Hi folks, I am currently playing all Empire characters on the Shadow Hand server. I am looking for a server to create republic characters on, and corresponding guild to join that consists of a mature player base. I am a 28 year old guy, who is on the East coast and often plays late through the night (I work a third shift). Just looking for some like-minded people to join and have fun with the game. Thank you in advance!

The thing that annoys me to no end is; people labeling SWTOR as a "single player experience"... I fail to see how it constitutes as a single player game? It draws the player into there own adventure based on the cinematic and voiced over cut-scenes, but aside from that, you literally do the same stuff you do in other games (dungeons, raids, pvp, etc). Moreover, I actually like the leveling experience in this game, as Its engaging due to the story and not a mindless grind-fest. Sounds to me, you expected a SWG 2.0... Regardless - to each their own.

No it's not bad at all. Only problem is pre-pubescent teenagers that get overly-excited. Just find a mature guild with Vent, and you'll be fine!

Not saying you're wrong or anything (really, whatever floats your boat - right?), however, I have a different mentality when playing my characters. Folks who play female characters just so they have a more appealing set of pixels on screen is all fine and good, but I personally would not for that reason. I would not feel any kind of connection to the character, which would result in me playing it far less. When I play, I do not role-play at all, but I do feel I am assuming the role of that character created. I try to create a character (name, looks, etc) that - in my mind - "fits" the selected class I have chosen. I guess I don't get the perspective of "staring" at your character being more appealing choosing a female (its a game. Pixels. Makes no difference).

Massive. Online. Role-Playing Game... Your playing to your own personal nostalgic experience with the origins of this genre. Sand-box, grind... Again, the genre has and continues to move in a different direction, maintains the definition (albeit, watered down from its predecessors). I too, played those 'original' styled mmo's... Things are different now.

Haha... It was funny. I referenced the Taru DK, because I had chosen a Taru. Taru beastmaster (mini-sheep!).

Bingo... Couldn't have said it better myself and agree. I am just like you concerning my characters name, story, etc. Not into roleplaying either...

Well, not sure if you've played FFXI as of late, but its much easier to level now. I had a recently stint going back to that game a few months back and it was nothing like what it was. Easy, fast leveling can be found in FFXI as with SWTOR. It is the trend the genre is moving with. That being said, I disliked only have a single character. Reason being is certain classes (FFXI:jobs) didn't really exemplify the chosen race (in other words, it just looked odd to have a little taru Dark Knight. Didn't really feel the part so to speak). For some folks it does not matter (like the names of characters), but for me, it matters. I do not role play with others or anything like that, but I need my characters to be fitting to my own perceptions of what I think a class should look and feel like. Again, that's just my preference.

It all comes down to personal reception as to what is enjoyable or not. Although I do miss FFXI and probably liked it as much as you! Ironically, I am taking more time to level in this game than any other by comparison due to the heavy story elements... I have trouble skipping through the cut-scenes that I haven't experienced. Other games, I would rush to end game to raid with friends, etc. Ultimately, not sure in your personal case, but for me, FFXI was so special because it was really my first MMO and everything was incredible to me. I think people's first MMO's (the game responsible for getting them interested in this genre) has a lasting impression and creates certain pre-disposed expectations for successors. I have not had the same impression and feeling in any other game since FFXI (again it was the first online world I played in)!

Most of the leveling process in 'new-age mmo's' are done (primarily) through a solo progression with the option to group up with others as you go (SWTOR has this, and is no different than many other titles I have played). Again, people seem to have had false perceptions of this game coming in. The story aspect certainly does draw you into a more solo-orientated experience, but other players are all around that same world to interact with as you cross paths (up to the individual players). I do not seem much a difference between SWTOR and any other mainstream title that was released 2004-present in that aspect... Using your reference of Skyrim, I pose one question to you; Do you see other players running around Skyrim that you could interact with? The answer is no. In contrast, in an MMO such as SWTOR, you do see other folks running around with which you could choose to interact with. It really is a simple case of mis-identification and failed personal expectations for those who are displeased with this particular game. I guess that is a bi-product of all the hype revolving around this title.

Okay, so why are you here on the forums crying about it? There are several other mainstream mmo's that may be more suited to your personal taste... Go have fun.

I loved FFXI, and played it for years myself. However, the reason people played that game for "years" was because it was a grind... While I share the view point that certain grinds found within FFXI (using that game as a reference) are good to have in order to have a sense of accomplishment, I believe they can be over-done and ultimately are thrown in to 'dangle the carrot' above your head so you keep playing. I had fun pursuing a goal in older mmo's, but after doing so for years, have since taken a step back and wondered why. There is a happy medium between a grind-fest and the WoW-quest-til-you-drop theme park style. Unfortunately, I have not played any mainstream mmo that had found that medium.

Same genre (FFXI, SWTOR), yet two very different flavors (sub-genre if you will). FFXI alongside EQOA, were my first MMO's. I loved them, and played for years. I like that style and wish this game had it alongside its story aspect. However, for what its worth, I am enjoying this game. That being said, in its current state, I could not play it for an extended amount of time (years). Provided they Bio-Ware / EA have a consistent content schedule with SWTOR, I will hang around for awhile. That being said, I will of course try other games too and perhaps re-kindle old memories with old-school mmo's. Regardless, it seems all mainstream MMO's are moving in this direction and abandoning the sand-box style... It would be nice to see at least one new title maintain the origins of this genre, but it's hard to see that happening as in the end, its a business (it would only be a niche market at this point).

Guild Wars? Yes, it was considered an MMO. You're basing your expectations on 'Sand-box' MMO's, which I too love. However, like I said, the genre is moving away from that model due by in large, to the success of World of Warcraft. Part of the reason you may be un-happy with this game is because it is modeled differently than SWG. Star Wars universe, only theme-park (basically 'new age' mmo) style... Sorry to say, but this is the way the genre is moving. I liked the older titles (that 'sand-box' open world feel) too. The difference between you and I concerning this game (SWTOR) boils down to expectations. I had none (in fact, mocked the game before trying it) and am now enjoying the game. You on the other hand, probably had great expectations for this game and are let down. Moreover, you seem to like the sand-box flavor of mmo, which this game never claimed to be in the first place.

Ah, what mmo's are you playing? Outside of the original Everquest, EQOA, (i.e. the older mmo's) players solo by quest or grind to "level up" while having the 'option' to group (i.e. dungeons or harder quests). At the level cap, it's all either a solo grind (reputation, crafting, questing, etc) with the 'option' of participating in larger scale battles with friends... Which SWTOR has the same elements, with the only difference being, an enhanced solo-leveling experience. Generally speaking, I believe allot of people had astronomical expectations for this game or played SWG and expecting something of SWTOR that it is not... It is extremely story based, revolving around the character you create, hence the enhanced solo experience. Amongst mainstream mmorpg's, set by World of Warcraft's massive success, the more casual-theme park style mmo's are where the genre is headed (again, based upon the success of WoW). Your definition of a 'single player' game goes against logic. While you 'solo' most of your class story (which is used to level up your character), there is constant communication with other players over chat, etc. All the while, they are running around in the same world, which otherwise would not be the case of a single player game... For instance; take a game like Call of Duty MW3: Single player story, with a multi-player platform. No world, only instanced battles. SWTOR on the other hand has a world your character lives in (whether you argue it is not large enough or not, it still has one you can just log into and stand there next to your friends). Again, it sounds to me, along with other folks that complain about the game (why are you even still playing and on the forums if you're unhappy with the game?), are either let down by high expectations or you misinterpreted what this particular mmo revolved around (heavily story driven). Blah, blah, blah... It all comes down to opinion one way or another, so you're welcome to have one of course. However, your definition of 'single-player' vs. 'Massively Multi-player' is incorrect (SWTOR, despite your displeasure, qualifies to be included in the MMO genre). The exit is that way if you're unhappy. Good luck with your next MMO, as this one does not seem to be for you.