Mike Krahulik shares his thoughts on Star Wars: The Old Republic from his time in the friends and family beta.

Penny Arcade illustrator Mike Krahulik has been in Star Wars: The Old Republic's friends and family beta for a little over a month, and BioWare agreed to let him share his thoughts on the site for his popular webcomic. His verdict? "I honestly think they are making something unique and fun here."

Here's an overview of some of Krahulik's impressions:

• The game's storytelling is a big deal. " I’ve had to make hard choices with my Bounty Hunter that have made me honestly think about who he is and what he’s like."
• Quests are an interactive experience that actually let you advance your character. "Playing a class in SW:TOR is like playing a single player Bioware game."
• The game's setting is supposed to take place thousands of years before the movies, but it's hard to tell since it hasn't changed much. "The reality is that I think it’s almost too much like the movies."
• As far as the mechanics are concerned, each of the classes feels unique. "Zapping the shit out of someone with force lightning is just as fun as you think."
• The game's full of noteworthy features, such as the ability to accept a quest with your party members via holoprojector. "It’s a little touch but believe me when I tell you the game is full of smart little bits like this."

Read Krahulik's full post for all the details. And while you're there, browse through Penny Arcade's comics.