Star Wars: The Old Republic

A new MMORPG has emerged as a front runner in the MMO market, Star Wars: The Old Republic. Although it is still riddled with many bugs (seriously, BioWare should have employed more testers), it is still by far one of my favorite games out there. If you love Sci Fi, then I suggest checking this game out.

I play on the Republic side, though I want to try the Imperial side as well but haven't had the time given I have a bazillion alts. Here are the classes and toons I've played so far:

Vanguard Trooper (Tank)--My main character who just turned 50 last night.

Mariah Jorgan

She's a lot of fun to play, given that you get Aric (the female love interest) Companion early on who hits the mobs for you while you take all the damage. Elara is a great healer too, which you get pretty early as well. I find her more useful for my Commando Trooper, Jakob (below). I use this build for the most part. There's a helpful discussion here on priority rotations. I use a few other abilities as needed. After all, a tank has to do what she's gotta do. 

Commando Trooper (DPS or Heals)

Jakob

Jakob is my hottie, the man with the plan who gets things done. He's not a man-ho, but he's gone around the block with a few lady NPCs, even someone working in secret service (SIS). I keep medic packs on hand to help offset some of the healing in the more intense fights (a rule of thumb I now use on all alts). Soloing content can be very difficult, but Jakob does a decent job with Elara by his side. 

Jedi Consular Sage (Healer and DPS)

Rosa

This was my first toon, which I named after me because I always wanted to see Jedi in my name. Now I get to play a Jedi and kick some major butt against the Sith empire. I have to admit that out of all of the classes, this particular spec is almost impossible to play solo. For whatever reason, I'm too squishy to defeat the elite mobs and struggle with large groups, despite Force Quake and such abilities. I've switched from a Telekinetic spec to a Healing spec back to Telekinetic, trying every companion I can imagine to make it work solo. Unfortunately, I can't so I have to put Rosa asleep until Clint get's his Commando Trooper to level 41 where Rosa is at. I'm sad about it, because she's fun to play and the class story line is one I want to finish soon. Sigh! Should you want to brave the class, you can check out this helpful guide that discusses all builds and rotations, etc. 

Gunslinger Smuggler (DPS)

Lauran

Lauran is a load of fun to play. Her companion, Corso, is a hoot (and a fantastic love interest--warning, spoiler vid) and a very good tank to hold aggro while I pummel away at mobs. The Area of Effect (AoE) abilities kick butt. I love going from place to place with guns a'blazing. If you enjoy shooting 'em up, give the gunslinger a try. You'll never want to go back to a rifle or bows again. Here is a helpful guide that includes builds, priority rotations, etc. 

Scoundrel Smuggler (DPS or Heals)

Claytan

This here is Claytan, my other hottie. But this one has personality in spades. Like my female Smuggler, Lauran, he's got a quick wit and a fast trigger finger when put on the spot. I don't get as much pew-pew as I get with Lauran, but he can pack a punch when things get heated. So far he's sticking with Corso. I'm not sure if I'll be pursuing any love interests with him, though Clint's Trooper, Demoda, is pretty cute. He just might have his eye on her. 

Guardian Jedi Knight (Tank or DPS)

Jasmin

One class and spec that's turning out to be almost as much fun as the Gunslinger Smuggler is the Guardian Jedi Knight. Jasmin can dole out some decent DPS along with Kira who is a fantastic DPS companion. Eventually, I'll have Doc with me who is supposed to be the female love interest, but I really like Kira. Not sure if I'll make the switch while leveling, because soloing with just me and Kira is a breeze. I use this guide to for leveling, but really look forward to experimenting when I reach 50. The only bummer about this class is the hood. I prefer to see the faces of the toons I interact with and the hood hides my face. 

As a whole, Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) delivers a great gaming experience for those who enjoy a challenge. The story lines are well done and a lot of fun to go through, something Blizzard ought to consider in their products. Between WoW and SWTOR, I'd say WoW is more polished where as SWTOR is more engaging. Both are great products and both I would highly recommend, but SWTOR has won my heart for now. 

Well, until Diablo III comes out.