As more and more MMOs’ release, it is evident that World of Warcraft’s success has been an anomaly. Remember when SWTOR was strutted as the next “WoW killer?” But ultimately a large exodus occurred, and layoffs followed. Many have since begun questioning the success of any subscription based MMO to follow. If Bioware is struggling with a subscription model when they have the biggest IP you can attach to an MMO, what hope is there for any other MMO that follows the same model? Essentially, Bioware needs to convert to the Free-to-Play model if they want to increase their profit and player base.

FORCE Junkie Basics Series is an effort to help you decide and decipher between all the different Classes in Star Wars: The Old Republic. This series of video guides describes the eight basic classes in the game to help give you an idea of the classes mechanics and root abilities. Each of the eight different classes are broke up into mirrors; for example the Jedi Knight and the Sith Warrior are the two equivalent Imperial and Republic classes. Each of the eight basic classes are divided up into two separate Advanced Classes which are not covered in these guides.

So if you are new to the game and want to see a brief intro into each class, make sure you watch each video to get an idea of what you’re getting yourself into!

Be ready to assume a cover identity and work in the shadows for the Empire, because today’s video is all about the Imperial Agent. Whether taking down targets from long range or up close and personal, every Agent has to start somewhere. This video covers the basics of the class and the much-hyped cover system they use throughout their careers.

Introduction

Hello all, my name is Elicas and I will be writing about the Imperial Agent class, as someone mostly interested in end game PvE. There will be some PvP writing, but it will not be a focus of my articles.

This piece details my impressions of leveling and playing an Imperial Agent, from the point of view of someone playing the Medicine and Lethality trees, I will not be playing Concealment at any point in the near future. This article, and subsequent articles, will have absolutely no mention whatsoever of the story, outside of which planets you recieve your companions (excluding hidden companions, find those yourself!). I’m not here to spoil peoples evenings giving the game away.

The Imperial Agent is a suave, seductive and deadly force within the Empires ranks. Recruited and trained to carry out the most sensitive and dangerous of the Empires missions, they utilise their proffessional perfection to get the job done. At level 10 they can choose to specialise in either the Sniper advanced class, or the Operative advanced class, which is the focus of this article.

An Imperial Agent can be many things, and can be them on command. Suave, cunning, intelligent, or possibly just detached, aloof, and businesslike. Can you ever really be sure you are talking to a persona or the person inside? Not if they are doing their jobs correctly.

Today’s article explores the Imperial Agent and some of the inspirations you can take when roleplaying this sort of character. This is also the most unorthodox article, as we’ll be exploring characters outside the Star Wars universe. Bioware has stated outright that some of their inspiration for this class came from outside the established lore, and in general it is good not to restrict yourself to one set of influences when building a character. Click past the cut to enter the shadowy world of the Imperial Agent.

Fans of the Smuggler class know that most things pale in comparison to the satisfaction of being able to blast a mob from cover, then dive into melee range to finish it off with a kick to its nether regions. But what’s a Smuggler to do when it comes to choosing their advanced class at level 10? This class offers a wide range of versatility, utility, and differing playstyles between the two advanced classes. All six trees play considerably different. There’s a bit of blasting to meet everyone’s personal Smuggling style.

The only question that remains is: Which style fits me? Here to help provide an answer to that question is a little playstyle guide. Rather than break down the trees by their talents and abilities, I’m going to break down the classes and trees by their unique features. If a set of features calls out to you, then that gives you a good idea of which trees to take a closer look at. Speaking of talent trees, take a look at both the Gunslinger tree and Scoundrel tree while we go through the list of features.

So, you’ve played through a beta weekend or two, you’ve got a good idea on what class you want to play but you’re struggling to make your mind up! Welcome to the club my friend, probably the most asked questions I’ve seen on the official SW:TOR forums are “Which class is the most fun?”, “Which class should I choose?” and “Which class is the best at X,Y or Z?”. In this small editorial, my plan is to give a small appraisal of each class for the Empire, what its strengths and weaknesses are and which roles they can fill.

From the moment we announced the eight classes in Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, fans have been pitting them against each other, arguing who would have the advantage in a one-on-one fight. The hallways of BioWare echo this debate, with the writers, combat designers and other developers all chiming in on which class they feel reigns supreme.

Today’s report is a video demonstration of the skills and abilities from the Marksmanship tree of the Sniper Advanced Class.

The developers created some great interaction and synergy with the design of their skill trees and abilities. This video shows you how to use them together logically to take down enemies in a fast and efficient manner. Republic scum beware, Imperial Intelligence is ready for you.