Star Wars: The Old Republic - Official Thread

[Tbone]

It's a sticky on the general forums, so I assume most people have looked at it.

[Revalis]

http://swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=5573787#edit5573787

This is really a technical feature, not a gameplay mechanic. Basically, instead of requiring you to precisely mash a button to time the end of a cooldown of a previous ability, we give you a (small) window in which the game accepts button/click input while your previous ability is still executing.

It actually removes the need to closely watch the cooldown bar/UI as you can instead time your button presses with what action you see your character perform on screen (e.g. I'm close to the end of my previous attack, I can now hit the next attack and it will seamlessly execute - I don't have to wait until my character has fully finished his current move). Again, more fluid, more action-y, less vulnerable to latency.

So I guess combat is going to be more like KOTOR than expected.

[ArchNemesis]

Sounds like queueing like in eq2. I loved this feature when they first implemented it. unfortunately when they remade the combat (like sony loves to fucking do) it felt very dragged out. A combat system like what TOR seems to have will be great with a queue implemented.

[Tbone]

http://swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=5573787#edit5573787

This is really a technical feature, not a gameplay mechanic. Basically, instead of requiring you to precisely mash a button to time the end of a cooldown of a previous ability, we give you a (small) window in which the game accepts button/click input while your previous ability is still executing.

It actually removes the need to closely watch the cooldown bar/UI as you can instead time your button presses with what action you see your character perform on screen (e.g. I'm close to the end of my previous attack, I can now hit the next attack and it will seamlessly execute - I don't have to wait until my character has fully finished his current move). Again, more fluid, more action-y, less vulnerable to latency.

So I guess combat is going to be more like KOTOR than expected.

No, it actually means the opposite of that. In KOTOR, you could queue up to 3-4 moves in advance, and then cancel them if you change your mind.

In SWTOR there's about a .5 second or so frame of time where you can click your next attack so that the combat is more seamless.

In other words, instead of having to wait for your swing animation to complete and the cooldown to completely reset, essentially bringing you back to a neutral position, you can select the next attack a half second before so that your attack continues in a fluid motion.

Also because of this, you aren't stuck staring at the cooldown timer waiting for the last little bit to go by so that you can get your next ability in. You'll just sense when the end of that ability is approaching and that will be the best time to start your next move.

As he stated, it isn't a gameplay mechanic (a la KOTOR's queuing skills system) but a technical tweak (giving you a half second grace period so that you aren't constantly losing momentum while attacking).

[XxUnforgivenxX]

In SWTOR there's about a .5 second or so frame of time where you can click your next attack so that the combat is more seamless.

When I read this, it reminded me of combo chaining in a fighting game, like SSFIV. Except it's mouse clicks...

[Tbone]

I'm guesstimating on the .5 seconds, by the way. He just says "a small window in which the game accepts button/click input while your previous ability is still executing", so I imagine it to be close to that.

[Revalis]

http://www.ign.com/videos/2011/03/03/star-wars-the-old-republic-class-video

Bounty Hunter Class video

[Fuse]

In SWTOR there's about a .5 second or so frame of time where you can click your next attack so that the combat is more seamless.

When I read this, it reminded me of combo chaining in a fighting game, like SSFIV. Except it's mouse clicks...

Same thing popped in my mind as well. Should be interesting, but I also would LOVE to be testing this right now. I'm if this system will/can spawn exploits.

[Keeloth]

I'm wondering when they're going to start mass testing.  Usually, open beta hits about a month before release, less sure when the (typical) closed beta tends to start.

[eeth]

regarding the ability queuing, i know that Rift isn't popular around these parts, but it uses this exact same system at the moment. they have a "short" setting and a "full" setting. the short falls into that .5 second category of interaction, their "full" queue means that it will queue up one ability immediately after you've activated one.

as far as i can tell, it's working quite nicely.

[Revalis]

http://www.mmofringe.com/content/fringe-articles/mmo-games/86-star-wars-the-old-republic/174-mmofringe-pax-2011-review-swtor
Media impression from PAX Demo


Edit: Oh, ha. And an accompanying flame-filled thread from General Forums over it.
http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=278289

[Anamodiel]

2. The Guild Feature currently on their website is just for player organizational purposes. The implementation of guilds, the rule sets for cross faction play on servers and other such things are not yet in game and are a part of a "Tier 3" stage of development.

[Ragnarok]

More info was leaked on the possible preorder box.

The Star Was: The Old Republic alleged box art and Collector's Edition information have been leaked. According to a Polish website, the pre-order for SW:TOR, the new massively multiplayer online role playing game from Electronic Arts and BioWare will begin Thursday, July 21. Keep in mind that none of this has been confirmed, but according to the leaked image, the Collector's Edition will include:

    Exclusive Gentle Giant Darth Malgus statue
    Star Wars: The Old Republic game discs in collectible metal case
    The Journal of Master Gnost-Dural annotated by Satele Shan
    Old Republic galaxy map
    Custom Security Authentication Key (i.e. Authenticator)
    Exclusive Music of Star Wars: The Old Republic CD
    High-Quality Collector's Edition Box

The Collector's Edition will also include seven digital items:

    Flare Gun: Fire flares into the air
    Training Droid: Hovers at your side for combat assistance
    HoloDancer: Project your own holographic dancer
    HoloCam: Keep visual records of in-game adventures
    STAP: Sleek and unique in-game vehicle
    Exclusive Mouse Droid: Spun-ky droid to join your adventures
    Exclusive Collector's Edition Store: Unique in-game vendor with a dynamic assortment of items

The Collector's Edition is currently priced at 150 Euros, which would be about $220 USD. For more information on the Star Wars: The Old Republic Collector's Edition bonuses, and to check out the cover art for the game, check after the break.

It's also been stated that there will be a head start period for those who pre-order SW:TOR. Standard pre-orders will get a three day head start, while those who pre-order the Collector's Edition will get a six day head start.

Read more: http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/714659/star-wars-the-old-republic-box-art-and-collectors-edition-leaked/?cmpid=sn-110418-facebook-28-fbfantrack#ixzz1Sc34y9Pr

Direct link to G4 article

[Saint]

dang, I think my wife would kill me if I paid 220 usd on a game.

[Ragnarok]

dang, I think my wife would kill me if I paid 220 usd on a game.

Well supposedly there is two different collectors editions, one which is cheaper but comes with less items. Also the price hasn't been confirmed.