Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided (PC)

I beta tested Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided for several months before retail release. The developers did not listen to the input of thr majority of testers. Nevertheless, I subscribed and played for several months before the numerous technical issues and bugs became such an issue that the game became unplayable. Please take my advice and avoid wasting your time on this piece of garbage called Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided.

I bought the Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided PC game for my son for Christmas, and have had the same problems as other reviewers. Being told the key is already registered. I have had no joy with the shop that I bought it from, and I was told it is not their problem, and I have also had no joy from Sony - not their problem either. If it is not their problem then whose is it? Mine?

Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided - This game should be good, and indeed it looks good and sounds interesting (my resaon for buying it). However, it gives me a message saying: "Sorry - this account key has already been registered." well thats rubbish. I only got the game today (12/7/04) so I can't have registered. Either someone has found out how to get hold of the codes or Sony and Lucas arts have made a monumental FOUL UP. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME! DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!

SWG is a massively-multiplayer role-playing game set on ten planets in the Star Wars universe at the time between films 4 (A New Hope) and 5 (The Empire Strikes Back). Players create a character who they develop by interacting with other players and advancing up an intricate set of professions which including combat-style professions (rifleman, pistoleer, bounty hunter, Teras Kasi - unarmed - artist, scout, creature handler etc) and non-combat professions (doctor, combat medic, weaponsmith, architect, politician, dancer, musician, droid engineer etc). Ultimately, many players are trying to develop their jedi powers, but this is incredibly difficult to do!

SWG has come a long way since its rather sputtering launch in June 2003... the development team are now into their 9th major publish (publishes are free), and things are getting better all the time. The playing experience is great - totally immersive, co-operative, intriguing etc. The design of the game is incredibly intricate... I've been playing for about 9 months now, and am still learning how things work. Bit of a steep learning curve for new players, but you'll find that other players are usually more than willing to help out with advice - and sometimes even cash and equipment!

The first expansion pack - Jump to Lightspeed - is due out towards the end of this year, so finally SWG players will have actual space flight to complete the gaming experience.

I have bought two copies of Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided, both shrinkwrapped, with no evidence of opening. When installing both I have been told the registration key has been registered before, so it will not run. I contacted SONY, they said take it back to the shop, not their problem. I did this once and got the same problem with the next new key. SONY said the same thing again. Add to this that many game shops will not take it back if it is opened, and you have a great game! (NOT) Not sure if amazon have this stupid no open returns rule. Finally, I am not unique in this problem - search the forums via google and I have found one chap who had to buy 4 copies before one worked (£120 at the time). What is actually going on is probably people have cracked the key code and SONY don't want to know. Oh and by the way, when I used to play everquest it took me 2 paid months to close my account with... you guessed it SONY.

Ok, the first thing that must be said is that I'm not a Star Wars fan.. I've barly watched one whole movie! But still the game, Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided is great with plenty of things to do.

Star Wars Galaxy's is completly based on Star Wars - there is nothing else in the game that shouldn't be (well at least I think so) there.

Character design is very good, every detail of your avatar can be changed, if your half way through the game and decide you need a hair cut just contact an "Image Designer" these are not npc's they are other players and can change your appearance. There are 8 races to choose from so for customability - the skies the limit!

Right, there are tons of proffesions to master, these professions are basically "Careers" here's a small list of the basic profs to

earn

: Marksman

: Brawler

: Medic

: Scout

: Artisan

After each prof there are many sub - profs that go even further such as Smuggler, Carbineer and such. With all these profs there are numerous things to do - Artisan for instance is someone that crafts items using minerals that they can harvest themselves, the special thing about SwG is that everything is craftable, Everthing. There are player-built cities and they advance through by getting a Mayor and can build the city up for the better. Architects is a spin off profession of Artisan - they are capable of building massive buildings, houses and furnature - these Artisans can open up their own shop and sell-off their makings.

Star Wars is based on the forces of good and evil (you can decide who is who), Rebels and the Imperials. It has been a long battle between both of them and you can join in and help each of their causes doing missions and gaining faction points which later can be traded in for special armours. Ultimatly you can decide which side to join, and when you have made your decision it's advisable to join a guild that is Imp/rebel based, there is no pressure on which faction to join but choose carefully *cough* Join Rebels! *cough*

The game is completly immersive and completly customizable. If you're a Star Wars fan that loves Rpg's then this is a very good buy - at the prices now it's a good time to join in! first 30 days are free but you DO need a valid credit card number to start playing. Its approx $15 a month - £10 about.

The graphical side of the game is incredible, with great graphics like this in a MMORPG is a great joy - lag? whats lag?! "laggy" gameplay barely exists in SwG if you have 512k + then there is no problem.

I purchased the game for £20 so the value for money is great and highly recommended that you should get it to!

I gave SwG a final rating of 10, it is a great game and I'm not a "fan" of SW, even though I dont mind SW I still think it's worth a try. SwG imho is quite addictive and will "suck you in" anything can be acheived in the game which in some games fail to offer, good game.

*Logs on to SwG* :-P