Darth Hater

Star Wars: The Old Republic News, Interviews, Media & Podcast

Friday Update: Hoth Revealed, Blood of the Empire, and Fan Friday

As previewed yesterday, BioWare's Sean Dahlberg announced Hoth as the thirteenth playable planet for Star Wars: The Old Republic:

Along time ago in a galaxy far away...

Thirty years ago to the day, Star Wars: Episode IV The Empire Strikes Back opened in movie theaters, forever changing the cinematic landscape. Bursting with action-packed battles, fast paced dialogue, and characters faced with complex choices, the echoes of this landmark film are still felt today. From toys, to fashion, to punk rock, its influence is everywhere. The Empire Strikes Back has not only changed how we relate to our favorite movies, but has made a lasting contribution to our very culture.

To commemorate this monumental continuation of the Star Wars story, we are proud to reveal the ice world of Hoth -- the latest explorable planet in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Access the HoloNet to learn more about the pivotal battles in the history of Hoth -- and to understand why both the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire are interested in the planet. Check out this video to see Hoth's brutal blizzards and unique wildlife. Don't forget to visit the Media Section for never-before-seen screenshots, wallpaper, and concept art showing this barren, desolate landscape.

Plus, the third issue of Blood of the Empire webcomic is available, which contains a first glimpse of the Emperor (or possibly something else):

The third issue of Blood of the Empire chronicles two formidable confrontations--one between Teneb Kel and his former master, Lord Calypho, and another between Teneb Kel and the Dark Council! And what plans do the Emperor and his mysterious apprentice have in store for Teneb? The mission to determine the future of the galaxy begins here.

Check out the latest issue of Blood of the Empire now!

UPDATE: A late Fan Friday was added to this week's update. It includes the usual community artwork, as well as the Bounty Hunter screenshots from the recent European press event. This week's Developer Corner is a short dialogue video showing the depth-of-field effect in action. There are also a few new avatars to choose from on the official forums.

Welcome to Fan Friday! Today we're giving you a look at some inspiring creations from the Star Wars: The Old Republic community and sharing an inside look at some work-in-progress content from the Development Team.

In addition, we'll be following up on the Electronic Arts European Press Showcase held in London last week, as well as releasing the latest series of official polls and avatars.

Aurebesh translations for Hoth's HoloNet page after the jump.
Subtitle: Icy Graveyard
Left, Vertical: Watch Out For Wampas
Vertical, Right Side of Planet: Umbra Encrypter (Credit to Tyber, Imperialles, and Xicer9. Hat tip to SinisterSamurai.)
Vertical Between Boxes: Chiss Secret Base (Thanks r2d2arm)
Horizontal, Text Box: Captain Valon

Comments

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  • Korrick's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #113 Korrick Posted 5/23/2010 11:40:05 PM
    Ok i just realized something the hybrid sith female's name is Exal Kressh, could she be related to Ludo Kressh or even Kressh the younger? If so how did she get so close to the Emperor to be his apprentice. Maybe the Emperor is Kressh the younger and she is his daughter.

    This is all speculation but if you think about it Kressh the younger is a hybrid. I highly doubt that the person we saw was the actual Emperor, I mean he looks way to young to be that old. Also what was the red and black around the chat bubble?
  • vipes65's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #110 vipes65 Posted 5/23/2010 6:27:37 PM
    Well if I remember correctly the Imperial Agent is supposed to protect the shadow arsenal...

    Perhaps the Umbra Encrypter has something to do with that.
  • Korrick's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #102 Korrick Posted 5/23/2010 7:29:08 AM
    Ok so im confused was that guy in the white robe the Emperor, or was the Emperor speaking though him as a vessel.
  • aldrahn84's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #108 aldrahn84 Posted 5/23/2010 4:12:01 PM
    It could as well be a possessed body by some force spirit...I mean it happened again (or it will happen in 3500 or so years) with Palpatine.So it still could be anyone...Naga Sadow,Exar Kun,even Revan.
  • keroko's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 82
    #111 keroko Posted 5/23/2010 9:31:41 PM
    True, bar perhaps Naga Sadow and Revan. The latest timeline rules out Sadow, and when the devs described what happened to Revan that turned him Sith, we learned that the Emperor was responsible for that.
  • aldrahn84's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #116 aldrahn84 Posted 5/24/2010 12:03:12 PM
    I didn't understand that it was tor era emperor just the emperor at that time it's 300 years before so it could not be the same guy.Monsieur Erickson doesn't clarify that
  • keroko's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 82
    #106 keroko Posted 5/23/2010 3:25:59 PM
    That's... a subject of mad debate right now. Personally I believe that this is the actual Emperor, but it could go either way right now.
  • JediCosmin's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #109 JediCosmin Posted 5/23/2010 5:42:33 PM
    Let's not forget that we are dealing with BioWare writers. Surprise is practically their middle name so we can expect just about anything :P
  • r2d2arm's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 440
    #99 r2d2arm Posted 5/23/2010 2:52:28 AM
    Any suggestions on the what those egg-like objects are in the Emperor's (the white-robed dude who may just be a messenger / body for the Emperor) chamber? Originally thought they were only lights, but he's got some normal lights in the chamber. Could be something related to Sith alchemy / the Force or simply decoration.

    I found it interesting that the Kathol Rift is where Exal Kressh ditched her duties. The Aing-Tii monks are located in this area and could possibly have helped her deal with the Emperor's connection to her. Pure speculation of course.
  • keroko's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 82
    #107 keroko Posted 5/23/2010 3:55:21 PM
    Considering the leaves underneath and behind them, I think they're plants. Decoration, probably. Staring at concrete or steel walls all day gets boring really fast.

    And speaking of decorations... anyone else noticed that the decoration on the walls depict the exact same imagery as the relief hanging in Palpatine's office?
  • r2d2arm's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 440
    #118 r2d2arm Posted 5/25/2010 4:18:43 PM
    I just noticed the K'lor'slug lays eggs. They could be this creature's eggs? Would be odd having them around.
  • r2d2arm's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 440
    #112 r2d2arm Posted 5/23/2010 10:25:30 PM
    Yea, I thought it was similar as well. I decided to see if any Sith marks or objects resemble the architecture on that throne. The Muur Talisman is the closest, but not really definitive.
  • Zerrak's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 159
    #95 Zerrak Posted 5/22/2010 6:18:55 PM
    Just noticed Calypho blocks Teneb's lightning with his lightsaber... gameplay hint right there, maybe?
  • AgentOP's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 409
    #93 AgentOP Posted 5/22/2010 4:10:13 PM
    Not a big Hoth fan, but I guess they wanted a world with a harsh terrain and possibly enviroment penalties. Seems like another PvP friendly world as well which is always a plus. Would much rather see Bothuwai though.
  • Zoid's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 656
    #104 Zoid Posted 5/23/2010 2:41:35 PM
    There is also the feeling where they want people easily relate the game to the movies. Rhen Var is an ice planet similar to Hoth, but if an average person picks up the game that has only seen the movies they would relate much better to Hoth.
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