Star Wars: The Old Republic Review

Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR), developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, launched on the PC in 2011 with an ambitious goal: to blend the deep, narrative-driven RPG experience of BioWare with the expansive world of a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Set thousands of years before the Star Wars films, SWTOR PC offers a unique opportunity to shape your own destiny in a galaxy far, far away. This Star Wars The Old Republic review explores its strengths and evolution.

Gameplay: Eight Epic Class Stories

What truly sets SWTOR apart from other MMORPGs are its eight distinct and fully voiced class stories. Each of the four classes per faction (Galactic Republic and Sith Empire) offers a unique narrative campaign, complete with branching dialogue choices that influence your character’s alignment with the Light Side or Dark Side of the Force. This emphasis on personal storytelling, a BioWare hallmark, makes the leveling experience incredibly engaging.

Combat is a blend of traditional MMO hotbar abilities with a more active feel, particularly for lightsaber combat. Players can choose from various advanced classes, specializing in different roles like DPS, Tank, or Healer. The game features extensive PvE content (Flashpoints, Operations, World Bosses) and PvP (Warzones, Galactic Starfighter), providing diverse activities. The Free-to-Play (F2P) model allows new players to experience the base game’s class stories for free, though subscribing unlocks all expansions and quality-of-life benefits.

• Eight unique, fully voiced class stories
• Impactful Light/Dark Side choices
• Blend of traditional MMO and BioWare RPG mechanics
• Extensive PvE and PvP content
• Free-to-Play option for core game content

Story and World: A Rich Star Wars Universe

The lore of The Old Republic era is incredibly rich, drawing heavily from the Knights of the Old Republic games and other Expanded Universe material. The game presents a galaxy embroiled in a cold war between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. Players visit iconic planets like Coruscant and Tatooine, as well as new worlds unique to this era.

The quality of the voice acting across all characters, including companions, is exceptional, rivaling that of single-player RPGs. This dedication to narrative presentation truly immerses players in the Star Wars universe, making it feel like a living, breathing galaxy.

Graphics and Sound: Cinematic Immersion

Visually, SWTOR on PC features a stylized art direction that holds up well, evoking the classic Star Wars aesthetic while maintaining a distinct identity. Character models are detailed, and the environments, from bustling cityscapes to desolate alien planets, are vibrant and atmospheric.

The sound design is superb, with instantly recognizable blaster fire, lightsaber hums, and the iconic musical score by Mark Griskey and others. The extensive voice acting for every quest and dialogue option is a monumental achievement that significantly enhances the game’s immersive qualities.

Legacy and Evolution: A Story-First MMO

Star Wars: The Old Republic has evolved significantly since its launch, transitioning to a Free-to-Play model and receiving numerous expansions that continue the overarching narrative. While it faced initial challenges, it has cultivated a dedicated player base who appreciate its unique focus on storytelling within the MMORPG genre. It remains a unique proposition for Star Wars fans.

Is Star Wars: The Old Republic on PC Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. For Star Wars fans and those who enjoy story-driven RPGs, SWTOR on PC is highly recommended, especially with its Free-to-Play option. The eight unique class stories alone offer dozens of hours of high-quality, fully voiced content. While it may not compete with modern MMOs in every technical aspect, its unparalleled narrative depth and authentic Star Wars experience make it a compelling and rewarding journey.