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Imperial Agent Screenshot Dissection

Fans of Star Wars: The Old Republic were given a treat today with the announcement that the Imperial Agent will be a playable class. This may not be a surprising addition considering the amount of foreshadowing, but, with last weeks Jedi Knight reveal, the timing surprised nearly everyone. In addition to the reveal, we were also treated to four screenshots, giving us not only a look at the upcoming class, but also the graphics as a whole. So hit the jump, and let's take a closer look.
imp agent 1
The Commander


We previously noted that the Jedi Knight media looked remarkably better than older material, and the Imperial Agent is continuing this trend. The new graphics are impressive, showing much greater detail than any previously released images. From the weapon and clothing to the smoke and shadows, each part of this screenshot is laced with fine textures.

The sky and mountain ranges, in particular, stand out in this image, implying a sense of scale that is normally missing in MMOs because of issues with draw distance and rendering. The color pallet in the clouds and haze covering the mountains give a remarkably realistic impression within the game's stylized realism. However, this could just be a simple skybox illusion and we will have to wait for video to have a better idea.

We also see a defining features of the Imperial Agent in this, and all of the following, pictures: a sniper rifle. With the previous hints pointing toward pistols and vibroblade daggers, a focus on sniper rifles was unexpected, but not unwelcome. The Imperial Agents were described as being tactical and precise in the timeline video, and the pinpoint accuracy of a sniper does fit this theme. We have to treat this as speculation, but it seems unlikely that every Agent in these pictures are using a large rifle out of chance.

Additional Notes: Downed ship, men in white, blast craters, artillery pieces, mustache (credit to robert)

imp agent 2
The Scout


The second screenshot continues to show significant improvement in the quality of the images coming from BioWare. The coloring and shadows on the Imperial Agent and his gear is fairly complex, looking much different than the "painted-on look" that we've seen prior. We do see additional customization in the character's face, showing small alterations in comparison to similar faces seen previously. These small changes, such as the shape of the nose and eyebrows, could simply be from the BioWare updating the models, but it could also be imply a deeper level of character customization, possibly something similar to what we see in the recently release Dragon Age: Origins.

faces


Additionally, we have a very curious speederbike in this picture. The lighting and visual fidelity of the bike itself is very promising, however it seems to be devoid of the realistic shadowing we see in the rest of the image. The grass around the pedal, and the undercarriage dipping into the dirt, makes it appear that the bike is on the ground, but the foil on the front of the vehicle still do not display a shadow. This could be a strange angle, or possibly the bike was added in post, either way it is interesting that we see yet another instance of a speeder being in close proximity to a player character.

Additional Notes: Winged creature, more artillery, non-skybox mountains

imp agent 3
The Sniper


Appearing to wear light, or possibly medium, armor, the Imperial Agents might be filling the long range damage slot for the Sith Empire. The armor looks even more distinct on the female model with the pauldrons sticking out far over the shoulders. We also get a good look at the shadowing on the right sleeve and the texture on the boots and belt buckle, continuing to move away from the painted look.

The agent's facial features could contain the most interesting parts of this screenshot. Her eyes are extremely dark, going far beyond the shadowing seen in the rest of the image. There are two gameplay possibilities for this. It could simply be a cosmetic choice, adding to the tattoos and scars we've seen in previous games, or it could be linked to her alignment. Star Wars is riddled with evil people looking increasingly sinister with their affinity for the dark side and this agents eyes could be reflecting her own choices.

Additional Notes: K'lor'slugs in the center and bottom left corner, coding, steam effects

imp agent 4
The Duel


In the final image we get to see the Imperial Agent engaging, what appears to be, a smuggler. If this is a smuggler then we could be looking at a hint regarding PVP. These images are set on the planet Balmorra which is already steeped in speculation regarding it being a PVP oriented location. BioWare loves to give out clues and we might need to add this one to the list.

We also see the man in white in the center of the screen and a downed ship behind the possible smuggler. When you compare it to the first picture you see many of the same figures, giving a good reference to how close together these characters where in the world. The men in white seem to be milling around the ship, almost as though they are an enemy type linked to the location, much like the K'lor'slugs in the temples of Korriban. It is far too early to speculate about how players will interact with these NPCs, but it is an interesting addition to the images.

Additional Notes: Smoke effects, more artillery, separate hair renders, highly detailed foliage

A few things should be taken into consideration when viewing these images and speculating about their content. Until BioWare makes an official announcement, all conclusions drawn from these screenshots are little more than speculation. Additionally, while these images are almost certainly generated with in-game assets, the increased quality may exceed what your average user will experience due to computer limitations.

Comments

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  • r2d2arm's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 440
    #23 r2d2arm Posted 3/11/2010 1:55:49 AM
    Catching up on the Dissections atm. I believe the titles for the screenshots could be hinting at the possible skill trees within the Imperial Agent. The 3 titles given were "The Commander, "The Scout," and "The Sniper." The scout probably will have more abilities to navigate terrain and remain stealthy. The commander could possibly have group buffs or execute group tactics (nice contrast with the Republic's trooper, assuming it will have some group buffs/tactics as well). The sniper would be very much like the rifleman in SWG with powerful sniping skills, perhaps a bonus while sniping from cover.
  • Fedaykin's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 297
    #12 Fedaykin Posted 11/7/2009 8:49:45 AM
    But fellows - if the Imperial Agent is a medium-armoured person with a sniper rifle, then who is the twi'lek lady in the decieved cinematic trailer and the various people we've seen in similar armour to her in in-game screenshots? All these things we had dumped under the catagory: "Imperial Agent" may not have been a sneak-preview of the agent, but another class? In all honesty I feel we've been quick to stamp a title on every unknown character we've seen. But on the other hand I doubt this because another dual-wielding light-armoured character in the game wouldn't exactly be the diversity Bioware's promised us. What we've seen so far is all quite diverse, even though we already have four blaster using classes (Thank goodness, Star Wars is full of blasters and doesn't have so many light sabers remember?), it still wouldn't be very interesting to have a 'second smuggler'. People have been pushing classes into mirror situations for their own comfort. I really don't see any. Bounty Hunters seem short to medium ranged and have armour. They use 'fancy tools' to fix 'problems'. Their focus is mercinary, and profiteering. Troopers don't seem to care about range. They'll blast the heck out of you if you're a mile away and introduce you to the back end of their blaster if you're up close. Their focus is military, professional. Smugglers seem medium to close range, but will always need to use cover. From cover they'll toss grenades, lauch salvo's of shots and walk around in fancy clothing instead of armour. Their focus is individualistic. Simple men and women making their way in the universe. Agents seem to focus mainly on LONG range with a rifle. Their armour seems sufficient but not bloated, my guess is that “once revealed” (stealth, not cover imho), they'll rely on it to pack a punch. Their focus seems sinister and sneaky. Four unique classes. I don't see any 'mirroring' here. There's definatly a Rock → Scizzors → Paper → Rock system between them ofcourse. But unique. Whole point of this rant: In my opinion there's no space for another dual-blaster smuggler-like character. So it *must* have been the Imperial Agent. Or not.. *sigh*
  • DirectX's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #13 DirectX Posted 11/7/2009 9:03:33 AM
    I'd imagine the agent can switch weapons, just like any other ranged class.
  • Fedaykin's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 297
    #14 Fedaykin Posted 11/7/2009 9:07:57 AM
    *Reader notice: I greatly edited my post after DirectX's statement. Sorry. I do agree with you DirectX, the agent may simply whip out a pistol in close quarters combat situations. Perhaps all we've seen in Decieved was a Imperial-side Smuggler companion character. Who says companion characters are bound by the same rules players are? Think of that Bounty Hunter working for the republic in the comic. Too much speculating. My head hurts.
  • Zoid's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 656
    #19 Zoid Posted 11/7/2009 3:40:58 PM
    Companion characters are likely not bound to the same rules. If you are taking the Twilek to be the companion of the Sith Lord, then the mobile trash can is the companion of the Jedi. It is unlikely that we will be able to play Trash Can, so using this logic companions are allowed to break the rules.
  • PurpleCliff's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #17 PurpleCliff Posted 11/7/2009 10:59:42 AM
    I hope they can use swords or vibroblades or something :D
  • Zoid's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 656
    #20 Zoid Posted 11/7/2009 3:42:25 PM
    Everyone is able to equip a melee weapon for those tough times. However, we all know that using one may not be the most effective tactic for all classes. (Imagine a Mage in WoW that uses a dagger when oom)
  • Avaro's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #16 Avaro Posted 11/7/2009 10:41:23 AM
    I would still say they got the same kind of armor, some kind of tight superhero suit. And theres not to much "plate" on that to call it medium armor in my book. Is it the shoulderguards that make you think it?
  • Fedaykin's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 297
    #18 Fedaykin Posted 11/7/2009 11:59:39 AM
    Avero you have a point. The commander VERY much has the same suit, but the shoulders and belts with equipment may have gotten me on the wrong track.

    All for the better! I'm very eager to discover what's behind the oh so mysterious door number 7 and 8, as I posted before.

    When revealed - I wonder if we're going to facepalm and think: "It's been right under our nose" or if there really hasn't been anything released on the two unknown classes.

    Ah well. That's then. For now we can endulge ourselves with the Imperial Agent information to come!
  • Revix2k9's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 153
    #10 Revix2k9 Posted 11/7/2009 4:03:09 AM
    i wonder if bw knows your gonna dissect info and try to put stuff to fool us lol.
  • Sztanyi's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #9 Sztanyi Posted 11/7/2009 3:36:33 AM
    if u zoom in really close at the white guy, you can see he has nothing in his hands, and that his head is kind of big (vertically) so i dont think it's human. Also it was speculated in the article that it's an enemy npc, but with the lack of a weapon i think it's a player friendly NPC. Edit: i looked at the first picture again, and i noticed 2 more white suited "creatures" in the bottom left corner, underneath the ship. First of all, they are define tally not human, they remind me of Admiral Ackbar actually. Also one of the white suited guys seems to be hunched over, as if ducking under the ship. Sadly because of a blade of grass obscuring the view i can't see if there is anything in his hand, but it looks like some sort of toolbox. This may mean that they are maintenance crew, or repair men or something along those lines Edit2: also in the 4th picture, there are 2 things on the left side, around the middle (directly left of the agent's hips). I cant tell what it is, but i think one is an astromech droid, and the other looks like a big fat droid
  • Verses's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #8 Verses Posted 11/7/2009 1:07:33 AM
    I've asked to have this comment deleted.
  • Baghwan's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #7 Baghwan Posted 11/7/2009 12:52:56 AM
    What's up with all the spray tan is all i got to say.
  • MrWarlock's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #6 MrWarlock Posted 11/7/2009 12:52:22 AM
    First off a much improved GFX all round the characters are starting to look very nice no more plastic covered cartoons. Tho i have a thought on the vehicle, this being a Spy class i wonder if its renders the rider a cloak of some kind. Why go to the bother of having shadows for every thing else then just throw this bike in at the last moment, this does not sum up BW. I may just be seeing to much into this but BW does like to tell you things without saying it.
  • RogueJedi86's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 3118
    #5 RogueJedi86 Posted 11/7/2009 12:37:19 AM
    I think the female agent is wearing eyeshadow. Girls wear it in real life, and it does look over the top cartoony like other stuff in the game.

    You got me on the speederbike though. The scale is all confusing. Its placement past the shadow seems like it's far away, but its size looks the size of the Agent, making it even bigger if it was brought closer to the camera. The grass in front of the engine/pedals just muddles it even further.
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