To Smuggle or Not to Smuggle?

While there are not many classes in SOE's newest release quite yet, the few classes that are currently in development all have some extremely notable differences. Even those that seem like they are mirrors of each other have deep and complex nuances that can change the game entirely. In particular, the SWTOR: Smuggler vs. Bounty Hunter similarities is almost deceiving: they both favor unfair fights and are seen as slightly seedy. This is about as far as the similarities stretch though, outside of some basic class-characteristics. The differences lay in their equipment load-out, how they handle combat, and the ships that they tend to take into space.

The way that combat is handled in the SWTOR, Smuggler vs. Bounty Hunter debate is important to pay attention to. Many are hypothesizing, based on SOE's previous combat-centric game releases that pre-combat aspects will be just as important as what happens during combat. Based on the class description, it seems like Bounty Hunters and Smugglers will each take a different approach to how pre-combat factors are used. The Bounty Hunter class will likely require planning before the actual battle zone is entered, with only a small amount of flexibility should things go wrong. The Smuggler, on the other hand, is more of an improvisational class. Some aspects of combat need to be taken into consideration before combat starts, but they can be handled on the fly. Pre-combat factors include things such as how much cover is available should a gun-fight break out, if the enemy knows of the player's presence when the first hit is initiated, and where the player is located in relation to where the target is facing.

However, the Star Wars the Old Republic: Smuggler vs. Bounty Hunter debate doesn't end there though. For example, Smugglers tend to fly space freighters when they travel out of any planetary orbit, while Bounty Hunters tend to favor custom built combat ships, like the D5-Mantis. The armor that the two classes wear is also significantly different. Slightly modified casual attire is usually what Smugglers choose to don, which is a sharp contrast from the painstakingly hand-and-machine made heavy armor that all Bounty Hunters are almost required to wear due to occupational hazards.

The differences are what keeps the game exciting and also add a replay value to the game. It helps player to be able to differentiate if they would like to become the infamous Smuggler or chasing the heads for a reward.

Being a Star Wars geek, there still a lot more SWTOR projects that this author is working on