If you’ve been following the Star Wars Galaxies rogue server community, you probably know that SWG Legends has become one of the most interesting of the batch, being the highest-population rogue server for the almost-22-year-old MMORPG – quite a feat for an NGE server. And the player-led team behind the project has cranked out some massive content updates in recent years, from Bespin to farming to open-world apartments. And now, nine years in, the dev team is unveiling a massive content undertaking it’s been working on for years: the second leg of the Jedi Themepark expansion, better known as JTP2.
We chatted with Sutran from the Legends project over Discord to find out more about the impending update, why the volunteer team is focusing on it, and what players are gonna pick up from the rewards vendors to sell to me!
MassivelyOP: So first off, you guys know I’m not a huge themeparker in Star Wars Galaxies (I’m a hardcore crafter and housing aficionada), and I’m guessing a lot of our readers don’t even really understand what that word means in this context. Can you explain what themepark means in the MMO’s parlance?
SWG Legends’ Sutran: In SWG, a themepark is a series of quests intended to immerse the player into a story based on location, faction, or in this case the profession Jedi. And when I say immersive, I mean JTP2 is (in my opinion) one of the most immersive themeparks SWG has to offer anywhere.
Can you clarify whether JTP2 is a do-over for the original or an extension or a whole new thing?
It’s really a combination of both. While it builds upon JTP1 (Prologue), it also serves as a reimagining of the old Jedi system from pre-cu, introducing a fresh perspective that allows Jedi to follow their own unique path and become “more powerful than they can possibly imagine.” The journey of one Jedi may differ entirely from another’s, making each experience truly distinctive.
What was the rationale for undertaking this? Is it something players wanted or devs wanted?
The SWG:Legends vision has always been to create new worlds, innovative gameplay, and meaningful original content, all while honoring and preserving the original spirit of the game. The spark for JTP was originally lit by Reign and Kicco almost eight years ago. The intention was always for JTP to be one complete piece of content, and we were able to release Part 1 (what we currently have) as a taste of what we had planned. While we never intended for it to take quite this long to finish, we are super excited that we will be releasing the long awaited second installment, and that the entire Jedi Thempark will be complete. I would also like to say that almost every staff member has influenced the making of the JTP along the way.
Why does the game need it, and what niche does it fill?
What does any game need, something to do, right? That’s the beauty of SWG; everyone gets to tell their own story! We know that one of the best parts about this game is that you can play the way you want to play. You want to be a spice smuggler or a commando fighting on the front lines? Have at it! You want to entertain the scum and villainy of the galaxy in the Mos Eisley Cantina? Then do it.
We all know that Jedi are supposed to be practically extinct during this time period. Here’s the thing though – being a Jedi can be just as important to the folks who play this game as any other class, and Jedi characters deserve to tell their story too. As a matter of fact, over the last 90 days the Jedi class has been the most played combat class on SWG:Legends! This expansion will give our Jedi players new ways to learn the ways of the Force and allow them to feel the experience of being a hero or villain.
You guys just put out a do-over for the Marauder TP – did you learn anything while building it that made it into JTP2?
Absolutely! I’d be remiss to not mention that alongside the Marauder TP, we’ve also introduced the B’omarr Monk TP. Each of these themeparks brings something unique to the table and has provided valuable learning experiences for our team. The B’omarr TP was developed by Rees, while the Marauder TP was the work of Ryan. Both are incredibly talented individuals who grew as designers and developers through the creation of their respective themeparks. Their individual growth and contributions have had a profound impact on JTP2, as the skills they honed and their creative input seamlessly shaped and enhanced the project.
How linear is the themepark? Is everything combat-centric, or does it have components aimed at crafters or entertainers too, a la Cloud City? What about puzzle content like the Meatlump TP? How much content is there all together – how long will it take the average player? Is it all at endgame, and what sort of repeatable content is on offer?
While it will be heavily combat focused, players will also face a variety of trials and challenges along the way. These trials will include puzzles that range in difficulty – some may be straightforward, while others will truly test your ability to solve problems. I mean, this is the Jedi Thempark, after all. As Qui-Gon wisely said, “Training to become a Jedi is not an easy task, and even if you succeed, it’s a hard life.” This journey has been designed to be challenging, and it’s not meant to be completed quickly. It may take the average player several weeks to finish. The experience will culminate in two brand-new heroics that will be accessible to everyone!
I’m looking through the rewards vendor pics and OH MY GOD we’re finally getting Yoda’s Dagobah Hut! I had one of those on live. It’s about dang time! Please tell me it’s not no-trade. Are there any other houses still en route? What about other old TCG items?
Yes, yes, and yes! In this image, you can catch a glimpse of the long awaited Sith and Jedi Meditation rooms. The JTP2 expansion also introduces several exciting new TCG items. Additionally, an upcoming update planned shortly after JTP2 will begin the process of refreshing numerous in-game vendors, further enhancing the availability of TCG items.
I also spied the image of what looks like an assortment of mushrooms, plants, and crystals. Those wouldn’t be additions to the farming system, would they? If not, how do we get them?
So this is a glimpse of an area that you may already be familiar with, but it’s undergoing an exciting transformation with a stunning new design and repeatable quest. For now it’s simply just a visually upgraded space, but it promises to become a standout feature once the expansion is live.
Can you explain what the Holocron: Forms are for lightsaber combat?
These holocrons are the result of a creative collaboration between Ryan and myself, and were inspired by relics of the pre-cu era that granted unique buffs to Jedi characters. We’ve carefully adapted the enhancements these items grant to align with the current combat system, however their true potential remains shrouded in mystery. Only after players acquire these items will they be able unlock their secrets!
And am I counting correctly: Fourteen (!) new lightsaber crystals? Any concern that these will make some of the existing “rare” crystals less valuable? Or are we just going pure “rule of cool” here?
If you want the truth, these aren’t technically new lightsaber crystals. This is a sneak peek of our new and exciting crystal merging system that will allow Jedi to personalize their lightsaber crystals as they see fit, with options for customization rotating on a seasonal basis. We’re thrilled to bring this innovative system to the community, as it was originally proposed by them through the Galactic Senate program. The existing rare crystals in the game will more than likely retain their current value, but there is also a chance that they will become more sought after!
Where is the dang thing and WHAT is that gorgeous red city? I don’t recognize it at all.
All I will say is “Something strange is going on in the Aurilian Village.”
Are you still on track for a 2025 launch? Got a more detailed launch date than that?
Before I answer this, I want to take a moment and say a few things. First of all, a huge shout out and thank you to our Dev team, QA team, Design Team, Beta Testers, JTP2 Runners, and so many others that have dedicated so much time in creating, designing, coding and testing JTP2 over a long period of time. While we have limitations with a 20+ year old game, we have still been able to produce some amazing things! The collaboration of these teams has truly been inspiring and I cannot wait until our next project!
To the community, We are so excited for this launch. The work that has been done is truly stunning and jaw dropping. As my personal advice to you, take your time, immerse yourself, enjoy it. There is going to be so much to do! We hope you enjoy experiencing being the hero or villain of your own story!
Finally, the last thing I have to say is… May the 4th be with you!
Are we to take that as the date? I think we are! Thanks so much to Sutran for chatting with us and indulging the curiosity of this dedicated crafter. Have fun, glowstick folks!
