Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Review

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), developed by BioWare and published by LucasArts, is a landmark role-playing game (RPG) set in the Star Wars universe. Released for the PC in 2003, KOTOR delivered an epic story, memorable characters, and a profound sense of player choice, redefining Star Wars gaming. This KOTOR PC review explores the elements that make it a classic.

A Galaxy Far, Far Away, Long, Long Ago: Setting and Story

Knights of the Old Republic takes place thousands of years before the events of the Star Wars films, during the Old Republic era. The game casts players as a central figure in a conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire, led by the menacing Darth Malak.

The story is a sprawling epic filled with twists, turns, and memorable characters. Players journey to iconic planets like Taris, Dantooine, and Korriban, uncovering ancient secrets and battling powerful foes. The narrative explores themes of good and evil, destiny, and the nature of the Force.

• Epic story set in the Old Republic era
• Memorable characters and companions
• Exploration of iconic Star Wars planets
• Conflict between the Republic and the Sith Empire
• Deep exploration of the Force

Gameplay: Your Path, Your Choice

KOTOR features a deep and engaging RPG system. Players create their own character, choosing from three character classes (Soldier, Scout, or Scoundrel) and customizing their skills, feats, and Force powers.

The game’s combat system is a blend of real-time with pause, allowing players to strategically plan their attacks and utilize their party members’ abilities. One of KOTOR’s defining features is its morality system, which tracks players’ actions and decisions, influencing their alignment with the light or dark side of the Force. These choices have significant consequences, affecting the story, character interactions, and even the ending of the game.

• Character creation with classes and customization
• Real-time with pause combat system
• Morality system with light and dark side choices
• Meaningful player choices and consequences
• Party-based gameplay with diverse companions

A Star Wars RPG Done Right: Immersion and World-Building

Knights of the Old Republic excels at immersing players in the Star Wars universe. The game’s rich world-building, detailed environments, and authentic sound design capture the feel of the films while exploring a new and exciting era.

The game’s dialogue is well-written, and the voice acting is superb, bringing the characters to life. Players form meaningful relationships with their companions, each with their own backstories and motivations.

Impact and Legacy: A Landmark RPG

KOTOR is widely considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made. It revitalized the Star Wars gaming landscape and demonstrated the potential for deep, story-driven experiences within the franchise.

BioWare’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives and memorable characters shines through in KOTOR, and the game’s influence can be seen in many subsequent RPGs. It set a new standard for storytelling and player choice in video games.

Why is KOTOR so good?

KOTOR is celebrated for its epic scope, its engaging story, its memorable characters, and its impactful player choices. It successfully captures the spirit of Star Wars while delivering a deep and rewarding RPG experience.

Is KOTOR on PC Worth Playing Today?

Yes, KOTOR on PC is still absolutely worth playing today. Its story, characters, and gameplay remain compelling, and its influence on the RPG genre is undeniable. Modern PCs can easily run the game, and its timeless quality transcends its age.