Below are user reviews of Star Wars Galaxies: The Total Experience and on the right are links to professionally written reviews.
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User Reviews (131 - 141 of 164)
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It's a fine game. It is a game... right?
3
Rating: 3,
Useful: 5 / 10
Date: October 18, 2005
Author: Amazon User
If you've been looking, chances are you've encountered a range of reviews regarding SOE's attempt at simulating life in the Star Wars universe. The game has been live for a few years now, offering many a hippie the chance to slap a Stormtrooper with a Mon Cal named "PhishHead McPhisherson", and certainly enough time has been given for SOE to deliver on that opportunity. So then, what's the result? Should you drop oodles of time (and money) to partake in such an existence?
First off, "you must have patience". That's one of those ancient jedi mantras that SOE has been extremely good at transferring to the Star Wars experience. For despite the game's many advances, launchtime players were subject to incredible pains and misfortune in almost every aspect of gameplay. I recall spending hours running across Tattooine, on foot because vehicles had yet to be introduced to the mammoth worlds, while searching for targets that were bugged or just not even there (a deathbed regret I'm sure). But despite such travesties, the loyal SWG fanbase stood firm and continues to breath life into Star Wars Galaxies.
The reason for this is simple. SWG is a quality game. It has always provided the depth and possibility nessecary to be great and though it never quite reaches it's potential, those willing to take the time (and trouble) to log in and out will find plenty to do, to see, and to moan about. If nothing else, SOE has certainly ignited a powderkeg of passions.
In terms of presentation, the developers have delivered a monster. At launch this thing was a mess. Literally, it should have been delayed at least six months. Much of the negativity surrounding the game stems from this one undeniable fact. To date, however, things are much better. The galaxy brims with authenticity and you'll find yourself knowing more about the intricacies of the Star Wars lifestyle than you'll care to admit.
In terms of gameplay, the mixed bag of slop we got at launch has been substantially improved. You'll have an incredible array of options regarding your proffession and skills. Combat and actions have been revamped to make the game more vicseral and participatory. Various expansions have added much terms of questing and content. Players can now mount vehicles, build homes, and actually sit on a chair without being relocated to some invisible stool in the sky (SWG players know I'm talking about). Things are really looking quite good.
Graphicly the game shines, though it can possibly be troublesome. Cities are vast and you'll need a gig of RAM to keep things smooth. If you can handle all the game's engine (it is a few years old you know) then you're in for a treat. The world is artisticly beautiful. Characters are interesting, planets are lush and complex, and space (JTL) is quite satisfying to fly around in.
Lasting appeal can go either way. For some the game is simply too overwhelming. I don't mean this as "some are just not hardcore enough", there is just so much going on that it can be hard to find focus. Also, you are locked into your chosen career. Should you change, it will be at the expense of your skills; you get no break or aid in forming a new template. You must grind, grind, grind. Nothing comes without hours and hours of the MMO grind, and there's nothing innovative about it here. That said, you're provided with many choices, its up to you to choose the least painful path.
The jedi situation is getting kind of crazy. At launch the developers had lofty ideas of keeping jedi population low by including permanent deaths and so on. Unfortunately they dropped the idea hence you won't have to look long before a pretentious Jedi runs by with saber exposed and mouth running. Should you decide to try SWG to become a Jedi, be warned. It will take you AT LEAST four months. You must take your character through a series of quests that only update on a three (or so) week basis. You cannot advance untill all "phases" of questing are complete. You may want to either head over to an auction site and put a bid on a $1000.00 Jedi (honestly... someone must be), or try either of the great KOTOR games.
So thats it. For what it is SWG is quite an accomplishment. Those seeking perfection will have to look elsewhere, but SOE has succeeded in providing a fun and interesting experience. Should you get into it, you'll be glued to your computer for months to come (despite posting gripes in SWG forums). There's plenty of reason to get into this game. I believe it has some life in it yet.
A Rookie's First Look At Online Gaming
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 7 / 17
Date: September 19, 2005
Author: Amazon User
When I a little concerned when I read all of the negative comments about Star Wars Galaxies until I recognized a common theme. The people spewing the negative rants were all players who suffered in some way or other from the Combat Upgrade. This was a major sea change in SWG that was aimed at standardizing some areas of the game and eliminating inequities that granted unfair advantages to those who had been exploiting them. Based on my experience, it seemed that the anti-SWG constituency had also had their "oxen gored" by the changes. While I am sympathetic to their plight (although I have little patience with so-called "power gamers" who get caught with their hands in the cookie jar), the post-Combat Upgrade world would be the only SWG that I would ever know. In other words, the game would be what it was when I joined. It's much like the old joke about how many San Francisco 49er fans it would take to change a light bulb? One to install the bulb and three to stand around and talk about how great the old bulb used to be.
Once I decided to join, it went as smoothly as I could have ever wanted. Although I had never played an MMORPG, the installation, setup and character creation were a snap. The game graphics are excellent and the theme music by John Williams is excellent. Because of the fluid nature of this type of game, the manual is, by necessity, broadly written and strategy guids are of limited usefullness. Although, there is an excellent in-game Help feature (the Holocron), the very best way to figure out things that have you stumped is to make friends. I admit to becoming very frustrated by undocumented problems until I asked an obviously experienced character for help. He responded with patience and good humor at the dumb rookie questions I threw his way and actually seemed to enjoy helping me along. We have since become good friends in the game and I can always rely on him for a helping hand when needed. Since then, I have met a number of helpful vets (some of whom were actually marked as "Helper" in the information hovering over their characher's ('toon's) head) and the game has become even better because of them. I'm sure that there are jerks in the game but it has been my good fortune to avoid them.
The biggest concern a potential buyer should have is the level of hardware needed to run this. If you try to get by with the bare minimum, then you are opening yourself to a less than satisfactory experience. Also, it is much better to have a high speed connection (Cable or DSL) if possible.
So if you have the system horsepower recommended, I honestly believe that you are in for a magnificent gaming experience well worth the $14.95 a month subscription fee. Since you get a free month to start, you should easily have enough time to know if SWG (and online gaming) are your cup of tea.
a great game that needs some TLC
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 9 / 25
Date: May 26, 2005
Author: Amazon User
Star Wars Galaxies:
where else can you live in a presistent universe where Vader is in control?
where else can you be a BH hunting down the Jedi?
the answer is no where.
The graphics and possible modifications to characters are still the best in the industry
The sound is excellent
The game play is ok - it definitely needs a little work yet. Many people are still trying to get used to a new system that changes much of how the game is played. Fortunately they changed it generally in a fun manner (still some nasty bugs out there)
The story lines you run across are compelling and do add to the SWG atmosphere but generally most content is created by players for players. A true roleplayers game - if you are a power player you need not apply as loot while good is not what the game is about.
Very entertaining game...
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 10 / 29
Date: June 18, 2005
Author: Amazon User
I am always amazed to see these people who take the time to complain about online games. They buy all the expansions, play for months on end, and do nothing but complain the entire time.
I love SWG, and would tell anyone to play it. Most of the people you see griping and having a fit on the comment lines are SWG players who are no longer able to exploit the game the way they used to. Then of course you have the purists, the most annoying of SWG critics. These people are so obsessed with the films that they actually believe the game is ruined because there are too many Jedi for the time period. (between Episodes 4 & 5). Ithorians shouldn't have battle armor, Wookies can't be Imperials, Boo hoo hoo.
Buy the game, you will like it.
Good Riddance to the naysayers
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 11 / 34
Date: May 26, 2005
Author: Amazon User
Here is the simple fact: I enjoy this game, as do thousands upon thousands of others. Some people lost their "I win" button and so they come out here and trash talk Sony because they have to relearn how to play in a balanced system.
Yes there are bugs. Show me a game (or any program for that matter) with no bugs and I'll give you a cookie.
This game is well worth the $30, and the $15/month is bearable once you realize that they provide a whole other world for you to disappear into for a while. Me and my wife currently have 6 accounts total, and it's worth every cent.
Try it out before you listen to the haters. You get 30 days for free when you purchase the game, and if you're not as happy as I am after 30 days, cancel. This game is not for everybody.
But if you like it as much as my wife and I do, you will find yourself leaving this world for a galaxy far far away as often as you possibly can...
Best of the Best MMORPGs
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 7 / 19
Date: June 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User
I have played every single online game since the Alpha test of Ultima Online. I can tell you that SWG is the best of all of them. I have played SWG since it launched and now more than ever it is user friendly and a BLAST to play.
Sure, there are lots of Jedi running around and the game is now level based instead of skill based. However, the only people who hate the game now are the ones who can no longer PWN everyone and everything in the game with 3 hits. The UBER ELITE players are now level 80 like everyone else. Deal with it, you whiners.
If you like Star Wars you will LOVE this game.
Game is alot more fun now
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 8 / 24
Date: June 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User
CU fixed one major flaw in the game, grinding. It is once again fun to grind, because they force you to group up and unless you are 100% against hangin with other people its almost always fun. This game is "loosely" based on the Star Wars universe and has things from every time period and every movie, which makes it interesting. Unlocking a Jedi is a reward, granted with a simple somewhat boring way to get to, and alot of veteran players now have them, as should be since were going on 2 + years of playing. Join a Guild have fun screw around whatever you want, the fun of this game is based on what the players do, not what Sony does. New players will find thousands of usable and craftable items, hundreds of different missions, space combat, group combat, and large populations on many servers, contrary to what many say. Try It you'll probably like it.
As for veteran players thinking about coming back, try the CU for a week before you throw down on it, I found it wierd at first, but after a while I figured it out and now love it. Makes combat way more simple to understand, and doesn't force hundreds of hours of figuring out what different components made an "uber" scatter pistol. Also, It is more Star Warsy now as before anyone could destroy a Rancor or Kimo solo, now....NO WAY! As it should be, they have made the critters that are bigger and badder than you actually that, including NPC characters. been on every night 5-6 hrs for the last 3 weeks, and am having as much fun as ever.
A really great game for StarWars fans
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 8 / 24
Date: July 23, 2005
Author: Amazon User
Many people give this game a bad review. But that should be all right. Everyone has different tastes. To me Star Wars Galaxies The Total experience is very fun. So what if there is a bad Combat Upgrade. Just keep on playing it. Here are some many pros and cons.
Pros: Great retail price, The game includes the 2 expansions, You can meet new people, You can work for the Empire or the Rebellion, Meet characters from the Star Wars saga, And you have a choice to be diffrent Species ( My personel favorite is Wookiee) All Star Wars should like it.
Cons: Must pay 15$ every month, Stupid combat upgrade.
This is a great game. If you want an Star Wars experience that may never end, this is surely the game for you
have to pay $150 a year to play!!!!
1
Rating: 1,
Useful: 6 / 16
Date: September 23, 2005
Author: Amazon User
this game is a total rip-off! First you have to buy the game, which in itself is very expensive, then, it is a completley online game, and you have to pay 15 bucks a month to play it!I was so ****** of when i found out.
p.s. i am not a girl, i just had to use my moms account
Dont Listen To The Hype It's A Great Game
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 7 / 21
Date: July 07, 2005
Author: Amazon User
My first reveiw here never felt the need to right one until now after reading all the bashing of my favorite game. I preordered the game before its released but didnt get it due to job change and relocation picked it up roughly a year after launch and been playing it ever since. This game is fantastic there is something in it for everyone one of the most complex crafting systems you wil see in a MMORPG. They have alot of proffesions for non combat since some people arent into that which is fine. Some people are her complaining about not getting there jedi which shows there lack of dedication. I reached full template status of my jedi roughly took 8 months to accomplish that but who would want that feat easily. Yeah jedi has had some setbacks but still a awesome proffesion and only real Alpha proffesion in game currently. True the combat upgrade came along and made people play the game differently but you have to adapt and overcome but alot of differences were for the best I have to admit especially the solo hunting needed to go. Grouping is way more fun and exciting. Soloing is so lame and boring and repetitive and now with Patch 20 coming grouping will not give Jedis visibililty so expect to see more Jedis helping newer players. All in all this is my favorite game I havent bought another PC game in 10 months due to all the fun I have in this one. Get the game and try it yourself and you will enjoy. Remember half the people crying about Jedis in the game are the ones who dont have the dedication to get it there self and wants someone to give them something instead of earning it.
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