"SWTOR Going F2P This Fall" or "Who Didn't See This Coming?"

[Arcanum]

I mean really, we all knew it was going to happen. (http://www.swtor.com/info/news/press-release/20120731)

So here's what they say about the free stuff:
This option will give players access to each of the eight iconic Star Wars character class storylines, all the way up to level 50, with certain restrictions*. Unlimited game access, including new higher-level game content and new features will be made available through individual purchases or through a subscription option.

[...]

Free-to-Play –The first 50 levels will be free-to-play, with some restrictions on access to new content and advanced player features. Some restrictions can be “unlocked” with Cartel Coins.

And they're keeping the subscription model (didn't Champions Online do something similar with the currency allowance?)
Subscription – A service designed for players who want unrestricted access to all the game features via ongoing subscription or by redeeming a Game Time Card. In addition to gaining access to all game content as our current subscribers do now, Subscribers will receive ongoing monthly grants of Cartel Coins*, the new virtual currency that will be introduced later this fall. Cartel Coins can be used to purchase valuable items including customizable gear and convenience features that will enhance the game play experience.

I'll probably give this a try once the full switch to F2P happens. I know that currently you can play up to level 15 or something for free, but I'm fine with waiting for the full deal (also I have a fuckton of games in my backlog).

I remember quite a few of you played this game. Do any of you still maintain your subscriptions? Will the switch to F2P convince you to go back to the game? Should I even bother trying the game when it makes the switch?

[Ryong]

I got linked to some threads on their forums and it's basically people going on about how they'll keep paying because the F2P is "only up to level 50" ( which is the current maximum level so uhhh ) and other stupid things.

[Bells]

in a more specific sense, is there anything in this game that sets it apart from other F2P MMO's aside from the Star Wars coat of paint? i'm still having a blast with Champions Online

[Ramary]

F2P accounts seem super restricted, which is okay by me, the best time I had playing the game was when karesh got a free trial and we co-op though the start of the stories, and that seems the same now. So we will be playing it again when F2P starts.

To answer your question bells, the story is more focused in this, but the only decent quests story wise are your main class ones (and they still fall into the Bioware YOU ARE THE CHOSEN ONE trap) and the rest is filler you have to do so you can level up.

[IHateMakingNames]

I had an account for 2 months. I have never played any other MMO (Besides RaiRO) so I can't really compare it to anything.

It sounds like the free accounts can't do raids or many things after they reach 50 until you accumulate those Cartel Coins, but I'm not finding much information on what they mean by restricted.

Story wise it's like both KotOR. Except slower because it's actually an MMO so it takes you longer to do shit. The class stories are all different and they overlap each other which is cool. Everything else is the exact same though, excluding the Light/Dark side choices and faction differences.

If you like Bioware and/or KotOR I'd definitely play it F2P till you are bored. If you do enjoy it enough to play more classes I highly recommend you switch between factions each time. That way you get a longer break between the same quests.

[Ramary]

Well I would not say it is like KOTOR 2 since that did it's damnest to be super moral grey area. This is black and while all day every day.


(Protip: Dark Side Imperial Agent is best, hes so hilariously and needlessly dickish it is almost charming. He puts being a dick over his own safety.)

[Flarecobra]

There's only one fitting reaction.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m45idtVG9b1rpb34po1_400.png

Even if it is restricted, it's enough to get some idea if you'll enjoy it or not.

[Revising Ocelot]

http://www.swtor.com/free/features


Not interested. Next!

[Arcanum]

Limited travel? Really? Wow that's dumb.

[IHateMakingNames]

Oh dear lord. If travel access means no Speeders under no circumstance should you play SWTOR for free.

Otherwise that's all fine if you just want the stories.

[Roland]

Having just started playing this game for free (and loving it, even despite its similarities to WoW over KotOR or DDO, the games I was expecting it to emulate), I have to say I look forward to this.

Not sure how big a deal the subscriber benefits will be, though.

[Grandmaster_Skweeb]

Didn't see this happening a mile away. Honest. 100% not not sarcasm. I think.

Not sure how big a deal the subscriber benefits will be, though.

I'm honestly surprised they didn't cop out and give a fuckin stupid color gem. Then again, I'm gonna call it right now: the cartel coins will be used to buy bind on pickup color gems.

[Roland]

Didn't see this happening a mile away. Honest. 100% not not sarcasm. I think.



I'm honestly surprised they didn't cop out and give a fuckin stupid color gem. Then again, I'm gonna call it right now: the cartel coins will be used to buy bind on pickup color gems.


You mean like "black bar surrounded by light"? Because I think I saw a lightsaber like that and facepalmed at the sight of it.

[Ramary]

You mean like "black bar surrounded by light"? Because I think I saw a lightsaber like that and facepalmed at the sight of it.

They are gems you get for pre-ordering and are better in everyway to normal gems in addition to looking FUCKING STUPID.

[Roland]

Well so long as it's limited to preorder bonuses and nobody expects me to bring my Impossible Lightsaber with me for tanking or anything, I don't mind too much.

[Terex4]

I may go back once its F2P.
in a more specific sense, is there anything in this game that sets it apart from other F2P MMO's aside from the Star Wars coat of paint? i'm still having a blast with Champions Online
Huttball.

[Azisien]

So I have an unused time card. If I read stuff right, does that mean I can use it to gain full access even once it goes F2P?

Not that the game was overly enjoyable. Usual MMO fare with some Bioware Cutscene Paint.

[Ramary]

So I have an unused time card. If I read stuff right, does that mean I can use it to gain full access even once it goes F2P?

Not that the game was overly enjoyable. Usual MMO fare with some Bioware Cutscene Paint.

You will gain full access for whatever time is on the card.