BioWare releases new TOR screenshots, sans oversized lightsabers

This is starting to look like EQ2 in space to me....

I'm not really sure why any player would prefer a cartoony look over a realistic look for any game in the Star Wars cannon (other than the pretty shoddy clone wars). It just smells of a cop out to me, and it's a little easier to develop the art assets this way.

I like the way the game is turning out.

Much Better Bioware!

The saber hilts are much more to scale, and are no longer an eyesore. They are large enough to be detailed, and not too large to look plain wrong.

Looks like Phantasy Star Universe...

To start, in regards to the comment made above about a sense of dislike over the "look" of TOR, one must keep in mind that Bioware, in tandem with almost all of their games, have constantly strove to make the titles as scalable as possible without detracting from the overall visual quality. Also, this is Star Wars, as such BW and LA would want to reach as broad an audience as they could, and that goal is made far easier by a sharp and colorful look that does not attempt to reproduce the stark realism of titles like AoC. Taking these factors in account, a "cop out" seems like a poor choice of words.

Now, as to my own reaction to these new photos, once more I find myself thanking the powers that be for BW getting the lead on this Title. The shot of the Kel Dor -possible- Commando was great to see, also the looks of both the Sith Academy and the Jedi Enclave on Tython seem perfect matches to their factions. I had always found the Sith Temple on Korriban in KotOR a little barren of style. Also, the screen of the Jedi Vs Sith moment -I always said they would fix the Lightsabers- was in keeping with the already mentioned choreographed combat system.

All in all, I was blown away and, in turn, left kind of stricken that we still have maybe up to two years more wait till we see TOR in all it's glory.

I'm so excited about this game. The screen shots look awesome!
They chose these kinda graphics because they don't seem to age that much.. I think (e.g. WoW)

I'll still be buying this game. Not just for the graphics, the gameplay should be amazing.