Character advancement and customization are integral parts of all RPGs and many titles have succeeded or failed solely because of their approach to these mechanics. For over a year now, we have waited patiently for the first hints of how we will customize our characters in Star Wars: The Old Republic and now the first official clues are being revealed. During our time at LucasArts we were able to see a small example of how advancement and customization will be handled in TOR.
Buried between the Imperial Agent demo and Sith Inquisitor/Jedi Consular reveal, we were shown one example of how players will be able to customize the Smuggler class. The presentation consisted of a single, simple image we have attempted to recreate below.
he presentation continued with Blaine Christine, producer from BioWare, explaining what the different routes meant for players. He focused first on the “Gunslinger” path, explaining that a Smuggler following this path will focus on dual blasters and will be using the cover mechanic frequently. He also mentioned that this type of character could use “persuasion” more then the second path, possibly leading to different dialogue or story options unavailable to Smugglers following a different specialty.
The second path, called “Scoundrel”, is vastly different then it’s dual oriented counterpart. This specialty focuses on abilities that have only recently become associated with the Smuggler class. The first ability Blaine mentioned was the “Scoundrel’s” affinity for stealth and how this allows them to move close to their opponents, possibly implying they have a skill similar to the Imperial Agent’s “Shiv.” He then noted that this path also gave the Smuggler access to healing abilities. However he failed to note any specific ability or skill names associated with either of these paths.
Later in the evening we were able to talk to Jake Neri and ask a few specific questions about these paths and how they could work in the final product. The following is an excerpt from the interview, specifically the area that focuses on the Smuggler skill and advancement in general.
The presentation continued with Blaine Christine, producer from BioWare, explaining what the different routes meant for players. He focused first on the “Gunslinger” path, explaining that a Smuggler following this path will focus on dual blasters and will be using the cover mechanic frequently. He also mentioned that this type of character could use “persuasion” more then the second path, possibly leading to different dialogue or story options unavailable to Smugglers following a different specialty.
The second path, called “Scoundrel”, is vastly different then it’s dual oriented counterpart. This specialty focuses on abilities that have only recently become associated with the Smuggler class. The first ability Blaine mentioned was the “Scoundrel’s” affinity for stealth and how this allows them to move close to their opponents, possibly implying they have a skill similar to the Imperial Agent’s “Shiv.” He then noted that this path also gave the Smuggler access to healing abilities. However he failed to note any specific ability or skill names associated with either of these paths.
Later in the evening we were able to talk to Jake Neri and ask a few specific questions about these paths and how they could work in the final product. The following is an excerpt from the interview, specifically the area that focuses on the Smuggler skill and advancement in general.
