You can almost hear the epic John Williams music.

First things first, if you haven’t seen the new cinematic trailer for The Old Republic then watch it here.

It’s enough to make any Star Wars fanboy large in the pants. However the trailer reveals little about the actual game. After a behind closed door game play demonstration and interview with LucasArts I can report on some nerdgasmic details about the game.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a PC exclusive, MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe 3,700 years before the events of the Star Wars movies. Bioware (developer) and LucasArts (publisher) have stated that the game will be heavily story-driven. Each line of dialog between characters will be fully voiced, a first for an MMO. Not having to read quest descriptions or conversations really enhances the cinematic feel of the game.

Along with a fully voiced game, LucasArts revealed that each class in the game will be faction specific and have their own unique story line. As of now only three classes and two factions have been officially announced. The smuggler will be aligned with The Republic and the bounty hunter and the Sith will be aligned with The Empire. Other than humans, there is no official news on playable species. However word on the street is that Wookies will be an option. Stick that in the rumor pile for now.

Live out your Boba Fett wannabe fantasies.

Bioware and LucasArts have confirmed four planets that will be visitable:  Korriban, a Sith inhabited planet, Ord Mantell, home to smugglers and mercenaries,  Nal Hutta, a Hutt controlled planet, and Tython, a Jedi homeworld where The Force was discovered. With the expansive size of the Star Wars universe expect many more planets to be announced. LucasArts has also stated that space travel will certainly be part of the game, however details are scarce.

Tython, where The Force was discovered

The game will also include your standard MMO elements such as guilds, raids, crafts, and PvP. Perhaps we will get to play massive Jedi vs. Sith battles like in the trailer? I certainly hope so.

LucasArts is being tight lipped about subscription fees, level caps, and a release date. Rumors have been circulating about a possible one time price for a life time subscription but that is unconfirmed. With no official release date, don’t expect to see Star Wars: The Old Republic in stores anytime this year.

Tags: Billy Shibley, bounty hunter, e3, Jedi, Old Republic, Pixelated Geek, Shibley, Sith, star wars, SWTOR