TT Volume 1.3 Lightsaber Combat

“This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight.  Not as clumsy or random as a blaster, an elegant weapon for a more civilized age.”

In Star Wars lore there is nothing more iconic or more awe inspiring than the Lightsaber.  From the first mention of these ancient weapons to the climatic duels that we have witnessed, they have captivated and entertained us for almost thirty years.  Not to mention more than one of us here has had a Lightsaber duel at one point or another in our lifetimes with pieces of plastic or sticks making the humming sounds as we go.  So get your "GlowSticks" ready all you prospective Sith and Jedi time to take a look at history and see how we might see it used in the game.

In ancient times the Lightsaber though resembling the current forms varied slightly in that technology hadn’t progressed to provide the power needed to wield the weapon.  The first variants used a corded Lightsaber hooked to a power supply that was either clipped to the wielders’ belt or a backpack power supply.  With this limitation the varied forms of Lightsaber combat were kept to a minimum.  The need for the tether kept Lightsaber combat to a minimum as telekinetic force abilities and long range saber tactics were not implemented. Upon the invention of small and efficient power supplies and redesign by the Old Sith Empire during the Great Hyperspace War and the Jedi Civil War we see a vast step forward in Lightsaber technology, combat, and weapon design.  Darth Revan and Darth Malek began continued the Sith tradition of using red synthetic crystals and marked forever the red saber as the mark of the Sith.   The Jedi order still preferred the use of the crystals from the caves of Ilum which were predominately blue and green but on both sides there were combatants who favored different colors.

Lightsaber Combat has gone through many iterations but can be basically distilled down to the “Seven Forms”.   These are utilized by the Jedi as well as the Sith in their training and combat.  Below you will find a quick breakdown of the styles.

Form I-Shii-Cho-the basics of Lightsaber combat that is taught to every youngling and Sith Initiate.  This form is the basis for the rest of the styles providing the fundamentals of attack, parry, block, and riposte.

Form II-Makashi-Resplendent for it’s’ beauty, this form concentrates on Lightsaber to Lightsaber combat.  

Form III-Soresu-Possibly the most defensive of all the Lightsaber forms, developed to help defend against the influx of Blasters in the Galaxy, this form concentrates on defending the wielder as well as his companion with short sharp movement to be as efficient as possible.

Form IV-Ataru-Designed to be one of the most aggressive and acrobatic forms this style concentrates on using the Jedi/Sith’s unique abilities to become an offensive tool.  Quick attacks paired with acrobatics can create a beautiful but deadly combination where the target may be dead before they know it.

Form V-Shien/Djem So-Almost an extension of Form III the first part of this form concentrates on directing blaster bolts back at the shooter.  Djem So, the second part of this form concentrates on using the Jedi/Sith’s strength in Lightsaber comment by augmenting it.  One of the most variable forms it is often the most used by both Jedi and Sith.

Form VI-Niman- Used almost exclusively by the Jedi this form is a blending of the first five styles as well as finding a balance in the Force.  Only an experienced master can find the balance and serenity that makes this form very difficult to beat, but often used to meter out justice.

Form VII-Juyo/Vaapad-The most aggressive of all forms Form VII uses the wielders emotions and deep connection to the Force.  A mix of all forms as well as a well trained acrobatic body this form in nearly unstoppable, but at a risk…sometimes even considered a path to the Dark Side.

Lightsaber combat as it relates to the game may have a few different applications.  We have already seen a couple of styles listed in screen shots.  Looking at it from this angle we can probably assume that these might be a type of self “Buff” that tanks, damage dealers, or healers may use throughout the game.  Also with training through your class trainer you may gain higher ranks of these forms as well.  Only time will tell as we progress closer and closer to Beta and the game release.  

references: wookieepedia.com and the Official Star Wars Encyclopedia