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

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by LucasArts, arrived on the PC in 2004, following up on BioWare’s critically acclaimed original. While built on the same foundation, KOTOR II delved into a much darker, morally ambiguous side of the Star Wars universe, offering a profound and often philosophical RPG experience. This KOTOR II PC review explores its unique narrative strengths and enduring legacy.

Gameplay: Deeper RPG, Familiar Combat

KOTOR II retained the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessor: real-time combat with pause, party management, and extensive dialogue options. Players create their own Exile, a former Jedi Knight, and gather a diverse crew of companions, each with their own rich backstories and personal quests. The combat system, based on Dungeons & Dragons rules, allows for strategic use of lightsabers, blasters, and Force powers.

Where KOTOR II truly innovated was in its deeper RPG systems. The influence system with companions was expanded, allowing for more nuanced relationships and even the ability to train certain companions in the ways of the Force. Crafting and item modification were also more robust. While the game suffered from a rushed development cycle, leading to some cut content and bugs at launch, the underlying systems were incredibly rich, especially for PC gaming enthusiasts who later benefited from community patches.

• Enhanced companion influence system
• Deeper crafting and item modification
• Strategic real-time combat with pause
• Customizable player character and party
• Extensive dialogue options impacting morality

Story and Themes: The Gray Jedi Philosophy

The narrative of KOTOR II is its crowning achievement, largely thanks to lead writer Chris Avellone. It’s a much more deconstructive and philosophical take on the Force, questioning the rigid doctrines of both the Jedi and the Sith. The story follows the Exile as they try to reconnect with the Force and uncover the truth behind a galaxy-wide purge of the Jedi, orchestrated by the mysterious Sith Lords.

The game explores themes of moral ambiguity, the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of war. Characters are complex, often with hidden agendas and shifting loyalties, making every conversation impactful. The story is darker, more mature, and less black-and-white than typical Star Wars fare, resonating deeply with fans who craved a more nuanced exploration of the universe.

Graphics and Sound: Familiar but Atmospheric

Visually, KOTOR II utilized the same engine as its predecessor, meaning graphics were familiar but still effective for its time. Character models were expressive, and the environments, while sometimes feeling sparse due to development constraints, conveyed a sense of a war-torn galaxy.

The sound design is excellent, featuring authentic Star Wars sound effects and a powerful orchestral score that perfectly complements the game’s darker tone. The extensive voice acting, though varying in quality, generally brings the diverse cast to life and enhances the story-driven experience.

Legacy: A Cult Classic and Modding Haven

Despite its rushed release, KOTOR II has grown into a beloved cult classic, particularly within the PC gaming community. The dedicated modding community, notably with “The Sith Lords Restored Content Modification” (TSLRCM), has fixed bugs and restored much of the cut content, allowing players to experience the game closer to its original vision. This dedication speaks volumes about the game’s underlying quality and narrative ambition.

Is Star Wars KOTOR II on PC Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. For Star Wars fans and RPG enthusiasts, KOTOR II on PC is a must-play. While it benefits greatly from community patches like TSLRCM, its deep narrative, profound exploration of the Force, and complex characters offer an unparalleled story-driven experience. It’s a classic PC RPG that challenges conventions and delivers a truly unforgettable journey into the heart of the Dark Side.