Star Wars the Old Republic: Limited Pre-order is now available.

[Stsin]

Standard Edition (digital and physical):  $59.99
Digital Deluxe: $79.99
Collector's Edition (physical):  $149.99

https://preorder.origin.com/?&locale=en_US
http://www.swtor.com/preorder/?sourceid=eag3012

All preorders include early game access and an ingame stone that changes color of your lightsaber.
The Digital Deluxe and Collector's Edition includes extra bonus ingame items.
The Collector's Edition is physical only, similar to WoW's collector set, plus a figurine and an authenticator.

$149.99 is a lot, and IMO is raping the fans.  Limited Quantities.

A friend said that when ordering the physical copy from Origin, that they may allow downloading as well.

But whatever you choose, make sure you have enough to cover the full price instead of just the preorder price ($5 standard, $20 collector), since it does a pending order in full.

[AceHigh]

A high price for what I predict will be a failure or a mediocrity at best.

Also either make me pay for the game once or monthly fee. NOT BOTH.

[xfreidax]

Actually that's pretty much the norm with sub based mmo's. You pay for the box, get 1 month "free" then afterwards you pay the sub.

That collectors Ed is a massive rip off imo. Looks like they cashing in on the hype big time. I've never seen a collectors or special edition priced that high before.

A disgruntled ex EA employee claimed it cost US$300 million to make swtor. EA came out and refuted that figure but admitted it's the most expensive game they've ever made (they wouldn't say how much though). Various estimates put the price tag at anywhere between 100-450mil. If it really costs that much to make, it'd explain those prices. 

[Sosseres]

I was sooo close to ordering this until I saw how much more expensive the online version in pre-order was compared to the normal pre-order version. Well that and the fact that they wouldn't guarantee a key at this point. At that point I skipped it and will wait until after release. Which has the added bonus of showing if it is a failure or not. I will likely get it unless it is sub 5/10 since I generally like Bioware, even though their releases after NWN/Kotor hasn't been that impressive.

As for MMO, the standard for the high end titles is buying the title and getting one month. After which it has a monthly fee.

[xfreidax]

I usually pre-order the collectors ed of every mmo I play. But US$150 is a little steep for me to pay for a game. This is the first mmo that I'll probably end up just buying the standard edition. Or wait a couple weeks after launch when they bring the prices down.

I think even with those prices, a lot of people will pre-order the collectors edition. It's Star Wars + Bioware, that's enough to send the hype into overdrive. Having seen some of the gameplay, I reckon it will be a good launch. Game looks polished enough and is riding on a popular IP. Plus they've been marketing the title pretty aggressively.

But I doubt they can hit and maintain 1 million subs in the initial release markets past the 4 month mark, which is a figure cited by EA for the game to be considered successful and profitable. The game is not revolutionary like the way World of Warcraft was back in 2003. It's more of the same but presented in a slick package.

[Sosseres]

But I doubt they can hit and maintain 1 million subs in the initial release markets past the 4 month mark, which is a figure cited by EA for the game to be considered successful and profitable. The game is not revolutionary like the way World of Warcraft was back in 2003. It's more of the same but presented in a slick package.

WoW was more of the same in a slick package 2003. ^^ They built on the Warcraft IP which was decently famous and hit the optimal timing in the market.

[vicious796]

I think 60 for an MMO box is expensive as well - it's not a normal game. I suppose if you look at it as 15 for the first month and 45 for the game it makes more sense, but you have to accept you're getting nothing for "free".

I'm with Ace, though. I just don't see how this game can be good.

[Supai]

Digital Deluxe: $79.99

Yeah, I'd totally pay $79.99 for something digital. 

And then I noticed this when going to Origin: Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ is not available in your region

I lol'd.

[Sosseres]

I think 60 for an MMO box is expensive as well - it's not a normal game. I suppose if you look at it as 15 for the first month and 45 for the game it makes more sense, but you have to accept you're getting nothing for "free".

This is the pre-order price before any post release price drops. If I translate Rift's steam price (€50) into USD it is $70 while being a less ambitious game. I think it is a pretty normal price for release of an MMO. Consider time spent on an MMO compared to a normal single player game such as Star Wars Galactic Commando. Commando is sub 8h, something that in most MMO games just get you through the low level areas the first time you play it (assuming you care about the plot).

[xfreidax]

But I doubt they can hit and maintain 1 million subs in the initial release markets past the 4 month mark, which is a figure cited by EA for the game to be considered successful and profitable. The game is not revolutionary like the way World of Warcraft was back in 2003. It's more of the same but presented in a slick package.

WoW was more of the same in a slick package 2003. ^^ They built on the Warcraft IP which was decently famous and hit the optimal timing in the market.

Oh I agree, wow is a combination of the best features from first and 2nd generation mmo's, polished to the point you can see your own reflection. But it also did a lot of things in new ways that have since become standard, like changes that made the genre more solo friendly.

Compare that to swtor now in 2011. The biggest selling point that bioware has been feeding gamers is the fact swtor is fully voiced and contains a rich story. I'm sorry but that's fluff. It adds to a game definitely but in terms of game play, it doesn't change much. Looking at the other features they've been selling, like space combat. I loled in real life when I found out the much hyped space combat is basically a rail shooter...

[Sosseres]

Oh I agree, wow is a combination of the best features from first and 2nd generation mmo's, polished to the point you can see your own reflection. But it also did a lot of things in new ways that have since become standard, like changes that made the genre more solo friendly.

Compare that to swtor now in 2011. The biggest selling point that bioware has been feeding gamers is the fact swtor is fully voiced and contains a rich story. I'm sorry but that's fluff. It adds to a game definitely but in terms of game play, it doesn't change much. Looking at the other features they've been selling, like space combat. I loled in real life when I found out the much hyped space combat is basically a rail shooter...

Making the genre more solo friendly is both a blessing and a curse. It means it is easy to solo which is nice if you play on off hours. It also means that more people solo so you have a harder time finding random groups when your friends/guild is offline. This second point is more important to me. I like playing support characters, recent MMO games have made it so they are semi support chars that can kind of solo while not being as good at support as older types of characters. I see this character type transition as an effect from the solo thinking. Some classes should be possible to solo with, they should in fact be designed for that and consequently be lacklustre in groups, the majority of classes shouldn't be able to solo well.

The full voice over is the main reason I am thinking of getting this game. I plan to play it as a single player game, invest enough into the character to get it through the plot and then replay it as a different kind or move on to the next game. I generally don't find MMO games very enjoyable for extended periods of time. One month is about how long they tend to hold up for me, we will see how long time the plot line takes to get through (it can be well over a month in some MMOs, considering how little time I put into them).

They could have done so much with space combat, they could have taken x-wing vs tie fighter, updated the netcode and graphics. See the wonder it would have made, it made good enough would have made people stay just to play that game inside the game. If it was made well enough I would likely play for two reasons instead of one.

[Stsin]

Used a friend's beta account for a couple days.  I can't give a good opinion on it since I never left the starting area at level 7.  Much of it is like WoW, but all the work they've put into the ingame speech and decision making with all the quests sets it apart.  Will have this content all the way through end game.  If you enjoyed Bioware's games, like Dragon Age and Mass Effect, then this is a no brainer to get.  You can actually get immersed in the storyline.  Plus no autocombat and companions that get influenced by your decisions is interesting.  Well, they are still making major changes and improvements as the servers have just shut down for 2-3 weeks and getting a major workover.  And the next beta will have to be re-downloaded completely ... too much to be patched.

As for monthly fees, I welcome that in MMOs.  Because then they are obligated to continually make new content, keep the playing field even (reduce hacks), and consistently fix bugs and continually add improvements in a timely matter.  As a paying customer, we can demand it to be so.  And Free 2 Plays aren't actually free.  I'd take a subscription over gold shops.  The playing field will remain even, not by who pays more.  As well as whom the developers will listen to.

I don't doubt that this game will be successful.  Not just because of the SW fans, but many of us MMO players are plain tired of WoW (the rest are just drops in a bucket).  And this will no doubt take many of them.  Some will say that we should be looking for something revolutionary, but I honestly think most are willing to switch to familiar gameplay with extra features and content.  Rather to evolve.  But the biggest reason IMO is that this is the most likely contender in having a huge stable population similar to WoW.  The best MMO is boring when played on a dead server.  And again, it's not WoW.

I've bought every collectors edition of WoW, and I still think $149.99 is ridiculous...though not the least surprising from EA.  I'll have to do without the figurine, though undecided if the ingame goodies and mount is worth the extra cost.  

[AceHigh]

If you enjoyed Bioware's games, like Dragon Age and Mass Effect, then this is a no brainer to get.

Ouch, that makes it hard. After all Mass effect was a good game even despite it being a "dumbed down to consoles" rpg, while dragon age was just plain shit.

I think I will just wait for Guild Wars 2, after all GW1 has no subscriptions, had excellent graphics back when it was released, servers are not dead even after so many years, it doesn't shove microtransactions down your throat and it's game mechanics, especially the very flexible skill system beats the shit out of all other traditional MMOs out there.

[xfreidax]

If you enjoyed Bioware's games, like Dragon Age and Mass Effect, then this is a no brainer to get.

Ouch, that makes it hard. After all Mass effect was a good game even despite it being a "dumbed down to consoles" rpg, while dragon age was just plain shit.

I think I will just wait for Guild Wars 2, after all GW1 has no subscriptions, had excellent graphics back when it was released, servers are not dead even after so many years, it doesn't shove microtransactions down your throat and it's game mechanics, especially the very flexible skill system beats the shit out of all other traditional MMOs out there.

Yeah I'm also eagerly awaiting guildwars 2. The pvp looks like it gonna blow every single mmo in existence out of the water. And the fact they are moving away from tank/dps/healer game play in pve is a huge plus for me. Finally a major game that's gonna break the mold.

[Stsin]

Gah, Dragon Age was awesome.

So many have switched to Free 2 Play and are still surviving.  Yet being Free 2 Play and still not being a contender to WoW should mean something.  Of course, no game suites everyone.  I'm talking about the majority....like the huge majority that made Dragon Age and Mass Effect humongous sellers...not counting SW fans which there are a lot of.

Personally, I'm looking forward to Blade & Soul.  That's the only one I'm hyped up for.  But I will be playing SWTOR.  Because that's were my friends will be.  No doubt we'll be having fun.

With so many upcoming next gen mmos, I feel the late comers like GW2, Terra, Blade & Soul, etc. will have it rough getting a huge stable base of players.

[zat0x91]

The pvp looks like it gonna blow every single mmo in existence out of the water.

Including TERA?  Yeah right.

Personally, I'm looking forward to Blade & Soul.  That's the only one I'm hyped up for.  But I will be playing SWTOR.  Because that's were my friends will be.  No doubt we'll be having fun.

With so many upcoming next gen mmos, I feel the late comers like GW2, Terra, Blade & Soul, etc. will have it rough getting a huge stable base of players.

What's so special about Blade & Soul?  It plays almost the same as any other MMO except for the fancy animations and effects.  The traditional lock-on system is still in place making combat pretty static.

[Supai]

Personally, I'm looking forward to Blade & Soul.  That's the only one I'm hyped up for.  But I will be playing SWTOR.  Because that's were my friends will be.  No doubt we'll be having fun.

With so many upcoming next gen mmos, I feel the late comers like GW2, Terra, Blade & Soul, etc. will have it rough getting a huge stable base of players.

What's so special about Blade & Soul?  It plays almost the same as any other MMO except for the fancy animations and effects.  The traditional lock-on system is still in place making combat pretty static.

This is what I'd like to know too, what's so special about it?

The pvp looks like it gonna blow every single mmo in existence out of the water.

Including TERA?  Yeah right.

We will see when there's proper comparation available.

[AceD]

I reallllyyy want this game to be good and succeed, but am really not convinced it can do it :|

[TMRNetShark]

To everyone who thinks the game will fail or are unsure of it's success.

(click to show/hide)

Let me tell you something. Sosseres, vicious796, AceHigh are all people who consider themselves as knowledgeable (and rightfully so) about video games and what's good and what isn't. I'm with them on being semi-skeptical about TOR. Sadly, I'm not as pessimistic as someone who thinks it's going to fail. On the contrary, I think it will be a big hit... especially in the MMO market. I mean come on, WoW is just whipping a dead horse. Yeah, that horse won a lot of Kentucky Derbies... but wouldn't you think that people want to see a different winner? In the VG industry, WoW has been winning at MMO's since 2004; isn't it time for something new?

From prowling the SWTOR forums, I've discovered that the CE edition is completely sold out. I'm quite curious as to what the preorder numbers are at after a week (well, after Comic Con when Bioware will be showing more of the game). Obviously this game will not sell more copies than MW3, but I think it will eat a big chunk of people's wish list this holiday season.

I woke up this morning, saw the email on my Blackberry and thought to myself "This can't be real..." Sure enough, logged onto the SWTOR website, saw the preorder info... and I literally took the fastest shower in my life to get down to my local Gamestop. I walk right in and say to the guy "I want to preorder Star Wars: The Old Republic please" and he just looked at me strangely and replied "How did you find out so fast?" Apparently he was told about it when they opened up at 10 o'clock. I got there around 11 and I was still the first preorder (for that particular store). Got my preorder code and I'm ready for Early Access (rumors at the Gamestop say September... but take it with a grain of salt).

Anyways, I'm excited for the game and I don't care what you cynical people think about this game. I will enjoy it fully while you can continue just being haters.

[Stsin]

I'm boggled that the collector's edition sold out already.  I was wrong and didn't think it would happen for a long while.  Either the number made were ridiculously low, or there are many more fans than even they expected.  I feel it's the latter.  I guess $149.99 was not a too steep of a price.

"Due to overwhelming demand, we have unfortunately run out of our allocation for Star Wars: The Old Republic Collector's Bundle. We are looking to secure more allocation from the publisher and will update this page when that occurs. Thank you for your patience. May the Force be with you."

There's a chance there may be more released, but can't be sure...or even if able to get one if there were more made.

I just pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition.  Hate to be wrong again and not be able to even get that.

The pvp looks like it gonna blow every single mmo in existence out of the water.

Including TERA?  Yeah right.

Did I say that Tera had awesome PvP?  Mentioned it because it's different...even though it's too console like.  Anyways, relying all on PvP shows that you don't know what makes an MMO succeed.  It's all about the PvE, with enough PvP for those that want bragging rights with their roleplaying friends.  Otherwise, best to stick to FPS...and the crowd that comes with it.  No RP required.

Personally, I'm looking forward to Blade & Soul.  That's the only one I'm hyped up for.  But I will be playing SWTOR.  Because that's were my friends will be.  No doubt we'll be having fun.

With so many upcoming next gen mmos, I feel the late comers like GW2, Terra, Blade & Soul, etc. will have it rough getting a huge stable base of players.

What's so special about Blade & Soul?  It plays almost the same as any other MMO except for the fancy animations and effects.  The traditional lock-on system is still in place making combat pretty static.

Traditional lock-on system does not mean that it fails.  I said before that it's better to evolve than to revolutionize.  The majority just aren't willing to relearn everything from scratch, when there's another that fits in their comfort zone with additional gamplay and content.  And I don't think the tech is ready for FPS gameplay in MMOs yet.  With the huge advantage going to those with low pings, the level playing field will be gone.  A no no for any MMO to succeed.  We'll see how GW2 handles it.  That is if they can get enough players left over that aren't playing WoW or SWTOR already.  And even BF3 will effect their base.

Here's why I like Blade & Soul that I already posted in another thread:

http://www.bladeandsoul.com/global/en
Starting area combat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEV99OnLJGU
I love the sprinting ability....especial ly on water:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLLR_p5UfMI
Their version of portals/flight paths blows everything else away:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x99b-3G0ot4
And I like the many cutscenes in game using own character:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5LgYMngzrQ

Beautiful graphics with Tekken style gameplay.  That I may not even mind doing grinding.  The specs are pretty demanding.  Sadly, this is what I want, not the majority.  And doubt it will succeed.  Same with GW2.