While public opinion throughout this year was encouraged by the antennae of the autumn battle of the FPS genre of the FPS genre, another “Superhero fight” rings quietly in the Mmorpg genre. We never missed our radar possible fight “SWTOR Against Wow “, but so far it seemed like something so distant. But here Electronic Arts announced the start date of the Star Wars (December 20 for those who are in the tank on the battlefield or where else on the call of the duty) – and the distant one immediately approached … Meanwhile, I was invited to a closed beta of the game. An unexpected coincidence, yeah.

Strategic Jedi retreat

Even in a closed Beta two months before the release, life does not just beat a geyser, but boils, searches and foams, like an ocean in a twelve -point storm. And twenty -four hours a day. Because the server is American, but the people on it are from all over the world. And the characters of the maximum fiftieth level are not at all uncommon, and all the content is almost ready. But it is brought, polished and polished. Therefore, developers categorically forbade chatting about everything except the republican armed forces. And about those – in a very limited mode. It’s a shame, but their right.

The ban also extends to the story of a personal spacecraft, movements between planets, “airless” battles and missions, a galactic map and generally about everything where you can get using your own transport-domain. And since it is presented very early, the “permitted” world was ten percent of the general. But you can at least chat about the two “military zones” of three (Warzones are the analogues of the “Battlgrad” from World of Warcraft) and the general impression of PVP. And then joy.

If you throw out all the “bots”, then in the armed forces of the republic there will be four main classes of game characters – Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Trooper and Smuggler. Which, however, is not entirely true, but rather – not at all. Because at the tenth level it becomes possible to choose specialization, and specialization is essentially the final division into eight final classes. But at the very start this is not, so I will not run ahead.

Both Jedi classes immediately after the setup (which is also a forbidden topic) find themselves on the planet Typhon, where the first organized movement of “Power Users” was born millennia ago. Nothing good came out of this then – the “users” quarreled with each other and blessed each other pretty much. Apparently the most adequate survivors. Because it was they who created the Order of the Jedi.

However, they had to leave the planet, and it remained so many tens of centuries abandoned by the forces of culture and civilization. And only after the destruction of the main temple of the Jedi on Coruscant by the imperial army did the Order remembered it and arranged something like a temporary main base here, so that in silence and rest to recover and restore the pretty declining livestock of the “Warriors of the Light”. And at the same time digesting in the remains of the material culture of the ancestors in search of forgotten revelations.

Dialogues of happiness

The first ten levels when playing for the Jedi are no miracles. Standard “pumping” diluted by local color. From the latter, however, is the only realization that you got into stellar wars and is to blame for this exclusively by yourself. Although you don’t feel any guilt-rather, something like: “Wow, finally!»Yes, do not wait for BioWare In the first minutes of the game, something will show something that you have never seen. Because the mainstream just implies the lack of risky experiments – only time -tested recipes. And the novelty of the sensations will give the features of the implementation.

You realize one of these features very quickly – everything (well, absolutely everything!) tasks are issued and submitted in script scenes. No text walls on scrolls or monitor screen – only live communication with the NPC, voiced to the last word. At the same time, response options in dialogs are reduced to general phrases that convey only the essence of your speech (approximately like in The Witcher 2 or Deus Ex: Human Revolution), and in order to exactly hear your replicas, you need to listen to the conversation before.

The volume of work done is not even impressive, but amazes. Well this is how many actors should be occupied, how many voice acts to be written and how many scenes to be filled (albeit on the game engine). Although individuals with a fair amount of poison in character are unlikely to admire for a long time: it is alien to them, and from the point of view of the gameplay, script dialogues eat time, like whales – plankton. But the developers are also not enthusiastic idealists – any client is valuable for them. Even soulless and insensitive cattle. Therefore, the scenes can be missed by following the simple rule: the first answer is always kind, the second is neutral (including flirting with pretty persons of the opposite sex), the third is evil.

From the same principle, one can proceed with the group completion of tasks. How the quests in groups differ from the solo? Oh, here the developers also used an unconventional approach – the final group solution is being developed … with a throw of the cube. First, each “membert” chooses its own version of the response in the dialogue, then the whole group either unanimously follows the consensus (if the choice coincided), or the winner is determined by randomly determined. And everything turns out the way he wanted. Even if the rest are against. At the same time, to give the “winner” in the face or at least read the notation about the ideals of good and justice will not work. And in vain.

The final chord of training on Typhon will be the creation of your own light checker – where without it. It will happen somehow everyday, without shock and trepidation. Checker, which is characteristic, will not pass through the game with us. Yes, it belongs to the category of artifacts and can be silly improved by modifications, but do not wait for anything cardinal. And after a few levels you will have to change it to a new. And it’s a pity … I hope that the Jedi would allow the Jedi to carry the first weapon created through the whole game, improving its quests or somehow else. But they did not allow. But you can find luminous blades in the corpses of bunnies and rabbits. Classics of the genre, so that it ..

Feat on the way to the capital

The end of the Padanism falls to the level very close to the tenth, after which it will come time to go to the Coruscant. The path there will not be straightforward, but with a transplant at the Carrick station-the republican hub, where you can find “vendors”, coaches, PVP quests or just relax, getting a bonus for experience. At this stage – also complete a minute task for specialization. The nuance is that they will not give a task before the tenth level, so the necessary levels are recruited in advance at Typhon. So as not to steam later.

You can get to the capital from the station either Solo, direct shuttle, or in the company, through this very “instance”. It is called The Esseles-by the name of the ship for the VIP Person, on which the Heroes team are offered to escort the important envoy to the capital’s planet. But along the way they are imperials and begin to insert blasters into the doz. The task offers blasters to take away and insert … Well, you understand where. In principle, there can not be any bells and whistles at this level – the removal of the main “boss” without any frills provides sufficient collective damage, and if it is not enough, then at least one healer is useful.

Coruscant – I confess to the spirit – not impressed. The legendary planet Gorod in the game is a few locations connected by a taxi network. The grandeur of the capital is transmitted by painted and modeled in 3D landscapes, through which, alas, not to take a walk in any way. Locations are ordinary quest zones where friendly, neutral and hostile NPC roam. Running from the assignment to the assignment and the genocide of enemies – there is nothing more here … Except in the central location – the Senate – there are outlets, teachers and access to the bank and auction. However, it is clear that Coruscant is not an organismarmar: the whole game will not fit in any game.

The main quest plus all sideways in the capital are balanced so that their completion will be at the level close to the eighteenth. After that (this refers to the execution of the class line of tasks, and not the achievement of the level) you will be given a light corvette of the republic’s space fleet and will be sent to hell – to perform the following rulers. But there, once again I repeat, this article is not. Therefore, I will capture the boat with a pen and return to other presses. Fortunately, the list of permitted to the story has not yet been exhausted.

Specialized classes

After the specialization will double the number of republican classes, their assortment begins to look as follows: Jedi Guardian and Jedi Sentinel (from Jedi Knight), Jedi Sage and Jedi Shadow (from Jedi Consular), Vanguard and Commando (from Trooper), Gunsliner Scoundrel (From Smuggler). At least I was forbidden to play for the imperials (more precisely, they were forbidden to tell, but the hell is one hell), however, from knowledgeable people I heard that the difference between their classes and ours (our, of course, Republicans) – only in the names in the names. Therefore, everything that will continue to tell about these is true for those.

Jedi Guardian – “Tank” or “Damager”, depending on the selected talents. Wears heavy armor and armed with one single checker. In the attacking version of the special differences in the survival of Sentinel, I did not notice, although it is not the worst damage (I would even say, it beats more, but the balance will change more than once). In the “tank” hypostasis-significantly stronger due to a special protective form of battle (these forms are

something like a warrior from a warrior from World of Warcraft and are characteristic of both knightly classes). The third talent branch is dedicated mainly by power tricks and so far it is better combined with an attacking style than with a protective.

Jedi Sentinel is a kind of near -fight monster with two checkers. In theory. But I didn’t notice any special monstrust in it. Dressed and shod in medium armor, “talented” branches – for damage (he has no other role), with a slope into power, saber or elementary (attacks cause ignition of the target) component. The balance of branches was not impressed, but there is a hope that they will still redo it ..

Both Guardian and Sentinel use the focus as a source of attacks (by the way, there is no auto -attack in the game at all), which is gaining discovering blows and special skills or simply raising with time or from damage (if the appropriate talents are taken). Focus Management is still the task. WoW warrior with fury is simpler: not that it is much more – rather, less hassle. The focus flies so fast that you don’t notice. And at the most critical moment it will definitely not be enough.

Jedi Sage is the nearest analogue of a magician or doctor (and rather, a magician and a doctor in one Jedi carcass). It froze very seriously. Wears light armor, but due to power shields and controlling possibilities for survival does not complain. Health, which is characteristic, is also not offended. In addition, he can treat himself and others. And very good-in the military zones, I have repeatedly seen how they get medals-appropriation for simultaneous damage of more than two thousand hits and exactly the same treatment). In “meat” are very effective and spectacular.

Jedi Shadow-invisible fighter with a double checker in his hands. Probably can be called an analogue of all relevant classes from other games. It is good for a secretive seizure of points on combat zones, unexpected attacks in the back and other similar nasty things (from the point of view of the sufferers, of course). He hits strongly and does not complain about survival. Depends on positioning, because it is most of all from the back … Like Jedi Sage, it has a special parameter “strength”, which spent on techniques. It is not necessary to recruit it, unlike the focus – in this regard it looks like Manu.

Vanguard – “Tank” with a remote attack. It wears, of course, heavy armor, shoots from a blaster rifle. The basic attacks of cartridges do not consume, advanced and special requires ammunition and constant reloading. In damage, they say (he did not check), Commando is noticeably losing. The latter is a real car due to good. In a heavy armor with a heavy gun, he gives out so that mom do not grieve. Grenades are perfectly hit in the areas (AOE, Yeah), and in military zones the leadership of damage for this class is a common thing. But the most cool – it also treats (all sorts of technical bells and whistles). Especially if you gain medical talents. Natural paladin.

Scoundrel is another “fighter of the invisible front”. With the ability to treat. Specialist for all sorts of dirty things. Can shoot (from a blaster), or maybe not shoot. When it does not shoot, it can beat. Fists. But may not beat. When shooting. Gifted guy (or girl).

Gunslinger – This one almost always shoots. If it does not throw grenades. He holds a blaster in each hand and uses a special power shelter, which itself creates. When in shelter, then frontal attacks against him are not very effective. And the Sith cannot jump to him with their cunning jumps. It is good when shooting with hills due to shelter. Especially if you climb there problematic.

Artificial satellites

As soon as BioWare announced the companions-the group of NPC support of game characters for eating heroicity-curiosity in relation to these comrades heated to the temperature of the melting of the brain and still did not cool. The people want to know if there is a lot about them. And if there is, if there is a lot or a lot of it. I declare responsibly – there is a sense. And sufficient. I explain, show and prove it on the example of Jedi knights. But first, I will slightly cool the ardor with a remark that before receiving the ship, more than two satellites will not be tied to you.

The first companion is a droid astromechanic, a cabin on wheels, familiar from the films about Luke and his dad Vader. Persons a player on a typhon and plays the role of a “tank”. Therefore, thick, is heavily armored and owns the skill of attracting aggression of enemies. Damage causes small, but not very necessary-the brave knight will work for two. The death of a droid is not a reason for a disorder, because after the battle it is re -caused. But the death of the character leads to defeat and either to revival at the battlefield with a medical bot, or to a run from the cemetery (there is no fine for death, except for the light wear of equipment).

The second satellite is the Padan girl Kira. Armed with a double checker and uses well. The problem is that the enemies of the beautiful girl are mainly ignored, preferring to attack the player-player. Which as a result has to regularly restore health, and this quickly bothers. Therefore, “nightstand” is my choice. Although there is also inconvenience with her-the droid is usually rolling somewhere behind, and when the hero of the fellow jumps up to the target (the knights have a jump, an analogue of the “Chardge” by the warrior in Wow), the goal often jumps on the droid no less well done. Then you have to run back. The question is, why jump if to no avail?

But the partners work perfectly with Kraft. Actually, only one can take the production profession (create weapons, armor, artifacts-light shki, various “gadgets”) and add two collective (archeology, “hacking”, diplomacy, bioanalysis, collection of recyclables). And then either engage in “pumping” (collect or produce), or dump the routine on partners. They will do this longer, but without the distraction of the boss from more important problems. Comfortable.

Zones of special attention

Finally, the last permitted subject of discussion is military zones and PVP. I studied especially well, and most importantly, practically does not fall under the restrictions. Since at the Battlgrads, if desired, it is possible to develop to the maximum level (although it will be faster on quests in PVE) without receiving the ship at all. So, formally, the ban is not violated, and therefore there is nothing to punish for.

There are so far three military zones, but one of them developers considered a non -public for public discussion. Therefore, there are two – Huttball and Aldraan. The first is a platform for Khatt national fun with a ball, which needs to be entered in special zones – as in rugby or American football. That’s just a flat green field with a marking is not enough. But there are enough bridges, sites with fire, pools with acid, air skins and other scholarships. The ball has a magical ability to slow down the speed of movement of the media to a very modest. But it is allowed to transfer it to partners.

You can go to the enemy’s test zone only along bridges with periodically flashing fire, burning quickly and reliably. And many classes have the ability to discard (which on bridges often turns into “discard”). This makes the ball a task of non -trivial, although if you take into account the reloading, tactical solutions well, a lot. Therefore, the game of two organized teams can be extremely curious.

Alderaan is the standard “dominance” with three guns shooting at the enemy bases if they are captured. Whose batteries will be the first to inflict six hundred units of damage, that side won … in all military zones the maximum number of participants is sixteen (eight on each side). In an organized manner, only a group of four people can enter, no more. Although even a quartet of decent fighters with distributed roles and worked out interaction is a serious force.

Finally, they allow to stand in line and then get into the military zone from anywhere in the game. They are allowed into battle from the tenth level, and Beta is not divided into various “age” groups – “Bolster” (artificial rise of all participants in levels with a proportional increase in attributes and health, but without adding new abilities) everyone relatively equalizes. However, later, they say, a certain separation will appear. And this is logical, because the difference between the tenth level and the fifties is great even taking into account the same statistics.

The same, but with ruffles

General impressions of the game after ten days of beta testing complex. I am expectedly not amazed at the creative of the developers. For the situation with MMO-blockbusters is no different from the “loners”-no one wants to take risks, turning from the beaten-to-the-way road of mainstream to the paths of innovation. Because they lead the latter exclusively to the unknown, and publishers need success, success and again success.

Game mechanics SWTOR checked by dozens of games and, with proper implementation (World of Warcraft), guarantees dairy rivers with sour shores and sugar beaches. Numerous WoW haters (although there are still fewer than those who play it) for the most part they want the same, but a little differently and with ruffles. That in BioWare They understand perfectly.

Ryushek in The Old Republic It will be set to solid fashion vernissage, and each of them will overshadow any innovation with its obscenity. Especially at first sight. There is megapopular setting, and script dialogs, and collective participation in these dialogs, and the system of companions … However, all of them have a serious minus – there will be enough of them for a maximum of two months. And then “love will pass, tomatoes will be wilted” – and Bytovuha will begin. The one in dozens of other games. And then the jambs will be comparisons with Wow and other Lotro.

While my modest opinion about the prospects SWTOR did not dare to categorically surrender to optimism. Something was not enough for him. Either he heard little, or not everything saw … Or maybe he generally prefers blondes. But in a month or two game pleasure, it confidently vouching its own immaculate reputation. Even after Beta, which is not the final release. And for a month or two for our times, when for the same money you can easily get five hours of “corridors”-this is very, very good.