Thanks for all the encouraging feedback. I'm glad to see people like Hylo as much as I do. She's definitely become one of my favorite characters, and I hope to tell more of her story as time goes on. I'll be honest and say she's not one of the most prominent characters in the game (for that, see 'Biographies'), but part of what brings the Old Republic to life is that the writing team has fleshed out the back-stories of hundreds (if not thousands) of characters who will appear in the game, and taking even the minor characters to a high-level of detail is part of what we think makes a great BioWare story.
More from Rob Chestney, including his impression of the Jedi Knight, after the jump.
I like the healthy debate over whether it was realistic that Hylo managed to get the best of the Jedi. Though this certainly isn't an example of how they would do so in the game (i.e. a move called 'Helmet Slam'), the dynamic is accurate. Jedi (and Sith) are not immortal, and they're not categorically superior fighters. In terms of going toe-to-toe in melee, sure, they are tops, but when hammered from range with a barrage of the latest technologies, or when caught by surprise, they are at just as much of a disadvantage as anyone else would be. This Jedi was, of course, preoccupied, and there were other extenuating circumstances which may be explored in future stories. I'll say this as well, I'm a fan of the Jedi. I spent most of my time on the game working on the Jedi Knight Class, and Jedi is definitely my first choice when I play. I don't think being the best warrior in the galaxy is what makes the Jedi fun or cool. For me, it's much more about playing the character--a person who can tap into the mysterious energy that powers the galaxy, who spends years in training to discipline mind and body, and who then dedicates their life to the service of the greater good. Then it becomes about the struggle, both external and internal, against the dark side. How does a Jedi react when faced with the moral confusion of reality? How does a Jedi react when faced with imminent defeat? How does a Jedi react when he gets knocked unconscious by a young, petite alien girl who works as a freelance freighter pilot? That's one I might like to address in the future.
As to whether there are allusions in 'Smuggler's Vanguard' to aspects of the game that have not yet been announced... I can't comment except to say that the setting and themes of the Old Republic were conceived in the context of developing a game. As far as the stuff that I write, you can always count on it being grounded in that spirit. Though the action in a short story shouldn't mirror the action in a video game, the characters' motivations and the conflicts that arise are similar to what the Player's experience in TOR will be.
I know some of you folks are anxious to hear more direct news about gameplay in TOR, and all I can say is that some pretty significant reveals are in the works, so you won't have to wait forever.
BioWare's Sean Dahlberg also commented in the same thread regarding the timeline of Smuggler's Vanguard:
"Smuggler's Vanguard" occurred prior to the breaking of the Mandalorian Blockade.
- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 11:23:06 PM- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 11:10:58 PM- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 10:07:03 PM- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 7:37:56 PMAnd I agree that Jedi are not invincible gods with an ultimate weapon. They're just beings that are well trained, but can be defeated just like any other well trained being.
- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 7:33:03 AMThis makes me happy :)
- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 5:24:52 AM- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 12:25:12 PM- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 4:29:34 PM- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 2:18:24 AM- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 1:41:17 AM- View User Profile
- View Posts
- Send Message
Posted 3/31/2010 2:06:01 AMNot sure how I missed these posts as I've been on the site all day, but thanks as always DH!