Star Wars: The Old Republic Game Update 1.2 Coming in April, Trial Program Begins

Thanks to a new press release fired over this morning, we now know that Star Wars: The Old Republic's Update 1.2 content patch will arrive in April, and that it will contain a new Lost Island flashpoint, a new Explosive Conflict operation, a new Novare Coast warzone, and a bevy of promised additions and tweaks.  In addition, BioWare Austin will be kicking off a one-week trial program tomorrow, so you can finally give your friends a taste of the game without them having to commit to a purchase on day one:
LEAVE YOUR MARK ON THE GALAXY IN STAR WARSâ„¢: THE OLD REPUBLIC GAME UPDATE 1.2 LEGACY

Build your legacy in the Star Warsâ„¢ galaxy! Continuing to deliver compelling new content for eager Star Warsâ„¢: The Old Republicâ„¢ players, EA, BioWare and LucasArts today revealed Game Update 1.2 Legacy. Going live in April 2012, Legacy will introduce new high level group content and community-requested features including PvP Warzone Rankings and Guild Banks, along with enhancements to the game's innovative Legacy system. This update also provides improved UI customization as well as gameplay fixes and the latest optimizations to combat balance. Also today, BioWare announced Star Wars: The Old Republic's (Friends Trial*) program, allowing subscribers to invite as many as three of their friends for a seven-day free game trial.

(Prior to release, our main priority for Star Wars: The Old Republic was to deliver a high quality game and service, right from day one,) said Dr. Greg Zeschuk, General Manager of the BioWare Label's MMO Business Unit and Co-Founder of BioWare. (Now that we've achieved that, we have shifted our focus to adding more content to the game and improving and refining the experience for our fans. Legacy is our biggest update yet and a great example of the kind of content players can expect for the months and years ahead.)

Game Update 1.2 presents the next evolution of the Legacy system. Players can now link their different characters together into a single family tree, giving them the power to unlock and share special Legacy-only abilities. Players can further customize new characters by unlocking different species from any class in their family tree. The Legacy system also provides fun new convenience items for player ships, including an on-board mailbox and Galactic Trade Network terminal. Companion Character affection and moral alignment will also benefit from Legacy bonuses, giving players even more control over their crew mates.

Beyond the much-anticipated game features like improved UI customization, PvP Warzone Rankings, Guild Banks and valuable new in-game items, the Legacy update will introduce challenging new high-level content for both experienced and new players to enjoy:

Game Update 1.2: New Content:

'¢ Flashpoint: Lost Island continues the Kaon Under Siege Flashpoint from Game Update 1.1 Rise of the Rakghouls. Players must survive a menacing island of mystery on Ord Mantell as they hunt for clues to the Rakghoul virus outbreak that ravaged the Tion Hegemony. But the answers to this riddle may prove fatal!

'¢ Operation: Explosive Conflict sends groups of eight or sixteen Imperial or Republic players to a new zone on the planet of Denova, where traitors and mercenaries are selling the rare explosive mineral baradium to the highest bidder. Players will battle through hordes of Droids, mercenaries and deadly creatures all fighting for control of the planet and its valuable resources.

'¢ Warzone:  Novare Coast pits two teams in an epic battle to control multiple mortar locations and use them to bombard vulnerable enemy bases. Like the Huttball Warzone, Novare Coast can be played Republic vs. Empire or with players of the same faction fighting each other in a thrilling contest of wills to determine each side's greatest champions.

Beginning tomorrow, March 6, current subscribers can start inviting their friends to join the galactic conflict as part of the Friends Trial* program for Star Wars: The Old Republic. For a limited time, current subscribers will have the opportunity to send an invitation to friends who have not played the game and who do not have an active, inactive or former Star Wars: The Old Republic game account. This trial experience will give new players seven days of free access to reach level 15 across all eight classes and experience the thrilling stories that make Star Wars: The Old Republic a unique MMO experience (some gameplay restrictions will apply). Trial members will also receive a limited time offer to purchase the digital version of Star Wars: The Old Republic on Origin.com at a special promotional price.

For more information on Game Update 1.2: Legacy and the Friends of Star Wars: The Old Republic Trial program please visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com.

These announcements were made today during the first day of the inaugural Star Wars: The Old Republic Guild Summit. Over 200 enthusiastic guild members from around the world have come to BioWare Austin for this two-day event to discuss the state of the game and its future direction with the development team. This event is being livestreamed for anyone who wishes to participate remotely.  

Star Wars: The Old Republic is set thousands of years before the classic Star Wars movies, with the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire locked in the middle of an epic, galactic war. By choosing one of eight iconic Star Wars characters, including the Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, Trooper, Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor, Bounty Hunter and Imperial Agent, players become the hero or villain of their own personal Star Wars saga. Players team up with friends online, fighting in heroic battles reminiscent of the films, immersing themselves in a galaxy full of vibrant characters and planets, while experiencing visceral Star Wars combat.