Bioware Teases With Biographies

Today’s Friday Update at the Star Wars: The Old Republic site was not the update I expected. Actually, I’d been thinking it was high time for a new timeline installment, but instead, today we get a new biographies page to showcase some of the characters we’ve seen in promotional materials like the Threat of Peace webcomics or the Deceived trailer. By the way, if you have not seen that cinematic trailer yet, click that link, for the love of all that is good and holy click it NOW.

Satele Shan, direct descendant of KOTOR's Bastila Shan.

Those who are dying from anticipation are already crawling out of the woodwork claiming that this isn’t a real update, but come on, it’s Developer Appreciation Week! And hey, I’d actually been reading those webcomics. In any event, it’s something new and that’s reason enough for me to be happy (and I’m sure that’s no surprise to anyone who reads this blog with any frequency). So they’re not actually giving us any real game information, but who cares? Not every update has to be gameplay-related. Are we forgetting the importance of the lore behind the games we play? Would the epic stories behind World of Warcraft have been as deep and engaging if we had no idea who the hell Mulfurion Stormrage, Thrall or Rhonin were? Wait, on second thought, forget Rhonin. I really, really dislike that man.

It’s refreshing to see when developers take the time to build up the story elements of their game; it’s an aspect that’s too often ignored these days. Not to mention Bioware’s forte is in their ability to use writing to shape the look and feel of their games, so this is just them flexing their storytelling muscles. Case in point, a quote on the SWTOR forums from the community manager himself:

Biographies is the foundation for something more… what exactly that is, I can’t tell you quite yet. All I can say at this time is stay tuned; E3 2010 isn’t that far away and we actually have some exciting (and new) updates for you before then.

Fascinating, I can’t wait. I know, like, understatement of the year.

So, um, any other bounty hunters thinking of going for the 100 million credits bounty on Grand Master Satele Shan? Anyone? Show of hands?

And I Do My Little Turn On The Catwalk

Next up on the runway, we have T’Androma, sporting one of this season’s hottest designs in off-duty fashion.

No way I'm disco danciiiiing!

In need of  a look that’s casual, yet elegant and smart for your off-duty needs? Well, you can let your hair down in this Asian-inspired little number, currently all the rage in the trendiest star systems of the Risa Sector! All the Starfleet ladies will tell ya, it’s all about the wrap-around robe. Ooh la la! Be sexy and sophisticated this year in this fabulous, no-iron midnight-black top, complete with a stylish silver and tetryon-beam-blue trim that’s just to die for! Be fun and complete this gorgeous look with a must-have satin sash around the waist. Just imagine how spectacular you’ll look the next time you’re on shore leave strolling down the corridors of Deep Space Nine in this relaxed yet dashingly bold Kung Fu-esque ensemble that simply screams, “I may be off duty, but I can still kick your ass!”

Off-Duty Uniforms – Now available at all participating spacedock tailors.