Darth Hater

The release of a new Holonet page is always exciting for anyone following Star Wars: The Old Republic, doubly so for the few times we've been lucky enough to learn about a new class. The Class Holonet in particular acts like a buffet of knowledge, giving us many different facts and a few subtle and obvious clues. So lets take a look at what was revealed with this Friday's release of the Jedi Knight class.



Overview

The Jedi Knight's overview is broken into two sections: "Valiant, Determined, Guardians of Peace" and "Facing the Dark Side". Much of the writing talks about the lore surrounding the Jedi Knights, but there is also a bevy of gameplay hints contained within. For this article we are going to focus on gameplay elements, but everyone should be sure to read the overview in its entirety if you enjoy the lore.

the Knight turns combat into an art form, gracefully executing acrobatic feats in tandem with elegant lightsaber tactics.

Many of us assumed that the Jedi Knight might have a different combat style from the Sith Warrior, and this quote seems to imply as much. The Jedi Knight animation accentuates this, showing that the movement of the Jedi Knight resemble the more fluid take on combat, similar to what we have seen in other Star Wars media.

A source of inspiration to allies and intimidation to adversaries, the Jedi Knights presence is welcome in any confrontation.

This line from the overview is a much weaker source for speculation, but it could be implying some form of buffing available to teammates of a Jedi Knight or possibly the ability to de-buff enemies.

Few, though, are foolish enough to challenge a seasoned Jedi Knight unless they have the skills and technology to even the odds.

This line, in particular, is very interesting. There has been a long history of discussion in the TOR community regarding how non-force user classes would be able to compete with the lightsaber wielding demigods. By adding the part about "technology to even the odds" BioWare seems to be reinforcing their belief that all players will be able to feel heroic and competitive, regardless of their class choice.

the Jedi have withdrawn to Tython, a move that's been looked at with suspicion by many of the Republics politicians.

The story that players will see in The Old Republic will be an integral part of the game experience, with the fourth pillar being such a large focus. It seems the political intrigue hinted at in the Coruscant video might be part of the Jedi Knight story experience.

Field Recon

Channeling the power of the Force, the Jedi Knight faces his opponent with confidence.

Here we see a Jedi Knight "channeling the power of the Force." Although it is pure speculation at this point, we could be looking at an ability that is regenerating combat points needed for skills, or possibly healing, so that the Jedi will be prepared for battle.

With a wide arsenal of Force powers at his command, the Jedi Knight has nothing to fear from this lone attacker.

Unfortunately, there isn't much we can gain from this particular image or description. The Jedi is making a similar movement to the possible "Jedi Mind Trick" we see in the Holonet animation, but there is not enough information to speculate one way or another. However there is an interesting difference between the two Jedi Knights in these first screenshots. The First Jedi Knight appears much more muscular then the second, which could be implying some level of customization in character body types.

A Force Leap and a powerful overhead strike will make short work of this Flesh Raider.

This screenshot blatantly tells us that the Jedi Knight will be able to perform a "Force Leap", as well as classifying the mob as a "Flesh Raider." Though it seems similar to the Sith Warrior's "Force Charge" ability, the leap shown in this screenshot places the character much higher in the air. This could mean that the skill will be more of a damage ability then one simply used to close the gap between the Jedi Knight and his target.

A powerful Force Push breaks this battle droid, sending it flying

Here we get the first straight forward confirmation of "Force Push" as an ability. The only additional speculation that can be drawn from this comes from BioWare making the word choice of "breaks", implying that this ability does damage as well as a push back or stun. It's not much, but every little bit is interesting to consider.

Outfitting

Though traditional Jedi robes range from light cloth to thick leathers, many Jedi Knights also wear parts or entire suits of heavy armor when going into battle.

Before we even get to any concept art, the description added to the "Outfitting" sections gives us a great deal of insight into the Jedi armor that has become such an interesting part of The Old Republic time period. It is refreshing to see that "many wear parts or entire suits of heavy armor", implying yet another path of customization.

An elegant weapon for a more civilized age, the Lightsaber is synonymous with the Jedi Order.

These dual bladed lightsabers are as unique as their owners.

These two pictures give us another great look at a few more of the many different lightsaber designs BioWare has been working on. The second concept art's description goes so far as to say these "lightsabers are as unique as their owners," which is very encouraging from a customization point of view.

This basic gear demonstrates the simple elegance the Jedi are known for.

A more ornate uniform, designed to protect the Jedi from battle and the environment.

These pieces of concept art continue to show the level of diversity BioWare is aiming for with The Old Republic. Finally seeing a Jedi Knight without the additional armor should also be refreshing to anyone looking for a more traditional look for their force user.

Combat Tactics

The Jedi Knights lightsaber techniques include powerful, synergistic combinations designed to render any enemy defenseless against a decisive finishing move. While completing this maneuver, the Knight is preparing to take on an additional enemy.

The first video in Combat Tactics shows a move very similar to the one seen in the initial Coruscant reveal at PAX. This appears to be yet another crowd control ability, similar to the Smuggler's "Kick" as it is "designed to render any enemy defenseless against a decisive finishing move." The final part about "preparing to take on an additional enemy" could be implying that this move will replace combat points needed to perform the Jedi Knights abilities.

Focusing body and mind, the Knight is capable of blasting opponents with a powerful wave of Force energy, knocking them off their feet. More powerful Jedi Knights have even been known to practice this technique against large groups.

The second clip shows us the Jedi Knight fighting multiple opponents and we get to see a "Force Push" in action. However the much more interesting part of this video is hidden in the description: "More powerful Jedi Knights have been known to practice this technique against large groups." This certainly seems to tell us that abilities will be able to change as players become more adept at them.

Combining physical prowess and Force focus, the Knight can throw his lightsaber in spinning arc to strike enemies at a distance. Practice and mastery of this maneuver enables the Knight to ensure his saber returns to his hand after its lethal circuit.

This video reveals an ability many Star Wars fans have enjoyed since watching Vader hurl his lightsaber at Luke. Being a melee class in a universe full of blasters, the Jedi Knight's ability to throw their lightsabers may help even the ranged playing field. Much like the previous video, the description talks about the ability changing with practice.

It should also be noted that the quality of the visuals, both screenshots and videos, are very impressive when compared to the older media we have received from BioWare. As the game development slowly marches onward, the graphics keep improving, causing many fans here at Darth Hater to remark about how good it is currently looking, even without a release date in sight. If the Jedi Knight is any indication, Star Wars: The Old Republic could be a remarkably beautiful game.



The Jedi Knight is an exciting, if obvious, addition to the class line up for TOR. The unique abilities and iconic look of the class will certain garner it a large player base once the game launches, possibly giving the Sith Warrior a run for it's money. As a brief reminder, everything in this article not expressly stated by BioWare is simply speculation and conjure and should be treated as such.