Hello. My question is a constant concern that I have from being on the forums. Is this game dying? I hear plenty of people say it and others claim they are fear-mongering and I do not know which is right. In addition, due to Darkspore's shutdown I am worried. In summary, can you guys confirm anything about whether this game is doing well or not?

I'm sure this is a stupid question, but if the change is not retroactive, how will we know if our romances have been fixed?

Well for starters both of the Inquisitor/Consular's act 1 are not very good. I do think the Consular story does get better in Act 2, while the Inquisitor get's better in Act 3 (although the inquisitor has better moments.) As for the companions I think they had potential, but all have some issue. I will try to keep it as spoiler free as I can. The one you get on Tython is interesting to talk to on your ship or in a cantina, but rather bland everywhere else. The one from Nar Shadda is actually a pretty good character and his reactions do differ depending on where he is, although there are a couple of times, if you bring him to the right places, you want to hit him. Companion 3 is all right. He's not bad, just not exceptional in any way. The one you get on Hoth...ugh. He sucks, and he is boring. I honestly try to forget he exists. He's also the female love interest which honestly makes me feel sorry for all the female Consulars. The fifth companion would have been really good, but you get her too late for her to really matter. It's a shame since she could have been very intgeresting. Overall she's not a bad character, but she comes way too late. Also she's the male love interest. On a random note I think the Consular was supposed to get aditional companions on Belsavis and Voss but they were taken out. It's a pity since they were more interesting than the ones we got. If memory serves you get one companion conversation with each. As for the Inquisitor's companions The one you get on Korriban is enjoyable and I think you will like how he develops over the game. The one on Tatooine never really made an impact on me. I honestly think it's because he's too quiet for his own good. Also he's the female love interest. The one from Taris is a mixed bag. On one hand she's a nice idea and her conversations are interesting. On the other hand she has a pretty bad romance. Yeah. I actually like the one from Hoth as he is a pretty funny and energetic character. He also will make you chuckle on occasion, which is nice. The last companion, really has the same problem as the one from Tatooine to be honest. As for your personal preferences, I'd say it seems like the Consular might be the better bet. One of the more annoying things about the Inquisitor is how he is very easily tricked/manipulated. Also a bit of a warning, at least for me I cannot see the Consular as a dark side jedi because, well due to the story making dark side choices make you come across as a psychopath, in a bad way. As in how did the Jedi not arrest me yet? The inquisitor can portray both light and dark side much better. Also you could be a commando/Mercenary if you want ranged heals/dps.

Truthfully, I'd put my money on the Consular. For starters all his talent is natural. He never needed the ghosts. Next his shielding technique would weaken the inquisitor greatly. The third reason is that one of his allies can see into the future. I don't think the inquisitor has a way around that.

Biochemical Engineer: Will work with existing proprietary biosamples to create more resilient and powerful variants and combinations. Comprehensive knowledge of cutting-edge biotechnology a necessity. Bioethics certification optional. 1. I always want to experiment with new things, even if there is a risk to them. Also I am an expert in hacking, biology, subterfuge, assassination, recon, etc. In addition, I also have a computer that has information on just about everyone in the galaxy on it. 2a. I have developed a counter for a mind control serum based on pure theory alone. 2b.I dissolved a terrorist organization that threatened just about everyone's interests. 2c. Finally I have managed to get Kaliyo Djannis (a criminal), a diplomat, a doctor, a soldier, a robot that worked for the terrorist group that was mentioned earlier, as well as an assassin all working under my command with minimum trouble. 3. I accomplished all of the above with intelligence and rarely relying on pure brute force. I would use disguise and lying freely to commit my goals. I would do anything for success. This is because failure is not an option in my world. 4. I have no objection to questionable tasks. That said I prefer not to indulge in mindless cruelty (as I have often seen Sith do). If there is a reason for it, then I am content. Despite this, I am well aware that morals exist and what right and wrong are. It makes dealing with people easier if you know. 5. I would shoot the beast in non-vital areas so it could be safely contained. Then I would determine if it was the beast's strength, or my colleague's carelessness that cause it to escape. Either way somebody is not going to be happy.

There is not a main story difference like there is the agent story but more of a character one. If you're light side your character comes off more as a pure, wise, stereotypical Jedi. As Darkside you tend to wonder why the Council tolerates you.

That is weird. In Qyzen's case he says he likes honor as well and every time the Consular accepts a bribe his affection dips. Weird.

Also I might be wrong, but doesn't the shielding ability also have the effect of removing force ghosts? Or was that a one time thing?

First off, that does not negate my point. And second it was not the Republic it was a single senator and I'm pretty sure the rest of the Republic did not approve when it found out.. Also every government has some morally lousy people. It's the nature of the beast. Then when I compare them to the empire...The empire is still worse.

I see you're point to some degree. Yes the Republic is not all unicorns and rainbows, but they are multiple planets. It would be weird if they were. And then everyone would be complaining about how the Republic is "SO perfect". While both do exist in shades of grey I do think the Empire is perhaps a darker shade.

Lt. Iresso for the consular. While he is a nice enough tank for those who do not like Qyzen (and at this point most people who use a tank will probably just use Qyzen anyway) he is so boring. I honestly think they just realized that the consular needed another companion so they picked a generic soldier. What's ironic is that Belsavis and Voss gave two people that should've been companions and were more interesting. I mean at least Theran had Holiday.

Also for the dead list, if memory serves the Darth (forget name) who oversaw Balmorra was killed and she was a member of the vouncil.

In my opinion the only companions i like are qyzen (he is interesting compared to the others, and he has a different take on life which is a refresher, trust me) and Nadia who I actually do grow to like. As for the stories, I will say that the Consular's get's much better after act 1, but it might seem intolerable during act 1. I like the Knight's companions a little bit more, and as for his story, you will either love it or hate it.

If I had to be honest, most sith are addicted to power and commit evil deeds because of it. Though, it is a bit hard for me to say the Sith are not evil when one suggested the Voss not join the Republic because of their morals. Yes I am serious.