• Novel Review: Annihilation

    Players who have completed the existing story content found within Star Wars: The Old Republic have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Drew Karpyshyn’s latest novel, Annihilation, is that next chapter. Picking up where things leave off at the end of SWTOR’s current story, Annihilation follows several familiar characters as they plan and execute a key Republic mission. It also looks deep inside the Republic and Imperial leadership as both sides continue to engage in a full-blown war.

    Note: The following article contains spoilers, both for the story as found in SWTOR and the Annihilation novel.

  • SWTOR Available for Pre-Order Now



    At approximately 10pm PT, several sites including MMORPG.com, WoWWiki.com, WoWHead.com, etc. all sported new ads for Star Wars: The Old Republic pre-orders. Each ad had the same identifierand lead to a dead page on SWTOR.com. Pre-orders became available shortly after midnight via the official Star Wars: The Old Republic website and various retailers.

    Pre-Order Options:

    • Star Wars: The Old Republic Collector's Edition ($149.99) - Pre-Order Exclusive: Early Game access, Color Stone (virtual item), 30 Days Game Time included Limited Collector's Edition Includes: Exclusive Gentle Giant Darth Malgus statue, Game disks collectible metal case, The Journal of Master Gnost-Dural as annotated by Satele Shan, The Old Republic galaxy map, Custom Security Authentication Key, Music of Star Wars: The Old Republic CD, High-quality Collector's Edition box.
      Includes 7 Additional Digital Items: Flare Gun, Training Droid, HoloDancer, HoloCam, STAP, Exclusive Mouse Droid, Exclusive Collector's Edition Store

    • Star Wars: The Old Republic Digital Deluxe Edition ($79.99) - Pre-Order Exclusive: Early Game access, Color Stone (virtual item), 30 Days Game Time included. Includes 5 Additional Digital Items: Flare Gun, Training Droid, HoloDancer, HoloCam, STAP.

    • Star Wars: The Old Republic Standard Edition (Digital & Physical) ($59.99) - Pre-Order Exclusive: Early Game access, Color Stone (virtual item), 30 Days Game Time included.


    Minimum System Requirements:

    • OS - Windows XP, Vista/7

    • CPU - AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4000+ or better Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 2.0GHz or better

    • RAM - Windows XP: 1.5GB Windows Vista and Windows 7: 2GB PCs using a built-in graphical chipset, 2GB RAM recommended.

    • Video - ATI X1800 or better* nVidia 7800 or better* Intel 4100 Integrated Graphics or better*

    • DVD-ROM - 8x or better *Minimum of 256MB of on-board RAM and Shader 3.0 or better support.


    Make sure to take a look at the FAQ. Official DevTracker post follows the jump.

    Update: Electronic Arts detailed "Beta Test Weekends" in a press release.

  • Peace for the Republic? - Timeline Dissection

    We here at Darth Hater are known for our careful inspection and analysis of any media released regarding Star Wars: The Old Republic. One of the major subjects in our never ending search for clues are the Timeline videos in the HoloNet section of the official website. Keeping with the examination we presented last month, we dove into the recently released seventh episode Peace for the Republic? to see what we could find.

  • Friday Update: Peace for the Republic Timeline Video

    Today's update is the seventh entry in the Timeline series, entitled "Peace for the Republic?"

    The centuries immediately preceding the Great War were thought to be one of the most peaceful eras in Republic history. As he dives deeper into the galaxys history, Master Gnost-Dural discovers new evidence that suggests the dark influence of the Sith Empire was seeping into the Republic even then. Gnost-Durals latest report isolates one historical incident which suggests there was a Sith Lord pulling strings within the ranks of the Jedi decades before the war even began.

    BTC 103 - More than a century before the Sacking of Coruscant, two Jedi scholars embarked on a journey which became one of most inexplicable mysteries of its time. Young Jedi Knight Eison Gynt joined his Master in a mission to investigate the Ancient Sith Temple of Yavin 4. On Yavin, the pair was attacked by the native Massassi and driven into the Tomb of Naga Sadow where a powerful force of darkness emerged. Gynts Master returned to Coruscant wounded and half-insane, remorseful that young Eison Gynt had been killed in the chaos. Years later, however, Gynt returned from Yavin on his own and attacked his former Master. Gynt was killed and all assumed that he had been tainted by the darkness on Yavin 4 and returned to Coruscant for revenge. Nonetheless, the truth, as Master Gnost-Dural has discovered, may have been far more sinister.

    Watch the latest Timeline holorecord, Peace for the Republic?, narrated by actor Lance Henriksen.

    You can also download a high resolution version of this video.


    There are several interesting references to note in this edition of the timeline. The Sith temples of Yavin IV feature predominantly and Naga Sadow is also a key player in this timeline entry. There is also intriguing artwork of the Star Forge in the parting shot.

  • Holonet Dissection

    Here at Darth Hater we are constantly examining any media released for Star Wars: The Old Republic. The Holonet, in particular, quickly became one of our most valued resources in this endeavor. Framed by the ever important fourth pillar, each new release on the official site slowly increases our knowledge of the people and places we will encounter when players finally get their hands on the game. In light of the recent addition of a biographies section, we thought it might be a good idea to look back over the Holonet and find all the people we have been introduced to over the past year and a half.

    Note: This article will be updated over time as we include new items to the dissection.

  • Friday Update: Onslaught of the Empire Timeline Video

    Today's update is the latest timeline entry, Onslaught of the Empire:

    A new holorecord in the Jedi Archive tells the story of the Sith Empire's surprise attack at the start of the Great War over 28 years before the Sacking of Coruscant. Master Gnost-Dural notes the brilliance of the Imperial military's carefully orchestrated assault which put the Republic at a disadvantage for the duration of the conflict.

    BTC 28 Centuries after being driven into exile, the Sith Empire returned from deep space to launch the most calculated military assault in Republic history. Strategically revealing its attack in a menacing manner, the Sith struck fear into the hearts of the Republic's defenders even while orchestrating surprise attacks at carefully targeted locations across the galaxy. When the Republic fleet rushed to respond, they discovered the Sith had established puppet governments on several planets in the Outer Rim. Surrounded by enemies and traitors, the Republic fleet was forced to scatter, allowing the Sith Empire to sweep through most of the Outer Rim without further challenge. The Empire's initial victories put the Republic at a disadvantage for the duration of the Great War.

    Watch the sixth Timeline holorecord, Onslaught of the Sith Empire, narrated by actor Lance Henriksen.

    NOTE: All download options will be available later today.


    We noticed a few more planets mentioned, specifically in the Tingel Arm sector: Belkadan, Sernpidal, and Ruuria. A green planet is shown, referred to as located in the Sluis sector of the Outer Rim. We think this is Sluis Van (find credit: bigbaldpapa).

  • The Battle of Bothawui

    Today Sean announced the battle of Bothawui and a new Threat of Peace:

    The Battle of Bothawui

    A new holorecord in the Jedi Archive captures a poignant moment in the Republics recent history. Master Gnost-Dural recounts the story of the battle of Bothawuia battle in which the courage and sacrifice of Jedi and Republic forces scored a major victory against the Sith Empire.

    BTC 18 Nearly a decade after the return of the Sith Empire and the start of the Great War, the Empire had scored dozens of victories, establishing its dominance in the Outer Rim. As the Sith turned their forces toward the Mid Rim, however, the Republic prepared a bold surprise. When an Imperial squadron arrived to seize control of Bothawui, the entire Republic fleet was waiting. The fleets victory was celebrated across the galaxy, but the truly inspiring moment was yet to come. As the Republic fleet dispersed to defend other battlefronts, only a small force remained behind to face the Empires retribution. The Jedi and Republic troopers on Bothawui never had a chance of surviving the Imperial attack, but their courage and selflessness in the face of impossible odds won a victory far greater than that from any single battle. The heroic stand on Bothawui restored hope across the galaxy, and rallied the Republics forces to fight with renewed courage.

    Watch the fifth Timeline holorecord, The Battle of Bothawui, narrated by actor Lance Henriksen.

    Threat of Peace #18
    The eighteenth issue of Threat of Peace is full of suspense and suspicion. Jedi Master Orgus Din is called away from Balmorra to pursue a suspect in the Senate Tower bombing, the Bounty Hunter Braden. Meanwhile, Lord Baras foils an assassination attempt on Korriban, and Jedi Knight Fortris Gall requests Lieutenant Tavuss help on Dantooine.

  • Friday's Update - September 4, 2009

    Today's update is a new timeline video:

    Jedi Master Gnost-Dural has entered a new holorecord in the Jedi Archive. After a thorough analysis of the evidence, Master Gnost-Dural has discovered that the Mandalorians return to the galaxy and alliance with the Sith was no coincidence it was the result of years of shadowy machinations by the sinister agents of Imperial Intelligence.

    BTC 14 Frustrated by a series of Republic military victories, the Empire began exploring alternative strategies in its drive to conquer the galaxy. Despite the tantalizing offers of Imperial Diplomats, members of the galaxys notorious underworld refused to swear allegiance to the Sith Empire. Thus, Imperial Intelligence began laying the groundwork to win the underworlds loyalty through other means. Infiltrating the gladiatorial arenas of Geonosis, Imperial agents fixed the fights to cultivate the rise of a new Mandalorian Imperial puppet who would call forth some of the galaxys most proud and independent warriors to unknowingly aid in the Empires dark designs.

    Watch the fourth Timeline holorecord, The Empire Changes Strategy, narrated by actor Lance Henriksen.

    You can also download a high resolution version of this video.

  • Friday's Update Preview - September 4th, 2009

    Sean posted his glorious Friday preview thread mentioning that this week's update will be a new holorecord:

    It's Thursday so we definitely need a thread about what tomorrow's update will be. This Friday Master Gnost-Dural will be posting a new holorecord on what he discovered pertaining to the resurgence of the Mandalorians and the rise of the new Mandalore.

    And, if you're going to be at the Penny Arcade Expo, makes sure to read this thread.


    He also mentioned in another thread that the PAX demo is the essentially the same one that was shown at GamesCom:

    Same demo as the one on Saturday and essentially the same demo done at GamesCom (and shown in the Developer Walkthrough). [in reply to]