Check out this review of The Old Republic Encyclopedia by Rebelscum.com's own Adam Lamping! Take it away, Adam...

Even before the launch of The Old Republic in December 2011, fans had been introduced to many elements from the game courtesy of the sumptuous trailers that had been released in the months prior.

Alongside the game, there has also been comic and novel series, and between them, a vast array of characters, weapons, vehicles, events and planets have been revealed.

And now nearly a year later, DK are releasing Star Wars: The Old Republic Encyclopedia, with a subtitle of The Definitive Guide to the Epic Conflict, which provides a unique guided tour of a dangerous, compelling, and mysterious galaxy to deliver an in-depth guide to the many aspects that go beyond the realm of the game.

To quote the author's note, "the book is divided by factions, with each of the eight player classes found within their respective faction: The Republic (Republic Trooper), The Jedi Order (Jedi Knight and Jedi Consular), The Sith Empire (Imperial Agent), The Sith (Sith Warrior and Sith Inquisitor), Mandalorians, The Underworld (Bounty Hunter and Smuggler), and the Hutt Cartel. These faction sections are followed by comprehensive sections on Species and Planets." In addition to these sections, the book's introduction discusses The Old Republic, breaking it down into The Republic, The Sith Empire, Galaxy at War and Uneasy Truce, before providing a timeline that spans the period between 30,000 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) and 3,640 BBY.

Each section details a multitude of landmark events, key characters, vehicles, technology and much more, fleshing out many aspects of which players of the game will no doubt already be familiar. Characters and vehicles typically include a brief profile, detailing personal aspects and technical specifications respectively. Furthermore, events from The Old Republic time-period are expanded upon, delving into historic battles and climactic showdowns from the past, documenting the eternal struggle between the Jedi and Sith that ultimately shapes the galaxy.

Even for readers that have never played the game, among the multitude of elements that are included within the encyclopedia are many that will be familiar, including characters such as Darth Malgus and Shae Vizla, planets like Alderaan and Coruscant as well as countless vehicles, droids and weaponry that are clearly predecessors of models seen in later years. And for those readers that are either yet to start, or still in the process of playing The Old Republic, the book even includes its own spoiler warning, explaining that while every effort has been taken to avoid giving away plot points, certain details could not be excluded; page numbers are provided for those that are particularly revealing.

The book features stunning artwork from the groundbreaking video game and amazing in-game images alongside the extensive and comprehensive details that fans of the various Star Wars encylopedias and Visual Guides released by DK over the years, have come to expect.

And if you've not listened to it already, check out October's edition of Jedi Journals to hear what Jay and Chris have to say about this awesome book.

Released on October 16th, 2012, Star Wars: The Old Republic Encyclopedia retails for $40 in the U.S. and $44 in Canada and is available from all good bookshops, as well as online at DK Canada's Star Wars Boutique!