Darth Hater

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

  • Lore Update: Lightsaber Forms



    Lightsaber combat is perhaps the single most iconic aspect of Star Wars, and it is certainly receiving plenty of attention in Star Wars: The Old Republic. BioWare is aiming for an unprecedented level of detail; intricate parries, clashing lightsabers and blaster bolt deflections bring a completely new level of immersion to MMORPG combat. Lightsaber combat is more than just flashy moves, interesting mechanics and awesome graphics; there is an astounding amount of lore behind the lightsaber and how it is used. Today, we will look at the lore behind the seven basic lightsaber forms, and explore what we know so far about how BioWare will integrate these forms in SWTOR.

  • Lore Update: Lightsabers



    Elegance, nobility and sophistication; power, destruction and hatred. Just like the Force, a lightsabers power lies within the one wielding it.

    The lightsaber is arguably the most iconic weapon in all of fantasy and science-fiction. Not only can it cut through almost any material in the Star Wars galaxy, but lets face it, they are just cool looking. From the detailed hilts to the awe-inspiring colored blades; whether you are a fan or someone who has only seen the movies once, its hard to argue the coolness factor that lightsabers have.

  • Now Its Time to Count to Seven

    Now that you know of the different types of lightsabers it is time to put them to use. You also get to talk in ways that sound Japanese. In Star Wars: The Old Republic, there is a good chance we will get the forms from Kotor. Each one has strengths and many have some weaknesses as well. Knowing all the styles and how to put them to use could be essential for combat against difficult foes.

  • What Lightsaber is for YOU?

    As we all know there are lightsabers. They have gone from the size of Pringles cans to a more manageable shape. Apart from what Vader and Luke would fight with there are many differing designs to choose from. What are you a fan of?

    The curved-hilt lightsaber is a popular design among both Jedi and Sith as it is designed for a specific fighting form. It is also a popular design for Dooku fans, as his red curved-hilt shows a unique design.

    ca_20081226_jedilightsaber_full


    The shoto saber, short saber for those non familiar with the lingo, is your basic lightsaber with a shorter hilt and blade. It is often used offhand for those that dual wield.

    Along with the shoto is the guard shoto. It is an uncommon form of the shoto with a little handle on the side of the hilt. Think of a nightstick for the hilt. You can use either part of the hilt in a fight.

    Protosabers are ones you may dig up within the tombs of Korriban. Too bad most people dont want to use them. They function just like every other lightsaber, but they were made in the good ol' days when batteries were big, so they are connected by tether to a backpack in order to power it. Try doing a flip wearing one of those.

    Going against the heroic feel Bioware is trying to portray you can always go for a training saber. It looks like a normal saber and may deter enemies, but if you use it in combat you might give your opponents a very serious bruise, or a minor burn

    Now that I have mentioned the basic sabers it is time to go into the elite sabers.

    Dual-phase sabers are aggressive for a single hilt lightsaber, as the blade can be doubled the length of a normal saber. There is also good news for fans of this blade from out in the forums, it is COMMON IN TIME PERIOD as the peak of useage for these was the Jedi Civil War.

    Are you a master of the force? Have you reached a high level and rank within your order? Perhaps you can rise to the ranks of Windu and Sidious with an Electrum saber. These weapons are reserved for masters of the force and the metal is golden colored.

    ca_20081114_sithlightsaber_full


    Well that is it for your standard single blade hilts. You could also go for the VERY popular dual bladed hilt. You can then pretend to be Darth Maul. There are many other types including club, whip, cane, and pike. All are fun to use, but not always logical. If you came across anyone with a lightclub, they better be well built because these things are used by large species. (Gammoreans) I expect some of these to appear within the game, while others I dont even want to see. I'm talking to you lightwhips.

  • Hints at Advantages/Weaknesses in Saber-wielding

    Sean posted a reply to toke, one of the users on the forum, explaining how the different saberwielding styles will have their own advantages and weaknesses like in Kotor:


    Originally Posted by toke
    Awesome... quick question.. does the Sith always have to dual wield a weapon or can he use a single light-saber and second question if you dual wield a weapon do you lose your privilege of the force? Obviously if he always dual wields the force will still be an option. Just wondering.

    Thanks for the update though
    While we are not to a point where we can give out specific information (because it is not done yet), there will be bonuses and weaknesses when either dual wielding or using a single lightsaber.


    It's a small but important reveal nonetheless at this early date. It can be presumed that the same could apply to multi-blaster use as a smuggler.

  • Zoidberg on Cortosis

    In the recent video we all saw troopers using swords against the Jedi. With the swords being able to resist the lightsaber, it appears cortosis has made a continuation in the series. The ore is a rare fibrous material that makes lightsabers short circuit and resists energy, including blaster fire. Purified ore is the strongest form of cortosis as it will deactivate lightsabers on contact.

    The gathering of the ore was hazardous because it would kill people on touch and it was impossible to mine with lasers(due to its heat resistant properties and nature to kill think of it as space asbestos). Unfortunately for us it is very rare and expensive. Due to the rarity we likely are stuck with the more common alloy that just resists attacks(not to mention it would be tough to balance shorting out a lightsaber on contact all the time).

    While cortosis makes weapons immune to lightsabers it also makes them more vulnerable to non energy attacks. So if you want a pure cortosis sword you will stop all lightsaber attacks, but someone with a metal pipe will smash your weapon to bits.
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