There are caveats. It is an online role-playing game, so don't expect a dedicated plot that will make you the hero of the empire. If that's your thing, try Knights of the Old Republic or Jedi Knight II.

A MMOG is also a dynamic universe. Expect to see patches and changes. Take the message boards with a grain of salt, and if you don't think you can handle anything less than a flawless product, don't pick it up on launch day.

SWG is different from many previous MMOGs in that you are limited to a single-character per server (unless you unlock the force sensitive slot). This forces a lot of interraction between players. That can be a good or a bad thing. Be warned.

The force sensitive slot can be unlocked by your character's actions in the game. Once that slot is unlocked, you can create a second character who may eventually be able to become a Jedi. No one managed to unlock the FS slot in beta. It is estimated that there will never be more than a handful of Jedi on each server. If being a Jedi is your only motivation behind playing this game, it is not a guaranteed thing. Be warned.

If it sounds like I'm focusing on the negative aspects of the game, that's not my intention. I think this game is going to have a lot of appeal and a great lifespan (especially with the planned expansions), but I also believe this game isn't for everyone. I will, however, be there on Day One.


Buy this Game!   June 17, 2003
I have been playing SWG as a Beta tester for a couple of months, and as of today, we are still under the NDA so I can't give out specifics. But the attention to detal in this game is amazing, the graphics and sound are supurb,and game play will appeal to both the casual and hardcore gammer. Its not a mind numbing grind game.
If you like Star Wars and online RPG's, This will be worth your money.


Immersive Moves up a Notch   July 2, 2003
R. Helms (El Paso, TX usa)
MMORPGs always attempt to build worlds that are immersive, seemingly real. Star Wars Galaxies moves up a notch from all previous games by making characters VERY customizable. So very much so that if you were in a room of 100 player Wookiees, chances are you'd not see any 2 alike.

SWG also has a vigorous player economy. Everything from food to weapons are made by other players and available from a central marketplace much easier to shop than EverQuest's "Bazaar." You don't even need to meet the seller in person, or even have them online at time of purchase.

SWG features all the familiar alien races you've seen in the movies, plus some new species you've probably not seen before. It has varied and diverse planets, a wide variety of places to see, an easy way to begin "missions" that you can do solo or join together with friends to accomplish, and of course the Rebel and Empire sides to the civil war... you can elect to choose sides or play neutral. For those who like to pick a faction but do not particularly like Player-vs-Player conflicts, you may elect to go "covert."

This is the next generation MMORPG, built on a lot of valuable lessons learned over the years from successes like EverQuest, carrying it forward to a much better and more exciting set of possibilities. This actually inspired me to quit EQ in favor of playing SWG!

I was not a huge fan of the Star Wars universe, but found myself very compelled and entertained by the intricate crafting, constructing, and unique character profession building in this game. If you even THINK you might enjoy playing in the Star Wars universe in an MMORPG, you cannot miss this!

The Collector's Edition adds some nice items to the basic game, plus gives you some equipment (goggles) that distinguish your character from the others who didn't buy this edition. Of course if none of the styles of goggles suit you, you may elect not to wear them.


It's still alive   June 10, 2006
Mrs. Linda Shields (Derby, England)
There is little point in buying the collector's edition unless you want your character to have goggles and it's very difficult to get hold of the collector's edition these days.

If you want to play Star Wars Galaxies you want the 'Starter Kit'

'Star wars Galaxies Starter Kit'

Although in previous years this MMORPG has been much better the game is still very much worth playing and enjoyable.

If you want any advice on SWG the you may talk to me on:
smakerjack@hotmail.com


It is your destiny...   June 5, 2003
101 out of 155 found this review helpful

I have followed the progress of this game since the Electronics Entertainment Expo of 2001 in May, and I have only progressively been more impressed since. Think about it; where else can you blast stormtroopers, crush Rebel scum, or, if you are lucky or skilled enough, seek out a Jedi hidden amongst the galaxy to train you in the ways of the Force? Thought so.

And if you would rather just live in the Star Wars galaxy, hang out in a cantina with your friends, and maybe go hunting every once in a while, that perfectly fine. This isn't so much a game as much as it is an environment; the game developers made this world for us to live and play in. You might be suprised at how many friends you can make while playing.

Star Wars, from the very beginning, has always been known for outstanding visuals, and this game is no exception. Not only that, but this game is very flexible. The minimum requirements of your computer's hardware are relatively modest, but the graphics engine is so scalable that no card on the market today can play this game with all of the features turned up to the max.

Traditional MMORPGs (Massively Multiplay Online Role Playing Games) point back the the genre's past; all the characters pick from one of about a half-dozen "classes" that define the skills your characters will learn in the game. All players have to earn experience by killing creatures or players in the game. Star Wars Galaxies will be different. Experience is awarded based on skill use; not killing enemies. This means that a medic can heal people and gain in skill, the way it should be.

Grouping with your friends will be easier than ever. Because there are merely skills, and not "levels" for your character, or avatar, a new player is not a severe disadvantage when trying to play with a veteran player. In addition, players can designate themselves to be placed into a "I help newbies" database that new players can use to search out someone willing to help them learn the ropes in the game.

The economies of past games have been paid really, only lip service. Money was worthless and skilled players could become self-sufficient, making the idea of a collective economy pointless. In Star Wars Galaxies, no one player can accumulate all the skills necessary to supply all of his needs; he must work together with other players to get his weapons, armor, medical packs, and food. Besides stores and direct trading, there are 'bazaars' where players can put an item onto a market network where players can browse through and buy what they want. Item decay will ensure that players will need to replace or maintain weapons and other items, hopefully creating a more stable economy, and one that is fun to work with.

One would be remiss if they were to neglect the incredible player customizing tool available when you first create your avatar. More variables than ever allow you to adjust hair color, style, eye color, shape, nose size, shape and width, body type, height, ears, neck, and enough other features that if one wished to, they could create a reasonable approximation of themselves in the game. Of course, cosmetic things like tatoos, hair and eye color will be adjustable in the game, via the "image designers".

All in all, this is one game that can bring the online game to the masses; plus... where else can you crack "I've got a bad feeling about this" or "May the Force be with you" and get a positive reaction?

Live the greatest Saga ever told...........................yours.
-Lucas Smith