User Rating: 9.4 | Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided PC
SWG is a wonderful refreshment from the other stale MMORPGs out there now. The crafting system is the best that I've seen and fact that the economy is player run makes it even better. The game fleshes out nicely from a starting Marksman to a Master Bounty Hunter, although you should expect a lot of time and devotion into your high end game just like other MMORPGs. Whether an artisan chooses to be a Droid Engineer, Architect, Tailor, Chef, Weaponsmith, or Merchant, the options available for advancement are all appealing. Picking up a second starting class is effortless, allowing players to dabble in other fields without being punished for their starting class. The graphics are stunning. I am using a GeForce2 MX 400 (64mb), one of the low end cards that can run SWG, and I am very pleased with the visuals that SWG delivers. The interface is top-notch and everything is so customizable that no one can feel left out in the cold. There are even EQ control options to ease the transitions for the vets of EverQuest. SOE even has reduced rates for 'contracted' play time, making SWG $14.99, all the way down to $12 a month. The $80 price on the collector's edition hurt a bit, but I feel that it was worth it. Who can live without a Star Wars lapel pin? The only disappointment to be had in SWG is the lack of features. The missing player cities and vehicles would have made the Star Wars immersion perfect, but the sounds and sights of the game work as a temporary fix. This game is for Star Wars fans and MMORPGers, and definately that shy gamer looking for a chance to jump into mainstream online gaming. A must buy for everyone with the system to play and the cash to burn.
