It has been mentioned that players can have companions, which would help in combat situations.  Like a hunter's pet in World of Warcraft, they will follow a player around and assist any way they can.  I would like to talk about how companions could possibly make or break the game, or even how they might eventually need to be phased out.

I would also like to talk about what types of companions there could be.  It can already be said that there will be humanoid companions, but will there be droids, or even animals?  In Star Wars beast mastery has been seen, from Onderon to Myrkr.  So I would be interested in seeing some very interesting creatures as companions.  As for droids, from R2 to HK, they can always be fun, or there for a real purpose.  Hopefully there will be a vast amount of companions to choose from.

It has been said that a player's companion will be based upon their light or dark side choices.  With this idea, it is understandable for people to make decisions to get certain companions, but might this cause balance issues between light and dark?  If there is a dark side companion that is a bit stronger, might we be more inclined towards the dark side for said strength?

Another possible problem is with updates.  One day a certain light side companion might get reduced in stats, you are a high level, and have done every mission.  You want a better companion, but it would require you to be dark sided.  With the game design, a player couldn't switch sides willy nilly, and get said better companion.  Every update they might allow characters to do certain missions to change sides, but what if they don't.  People will be stuck, and have to hope with each update that their side will be strong and balanced.

How important would companions be, would they be the difference between winning a battle?  Would players be able to play the entire game without having to use companions?  Might they be necessary for certain classes who are a bit weaker in combat.  It is possible there could even be useful ones who need to be payed, would they be worth the credits?                                                                             

I understand the idea behind companions is to make the game more like the Kotor series, where you would need companions, you would gear them, and work with certain ones for specific fighting styles.  I did take joy in working with them, and having to use tactics and what not, but sometimes I wished I could focus on just my character, and make him stronger than my companions so that I could do things by myself.  When playing as a Bounty Hunter, I don't want to have a companion, it would be out of character, and I would want all of the cash from bounties without having to split it.  As a Trooper I could see having squad mates, or a Jedi, but for the most part I would like to charge into combat myself.  Especially as a Sith Warrior would I detest having a companion, I shouldn't be relying on others, I should be so strong that if anyone thinks that I need them, that I simply kill them.  I simply hope they don't make companions a need when playing, because sometimes I just like to do things myself.

Amongst all these negatives is that companions really could make for enjoyable situations when alone.  In the Kotor series you could find out interesting stories about those beside you, and often it would allow them and you to become stronger.  So maybe using people skills, and conversing with your NPC allies could actually be helpful and entertaining.  Hopefully there is someone along the line of HK in the game who can give that very violent sort of dark humor.  Or maybe Carth who could always talk about how the war really effected him.  Maybe even a Kreia type, who would talk philosophy with the player.  There is an endless amounts of interesting character types who could be companions, so it could make the game more enjoyable, and give replay value.

Overall, I see many interesting possibilities with companions, and many problems.  I think if Bioware does a few tweaks, the companion idea could be pretty interesting.

-Companions are not needed to play the game properly.

-A player can design their character to be strong alone, or with allies.

-Ways for characters to switch between light and dark side after patches when they are at endgame content.

-Allow players to talk with companions.

-Try and make sure that there are companions of equal strength on both sides.

-Make sure someone like HK is a companion.

-Also make sure that classes have different companion options, for more replay value.

Those are also my thoughts on what could improve the idea. Hopefully companions will prove to be useful, and won't be phased out of the game because of problems they might cause.

Tata for now,

LordMaxdomTolvo.

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LordMaxdomTolvo