[x3sphere]

LucasArts today lifted the wraps on Star Wars: The Old Republic, the long-rumored story driven MMO in development at BioWare. Set thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader, players can select between two factions, the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire. Known character classes include Jedi and Sith, with LucasArts promising that a "a variety of other classic Star Wars roles" will be available as well.

"Traditionally, massively multiplayer online games have been about three basic gameplay pillars - combat, exploration and character progression," said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder and General Manager/CEO of BioWare and General Manager/Vice President of Electronic Arts Inc., "In Star Wars: The Old Republic, we’re fusing BioWare’s heritage of critically-acclaimed storytelling with the amazing pedigree of Lucasfilm and LucasArts, and adding a brand-new fourth pillar to the equation – story. At the same time, we will still deliver all the fun features and activities that fans have come to expect in a AAA massively multiplayer online game. To top it all off, Star Wars: The Old Republic is set in a very exciting, dynamic period in the Star Wars universe."

Further details regarding gameplay features and a release date will be announced at a later date. Look for screens after the jump.