How do you make sure people play something other than a Jedi or Sith in Star Wars: The Old Republic? By making sure the other classes can kick Force-sensitive ass.

Star Wars: The Old Republic might have the strength of one of the biggest science fiction franchises in history behind it, but that franchise also has a flaw: The Force. The movies, comic books, and video games generally depict the Jedi and their evil counterparts, the Sith, as the biggest badasses on any planet.

But an MMO needs balance between classes, so BioWare has quite the task ahead of them. Judging by this video they seem to be doing a fine job, giving the other classes the means to neutralize Force abilities, while giving the Jedi and Sith the disadvantage of generally having to close to melee range to click virtual ass.

Nicely done, though it really doesn't matter to me. I've already locked myself into the Smuggler role, so I don't have to worry about being tempted by either side of the Force.