Those who’ve been keeping an ear out for the sounds of the Imperial March should be pleased to know the forthcoming Star Wars game is finally up for pre-sale. And the best bit of all is that EA will be launching Star Wars: The Old Republic in three versions, namely a Collector’s Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition and Standard Edition. What’s more, customers will be given a redemption code to unlock early game access and an in-game color stone to tweak weapon effects upon pre-ordering the title.
The Old Republic is pictured several thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader when the galaxy is in midst of an uncomfortable cold war. Players are given the choice to take sides with the Galactic Republic or Sith Empire, which means stepping into the shoes of any one of eight characters. These include Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, Trooper, Bounty Hunter, Imperial Agent, Sith Inquisitor and Sith Warrior. Supported by an interesting plot, the entire title builds on conventional MMO gameplay elements of combat, exploration and character progression.
“We are targeting Star Wars: The Old Republic to be one of the biggest launches of holiday 2011,” trilled Dr. Ray Muzyka, Group General Manager and Co-Founder, BioWare and Senior Vice President, EA. “Our teams at BioWare and EA, along with our partners at LucasArts, are laser-focused on creating a high quality game, but just as importantly, they are resolute in delivering a high quality service. We are taking all of the necessary steps to make sure The Old Republic has a thriving community built on a stable online foundation from day one, including limiting supply at launch to ensure that players easily transition into the servers. So whether you’re waiting to join the Empire or the Republic, pre-order now to ensure you can enter the galaxy at launch!”
Starting from September, the upcoming Star Wars installment will open ‘Beta Test Weekends’ that are set to invite select players from all over the world. The Collector’s Edition entails a range of virtual in-game and physical items that ought to delight fans of the franchise. Physical items cover a Darth Malgus Statue from Gentle Giant, The Music of The Old Republic soundtrack, the journal of Jedi Master Gnost Dural from Chronicle Books, a map of the in-game Star Wars galaxy and a security key.
A Flare Gun, personal HoloDancer, Training Droid, HoloCam, the STAP vehicle and access to the Collector’s Store are sketched out among the virtual collectibles for the aforementioned pack. The Digital Deluxe Edition will bundle in the aforesaid virtual items except for access to the Collector’s Store. All three versions of this Stars Wars spinoff, including the basic edition, will be vended with 30 days of game time.
Star Wars: The Old Republic Collector’s Edition costs $149.99 (approx. Rs. 6,650), while Digital Deluxe Edition is priced at $79.99 (approx. Rs. 3,500). Fans can even choose to grab a Standard Edition at $59.99 (approx. Rs. 2,700).