LucasArts, and publisher have finally confirmed what the Canadian specialist has been working on - announcing a new MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic.

The new offering will be created for the PC, and we're promised epic storytelling blended with top-notch combat; the also promising to put a bit of a spin on things by offerings us 'intelligent companion' characters we'll be playing alongside.

BioWare's opus will begin 300 years following the events depicted in Knights of the Old Republic, a thousand years before Anakin's arrival in the Star Wars cannon.

The title will be set amidst the battle between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire, and you'll be able to throw your weight in for either team, while classic roles will be available, too.

"Traditionally, massively online games have been about three basic gameplay pillars - combat, exploration and character progression," offered BioWare big wig Dr. Ray Muzyka.

"In Star Wars: The Old Republic, we’re fusing BioWare’s heritage of critically-acclaimed storytelling with the amazing pedigree of Lucasfilm and LucasArts, and adding a brand-new fourth pillar to the equation – story. At the same time, we will still deliver all the fun features and activities that fans have come to expect in a triple-A massively multiplayer online game. To top it all off, is set in a very exciting, dynamic period in the Star Wars universe."

"Star Wars: is set roughly 300 years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic, a timeframe that is completely unexplored in the lore," added BioWare's Dr. Greg Zeschuk.

"BioWare has been able to add to the Star Wars history in developing the game’s story and has created an overarching narrative that players can enjoy, regardless of their play style. Our goal is to offer players an emotionally rewarding experience that combines the traditional elements of MMO gameplay with innovations in story and character development."

We'll bring you more on this soon. No release date has been offered up, yet.

By Luke Guttridge