Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords Review

With a franchise as vast and storied as Star Wars, there are bound to be differing opinions as to what the best parts are. Each of the films has its supporters and detractors, yet the same goes for the extended media as well. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic I and II are often named among the greatest offerings Star Wars has to give. Having played KOTOR II, I can certainly see why, yet it’s also a little rough to return to in the modern age.

Set 4000 years before the events of Episode I: The Phantom Menace and five years after the events of the original game, KOTOR II recounts the story of The Exile, a disgraced former Jedi Knight flung from the order after their actions ten years prior. With the Jedi now on the brink of extinction, however, The Exile becomes their last hope. Things aren’t that straightforward though, as your actions in the game earn you Light and Dark side points which ultimately determine the fate of your character and the galaxy around them. Save the Jedi or join the Sith? The choice is yours.

It’s this last point that makes KOTOR II such a compelling experience. The game is full of complex and nuanced characters, and the freedom you have to shape your own character is something I wish more games offered. No one is quite as they seem, all harbouring deep backstories and varied intentions, but your interactions with them ultimately signal where they’ll go. Choice is a common theme throughout the game. From your interactions with others to the way you approach different scenarios, and even in the way you customise your character, KOTOR II presents a level of freedom that truly makes you feel a part of the Star Wars universe. This is about as close as you can get to forging your own path through a galaxy far, far away, which makes for a unique experience within this meticulously crafted franchise.

The story is really what makes KOTOR II nowadays, as the game is really showing its age otherwise. Having first released nearly 18 years ago, the many refinements and additions to the RPG genre that have come since are clearly missing. Luckily, even back then KOTOR II had some solid gameplay systems in place that make it tolerable today. My main issue was with the combat. It often felt slow and laborious, undermining the exciting narrative and grand scope of what you’re trying to achieve in the game. Both combat and interactions are based on the d20 system popularised by Dungeons and Dragons. It’s certainly an interesting system to implement, however it makes it feel as though you have little control over your combat encounters. You can apply skills and level up certain attributes to give you an edge, but it’s ultimately a hands-off approach that feels at odds with the universe it’s applied to.

There’s plenty more I could say about KOTOR II. Whether that’s in relation to the graphics that hold up surprisingly well, the brilliantly atmospheric soundtrack, or the wealth of different mechanics you’ll spend hours exploring, KOTOR II is simply an exceptional game. So, if you’re craving a well-crafted Star Wars experience, this is the game for you.