SWars-gasm

This...is...the single greatest cutscene in the history of mankind. It is also the greatest thing to be made in the name of Star Wars. I am so damn impressed and excited, and I was already impressed with and excited by this game.

Watch this! DO EET: http://www.swtor.com/media/trailers/return

The game is Star Wars: The Old Republic. For the uninitiated (though if you've more than a passing interest in games, you won't be), that's the Star Wars Massively Multiplayer Online RPG being developed by Bioware. It's been in the works a while now, and while I've not kept myself 100% abreast of every detail, I do like to watch the trailers, which include such beauties as Deceived and Hope. They are animated masterpieces, and easily top most action scenes from the films. This new one, entitled "Return" is not just any trailer. It's the opening cinematic to game itself...and and what a f***ing opening!

First, we have a smuggler with a cowboy hat and duster coat. This guy just waltzes onscreen and manages to be the coolest, most dashing rogue since Han Solo himself set the bar for cool, dashing rogues. Two of other characters, the female Jedi and the Trooper are easily recognisable from Hope. There's a swift attack from the Sith (the Jedi Master wasting no time deducing what's going on, nice to see the Jedi on the ball) and it all kicks off.

The next bit will be what I point to when I say that EVERYONE will want to play the Smuggler class upon release. This dude just eats and breathes cool. Sure, that Trooper is badass here and in his previous appearance (the guy goes at a Sith with a knife - that just screams "don't mess"), but it's a little overshadowed by the gunslinger; the Browncoats will be all over that.

The last part is the greatest lightsaber battle ever. The first part is awesome all by itself, and it could have ended there, but then...TRIPLE SABER ACTION!!! God damn, that's just hot. I don't think words can do it justice, you really have to see this for yourself, guys. There's a bit of dogfighting, which is pretty nice, but it doesn't carry on too long; time is the difference between an epic climax and just jumping the shark. This trailer gets the right one.

I have to say, I always thought that if any MMO would persuade me to fork over the dosh it would be The Old Republic, but now I am just too excited. I hope this remains the open cinematic for the final game, because this would provide the perfect mood for any session of Star Wars goodness. My only lament is that we must wait a few more months for it...

Star Wars: The Old Republic is the property of Lucasarts, developed by Bioware