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Star Wars, the Old Republic Encyclopedia. by Ian Ryan, Charles Boyd, James B Jones
Since its release in 2011, the massively multiplayer online role playing game Star Wars: The Old Republic has captivated thousands of gamers and Star Wars fans alike. Now comes the ultimate in-depth guide to the turbulent and fascinating world featured in the game — The Old Republic.
Created in full collaboration with LucasArts, this in-depth companion covers the spectrum of characters, weapons, vehicles, events, and planets of Star Wars: The Old Republic. More than just an encyclopedia, it is the ultimate guided tour of the dangerous and mysterious universe found in a galaxy far, far away.
© 2012 Lucasfilm Ltd. ® & ™ All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.
Created in full collaboration with LucasArts, this in-depth companion covers the spectrum of characters, weapons, vehicles, events, and planets of Star Wars: The Old Republic. More than just an encyclopedia, it is the ultimate guided tour of the dangerous and mysterious universe found in a galaxy far, far away.
© 2012 Lucasfilm Ltd. ® & ™ All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 17, 2016
This was a pretty little (huge) book, and a great collection of information on what is probably my favourite fictional setting of all time - the Old Republic era. Within these pages are the stories of the eternal struggle between the light and the dark side of the Force, of the great galactic wars between the Republic and the long succession of ancient Sith empires; the descriptions of planets of paramount importance; and even detailed guides to the classes and mechanics of Star Wars: The Old Republic.
On the other hand, it contains heavy spoilers for both Knights of the Old Republic and all the class storylines in the Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO, and minor spoilers for the books and comics set in this lovely time period. I would only recommend reading it if you have either played both KotOR games or never intend to do so (in which case you suffer from an unfortunate case of insanity), and if you are either a SWTOR player or intend to become one.
It was also hideously expensive, and I didn't feel that I got the same value for money as I have with other books of the same style and concept.
Overall, though, I am happy to have gotten hold of this book.
On the other hand, it contains heavy spoilers for both Knights of the Old Republic and all the class storylines in the Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO, and minor spoilers for the books and comics set in this lovely time period. I would only recommend reading it if you have either played both KotOR games or never intend to do so (in which case you suffer from an unfortunate case of insanity), and if you are either a SWTOR player or intend to become one.
It was also hideously expensive, and I didn't feel that I got the same value for money as I have with other books of the same style and concept.
Overall, though, I am happy to have gotten hold of this book.
January 13, 2015
Ok this was a big book to read and I will admit that I will need to go back to read a few times more to get it all to sink in. However I will have to say that is because of the amount of information not the quality or style of the book.
Now I think of myself as being fairly knowledgeable about Star Wars however this really is something totally new. The basic premise is that it is based on the Old Republic set thousands of years before the stories of the films (and subsequent books and media). This makes the book both fascinating and also a lot of new material. Everything feels so familiar but yet totally different in nearly every aspect.
Ok the cynical part of me says this is really just material to support the game, made to be close enough to what we know and expect to feel familiar and safe and yet different enough to allow creative differences and the ability to add a few new twists to it all.
Either way the book is beautifully illustrated and contains masses of information about the universe all those Millenia before the original stories.
Now I think of myself as being fairly knowledgeable about Star Wars however this really is something totally new. The basic premise is that it is based on the Old Republic set thousands of years before the stories of the films (and subsequent books and media). This makes the book both fascinating and also a lot of new material. Everything feels so familiar but yet totally different in nearly every aspect.
Ok the cynical part of me says this is really just material to support the game, made to be close enough to what we know and expect to feel familiar and safe and yet different enough to allow creative differences and the ability to add a few new twists to it all.
Either way the book is beautifully illustrated and contains masses of information about the universe all those Millenia before the original stories.
April 15, 2023
THE OLD REPUBLIC RAHHHHHH
atton rand mention on the Alderaan page was an automatic 5 stars tbh
atton rand mention on the Alderaan page was an automatic 5 stars tbh
October 2, 2013
Full disclosure: I think that the universe created for Star Wars the Old Republic is the best thing to come out of the franchise since the original trilogy, so that may color my review.
This book is an excellent look at the universe created for the game. Chapters cover all the major factions and settings of the game illustrated with a combination of in-game screenshots, concept art, and captures from the more detailed cinematics. The in-game shots are noticeably weaker than the other art. While the graphics of the game generally hold up when animated in the game, they do not hold up as well when converted into static images. Overall it's still a very pretty book.
The book is full of spoilers for the game, down to complete outlines of all eight character stories that you can play through. It would be pretty hard not to do an "encyclopedia" of the setting without spoilers, but if you plan on playing the game and haven't yet, you might want to do so before reading the book.
This book is an excellent look at the universe created for the game. Chapters cover all the major factions and settings of the game illustrated with a combination of in-game screenshots, concept art, and captures from the more detailed cinematics. The in-game shots are noticeably weaker than the other art. While the graphics of the game generally hold up when animated in the game, they do not hold up as well when converted into static images. Overall it's still a very pretty book.
The book is full of spoilers for the game, down to complete outlines of all eight character stories that you can play through. It would be pretty hard not to do an "encyclopedia" of the setting without spoilers, but if you plan on playing the game and haven't yet, you might want to do so before reading the book.
March 3, 2013
Outside of the LOST encyclopedia, this is perhaps the largest DK book I have ever seen and it is also one of the best with lavish illustrations, detailed information on the era of The Old Republic beginning with the earliest pioneers in space travel and Type 3 society building all the way to the world of the game and beyond. This is a great supplement to the three volume Star Wars Encyclopedia released by DEL REY a few years ago. If you are a Star Wars fan and interested in The Old Republic game, this book is for you, but keep in mind it is an encyclopedia and not tips, tricks, and strategy guide for players. You'll have to go elsewhere for that. I love stuff like this as well as art books, reference books and whatnot so this was a perfect addition to my expansive library. Reasonably priced too compared to what you get. Overall, great value for Star Wars super fans.
June 29, 2014
This game just makes me sad since it came a little too late. Growing up this was the game I dreamed of, to be able to live and have adventures in the Star Wars Universe. I played quite a bit when it came out but just don't have the time or inclination to keep up with it.
The book is great, absolutely everything you would want to know about the backstory of the game. All the major characters, locations, classes, etc. Loads of info and fun to go through.
The book is great, absolutely everything you would want to know about the backstory of the game. All the major characters, locations, classes, etc. Loads of info and fun to go through.
December 2, 2014
RATING: 4.5 Out Of 5
November 27, 2016
My review for this truly amazing book, that pretty much no Star Wars fan could live without. As Vader would say: It is your destiny.....https://raistlin0903.wordpress.com/20...
October 4, 2017
Oversized and heavy, with gorgeous graphics and tons of information. Nothing earth shattering, unless you haven't played Knights of the Old Republic, it's a great, thorough look at a galaxy far, far away thousands of years before the movies take place.
November 27, 2017
Excelente referencia
July 3, 2020
A fantastic read for a hardcore fan of the video game and Star Wars in general.
September 14, 2021
Brilliant, so much information, read through it many times, great pictures too
January 21, 2013
A very good book encompassing the storylines, characters and planets of The Old Republic online computer game. Even though I do not play the game, it was an interesting read due to the novels I have read from that era.
June 5, 2013
All old republic fand must have it.
September 21, 2019
An all inclusive reference guide to the Old Republic. Character backstories, location information, vehicles and much more. The art was incredible. So detailed, full of movement and color.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews