Star Wars The Old Republic is going to be crazy

I spent part of the weekend catching up on news from the upcoming MMO, Star Wars The Old Republic.  I have been quietly anticipating this game from BioWare (makers of several other high end RP games such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect) since it was announced a couple years ago.  Ive been trying my best not to get too excited about it, but I saw some stuff this weekend that has pretty much put me over the top.  No release date has been announced yet, but late this year, or more likely early next year would be my assumption.  E3 (the big video game conference in LA) is in a couple weeks, and Im hoping for an announcement there.

Anyway, here are some pics, most of which were stolen off of Darth Hater's website - a great fansite btw -  here.

Planet Alderaan

The Valley Of The Dark Lords, a Sith player in the Valley, and the inside of a Sith Temple

A bounty hunter (the dual pistols are fucking awesome!) and a bounty hunter's ship - the Kuat Drive Yards D5 Mantis

A Sith Inquisitor - has the ability to stealth - Im assuming this will be like the Rogue's stealth ability in World Of Warcraft.  This is an 'opening move' coming out of stealth.

A picture of space combat - from a presentation at the PAX Expo this year (I think).

Three Imperial Agent pics - sexy!

Ive already been thinking of what type of character I want to play - I already know I want to play on the Sith faction side (who will fight vs the Republic - Jedis, Smugglers, etc), but at this point, im totally torn on which class I will want to play.  Each class eventually splits into two specializations:

The Sith Inquisitor, which splits into the Sith Sorcerer and Sith Assassin
The Bounty Hunter, which splits into the Mercenary and Powertech
The Imperial Agent, which splits into the Operative and the Sniper

Ive narrowed down my choices to Sith Assassin, Mercenary, Operative, or Sniper.  :)  Way to narrow it down, huh?

More info to come as I learn more about the game!