnost-Dural annotated by Satele Shan ,Old Republic galaxy map, Custom Security Authentication Key, Exclusive Music of Star Wars: The Old Republic CD, High-quality collector’s edition box and some virtual in-game items are exclusive to the Collector’s Edition. Whether the price worth 150$, different people have different views. It can not be satisfied for EA to just sell the game .
Due to the Research and development funds of Star Wars: The Old Republic have over $300 million, and now analysts give the game the most optimistic estimate is just attract 50-100 million paid player and maximum $ 35 million net profit in one year, it is very difficult for EA to return the costs with just sell for game and game cards in one to two years. Thinking of that after operation and promotion ,the period may become longer, players are likely to have a taste for revenue models on time charge, props charge, product placement etc.
Unique innovation! Comments on “Star Wars ” system
Star Wars: The Old Republic is not shaping up to be a money grab, as an extended version of BioWare’s Old Republic series, the game is not just single-player with multiplayers mode wihout innovation. On the contrary, Star Wars is not shallow, BioWare try to jump out of traditional MMO gaming while offering some innovative, to the genre.
Crafting system
Crafting in “Star Wars: The Old Republic” still exists, perhaps it is not similar for its setting with traditional MMO. The crafting is known as Crew Skills, in which a player’s companions carry out gathering and crafting tasks asynchronously to the player’s adventures out in the game. “Crew Skills” system is split into three main categories: gathering, crafting, and missions. Players can take one companion with them for combat in filed, direct companions to gather resources out from the battle and command others to stay in ship to create items. Moreover, you can send your crew members on missions and finish them off for you when you are not free, for example, send them on a hunt down mission or to complete various other goals.
Some players may not appreciate this kind of setting, but “Star Wars: The Old Republic” unique Crew Skills system fit the game background better and to be more interesting.
Housing system
Finally, this game will allow you to have your own spaceship that serves as your house. However, customized spaceship will temporarily not open when the game on-line. Maybe this is not a correct decision, if when you are playing the game, your main concern is to create a spaceship and how to operate a “home”, then “Star Wars: The Old Republic” may not be your best choice.
In addition to these two points for Star Wars: The Old Republic more unique than other MMO games, do not foget that BioWare specializes in role-playing video games, and became famous for launching highly praised and successful licensed franchises. Whatever “Mass Effect”, “Dragon Age: Origins” or earlier “Neverwinter Nights” and “Baldur’s Gate” is set with a great story and characters portrayed. Therefore, carring with complex narrative elements into MMO for players go into the story and promotion the way of story, thus enriching the gameplay.
So, no doubt, depends on BioWare, Star Wars: The Old Republic will be in the forefront of the MMORPG within the following months and years.