This is a huge update today. We have new information that was released today on Advanced Classes, Known Associates, and more screenshots of the Playable Species: The Miraluka. Lets start with the Advanced Classes. Quote from the Official Site: As part of our ongoing class updates, we are thrilled to confirm the Advanced Classes for the valiant Jedi Knight – Guardian and Sentinel! Whether you want to defend the weak and inspire your allies to amazing feats as a Guardian or learn the art of using two Lightsabers simultaneously to create an intricate web of damage as a Sentinel, the Advanced Class system in Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ will help you customize your character.

First check out this video clip of the Jedi Knight:

Next check out this screenshot of the Jedi Knight Guardian:

And now a screenshot of the Jedi Knight Sentinel:

Also released today was one of the known associates of the Jedi Knight, the T7-01 Astromech Driod. You can check it out yourself in the biographies section on the official site here. You can check out the official article here.

Last we have some more screenshots of the playable species the Miraluka. Check out this screenshot from the Dev. Team:

We have added these to our screenshots gallery.

Check out the ninth issue of the Star Wars: The Old Republic online comic, Blood of the Empire. BioWare and LucasArts have once again teamed up with Dark Horse to create this original comic series published entirely online. Blood of the Empire features a new perspective and strong character-driven story written by BioWare’s Senior Writer Alexander Freed and published by Dark Horse. It's the beginning of the end in the ninth issue of Blood of the Empire™. Teneb Kel awakens from his vision with a new understanding of the danger he faces--but is there still time to stop Exal Kressh's plot against the Emperor from coming to fruition? And meanwhile, what's going on with Maggot and the Jedi Padawan...?

Check out this clip of the comic:

We have added this issue to our galleries, you can read it here, or read the official release here.

Sean Dahlberg posted this on the official forums last night. For all you Starwars fans that are in or around the Orlando Fla. area, you may want to stop in to this event. Quote from the official forums: Star Wars™ Celebration V is the place to see everything Star Wars, including The Old Republic. It’s taking place in Orlando, FL from August 12th to the 15th. Check out The Art and Writing of Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ panel on Friday, August 13th from 2PM to 3PM, and Saturday, August 14th from 4PM to 5PM at the Digital Stage (Valencia A). Drew Karpyshyn (Principal Writer, BioWare), Hall Hood (Senior Writer, BioWare), Arnie Jorgensen (Lead Concept Artist, BioWare) and Clint Young (Senior Concept Artist (Environments), BioWare) will be discussing what goes into creating the art and story in Star Wars: The Old Republic, the upcoming story-driven massively-multiplayer online role-playing game in development by BioWare and LucasArts.

As an added bonus, Clint and Arnie will be creating an entirely original piece of concept art live during the panel, giving attendees a rare and exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Don’t miss your chance to hear first-hand from the developers! Also, to relax from all the craziness, we’re putting together a community event to celebrate our love of Star Wars with you. Meet The Old Republic developers Friday, August 13th and Saturday, August 14th from 5PM to 7PM at the Hoth Bar inside the convention center!

Check out the official forum post here.

The Starwars: The Old Republic official site has released a brand new holorecord. Watch the ninth Timeline Holorecord entry, The Mandalorian Wars, narrated by actor Lance Henriksen. The Mandalorian Wars included some of the bloodiest battles in the Republic’s history. Mandalore the Ultimate’s relentless campaign to goad the Jedi into open conflict cost the lives of millions. Though the entrance of a Jedi splinter faction into the war is perceived as the factor that turned the tide against the Mandalorians, the perseverance of Republic soldiers and pilots like Carth Onasi cannot be underestimated. Jedi Master Gnost-Dural’s historical investigation analyzes the conflict with the perspective of modern events, highlighting the implications for the war against the Sith Empire.

BTC 311 – Too often, the Mandalorian Wars are characterized solely as a prelude to the Jedi Civil War, but the events surrounding the conflict itself bear close examination. When Mandalore the Ultimate called together the clans and began augmenting his armies further with Neo-Crusaders, his intention was to pull the Jedi Order into open conflict. As is the tradition in their culture, the Mandalorians sought to establish themselves as the most powerful faction in the galaxy by defeating the faction they considered to be their greatest rivals. Though the Jedi Council resisted the Mandalorian challenge, the splinter group led by Revan and Malak eventually joined the fray and won the war. Though there has never been a hint that the Sith were involved in the Mandalorian Wars, new analysis from Jedi Master Gnost-Dural suggests that the influence of the dark side was involved. The bittersweet victory in the Mandalorian Wars took a toll on the Republic for which the price is still being paid to this day…

Check out this latest entry:

You can read the entire article here.

The Starwars: The Old Republic official site have posted some New Playable Species! Quote: We’re pleased to announce new playable species options for the Jedi and Sith Classes! Sith Pureblood: 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. Miraluka: 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. Mirialans: 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.

Check out this screenshot from the Dev. Team:

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.

We have added these to our screenshots gallery. You check out the official article here. And make sure you check out the Official Inhabitants section here.

The Starwars: The Old Republic official site has posted a new playable Planet: Nar Shaddaa. Circling the planet Hutta is its largest moon – Nar Shaddaa, the ultimate corrupt city. Dominated by underworld concerns and owned by the Hutts, this sprawling mass of skyscrapers is considered one of the most dangerous and exciting places in the galaxy, where anything can be had for the right price. Access the HoloNet to learn more about Nar Shaddaa. Check out this video to see the endless city that covers the moon's landscape. Also, don’t forget to visit the media section for never-before-seen screenshots, concept art, and wallpapers showing this capital of illegal commerce.

Check out this Screenshot from the Dev. Team:

I will update our Concept Art, Screenshot, and Wallpaper Galleries with the new images soon. You can read the entire article and the links here. And make sure you check out the new Holonet entry for Nar Shaddaa here.