Back in 2010, I wrote a three part series on some species we might possibly see in Star Wars: The Old Republic, why I liked them, and their likelihood of actually turning up playable in the game. The only ones I turned out right about were the incredibly humanoid species, which is unfortunate, but I feel that the likelihood new species will also fit this mold is greater than us seeing some of the more 'freakish' aliens. This week, we'll be revisiting some of those 'humanoid' species to speculate on what we may see down the line as BioWare expands the species roster through the Legacy system.
If you're unfamiliar with the Legacy system, let me give you a crash course. The Legacy system is BioWare's way of incentivizing players to create new characters and also potentially enhance existing endgame characters. As you play through the game, you'll earn experience towards Legacy levels, represented by a purple bar located beneath your experience bar. We aren't sure yet how players will unlock Legacy-based rewards or what types of rewards we'll see except that Game Update 1.2 will expand the available playable species (from those already in the game) for SWTOR's various classes via the Legacy system. This information was revealed in BioWare's debut Community Q&A for Star Wars: The Old Republic, where it was also hinted that down the line entirely new species will be added to the game via this same Legacy system, bringing us to this week's topic. So, what can we expect to see?
Cathar
The catlike Cathar is a species I feel is probably one of the more likely ones BioWare will add to Star Wars: The Old Republic in the future. Players are already familiar with them due to KOTOR's Juhani and the Trooper companion Aric Jorgan. It also helps that they're different enough while also being completely humanoid. Plus, it gives BioWare a way to squeeze cat-girls into a Star Wars MMO. Truth be told, I'm not really a fan of the Cathar. If we were going to get a catlike species, I'd much prefer the Togorian, who more closely resemble Guild Wars' bestial Charr. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be seeing any real alien looking species until BioWare eventually puts Wookiees in the game…
Wookiee
I realize that Wookiees seem pretty unlikely given the fact they don't really fit in the easily manageable humanlike mold BioWare seems to have gone with so far. It's also true that BioWare's Daniel Erickson has gone on record to explain why Wookiees (and other 'freaky' aliens) weren't selected for the playable species list (players would have a hard time associating with a non-humanoid protagonist). There's also the fact Wookiees cannot even speak Basic, which would create some interesting challenges and possibly hilarious results when it comes to fully VO'd dialogue. With that said, I have a strong feeling that BioWare is working really hard to figure this one out. If there's one alien species we can expect to see in Star Wars: The Old Republic, it would definitely be the Wookiee.
Devaronian
The Devaronian have an amusing history. This species first appeared in the famous Mos Eisley cantina scene in A New Hope, and only appeared as they did due to the fact the costume department ran out of costumes for background aliens and opted to use some random devil-like costume. The species has since been fleshed out a bit more in the Expanded Universe materials, and they are actually pretty interesting beyond their outward appearance. Despite being a bit scary, I can see Devaronians being an easy pick to add to the game since they are mostly humanoid, outside of a few horns and elongated ears. They're certainly no weirder than Zabrak or the Sith Pureblood!
Togruta
The Togruta are fairly similar in appearance to Twi'leks in that they both feature headtails. Additionally, the Togruta often feature colorful facial and headtail patterns as well as a pair of horns. This is a pretty easy sell, too. Star Wars fans are familiar with the Togruta species by way of The Clone Wars' Ahsoka Tano and The Old Republic's Ashara Zavros. Sure, they're aliens, but not much more so than Twi'leks. Of course, like The Old Republic's Twi'leks, I wouldn't expect to be able to wear any hoods, so if that's a deal breaker for you, you may want to cross this one off your list.
Nautolan
This one is a bit of wishful thinking on my part, as the Nautolan are one of my favorite Star Wars species. Like the Togruta, they're similar to Twi'leks, only they have many more headtails. However, I feel their large black eyes may place them into 'too freakish' territory. The eyes are the window into the soul and are important for conveying emotion in dialogue scenes. I can see BioWare possibly shying away from this species due to this fact. Then again, Kit Fisto, the most recognizable Nautolan in Star Wars, is widely known for his smile, so perhaps the Nautolan are far more visibly expressive than I give them credit for. Now that I think of it, I can't say I've actually seen any of The Old Republic's characters smile. Perhaps I spend too much time on the Imperial side.
There are many more species I'd love to see playable in Star Wars: The Old Republic other than the ones listed above, but when considering what I know now, I feel these are the more likely additions. Believe me, I'd love if Star Wars staples such as Mon Calamari, Rodians, and Trandoshans were added to the game, but I just don't think it's altogether realistic to expect them to ever see the light of day. BioWare, I'd love for you to prove me wrong.
What species do you think may realistically be added to the game down the line? What species do you know in your heart of hearts will never actually make it, but you wish they'd add nonetheless? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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