Galactic Holofeed

Item Modifications Update

2011-12-06T17:55:00.001-05:00

Today we receive a rather nice and lengthy post by Emmanuel Lusinchi which details all the changes regarding the item modification system. Throughout the course of the explanation we learn how over the course of the beta the Bioware team has changed the system, a lot of it undergoing drastic updates.

These changes are based upon the feedback and through the use of the modification system throughout the beta. To sum it up, it's been made simpler and easier to manage, while at the same time retaining all the benefits it had originally begun with.

Things to note are:

Color Coded Gear: Orange (Fully Modifiable), Blue (Rare), Purple (Epic), & Green (Common)
Orange Gear can be obtained around level 8 through class quests, space quests and social gear
Modifications are removable
Modifications can be done anywhere (a workbench is no longer required)
Looted / Quest Modifications can now be reverse engineered
4 standardized slots

For more information and to read the full explanation visit the swtor forums.

A Shared Story

2011-12-04T10:58:00.003-05:00

To commemorate the end of beta for Star Wars: The Old Republic, I have created this video using my beta footage and a mash-up I made from Children of Dune. Enjoy!

Early Game Access

2011-09-29T18:33:00.000-04:00

Based on a recent quote from Steven Reid, we are given some clarification as to what Early Game Access entails. As most of us maybe used to, when you pre-order a game, typically you'll be able to login and play a few days early.

Bioware is taking a slightly different approach, while yes all of the pre-orders will be able to login early, it's being based upon a first come first serve strategy. This many seem a bit frustrating to some folks, but don't worry. We are given a clarification as to why in the following quote.

While we understand all of you want to be in Early Game Access on Day One, part of the point of a head start program like this one is to allow us to gradually ramp up the population of our servers so that on launch day, the general play experience is as pleasant as possible. While we're going to be allowing a lot of people into Early Game Access at regular intervals, we cannot allow everyone who pre-orders in at once. That would defeat the point of a gradual head start.

The next obvious question is "I pre-ordered on Day X, when do I get access?" While we cannot answer that for everyone, I will say (as I did in July) that those who pre-ordered early will be getting Early Game Access, well, earliest. At this point we still have pre-orders available and therefore, anyone who pre-orders will still gain Early Game Access, but as they're redeeming their code later, they'll get Early Game Access later. As I've said before the difference between 'early' and 'later' should be a matter of days, not weeks

What does this exactly entail? Glad you asked! By gradually letting in an influx of players, we'll be given less server side issues hopefully and with that a smoother first day experience. I'm sure we can all recount a few mmorpg's in the past where day one, was riddled with bugs. Let's hope that this strategy works and we'll have a grand experience in a galaxy far, far away!

Source:swtor.com

Star Wars: The Old Republic Release Date

2011-09-24T09:32:00.001-04:00

Today Bioware pulls back the curtain and we are presented with an official release date for Star Wars: The Old Republic. It's been a long few years and the hype extremely high for this major mmorpg. Finally now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The launch date is set for December 20, 2011. We also learn of the pricing structure and model in which it's subscription based. The pricing is fairly standard for the industry with a $14.99/mo subscription and discounts for larger time segements.

Source: swtor.com

Revan Novel Cover Revealed

2011-07-21T17:52:00.001-04:00

Today during SDCC, the cover for Drew Karpyshyn's upcoming book, Revan was revealed. This is the third book set within The Old Republic. The story follows in the footsteps of Revan and the events transpiring towards the end of Knights of the Old Republic

We are curious to hear what your thoughts on the new cover are, let us know!

Source: StarWars.com

Some Retailers reveal Collectors Edition details

2011-07-19T22:46:00.004-04:00

We all have seen retailers toss out random dates as for TOR to help them sell pre-orders. We all know those are bunk. But now things have gone one step further. Now, we have some real details on what will be available in the collectors edition because polish and spanish retailers have begun sharing pre-order details.

Among the details in the blurry image above, there is an anti-hacker Authenticator included, a statue of Darth Malgus, a music CD, and something called the Journal of Gnost Dural. Oh, and expect early game access with all pre-orders too.

November Release for TOR?

2011-07-16T11:33:00.002-04:00

Financial analysts have leaked information about TOR in the past. Most remember when we heard on a financial conference call that TOR's expected release was Spring 2011. Well spring as come and gone, but the financial side of EA still likes to tell their investors when to expect profits from this massive project they are working on. It seems like EA was waiting to see if they could do a September release, and have instead gone for a November release. Quote below.

We are updating our model accordingly. EA also pre-announced fiscal 1Q (June) positively. It gave disappointing initial 2Q EPS guidance. We are officially moving the expected Star Wars launch from September to November. PopCap is not the key to getting ERTS right. We like this acquisition, but this is not going to make or break your ERTS trade this year. The success of Star Wars and Battlefield, on the other hand, will. All eyes now shift to them.

Read the full quote at:
http://online.barrons.com in the "Electronic Arts" section

Eternity Vault Revealed

2011-06-08T16:44:00.000-04:00

Today we are shown a new instance or to be more specific "operation" by Bioware. operations in Star Wars: The Old Republic will essentially be raids, in which multiple groups will join together to be challenged in some of what is the galaxies most difficult and cooperative content.

A brief description of the Eternity Vault goes as follows:

A terrible threat has been uncovered on the ice world of Belsavis; a danger so grave that it could make the conflict between the Republic and the Empire irrelevant. Groups of heroes must band together to venture into the ancient and deadly Eternity Vault . . .

In addition we are given a great video of the Eternity Vault and some of the challenges that lie within it. We'd like to know what you think of this first operation. Who lies waiting at the end? We've got a few idea's, so make sure to listen to this week's show to find out more!

Source: Star Wars: The Old Republic

E3 Updates - Day 1

2011-06-06T19:00:00.000-04:00

The first day of E3 is well on it's way. We've managed to learn a few tidbits regarding Star Wars: The Old Republic. So without further ado lets get into it.

To start things off EA is rolling out a new service titled Origin, through this service you'll be able to find exclusive videos and merge your EA account into it. This service will provide a EA store, access to news, a download manager and more. What do we think about it?

Today's business environment is competitive and consumers want to spend their hard earned money and get the most out of it. In this regard by EA using a service comparable to Steam, they achieve a higher profit margin and reduce any fee's as occurred by other distributors of their content, in addition they also provide a platform of convenience allowing them to consolidate multiple services.

Next we are presented with a new section of the Star Wars: The Old Republic website titled: "Game Setting" which contains the three cinematic trailers in chronological order, including brief descriptions. This is a nice archive and as the franchise is based so strongly upon it's story, we certainly appreciate it and it's organizational component.

Lastly a new cinematic trailer was revealed today, showcasing another glimpse of the setting of The Old Republic.

Return Cinematic Trailer

2011-06-06T18:40:00.000-04:00

During the first day of E3, we were pleasantly treated with a brand new delicious cinematic trailer for Star Wars: The Old Republic. In this lengthy trailer, which spans well over 6 minutes, we are given some spectacular cinematography and visuals as we get an introspective look of the Republic surrounding Korriban and the events unfolding thereafter.

For over a thousand years, the Sith were thought to be extinct after a grave defeat in an ancient war. But a select few survived, fleeing to unknown regions to escape Republic forces. In the centuries since, the Sith have prepared; rebuilding their Empire for the day they would make their return to reclaim what was once theirs and take their revenge on the Republic.
That day has arrived.

If you haven't seen the new cinematic yet, then what are you waiting for, you can view it here. Let us know what you think!

Transmission 74 - Republic Trooper

2011-06-05T12:08:00.000-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show.

In this latest transmission we sit down to discuss the past two weeks worth of news, highlights include the upcoming Darth Revan novel, audio fx and the republic trooper..

Show Topics:

News
Facebook Image of the Week
Studio Insider - Audio Combat FX
Darth Revan Novel Synopsis & Discussion
Question & Answers
The Republic Trooper
Trooper Progression
Closing Thoughts
Hypothetical Trooper
General Banter

Duration: 136:03

Thanks for listening and if you have any questions, feedback or more, don't hesitate to let us know!

TOR's Raids: Operations

2011-06-03T20:42:00.007-04:00

Today we learned that raids in Star Wars the Old Republic will be called "Operations" as part of Gamespot's exclusive interview with Bioware. They also provided a sleek little teaser that hints at things to come. As part of this teaser, we see an image of one of the raids in action. While many have assumed TOR raids will have only two groups for a total of 8 players, the below image contains 13 different players on screen at once. I have also noted there is an agent who tosses a grenade near the left of the screen for a total of 14 players on screen. This indicates the maximum raid size in TOR is not currently 8, or even 12. TOR's raid size is at least 16.

I recommend reading Gamespot's article. It's a good write up with good questions and the attached video is well worth watching. For a larger version of the above image, click here.

SWTOR - Lost Suns Preview

2011-06-01T23:10:00.000-04:00


Star Wars: The Old Republic - Lost Suns

Next week is the release of a brand new comic series taking place in the Old Republic. This story follows a Republic spy by the name of Theron Shan as he discovers some deep secret that the Sith Empire is harboring.

However if like many others you just can't wait or want to get a sneak peak of this upcoming series by dark hose, you can click on the image and see for yourself! Let us know your opinions or thoughts on this new addition to the Old Republic.

Source: starwars.com

Transmission 73 - The Dark Side

2011-05-22T13:03:00.000-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show.

In this latest transmission we sit down to discuss the past few weeks worth of news, give our opinions, some general banter and Colten enlightens us with some great first hand underworld tips.

Show Topics:

News
E3 & Predictions
Release Date Discussion
Codex & Beyond
Retention, Expansion & Predictions
Dashade - Khem Val
Sith Inquisitor & The Dark Side
Closing Thoughts
Hypothetical Sith Inquisitor

Duration: 145:40

Thanks for listening and if you have any questions, feedback or more, don't hesitate to let us know!

Transmission 72 - Interfacing Revan

2011-05-02T18:05:00.002-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show.

In this latest transmission we sit down to discuss a rather large amount of news, give our opinions and thoughts in addition to some great speculation and banter, so sit down, grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the show!

Show Topics:

Star Wars Weekends 2011 - Guest List & Info
May 4th - International Star Wars Day!
Free Comic Book Day - 6/7/2011

Clone Wars Comic

We Are Jedi Project

Lucasfilm & Red Cross Sponsored Relief For Japan

Graphical Interface (GUI)

User Interface Design
Structure, Uniformity & Clarity
Minimalism & Art

Sith Warrior Progression

Armor Aesthetics

The Story of Revan

Our Experiences
Continuity
Possible Outcomes
The Speculated Plot

Closing Thoughts
Hypothetical Agent

Duration: 101:07

Thanks for listening and if you have any questions, feedback or more, don't hesitate to let us know!

Transmission 71 - Swim Rage

2011-04-17T16:37:00.000-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show.

This week we are all back and sit down to discuss the previous two weeks news. We offer our opinions, thoughts and even a bit more as we go on to discuss the following topics:

Show Topics:

Official Star Wars Forums Closing
News
E3 Predictions
Fan Friday
Swimming in Nerd Rage
Studio Insider - Environmental Polish
Q & A
Thoughts & Opinions
Advanced Specialization
Closing Thoughts
Hypothetical Smuggler

Duration: 139:43

Thanks for listening and if you have any questions, feedback or more, don't hesitate to let us know!

Transmission 70 - Jeditastic

2011-04-03T14:30:00.000-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show.

This week we have our trusty Tom back with us from his flight, he relays some very important findings he has had. In addition we discuss critical elements of the wookie language and it's impact on design decisions and lastly all things Jedi

Show Topics:

Deceived Impressions
Shyriiwook & Moving On
Jedi
Ranks & Titles
Nomenclature
The Past, Present & Future
Political Allies & Enemies
Correlating Coruscant & Tython
Closing Thoughts
Hypothetical Jedi

Duration: 106:30

Deceived - Non Spoiler Review

2011-03-27T12:30:00.000-04:00

To preface anything, the following is a non-spoiler review. Make sure to stay tuned as we'll discuss the book in all it's glorious details in an upcoming minicast.

This past week, I had the chance to sit down and read the Paul S. Kemp's latest book – Deceived. The book takes place in the Old Republic Era, it starts out approximately where we see the trailer. If you haven't seen that yet...what are you waiting for, view it now!

The book revolves around three characters, the focus of them however is Darth Malgus. While the character's themselves are very well rounded, dynamic, the interesting aspect is we see an evolution of their personalities as they are driven to the circumstances they are put upon them and the effects of that. From beginning to end, the book is a roller coaster of a ride.

There are many themes running through the course of the novel and as any great story it contains various shades of gray, love, revenge and epitomes. Also for all of us Star Wars fans, you surely won't be disappointed as there's a lot of great action taking place, from high intense blaster fights, space battles and our favorite Jedi vs Sith!

If your taking your first step into the Star Wars Expanded Universe, this Is a great place to start, I would like to note that this is a pretty stand alone novel, which really doesn't require any previous knowledge of the canon. So pick it up, have yourself a fun read and enjoy what it offers, rest assured you won't be disappointed.

I found myself once, I picked it up, I couldn't put it down and a tease for you all . . . prepare to have your jaw hanging open at one point or another!

Transmission 69 - Bantha Banter

2011-03-24T17:29:00.000-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show.

We are back once more and we've got a lot of stuff to cover. Unfortunately one of the co-hosts spent his time on an intergalactic shuttle, but we make due. So for your reading and listening pleasure here's what we cover in this latest transmission..

Show Topics:

Books - Deceived Released!
New Old Republic Novel by Drew Karpyshyn
New Old Republic Comic by Alexander Freed
News
Taril V Walk through
Darth Malgus Mini Cinematic
Studio Insider
Fan Friday
Q & A
PAX East Impressions
Closing Thoughts

Duration: 134:38

Wow wants TOR to succeed?

2011-03-18T11:00:00.002-04:00

I just read this article that says the vice-president of Blizzard thinks TOR will be a good thing for the MMO genre because it'll bring more people into the market.

It's interesting because Bioware owes it's high-budget to WOW. They wouldn't dream of spending as much as they have on TOR if it wasn't for WOW already growing the western market for MMO's from less than 1 million to a multi-million person market. It's kind of like the big players on the market see more quality competition as a good thing, and low-quality games like APB or Warhammer as hurting interest in the genre.

Guild Headquarters

2011-03-10T13:12:00.002-05:00

Bioware has revealed a new part of it's plan for Star Wars the Old Republic. We all expected guilds to be a part of TOR, and were hopeful there would be some website tools to help us do this, but Bioware went the extra mile and created a system for creating and managing guilds pre-launch.

Each guild leader creates their guild on the website and chooses between an RP, PVE (normal) and PVP server type. When the game launches, it appears you will not be able to chose your server's name and will instead be placed on a server based upon your guild-leader's decisions. It also appears that guilds which are created on the website first will have the first shot at obtaining their ideal guild name. Once a guild's name, such as Bane or Vengence, has been selected too many times, you will be forbidden from creating a guild with that name.

All of this guild creation and guild joining is just phase 1. Guilds will also be able to select allies and enemies during phase 2 of this process. At this time, it appears the ally/enemy selection is mainly so that other guilds you have contact with will start on the same server.

Finally, in phase 3 the guilds will be loaded into the game. They will only be loaded into the game pre-luanch if there are four members who have pre-ordered the game via an official pre-order site (there are no official pre-orders yet). Additionally, the guild-leader must load the guild into the game in phase 3 to prove the guild is still active and deserving of their guild-name reservation.

Transmission 68 - Manipulating Holograms

2011-02-24T18:06:00.002-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show.

We are back at it once more, this week we return to you to talk about real life holograms, the past two weeks happening in the community and more.

Show Topics:

Real Life Holograms
News
Thoughts & Discussion
Q & A
Conceptualizing a Sith Temple
Mood & Atmosphere
Great Hyperspace War

Duration: 106:00

Transmission 67 - The Return

2011-02-09T23:47:00.001-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show.

After a long hiatus and some restructuring we finally return back to the feed with a brand new transmission. We introduce our new format, co-hosts and much more. We also catch up a bit on news, the happenings in the Star Wars world and have some great conversations about the impact of story and it's affects.

Show Topics:

Introductions
Show Format
News

Red Harvest
Star Wars on Blu-Ray

Flashpoints

Structuring
Analogies to the Original Trilogy
Impact of Story
Dynamic Events

Duration: 50:09

2011 & Beyond

2011-01-02T10:03:00.000-05:00

We hope everyone has had a great set of holidays & a wonderful New Year. 2011 is already underway and many great things are in store for us Star Wars fans this year. However with a new year, changes are always about and the same can be said about what you can expect this year from us.

The first major change that will ensue is the format of the show will be changing, we will be releasing the show on a bi-monthly rate for the time being. This isn't necessarily due to a lack of content, but timing. The next big change is we will be looking for a new co-host or two alongside the show release schedule.

We've been happy to serve you a regular show for over a year and a half, now as the circumstances have it, we want to bring it up a notch and do what we've done best, to strive to be concise with information and entertaining. Our goal this year is to expand and to do so we need more droid power...we'll take wookies as well!

If you'd like to help contribute to the show, interested in joining, please check out the staff page as to what we are looking for.

Transmission 66 - Holofeed Holoday Special

2010-12-23T19:44:00.000-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show.

Execute Transmission 66, that's right we are back at it again this year and this time under orders from Ole Palps, yes he's been quite the scrooge, but we manage to bring you a cheerful transmission for the holidays. We discuss what we love about Star Wars, why we do what we do and what it means to us and our fellow guest hosts!

With that in mind, may you all have a very merry happy holidays from your friends at The Galactic Holofeed!

Trooper Class Video

2010-12-23T18:39:00.001-05:00

In this week's apparently special Thursday update, we get a new video, showcasing the Trooper. Check it out below:

Friday update

2010-12-20T14:43:00.002-05:00

In last Friday's update, Bioware provided us with an overview of Coruscant, and some behind the scene information, as well as a lot of juicy screenshots. Eric Young, a World Designer, went over what it took to create the planet in game. Attached to that was a surprisingly informative series of Q and A. We learn that players will be able to level up exclusively using PvP if they want, that dialog subtitles are not on by default but can be toggled, that beta testers are still being selected, there will be several server types such as PvE and PvP, and that more details about the end-game will be forthcoming. Check the link out for those and more answers provided by the devs!

Transmission 65

2010-12-19T18:34:00.006-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we talk about information gleamed from a group of journalists who played both Jedi classes for a half-dozen hours.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Red Harvest Chapter 7 released
-- Chapters 1, 2, 3, of Deceived is out!
-- Fan Friday
-- Designing Coruscant
-- Questions and Answers
---- Leveling via PVP
---- PvP and PvE servers confirmed
---- TOR is focusing on... everything.
---- Endgame
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-
-- New details on Derelict Ship warzone
-- Green arrow in flashpoints
-- Crafting benches outside your ship?
-- UI and vendor information
-- Codex, your in-game datapad
-- Statsitical info learned
-- Jedi Knight information
-- Jedi Consular information
-
--------- CLOSING THOUGHTS

-
Duration - 2 hours

Red Harvest Chapter 7 Preview

2010-12-17T17:20:00.000-05:00

This Friday, we get Chapter 7 from Joe Schreiber's upcoming book, "Red Harvest". The book is just shy of two weeks away from release. So if you've been enjoying the great reads, make sure to check out this latest installment. Happy Reading!

Source: starwars.com

Excerpt from Deceived

2010-12-16T21:34:00.003-05:00

This week we are treated with an early holiday gift and our presented with a short excerpt of the Deceived book by Paul S. Kemp. The following takes place in chapter 2 and consists of approximately 20 pages. Deceived follows the story of Darth Malgus.

MALGUS LET HIS ANGER BUILD with each step he took toward the
Temple’s entrance. The Force responded to his emotional state, caught
him up in its power until he was awash in it. He sensed the seed of fear
growing in the soldiers’ guts.
“I said stop,” the lead soldier said again.
“Do nothing,” Malgus said to Eleena over his shoulder. “These are
mine.”
She let her hands fall slack to her sides and fell in behind him.
The three guards spread out into an arc as they approached him,
their movements cautious, blaster rifles ready. The entrance to the
Temple, a fifteen- meter- tall opening in the edifice’s façade, loomed behind
them.

The book will be available on March 22, 2011. Till then, you'll just have to enjoy the sneak peaks, also make sure to let us now what you think!
___________________________________________________________________________________
Update: The first chapter is now available from www.swtor.com, you can read it by clicking here. In addition a Rebelscum has given us an early Holiday gift by offering Chapter 3, which is now available to read!

Source: starwars.com

Red Harvest Chapter 6 Preview

2010-12-14T17:05:00.000-05:00

This week we are given a preview for Chapter 6 for the upcoming Star Wars Horror novel, which is to be set during the time of the Old Republic.

Below if a excerpt from the preview:

It was after midnight in the academy's main hanger. Finishing up the last of his maintenance chores, Pergus Frode found himself glaring at the Corellian cruiser still taking up space in the corner of the landing pad. He’d refueled the craft and kept its engines hot, as its pilot had demanded, but that had been several hours ago and there’d been no word from the bounty hunters. Now it was late and he wanted nothing more than to shut things down, go back to his quarters, and collapse into his bunk.

Source: starwars.com

Transmision 64

2010-12-12T16:32:00.003-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we talk about the first Grand Moff to be appointed in the Sith Empire

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Event: "May the Force be with Katie Day"
-- Knight Errant Issue #3 is out
-- 2011 release for Tor reaffirmed again
-- Digital download and subscription model confirmed
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Rise of the Sith Empire Time-line
-- Overall opinion of the time-line discussed
-- Odiel Vaiken - first of the Grand Moffs
-- Characters Grand Moff Viken reminds us of
-
---- CLOSING THOUGHTS
-- We discuss the target age of TOR as well as the most likely rating from the ESRB. Is Star Wars the Old Republic a kids game or an adult adventure?
-
Duration - 1 hours

Friday update: New timeline

2010-12-10T11:26:00.002-05:00

After last week's rather light update, this week we once again get a single new item from the devs, a new timeline, which focuses on the rebirth of the Sith Empire. In it, the narrator explains some of the events behind the reconstruction of the great imperial fleet. A new Grand Moff makes his apparition, and sets in motion events which will be central to the back story of the Imperial strength in the game. Check it out on the official site.

Sharing the Force

2010-12-06T20:19:00.001-05:00

The holidays are quickly approaching and we are full swing into the month of December. Having said that we'd like to know from you about what keeps you interested in Star Wars? What are some of your favorite moments and why this franchise, what is it about Star Wars that is so compelling...what binds us and brings us together?

We are looking to collect some responses and put them up on our upcoming 2010 Holoday Special! Yes, yes i know it's a bad pun....almost cringe worthy and we promise we won't make you sit through it again. Yet spread the Star Wars love this month and let us know your thoughts about your fandom. It doesn't have to be limited to just the movies, the entire galaxy is open to you! Ranging from the expanded universe, books, games, toys to movies!

Leave a comment, send a e-mail or give us a call on our voice-mail. Limit your responses to 3 minutes or send several!

Red Harvest Chapter 5 Preview

2010-12-06T19:22:00.000-05:00

That's right another week, another chapter. This week we are presented with Chapter 5 from the upcoming novel, "Red Harvest" If your interested and can't get enough of this horror meets Star Wars tale, check it out! This is the biggest preview that I've heard of from any author, so if your enjoying the read, make sure to pick up the book this month!

Source: starwars.com

Transmission 63

2010-12-05T17:01:00.003-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we talk about the latest crafting blog and the Armstech crafting profession.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Red Harvest - Chapter 5 Preview out
-- Blood of the Empire - Issue 3
-- Paul S Kemp to write Malgus short story
-- Irvin Kershner, director of Empire Strikes Back, dies of lung cancer.
-- No more Wizard, now we have the Jedi Sage
-- Will TOR be delayed?
-- Other forms of PVP
-- Diversity of enemies
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Armstech, the non-light saber weapon crafter
-- Premium, prototype, and artifact tiers
-- Rare resources, crafter interdependency
-- Raiding for crafting components
-
---- CLOSING THOUGHTS
-- In this new segment, we take a moment to just discuss what we thought of the update in terms of appeasing us as avid fans as well as disclosing just how badly we want to play this game.
-
Duration - 1.5 hours

Blood of the Empire - Issue 3 is Out

2010-12-02T06:26:00.000-05:00

This week Star Wars - Blood of the Empire Issue 3 is out on shelves. If you've missed this tittle go make sure to pick it up at your local friendly comic book store.

Teneb Kel is only steps behind his prey, the emperor's apprentice, when light is finally shed on her dark plans. The foundling Sith Lord must find and face her one last time to uncover the secret behind her betrayal . . .

For more information visit www.darkhorse.com

Always in Motion is The Old Republic

2010-11-30T23:31:00.002-05:00

This evening some interesting information sprouted up, as we are all have heard from the beloved Yoda, "Always in Motion is the Future" This certainly seems to be the case with Star Wars: The Old Republic launch date. Although we can say we aren't quite surprised, but it is still unfortunate to hear.

The new launch date is expected to be in the 2012 fiscal year. We certainly hope it will be sooner, but these delays happen quite often in mmorpgs. The typical run cycle for most major titles to meet launch requirements at the very least involved various testing phases including public ones. As of now we haven't seen a public test yet and the year is quickly approaching an end.

We understand this news maybe disappointing, but lets try to put a positive spin on it and be glad that with the extra development time we will see a more polished product that we can all enjoy. After all we don't want any retcons!

Source: Gamasutra

Steam Sale - Knights of the Old Republic

2010-11-29T19:30:00.000-05:00

That's right it's Cyber Monday and Steam is having a great sale! They are offering Knights of the Old Republic for $2.50!! If you haven't picked this title up yet or maybe just want a digital copy, now is the perfect time.

Farewell To A Legend

2010-11-29T19:17:00.002-05:00

Today is a sad day. legendary director Irvin Kershner passes away at the age of 87. He is responsible for directing Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, one of the most beloved movies in the saga. Let's take a moment and remember the great stories & visions he brought to us in a galaxy far, far away.

Empire was a revolution at the time of release as it is very nontraditional to portray a story in whom the villains win. Throughout the film we are treated with very iconic one liners and characters such as:

Leia, "I love You"
Han, "I know"
Yoda, "Do or Do Not, There is No Try"
Vader, "Luke I Am Your Father"

We also are introduced to the great Jedi Master Yoda, the caves of Dagobah, the battle of Hoth and to one of the greatest swindlers in the Galaxy - Lando Calrissian, these are among the many great moments we are treated to in the 5th installment of Star Wars.

I'm sure there is no need to say, but he now goes off to a greater place and joins the Force. Farewell friend, you will be missed.

You can read more about Irvin Kershner at starwars.com or on his imdb page for a list of films he was involved in.

Transmission 62

2010-11-28T00:18:00.003-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we talk about the Inhabitants update, the beta invite email, and more!

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Red Harvest - Chapter 4 Preview out
-- Magid issues survey which promises a chance at TOR Beta
-- Q & A from Damion Schubert
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Inhabitants
--- Terentatek
--- Vine Cat
--- Sith Pure - Blood
--- M3-M1 Medical droid
--- S3-FS Probe droid
-
---- SPECULATION STATION
-- More force resistant creatures?
-- What will the first expansion be?
-
---- LISTENER COMMENTS
-- Tony doesn't like duplicate companions
-- Yes, there IS voice processing for helmeted characters
-
Duration - 2 hours

Red Harvest Chapter 4 Preview

2010-11-27T19:08:00.000-05:00

This week we get another taste of the upcoming novel, "Red Harvest"! These great previews just keep coming and we are all the more thankful for it! After all it is the week of Thanksgiving. If your interested in learning more, visit the link below.

Source: starwars.com

Friday's update, new inhabitants

2010-11-26T23:11:00.003-05:00

Today's update was rather small, which is to be expected since this is a holiday week in the US. The holonet on the official site was updated with a series of new races with the information and screenshots to go with them. Among them you'll find some droids, the Vine Cat, and Terentatek. Go check it out!

Red Harvest Chapter 3 Preview

2010-11-21T21:14:00.000-05:00

This past week we get yet another preview of the upcoming book, "Red Harvest". I can't recall the last time a book has offered this many chapters up for reading pre-release. This is pretty exciting and gives the audience a great taste of the book and what is to come! If your interested in this great, fun read coming next month you can find the preview here.

Source: starwars.com

Transmission 61

2010-11-21T17:20:00.006-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, because it was just a fan-Friday, we talk about about the state of the game, as we see it.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Red Harvest - Chapter 3 Preview out
-- Fan Friday
-- Studio Insider Q & A
-- Studio Insider Flash Raider concept art
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Top 3 things Kal likes about TOR
-- Top 3 things Kal dislikes about TOR
-- Top 3 things Suzina likes about TOR
-- Top 3 things Suzina dislikes about TOR
-- Star Wars chit-chat
-
---- SPECULATION STATION
-- Will you be able to offline-craft with your other characters on the same account?
-
----- BOWDAAR BANTER
-- Bowdaar is mad about Fan Friday, here's the top 5 things he did relating to Revenge of the Sith while he was angry
-
Duration - 1h 37m

Friday update

2010-11-20T13:39:00.003-05:00

The official site had it's usual Friday update this week again. On top of the Fan Friday post, we had an interview with a Concept Artist working on the project. He explained how some of the concept art is being done for The Olr Republic, as well as answering some questions from the community. Some of the answers we got were the confirmation that we will indeed be able to switch helmets on and off, that starting planets will be revisited as we level up, and that groups can be a mix of any classes, including 4 of the same class.

Sean Williams Interview

2010-11-16T20:49:00.003-05:00

We had the opportunity to sit down with author, Sean Williams. During this interview we discuss in great detail, The Force Unleashed II. Among the topics discussed is the introduction of iconic characters into Star Wars fiction, how to treat them and the reactions the community gives to reading about these.

In addition we go in depth about creating memorable moments within Star Wars relating it towards The Force Unleashed II. We take a step back and chat about the continuity and evolution of Starkiller & Juno Eclipse. As we continue our conversation we look into what happens to a story when major villains are brought into it and the consequences following. Why sometimes it's easier to omit something than change the entire course of a story. How these figures formulate the design or even alter the story itself.

Lastly we talk character development and unknown future possibilities for our heroes and villains. As a warning this interview contains major spoilers for the book: The Force Unleashed II. You have been warned!

The inteview can be heard here - Minicast 009.

Transmission 60

2010-11-14T17:13:00.002-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we talk about crafting

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Red Harvest and Knight Errant news
-- Holofeed now looking to add staff
-- A more talkative community manager
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Crew Skills video
-- Mako, Sadge, 2V-R8, oh my!
-- New creatures on Tatooine / Taris
-- Rain on Taris?
-- Bounty Hunter ship, first look inside
-- Schematics
-- 3 crew skills, and only one of them crafting
--- Gathering
-- Bioanalysis / Scavenging / Slicing
--- Crafting
-- Armormech / Artifice / Biochem / Weapons-tech?
--- Missions
-- Diplomacy / Treasure Hunting / Smuggling? / Researching?
--- Crafting in TOR in general
-
---- SPECULATION STATION
-- Helmet toggle?
-
----- BOWDAAR BANTER
-- Holo-feed's Top 5 things Bowdaar crafted
-
Duration - 2 hours

Red Harvest Chapter 2 Preview

2010-11-13T13:37:00.000-05:00

This past week we got ourselves another treat to the upcoming book, "Red Harvest". Chapter 2 of this novel is now available, check it out if your interested in this genre bending horror spin on The Old Republic. In case you missed the first chapter, you can find it here.

Source: starwars.com

Friday update: Crew skills

2010-11-12T19:49:00.004-05:00

Today on the ToR site we had a very interesting update on gameplay mechanics, mainly how the companions at your side will handle crafting and missions on their own. The update describes three skill trees: Gathering, Crafting and Missions. Here's the video they showed:

Check out the official page in the Holonet for more details.

New Community Manager

2010-11-12T17:46:00.002-05:00

Today a new Community Manager was announced on the official forums. Stephen Reid posted an intro post about himself in which he described his past as a Star Wars fan. According to his Linkedin profile he was at Gazillion Entertainment before coming in on the ToR team.

Some more missions and crafting details

2010-11-11T20:15:00.002-05:00

Chronic Reload had an interview with Daniel Erickson at the EA Winter Showcase about missions and crafting, where some more details and precisions were laid out. Check out the thread for quotes and a link to the interview on the official forums. Here are some of the highlights from the interview:

Gathering and Crafting

Further indications that it's your companions, not you as a player, who are doing all the actual gathering and crafting.
There are Mission Skills that come automatically with Gathering Skills.
When finding resources while out in the field, you can remotely assign companions on your ship to gather them.

Missions

There's a cost and a time for sending your companions on missions.
Missions run from being 5 minutes to 24 hours in length.
Diplomacy missions are for getting Dark Side or Light Side points.
All companions have bonuses for different Crew Skills (e.g. Treasure Hunting).
Sending a companion to do Treasure Hunting is a kind of dice roll which depends on how much time is invested.
Treasure Hunting mission "dice rolls" also have crits, bringing you higher quality loot occasionally.

Chronic Reload Interview with Daniel Erickson

2010-11-11T15:47:00.018-05:00

The website "Chronic Reload" interviewed Daniel Erickson. Hidden throughout the 15 minute audio interview there are tid-bits which have not been revealed before. I recommend listening to the interview itself on Chronic Reload, but here is my summary of some standout parts. Also keep in mind this is a paraphrase by me:

Very "Star Wars", No Flow-Walking

Dan Erickson: We respect Star Wars, if I tried to have flying guys throwing fireballs or time-traveling, they would say something about it. We can't have Wookie Jedi or explain Yoda's race for example.

System Requirements:

Dan Erickson: We need to make sure that you don't need a monster rig to play this.

Crafting:

Dan Erickson: ... In KOTOR, you've usually got some companions that you are bored with that don't do anything for you. Well the mission system allows you to send the companions who are not with you on their own missions. There is a cost to it and there is a time to it. The time can range from 5 minutes to 24 hours.

Diplomacy is for light side / dark side points. You only get points if they are successful.

With treasure hunting, another mission system, it's a dice roll. The more time you invest in it, the more chance to get something better. There are "Crits" with this.

You can call back to your ship and issue a mission for those companions to go get you some resources because later you're going to tell them to craft you some boots.

You don't have to be online for it. You can issue your marching orders and log off, come back the next day, and see what cool stuff your companions got for you.

Grinding:

CR: You're taking the toughness out of grinding. Some hard-core grinders will be disappointed.

Dan Erickson: No one wants to make a game about grinding. Grinding isn't OK in a single-player game, so why should it be in an MMO?

Source: Chronic Reload

The One Swift Stroke of Publishing

2010-11-10T23:51:00.001-05:00

An interesting development occurred today, Electronic Arts has gained the publishing rights to Star Wars: The Old Republic from LucasArts. It will be handling the distribution and marketing of this titanic title. I want to iterate that this is not 100% confirmed yet, but what does this mean to the rest of us if it does indeed prove to be true?

First of all this would entail EA to have more control over the upcoming mmorpg. They will be responsible for the majority of the direction they wish to advertise and market the game towards. Having gained more control would also give them less hoops to jump through. To bring this to a conclusion, this doesn't completely put LucasArts out of the picture as they will still be involved in the collaboration process. So yes, in short any continuity issues will go through Leeland Chee.

Let us know what your thoughts are of this recent news and your predictions on how this may impact SW:TOR.

Update:

There's been an official update from Electronic Arts regarding the new Global Publishing Agreement.

Source: dailygame.net , electronic arts

Knight Errant - Issue 2

2010-11-09T17:53:00.003-05:00

That's right tomorrow is the day Issue 2 of Knight Errant comes out! I hope you've all been following this brand spanking new series by John Jackson Miller as it brings a great new heroine to the Star Wars Universe. Go make sure to visit your friendly local comic shop, pick it up and let us know what you think.

Here is a brief summary of what you can expect in this latest issue:

Jedi Knight Kerra Holt thought she was prepared for anything that could happen on the volunteer mission that took her deep into Sith space. But now, trapped behind enemy lines, Kerra looks toward a life without the support of the Republic . . . and if her headstrong ways continue to lead her actions, she may end up without any support at all!

For more information visit www.darkhorse.com

Transmission 59

2010-11-07T17:53:00.003-05:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we have huge updates on crafting and PVP to talk about.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Red Harvest Preview
-- Kotor Revisited Part 1
-- Goodbye "Wizard", hello Sage / Adept / Seer
-- Possible delay to later half of 2011?
-- Bioware reacts to the "EA Louse"
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
--- Warzones
-- Graphics of current build
-- Fast-pace action
-- New abilities and race/class combos seen
-- Que from anywhere
-- A "King of the Hill" style matchup.
-- Experience points and tokens for PVP armor
--- Crafting
-- Companion-based crafting system.
-- Parallels to Eve?
-- "Gathering" skills: Bio-analysis and Slicing
-- "Crafting" skills: Biochem and Artifice
-- "Mission" skills: Diplomacy and Treasure Hunting
-
---- SPECULATION STATION
-- What other crafting professions will we see?
-- What other PVP Warzones will we see?
-
----- BOWDAAR BANTER
-- Holo-feed's Top 5 Bowdaar facts that relate to Attack of the Clones
-
Duration - 2 hours

Red Harvest Preview

2010-11-06T01:24:00.000-04:00

Surprise, surprise...today we receive a preview of Joe Schreiber's upcoming book: Red Harvest. Joe has written his previous Star Wars novel: Death Troopers. Eager to find out more, here's the synopsis!

The era of the Old Republic is a dark and dangerous time, as Jedi Knights valiantly battle the Sith Lords and their ruthless armies. But the Sith have disturbing plans -- and none more so than the fulfillment of Darth Scabrous's fanatical dream, which is about to become nightmarish reality.

Unlike those other Jedi sidelined to the Agricultural Corps -- young Jedi whose abilities have not proved up to snuff -- Hestizo Trace possesses one extraordinary Force talent: a gift with plants. Suddenly her quiet existence among greenhouse and garden specimens is violently destroyed by the arrival of an emissary from Darth Scabrous. For the rare black orchid that she has nurtured and bonded with is the final ingredient in an ancient Sith formula that promises to grant Darth Scabrous his greatest desire.

But at the heart of the formula is a never-before-seen virus that's worse than fatal -- it doesn't just kill, it transforms. Now the rotting, ravenous dead are rising, driven by a bloodthirsty hunger for all things living -- and commanded by a Sith Master with an insatiable lust for power and the ultimate prize: immortality... no matter the cost.

To read the preview just click on the image and enjoy! The books is scheduled to come out this December.

Source: starwars.com

Friday update: Warzones

2010-11-05T11:58:00.003-04:00

Today's update on the official SWTOR site is all about PvP with a video of one of the warzones available in game. The first thing I'm reminded watching that is the battlegrounds of World of Warcraft. It seems to be vast zones that are dedicated to PvP, where each faction has specific objectives to accomplish in order to win the battle.

Some other details from the video is that this particular one, on Alderaan, seems to be 8 players versus 8. It also seems like each faction will start behind a force field while the objective is defined before they are released into the warzone. Finally, it looks like there will be capturable objectives such as canons which can be used against the enemy.

Gamespot UK also has an exclusive video interview about warzones. Check it out if you're into PvP!

Mysterious European Announcement

2010-11-03T23:13:00.003-04:00

Bioware has updated their Twitter and Facebook pages for TOR to indicate an impending big announcement. Their twitter page says only, "We’re in Europe where we’ll be announcing new details about The Old Republic™. Stay tuned!"

The timing of the post seems to indicate a possible Thursday press release with a recap of the information on Friday on the swtor.com website.

Fans on the forums are currently speculating that the announcement could be anything from crafting to a new phase of testing, but Bioware hasn't given so much as a hint as to the nature of the announcement. It is the opinion of this humble podcaster that we'll see a demonstration of how morality can change your appearance, but that is naught but a guess. We'll have to wait to find out.

Blood of the Empire - Issue 2 on Shelves Tomorrow

2010-11-02T20:09:00.000-04:00

Blood of the Empire Issue 2 is coming out tomorrow, November 3rd. If you haven't checked out this great Star Wars: The Old Republic comic yet, now is your chance to catch up!

The hunt for the emperor's apprentice continues in this tale of Sith vs. Sith!

Proving his worth to the Dark Council by capturing Exal Kressh may be the end of young Sith Teneb Kel; and a brief encounter with his skilled prey brings some questions to the surface . . . Why would a loyal apprentice betray her emperor and the entire Sith Empire?

To find out more make sure to visit www.darkhorse.com for all the details!

KOTOR Revisited - Taris Impressions Pt I

2010-11-01T22:01:00.002-04:00

As we continue our journey throughout Knights of the Old Republic, the following takes place on the planet of Taris.

I have some strange dreams that night, I find myself thinking of a strange woman who wields a lightsaber. I”m not quite sure who she is, but I see her fighting a Sith. She ends up defeating him and she looks at me, I feel almost as if she can sense me.

Soon thereafter I wake up, Carth tells me I've been sleeping for a while now and that the entire night I've been restless. I tell him about the dream and ask him where we are and what happened. Apparently I've been slipping in and out of consciousness for a few days and I suffered some head trauma. Ironically I don't remember any of it.

He explains to me he found us an abandoned apartment on the planet of Taris. I thank him for saving my life and he says don't mention it. I find out that is a very loyal person and he doesn't abandon people. That is good to know.

Meanwhile the Sith have a fleet patrolling the planet and they've declared martial law and have enforced a planetary quarantine. It's looking pretty bad between the martial law and the blockade. Hmm . . . what to do . . . what to do?

I ask a few more questions and learn the important of Bastila, she was with a strike team that had killed Darth Revan, who was Malak's master. I ask him why she is is important and he informs me she is one of the very few Jedi that possess a gift called “Battle Meditation”, this power apparently lets her influence entire fleets and armies. Needless to say, I'm quite impressed!

We finish up our conversation and lay out some ground work plans, there have been some reports that a crashed escape pod was found in the Undercity, wherever that is that sounds as good as a place as any to start if a bit ominous sounding.

As I step out of our shelter, I immediately see a Duros being interrogating by some humans, mere moments later things quickly grow out of control and they shoot him, next they turn an eye on Carth and myself. A quick firefight exchanges between us but the dispute is settled at the end of a smoking blaster. With that behind us, the remaining Duros is extremely thankful and tells us he'll take care of the bodies. Suites me just fine...

I travel down the corridors in the living residence and find some Twi'lek selling some energy shields. He tells me they are extremely beneficial, I'm sure he's trying to make off with some of my hard earned credits. However I decide to pursue this conversation and learn that he also deals in other goods which he has been selling to the illegal aliens. Apparently they are some restrictions in Upper Taris and mostly humans reside in the upper city.

I manage to find my way out of the building and step into the open streets of Taris, the city looks busting full of activity. After wandering the streets for a while, Carth begins looking a bit odd, almost as if he has something on his mind. So I decide to talk with him and somehow the Mandalorian Wars are brought up and how he participated in them. I try to get him to tell me more about them, but upon digging deeper he decides he does not want to talk about them and his part in them. I think he feels as if somehow he failed someone.

Meanwhile after a good days worth of scoping out the place, I manage to sell off a few things I acquired along the way, with my pockets lined with credits. I make my way towards the Cantina. There's bound to be something interesting going on there!

Upon stepping in I am greeted by numerous regulars all wanting to play a hand at Pazaak. I tell them perhaps later. After looking around I introduce myself to a lovely young sith officer by the name of Sarna. She is surprised at how friendly I was upon learning who she truly was. I learn that there quite a bit of hostility on Taris towards the Sith.

So after we chitchat a bit more, she invites me to some party going on later in one of the living residences. Her attitude about it seems quite positive, I tell her, hey why not blowing off some steam sounds like a good idea.

Before heading to the party, I stumble upon the Arena room and boy am I in luck, there's a battle going on between two combatants! I watch the battle unfold and sadly, it's over almost before it starts, but new combatants are always welcome...maybe...just maybe I'll check this out.

Transmission 58

2010-10-31T17:08:00.004-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we talk about the Imperial Agent update

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Tom Kane (Yoda) interview
-- Kotor revisited delayed
-- Chiss Species
--- Chiss lore
--- Chiss visual look
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Companion: Kailyo Djannis
-- Imperial Agent advanced classes
--- Operative, the stealth healer
--- Sniper, the one who snipes
-- Imperial Agent class video
--- Music, voices, and sound
--- Abilities
-- X-70B
--- Lore
--- Design / Layout
--- Companions seen
-
---- SPECULATION STATION
-- Appearance based on alignment?
-- Imperial agent = James Bond?
-
----- BOWDAAR BANTER
-- Holo-feed's Top 5 Bowdaar facts that relate to Holo-ween
-
----- COMMUNITY COMMENTS
-- Kypreus: Recap the comics in a minicast?
-
----- COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
-- The Tor Speculation Blog

Duration - 2 hours

Imperial Agent friday

2010-10-29T13:02:00.002-04:00

It's Friday again, time for another update on the official site. Today we get a series of items related to the Imperial Agent. First, the class video shows a Chiss Agent in action. While it doesn't bring much as far as new details on the actual gameplay, it does give various hints through the action footage. The Advanced Specializations page also reveals the Operative and Sniper sub-classes.

Then, in the biographies, we have a new entry for Kaliyo Djannis, a possible companion for the Agent. The Rattataki woman seems to have a mysterious past, and uses both her skills and charm to get the job done.

The X70-B Phantom has also been added to the Holonet as the ship the Imperial Agent will use to travel through space. This newly designed ship is said to be the most low-profile ship in the galaxy. Watch the video for a good look inside.

Finally, we have a page in the Holonet's species section about the Chiss and their background. Overall a rather decent Friday update.

Tom Kane Interview

2010-10-28T18:43:00.000-04:00

Today we had the opportunity to sit down with voice actor Tom Kane who voices Yoda in the Clone Wars television series. We discuss how Tom got involved with voice acting, challenging projects and what the process is like within the Star Wars Universe.

We also discuss the tremendous outpouring of fandom in the franchise and his unique point of view of it within the convention circuit. In addition we talk about various characters, their own unique voices and even learn some great information of future projects Tom will be involved in. One particular in which we are all very excited for: Star Wars: The Old Republic!

Make sure to listen to this great interview as we have fun and discuss voice acting within Star Wars!

Star Wars Insider #121 coverage of TOR

2010-10-25T20:09:00.002-04:00

Later today the latest issue of Star Wars Insider will come out, and in it there's some coverage of The Old Republic. On the six pages of coverage they ask a series of questions and go behind the scenes as to what the game is all about, and how the basic mechanics work. Unfortunately it doesn't provide any new information for people who have been following the game closely, there's no new reveal. But it does give a good overview of the game for those who may be new to it, or haven't been following all the news releases.

You can subscribe to the paper edition, the digital edition, or look at the preview from the link on the Star Wars site, which will actually allow you to read the coverage starting on page 32. Check it out!

Transmission 57

2010-10-24T19:07:00.005-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we have some special guests from the UK site, Jedi News. They join us to talk about the week's biographies and Fan Friday.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Outside opinions of TOR.
-- Talk of the Star Wars EU from from our friends in the EU
-- Welcome to the team Dendory!
-- Ryan Dening's concept art
-- Class we're all most excited about
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Biographies!
--- Bouris Ulgo
--- Diab Duin
--- Keeper
-
---- SPECULATION STATION
-- Will TOR succeed financially?
-
----- BOWDAAR BANTER
-- Suzina's Top 5 Bowdaar facts that relate to the Phantom Menace
-
----- COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
-- The Jedi News

Duration - 2 hours

New biographies added

2010-10-22T14:38:00.002-04:00

It's Friday, time for another update on the official site. Today on top of the usual fan updates, we got new biographies added to the holonet. They cover several people who, it's fair to assume, will have some important roles to play in-game:

Bouris Ulgo is the self-proclaimed king of Alderaan. From his bio, it seems he made a lot of political enemies, and will probably be at the center of much turmoil. He has a vast military background and declared martial law on the planet. He is also mad, which is always a plus in my book.
Diab Duin is the Republic envoy to Aeten II, a small mining outpost which became very important for the war effort. The man is said to be of few words and with an independent personality. There are few hints as to how he will be involved in the actual story lines, but it's clear that if the Empire wants to sabotage or capture the mine, they would have to go through him.
The last entry is known only as Keeper, the ultimate Imperial spymaster. Since he oversees all infiltration operations, it's fair to say he will be of central importance to those playing Imperial Agents. Because of his illusive nature, those who deal with him may want to remain on their guard.

KOTOR Revisited - Taris Pt. I

2010-10-20T23:52:00.000-04:00

For out next reoccurring session in Knights of the Old Republic, we'll be taking a look at the upper levels of Taris. Find out where the tale takes us as we wander the streets and begin our search for Bastila Shan. What happened to her, where is her escape pod and what awaits our destiny?

Join us as we continue our adventure in this Star Wars Classic and share your story with us!

Transmission 56

2010-10-17T22:08:00.004-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we talk about Exar Kun.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Comics and Kotor
-- EA-Louse spills beans on $300 million dollar TOR
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Exar Kun's story
-- Ossus
-- The Krath
-- Yavin 4
-
---- SPECULATION STATION
-- Legacy System effect end game?
-
----- BOWDAAR BANTER
-- Suzina's Top 5 Bowdaar facts that relate to Return of the Jedi
-
Duration - an hour and a half

EA Louse says TOR cost over $300 Million

2010-10-17T00:38:00.006-04:00

Lets face it, EA is a huge company. Bioware has a lot of people too. From time to time, we have learned information about TOR from disgruntled employees. In fact, that's how we first heard that Bioware was working on "The Old Republic". Well we seem to have a new disgruntled EA employee who's dishing out the information.

Going by the name "EALouse", an anonymous writer claims to have worked in the art department for Mythic under EA. He discovered that he was going to lose his job in November so he wrote his article about how EA killed Warhammer Online. His article is a long, detailed rant about specific employees of EA and what he dislikes about them.

It's far too specific to be dismissed as a hoax or a fake article, so I'm going to take this one seriously. He doesn't work on TOR, and doesn't know much about it, but he does know it's cost. Here's what he wrote:

And Bioware? Don’t make me laugh. They’ve spent more money making the Old Republic than James Cameron spent on Avatar. Shit you not. More than $ 300 million! Can you believe that?

And you know what they’re most proud of? This is the kicker. They are most proud of the sound. No seriously. Something like a 20Gig installation, and most of it is voiceover work. That’s the best they have. The rest of the game is a joke. EA knows it and so does George Lucas,they’re panicking , and so most of Mythic has already been cannibalized to work in Austin on it because they can’t keep pushing back launch.

Old Republic will be one of the greatest failures in the history of MMOs from EA. Probably at the level of the Sims Online. We all know it too ……

To put that in perspective, WOW is estimated to have cost some number over $100 million for upkeep and development up to this point, but nowhere near $300 million. The idea that Bioware has spent three times that number, and done so before any upkeep costs is mind boggling.

The majority of the linked article is about problems with Warhammer, and EALouse has gone on to admit in a later article that he knows very little about it TOR, and very few people in his department have beta keys. His real beef is with those in charge of Warhammer and Mythic.

Knight Errant - Issue 1 is Out!

2010-10-13T23:51:00.000-04:00

That's right, the long awaited series set around a 1000 years before Darth Bane finally comes out. Make sure to check it out as you won't watn to miss this great original series written by John Jackson Miller.

More than one thousand years before Luke Skywalker, a dark age grips the galaxy as an ineffectual Republic abandons entire systems to Sith control. A newly knighted Jedi on her first mission, eighteen-year-old Kerra Holt has joined a band of Jedi volunteers traveling deep behind enemy lines, with no support from the Republic and little chance of survival. She thinks she is prepared for anything. She's wrong.

For more information about ths comic as well as a preview make sure to visit www.darkhorse.com. If your as excited as the rest of us, go to your friendly local comic store and pick one up and let us know what you think of it!

Transmission 55

2010-10-10T19:02:00.003-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. Also, you can click "Direct Feed" at the top of this page to access every episode of our show. This week, we talk about chillin' on Ilum and the Games Developer Conference in Austin Texas.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- The Force Unleashed 2 novel
-- A new artist is featured on our Community Portal: Dendory's Gallery
-- GDC Panel - Grinding in MMOs
-- GDC panel - Running a successful MMO
-- Daniel Erickson talks in a dev post about quest types
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- History of Ilum
-- The story behind of Ilum
-- Ilum concept art
-- Ilum screenshots
-- Music of Ilum
-
----- BOWDAAR BANTER
-- Suzina's Top 5 Bowdaar facts that relate to Empire Strikes Back
-
----- RANDOM THOUGHTS
-- Is the EU too "over-the-top"?
-
Duration - 2 hours

Blood of the Empire - Issue 1 on Shelves Now

2010-10-07T00:08:00.000-04:00

Blood of the Empire, Issue 1 is out today. Don't forget to pick up this copy at your favorite local comic store!

After hundreds of years, the Sith Empire has returned to the galaxy, determined to crush the Republic that sent them into exile. For young Sith Teneb Kel, it is his only chance to rise above his lowly beginnings as a slave and prove his worth to the Dark Council. Yet their mission for him is unexpected. He will not hunt Jedi, but rather, a fellow Sith--the Emperor's apprentice!

Make sure to visit www.darkhorse.com for more information.

KOTOR Revisited - Prologue Impressions

2010-10-04T19:01:00.001-04:00

The game starts off with the Endar Spire being attacked, soon thereafter I find my character awakens inside the ship, although he appears to have amnesia and doesn't quite know what is going on. Moments later an ensign called Trask runs through the door telling me to hurry up and find Bastila.

I soon learn that Bastila is the commanding officer onboard the ship and she's in charge of some special mission...and apparently I have sworn some kind of oath to protect her. So it appears I have no choice but to honor this oath. We grab our gear and head out.

The moment we run out of the bunker, Carth Onasi contacts us and tells us that things are looking real bad and I am quickly notified by Trask that if he says its bad, it's real bad. I mean...how much worse can it possibly get right? I ask Trask about this Carth fellow, i am told he is a war hero. I cut the chatter and proceed further.

As we make our way through the hallways, we are stopped by a closed off door, however Trask is able to open it using a security kit. Once inside we run into a boarding party of Sith and now it seems the battle for Endar Spire truly begins!

We make short work of them, but it seems causalities are pretty high. Republic soldiers liter the corridors of the ship along with debris from the space battle. Moving on we quickly run into a few more squads.

On our way to the bridge we run into a large battle and witness the Sith over running the ship, the Republic troops attempt to mount a defense, but it ultimately proves futile. Mere moments later I realize I better stop gazing around, unless I want to get my head blasted off. So look around quickly and find a frag grenade, just in time another wave of Sith shows up, however this time I have a surprise for them. I toss the frag grenade, which sends their corpses bouncing off the corridors. I smirk to myself in delight...

I continue down, but find one of the doors has been badly damaged. There is a droid working to repair them, but as we near closer and begin interacting with him, he overloads and he explodes. I salvage what I can and look for other means to proceed further down.

After a few minutes of running we run across a Sith wielding a lightsaber, he and some sort of Jedi are dueling each other, the ship suddenly starts rocking back and forth in explosions, the last we see of the fight is her falling down as Trask urges me to take a different route. I'm sure he's right.

Well we finally made it to the bridge, Trask warns me that this may get a little hairy and to best prepare for close quarter fighting. Although I don't take his advice, I stick to my blaster rifle, after all this isn't my first battle I've been in.

On the count of 3, Trask opens the doors and we are greeted by a large force of Sith, he rushes in wielding a blade, while I stay back and take out the targets using a blaster rifle, but I find it a bit too slow, so I decide to hasten the battle by tossing in another frag grenade thus making short work of them.

Opening the next few series of doors we run into another Sith, Trask rushes in promptly urging me to carry on. I think that is the last I'll see of him. He was a loyal Republic Soldier. As I continue my way Carth informs me that Bastila has taken an escape pod down towards the surface of the planet and that I should take one as fast as I can, the ship is about to be over ran completely.

I take his advice and run towards the pod, but I am foiled by a large battalion of invaders. However I improvise and hack into a nearby terminal and create a energy disruption in the conduit where they stand, creating a large explosion that clears the path for me to my escape.

We hope you've enjoyed our impressions on the prologue of Knights of the Old Republic. Stay tuned as we continue our play through!

Transmission 54

2010-10-03T00:44:00.003-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. This week we talk about advanced classes and their different specialization trees.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Path of the Jedi
-- Star Wars coming to theaters in 3D
-- Kotor Revisited: a new ongoing feature on the blog
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Advanced classes in general and spec "trees"
-- Scoundrel / Scrapper
-- Scoundrel / Sawbone
-- Gunslinger / Sharpshooter
-- Gunslinger / Dirty Fighting
-- Weapons and equipment specific to certain advanced classes
-- Advanced class at level 10 or whenever you visit your trainer?
-- How long until the Wizard advanced class gets a name change?

-
----- SPECULATION STATION
-- What do we imagine the different specialization trees for each class will be? We take a couple minutes to guess at what each class will have for spec trees based on what we know so far.
-
----- BOWDAAR BANTER
-- Suzina's Top 5 confirmed Bowdaar facts
-- Kalvod's cantina tale of Bowdaar
-
----- LISTENER COMMENTS
-- Do we expect mounts?
-- Do we expect PvEvP?
-- Why is there so little crafting info?
-- Womp Rat in a Pear Tree?
-
Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes

Adv. Class Introspective

2010-10-01T16:59:00.000-04:00

Today's update from Star Wars: The Old Republic gave us a nice introspective on what the advanced class system entails. It also brought up several curiosities that need to be mentioned.

The first of these is the obvious which is the shared skill set, this is a 'talent' tree that both classes have in common, which seems to point towards manipulating secondary attributes of your chosen profession, in this case our example was the smuggler. The specifics we are given from the smuggler entail increased energy generation while in 'cover' and an increased critical chance.

Lastly there is a certain bit of text that leads to quite a bit of speculation:

"The team wanted players to be comfortable with the core game-play of their class before introducing them to more complex game mechanics, so you will not have immediate access to Advanced Classes at character creation. Instead, the choice will be given upon locating the Advanced Class trainer on your faction’s capital world. This is a mandatory choice; not picking an Advanced Class is not an option."

We'll leave you to speculate on this and what you think it means. However we'll discuss this in depth in our upcoming Transmission 54, so make sure to give it a listen!

You can view the complete article from this Friday update here.

Aurabesh Cryptography

2010-09-28T19:24:00.001-04:00

The fine folks at Massively have been doing a bit of digging and have come up with something quite interesting.

Larry, The Old Republic columnist has been working on a project for a bit now, it appears his work has finally paid off as he has collecting a large amount of the Aurabesh located throughout Bioware's site and excavated a few interesting phrases which leads to some fun speculating.

The latest speculation leads to the mention of the following words:

BHG
Dead or Alive
Most
Wanted

Bendix fust
Ona rissuk
raim Blastwell
panza dacko
Regg Pixola

Could this perhaps yield to bounty hunting terminals? Maybe player bounties or possibly a portion of the bounty hunter class quest.

However if you want to read more and check out the Aurabesh entries, translations and other content check out their site and let us know what you think or what your speculation leads to.

Source: Massively

Forums Update

2010-09-28T06:31:00.000-04:00

If you have bookmarked the forums, please make sure to update your bookmarks/favorites. You can get the updated address through the links.

KOTOR Revisted - The Endar Spire

2010-09-27T17:09:00.004-04:00

It's finally that time! We are starting our Knights of the Old Republic Revisited Community Event. For the next two weeks you'll have the opportunity to tell your tale of what happened to you throughout the prologue - The Endar Spire.

Have opinions, comments, any favorite moments you experienced? Make sure to share them with our community or if this is your first time you ever played through it, let us know the choices you made and your take on it.

Join us we take the first step in a game and story that built the stepping stones for an era and not to mention the upcoming title from Bioware: The Old Republic.

The Endar Spire - 09/27/2010 - 10/11/2010

Transmission 53

2010-09-26T11:59:00.006-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. This week we talk about the awesome power of Bowdarr and this smuggler companion.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Comic book release schedule
-- Quick overview of the week's updates
-
--------- COMIC
-- Last issue of Blood of the Empire
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- The Smuggler Lifestyle
-- Smugglers as criminals or Republic agents?
-- Gunslinger advanced class
-- Scoundrel advanced class
-- Corellian XS Stock Light Freighter
-- Bowdaar
-- Bowdaar!
-- BOWDAAR!
-- Bowdaar is too powerful to be contained in just one line of show notes.
-
----- SPECULATION STATION
-- Smuggle missions?
-- Spice smuggling?
-
----- LISTENER COMMENTS
-- Syrus left us a nice 5 star review.
-
----- COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
-- Star Wars Fan Works - An audio library of star wars podcasts, audio dramas and parodies

Duration - One hour, 38 minutes

Red Harvest Cover Revealed!

2010-09-22T23:28:00.000-04:00

The upcoming horror novel by Joe Schreiber, which is to be set in The Old Republic Era has had the cover revealed this week. Let us know what you think of it. If you haven't read his previous star wars horror novel, make sure to check out Death Troopers.

Source: starwars.com

Blood of the Empire - Release Schedule

2010-09-21T16:56:00.003-04:00

Next month we will start seeing Blood of the Empire come to print format. If your a fan of the series, maybe missed out on reading it or a collector. Well keep an eye out on this release schedule so you can snag up your copy at your favorite local comic shop!

Blood of the Empire - Part 1

Publication Date: October 06, 2010
Format: FC, 40 pages
Price: $2.99
UPC: 7 61568 17270 6 00411

Blood of the Empire - Part 2

Publication Date: November 03, 2010
Format: FC, 40 pages
Price: $3.50
UPC: 7 61568 17270 6 00511

Blood of the Empire - Part 3

Publication Date: December 01, 2010
Format: FC, 40 pages
Price: $2.99
UPC: 7 61568 17270 6 00611

Transmission 52

2010-09-19T05:19:00.003-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. This week we talk about the smuggler class video and the "Designing the Light Side" developer video.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- Fan Friday concept art
-- Smuggler class video impressions
-- Wookie companion
-- Other small details from the smuggler video
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Designing the Light Side, impressions
-- Knight vs Consular
-- Animations, customization and colors
-- How space combat looks in these videos
-
----- SPECULATION STATION
-- Smugglers slicing (hacking) computers?
-- Smugglers using spice?
-- Can Jedi use blasters?
-
Duration - One hour, 24 minutes

Steam Star Wars Sale

2010-09-14T18:19:00.000-04:00

Make sure to check out Steam this week as they have a lot of Star Wars titles on sale for some very good prices. So if your a bargain hunter or maybe missed out on a particular title now's a great time.

Now if you haven't played Knights of the Old Republic and have been thinking of joining our play through as we revisit it, now's the perfect time. You can snag a copy of it for $2.50!! Do it now, you have no excuses! Many Ewoks may die otherwise!

Fatal Alliance Review & Minicast 007

2010-09-14T17:42:00.005-04:00

Fatal Alliance written by Sean Williams came out a few weeks ago. It takes place during The Old Republic and follows several characters spanning across the Sith Empire & the Republic.

During this Minicast we give our thoughts and opinions as we go into depth discussing this latest Old Republic book.

Topics Discussed:

Non-Spoiler Review (1st few minutes)
We Rate Fatal Alliance 6.5 / 10 Holocrons
Character's Analyzed
Act by Act Summary & Discussion
Thoughts & Opinions
Likes & Dislikes

If you've read the book we would like to know what you thought about it. Have any dislikes / likes / favorite characters let us know!

Transmission 51

2010-09-12T12:43:00.009-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. This week we talk about the advanced classes.

For show 51 we talk about Corellia, the Blood of the Empire comic, the confirmation you will not play as a Wookie or Transdoshan, and tid-bits we learned from the PAX demo that we didn't cover last episode.

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
-- We're replaying KOTOR
-- Gratz to Jonathan and Fembo for winning last week's contest
-- Daniel Erickson discusses gaining XP for PVP
-- Character customization is not as flexible as Cryptic's games
-- Required reading: a 1000 page story summary
-- You will revist lower-level planets on quests
-- Being a "dark" Jedi means enslaving Twi'leks and killing needlessly.
-- Jedi lightsaber crafting, cinematic or something more?
-- No playable Wookies and No playable Transdoshans, sorry!
-- Goodbye Sean Dahlberg, may the Force be with you, always.
-
--------- COMIC RELIEF
-- Climax of Blood of the Empire released
-- Our feelings about Blood of the Empire as a whole
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Corellia!
-- A planet rich with history, both past and future
-- Are the Rakatta the same ones who made Centerpoint station?
-- Visual look of the planet based on screenshots
-- Concept art reveals how the planet will be populated when it's done
-
----- SPECULATION STATION
-- So who's responsible for the destruction on Corellia? The Holonet avoids saying it's Imperials directly. Corporations at war? Imperial spies? Something else? And why don't we know?
-

Duration - 3 hours and 22 minutes

Correction: During News, stated that the current issue of Blood of the Empire is 13, when it is in fact 11. Sorry about the mix up.

Revisiting Knights of the Old Republic

2010-09-07T17:56:00.002-04:00

We would like to announce some new content that will be coming over to the Galactic Holofeed within the next few weeks. We still have a ways to go before The Old Republic is out, however there are many fans always joining the community. Not all maybe familiar with the classic title that started an entire new era of Star Wars.

What we will be doing is retaking the original journey of Revan in the Knights of the Old Republic. The updates will occur approx. 1-2x/mo. There will be a concise breaking point and we will strive to describe the process and what path the character took through their journey.

Essentially this is a retelling of the classic Revan story. We would like to encourage the community to participate in this as much as possible as give feedback and post occasionally on the progress of their own story and what choices they made throughout it.

If you've never gone through KOTOR before, this is a great opportunity to do so with other people. If you have already gone through it then you will get to see the choices made by various members through numerous perspectives and how their choices impacted the story.

If you don't own a copy, we suggest you check out steam.

This regular update will be a long term addition as we journey in great detail through the beginning and end of KOTOR, once that wraps up we plan on continuing onward towards its sequel.

Farewell to a Community Leader

2010-09-07T17:45:00.000-04:00

Today we learn that Sean Dahlberg departs Bioware. Sean was a community leader within The Old Republic. He will be missed and did a fantastic job building the community. Good luck on all your future endeavors.

It appears Joanne Laroche will be taking up the position of senior community coordinator.

Source: Joanne Laroche

Contest Winner!

2010-09-06T09:52:00.003-04:00

We have a contest winner! A very dedicated listener tallied up all our past transmissions & minicasts, coming up with the following breakdown:

Total hours,min,sec of all Holofeed transmissions & mini-casts
116 hours, 19minutes, 35seconds
116:19:35

Total hours,min,sec of Holofeed transmissions 1-50
108 Hours, 38min, 51 sec
108:38:51

Total hours,min,sec of mini-casts
7hours, 40min, 44sec
7:40:44

So well done & congratulations on winning! We appreciate your tenacity and continued support of the Galactic Holofeed. As a thank you and for winning the contest you will receive all 3 Star Wars: The Old Republic - Threat of Peace comics!
We just received another update from another entry, that shows the following:

Transmission 001: 40:59
Transmission 002: 65:00
Transmission 003: 78:46
Transmission 004: 39:16
Transmission 005: ?????
Transmission 006: 119:36
Transmission 007: 80:32
Transmission 008: 122:49
Transmission 009: 123:14
Transmission 010: 173:00
Transmission 011: 138:52
Transmission 012: 120:00
Transmission 013: 112:15 (Holiday Special)
Transmission 014: 126:43
Transmission 015: 120:47
Transmission 016: 241:36
Transmission 017: 133:50
Transmission 018: 152:12
Transmission 019: 105:32
Transmission 020: 220:38
Transmission 021: 124:25
Transmission 022: 111:08
Transmission 023: 131:44
Transmission 024: 168:21
Transmission 025: 181:06
Transmission 026: 129:28
Transmission 027: 116:41
Transmission 028: 127:43
Transmission 029: 112:10
Transmission 030: 104:40
Transmission 031: 143:12
Transmission 032: ??????
Transmission 033: 115:51
Transmission 034: 185:09
Transmission 035: 127:21
Transmission 036: 118:46
Transmission 037: 154:18
Transmission 038: 205:40
Transmission 039: 172:55
Transmission 040: 160:52
Transmission 041: 113:51
Transmission 042: 89:43
Transmission 043: 68:36
Transmission 044: 110:54
Transmission 045: 143:54
Transmission 046: 117:10
Transmission 047: 104:09
Transmission 048: 228:00
Transmission 049: 287:14
Transmission 050: 152:16

Subtotal (known Episodes): 6413:34
Average per Episode: 134:01
Estimated total for all Transmissions: 6684:36 (111 hours 40 minutes)

MiniCast 001: 50:23
MiniCast 002: 92:05
MiniCast 003: 70:33
MiniCast 004: 79:20
MiniCast 005: 39:40
MiniCast 006: 130:44

Subtotal (MiniCasts): 715:01
Grand Total (All Galactic Holofeed Casts) 7399:37 (122 hours and 32 minutes) (Over 5 days)

Well done!! In fact just for that we are gonna have TWO winners, for all that work we can't deny you that! With that the contest is now officially over. So our two winners are Jonathan & Fembo. Once again congratulations and enjoy the comics that are on the way!

Transmission 50

2010-09-05T13:59:00.002-04:00

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. This week we talk about the advanced classes.

It's our 50th episode! In September of 2009, we started the Galactic Holofeed. Now it's September of 2010, and we're still talking about a game we can't play. This week we talk about Revan's complex

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
--Lucas Arts - Cuts Staff
--Lightsaber creation seen in Pax 2010 video
--Dromund Kaas & Coruscant are the planets where you meet the rest of your faction
--New Flashpoint shown at Pax 2010
--Revan's Mask and HK47 seen in TOR
--Space's new place on the Holonet
--Check Screenshots Ord Mantel and Character Selection
--Character customization looking better this year
-- Jedi Knight compared to KOTOR1 and Consular compared to KOTOR2
---Episode 50, a look back
-- Kalvod promises free comics to whoever can tell us how many minutes of content we've made
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Revan's Complex
-- HK47 as a raid boss?
-- That shadow everyone thinks is Revan's shadow
-
----- SPECULATION STATION
-- SWTOR iPhone and Droid applications?
-
----- COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
-- Our "Community Portal" at the top of the page

Don't forget to listen to the very end for a little something special!!!

Duration - about 2 and a half hours

Uncovering the Past

2010-09-05T12:34:00.000-04:00

Last night we got a great piece of news from Bioware during the PAX presentation. In conjunction with that a certain video was released teasing the crowds about unraveling the past of Darth Revan. His fate has left many fans pondering certain questions about what was the outcome of his venture into the Unknown Regions & what else that may have happened after his final battle on the Star Forge with Darth Malak.

With this video it appears we will be able to venture into his complex and find out what may have happened to him and at the very least uncover some much eagerly anticipated information. Make sure to watch the video towards the end as a very special droid appears, whom has a tendency to call people "meat bags"

Transmission 50 reveals

2010-09-04T22:18:00.000-04:00

So I said in the past that I'd reveal a picture of me in a Bikini. Here it is!
Also, the game Kal was embarrassed about was Cooking Mama! Can you believe he was embarrassed about playing a video game? OH, and can you believe I went in public in that outfit?

Threat of Peace - Issue 3

2010-09-02T21:11:00.000-04:00

This week, issue three of Threat of Peace is out in print! Make sure to pick up this great comic at your local friendly comic book store.

Under the thumb of a treaty that was negotiated after the Sith sacked Coruscant, the Jedi have attempted to maintain the illusion of peace-until now! Even as one battle ends on Balmorra, another begins on Dantooine, where Jedi Satele Shan finds herself clashing sabers with an enemy that threatens not just her body, but her soul! As the treaty begins to crumble around her, Satele knows something desperate must be done to save the galaxy from the return to war!

For more information about it visit www.darkhorse.com , you can also view a preview of it there!

Site Update

2010-09-02T18:01:00.000-04:00

As you may have noticed we have a new look for the site as we reach our one year mark! We hope to bring you many more fun filled transmissions. Some long, some short, but i think the record will stand with last weeks! If you like the new look or maybe not, regardless let us know what you think.

Transmission 49

2010-08-29T20:53:00.000-04:00

Transmission 049 is in the feed!

You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. This week we talk about the advanced classes.

Just as a warning this is an extremely long show, this week is particular crunchy on the details. In fact we delve deep into mechanics and in what direction the developers are taking the classes. So we hope you enjoy the show and most importantly make sure to take frequent breaks!

Topics Discussed:

-----------NEWS
--Continuing GamesCom Coverage
-
--------- COMIC
-- Blood of the Empire Issue 10
-- Maggot a possible Sith aligned companion?
-- What becomes of Teneb Kel?
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Class Abilities
----- Trooper
----- Smuggler
----- Bounty Hunter
----- Sith Inquisitor
----- Sith Warrior
----- Imperial Agent
-- Interface / Character Information
----- Character Panel
----- Equipment
----- World / Zone Map
----- Attributes
----- Alignment Meter
-
----- SPECULATION STATION
-- Durability hit for equipment upon death?
-
----- COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
-- swtor-station

Duration - Almost 4h 47m

Transmission 48

2010-08-22T16:24:00.000-04:00

Transmission 048 is in the feed!
You can find it on iTunes, or you can direct download it from the toolbar to the right. This week we talk about the advanced classes.

Wizards in Space!

Topics discussed

-----------NEWS
-- TOR's week of news
-- Gamescom
----Ray Muzyka interview
----Zabrak troopers
-
--------- MAIN ATTRACTION
-- Companion "AI" Kits
-- Starships on the Holonet
-- New Space Trailer
-- Ground xp for space?
-- Ship customization rewards
-- Advanced classes
----- Commando / Vanguard
----- Scoundrel / Gunslinger
----- Sentinel / Guardian
----- Shadow / Wizard
----- Operative / Sniper
----- Powertech / Mercenary
----- Juggernaut / Marauder
----- Sorcerer / Assassin
-
----- SPECULATION STATION
-- Shuttle bind to any point?
-
----- COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
-- Is TOR Talk an apprentice podcast that hopes to strike us down?
-
---- RAMBLING ABOUT RANDOM STUFF
-- Seriously, we really just talk about stuff after the community spotlight for like 45 minutes.

Duration - Almost 4 hours!

Minicast 006 - The Empire Strikes Back Commentary

2010-08-19T16:48:00.000-04:00

30 years . . . that's how long it's been since The Empire Strikes Back came out. It has become quite a movie and many deem it to be one of their favorites among the Star Wars Saga. So we decided what better way to celebrate and show our appreciation for this wonderful film than to express our thoughts and opinions on it as we watch it!

So feeling like your up to re watching this classic? Ready to see one of the few movies where the bad guys win? Than sit back, grab a death stick . . . or some jawa juice whatever suites your fancy and enjoy the ride!

For this show to work properly make sure you que up your movie and the sound file to where we list in in the show. We give explicit directions on how to do this. Also we are using the 2004 dvd release of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

GamesCom 2010 Updates

2010-08-18T16:49:00.000-04:00

GamesCom 2010 is underway and there's been daily updates & news regarding Star Wars: The Old Republic. . We will be updating this as new information comes in. What we do know so far is the following:

- Space Combat
- Rumored Zabrak Republic Trooper
- Adv. Class Names

Bounty Hunter - Powertech & Mercenary
Imperial Agent - Operative & Sniper
Sith Inquisitor - Sorcerer & Assassin
Jedi Consular - Shadow & Wizard
Trooper - Commando & Vanguard

- Companions - "Kits"

So far it's looking to be an interesting week. The names presented are pretty unique if not controversial for some of the classes. Make sure to listen to transmission 48 as we discuss all the weeks highlights in detail.
Sources: darthhater, swtor-station, gamespot

Community Poll - Transmission Duration

2010-08-17T22:57:00.000-04:00

What we would like to know from our community is your thoughts on the duration of our transmissions. I know they can be quite long and have been so for the past many, many transmissions. Our average recording time has been around approx. 2 hours per show. So what we would like to know if how you feel about that.

Would you like a shorter show? Do you think the duration is fine? Would you prefer if the show were split into 2 1 hour portions instead?

Let us know your thoughts.

Space Trailer

2010-08-17T21:29:00.000-04:00

It's short, but it's Sweet. The first video trailer for TOR's space side-game has been revealed.
Check out the video yourself!

The short trailer gives viewers a glimpse at what the flight game will look like. It's cinematic and epic for sure. The sound effects for the weapons are currently copies of original trilogy ships such as those from the A-wing, X-wing, and TIE fighter.

Check it out for yourself. We'll be sure to talk about it in Transmission 48.
Also, check out this interview by Gamespot about space, but also about advanced calsses and companion "kits".