Fans of the Force will soon get the chance to play as or against the original wielders of the Dark Side’s powers in BioWare’s upcoming Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO. The studio responsible for Mass Effect and Dragon Age revealed that the Sith and other races will be playable when The Old Republic launches next year. Here’s a rundown of the newly revealed non-human species from the BioWare site:
Among the most exciting character types you’ll be able to choose from is the Sith Pureblood. For the first time ever in a video game, Players can choose to be a member of the original Sith Race, the red-skinned descendants of such notorious Sith Lords as Naga Sadow and Marka Ragnos. The rage of these fallen ancestors of the Sith Pureblood lives on in the Sith Warriors who dominate the battlefield with their intimidating presence and aggressive tactics.
A near-human species with unrivaled strength in the Force, Miraluka can become powerful Jedi Knights. Hailing from a homeworld with no visible light waves, the Miraluka evolved to see their surroundings entirely through the Force. To cover their vestigial eye sockets, they wear veils and blindfolds that range from colorful to austere. Miraluka Jedi Knights charge into battle with the Force guiding the graceful attacks of their Lightsabers to always hit home.
As one of the most wise and mystical species in the galaxy, the green-skinned Mirialans can become powerful Jedi Consulars. Mirialans are known for their symbolic facial tattoos and natural agility. They are also respected for their patience and insight. Mirialan Jedi Consulars lead Republic Forces into battle with assurance and harness powerful Force energies to defeat their enemies.
Among the slaves serving the Sith Empire, there are many aliens with Force potential, but few species have the grit to join the ranks of the Sith. A proud species from an inhospitable world, Zabraks are among the few with the determination and ferocity to become Sith Inquisitors. Sporting horns and facial tattoos, these fierce aliens are self-reliant and aggressive. Zabrak Sith Inquisitors intimidate both their enemies and their colleagues with their fighting prowess and ruthless command of the Force.
Interestingly, these races appear to be latter-day addition to the Star Wars lore. Darth Maul was, of course, a Zabrak as was Sugi from the Clone Wars cartoon. Likewise, the Miraluka were first seen in Dark Horse’s 1994 Tales of the Jedi comic series.
While The Old Republic‘s supposed to go live in Spring 2011, no date’s been given for the open beta. We’re all going to have to wait a little longer to play as bad-ass blind Jedi or Sith Purebloods.