Star Wars: The Old Republic - Week One Impressions

I got into the Star Wars beta weekend Nov 25th.  Then was able to play the early access on Dec 14th, 1 week before the official release.

In some aspects its a step forward, like sending your 'pet' off to do crafting or sell items while you continue to play. In others it's a step backwards, no zone-wide invasions or events like Rift/Tabula Rasa and no role switching ala-Rift. It's also... very solo at times, it's just so quest heavy. It is not like going into a corner and pulling mobs in the EQ days. This is not a sandbox and not like SWG at all.  It’s missing some things you come to expect from an MMO – there’s no LFG tool – everyone shouts in zone, etc.

It'll probably come down to folks own personal opinion and play-style. Past MMO experience (pre-WoW days) may skew your love of it but to each his own.  The big complaint amongst our set of gamers is that’s very solo play with grouping up as an afterthought.  You spend so much time in cut-scene animations, which may make if fun for you, but if someone is waiting on you to show up somewhere to do something, they have to wait while you watch those cut-scenes.  I’m currently at level 20, playing a Sith Juggernaught (the Tank class) and I’ve done some fun solo things – get my first light-saber, get my ship (at level 18).  But I have yet to do a group quest with any of my friends.

At this point I’d say it’s a good distraction while waiting for Diablo 3.  And I’m still playing World of Tanks as well.