Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Game: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Developer: BioWare
Platform: PC
Release Year: 2003
Stephen's Rating: 8/10

Basic Plot

Set 4000 years before the Star Wars film series, Knights of the Old Republic (Kotor) was set in a time where both Jedi and Sith were spread throughout the galaxy.

Darth Malak (Darth Revan's former apprentice) has unleashed his armada against the Republic. The aggression has forced many Jedi into hiding, while others have joined Malak on the dark side.

The player character begins on a Republic ship under attack by Malak. He or she has no memory of their past, and the story revolves around gathering companions, fighting Malak's forces, and uncovering your lost memories.

The player is trained to become a Jedi, and also learns that Malak is after the "Star Forge". Before reaching the Star Forge the player finds out their true identity - Darth Revan. Revan was betrayed by Malak and injured, and then subjected to memory alteration by the Jedi Council.

When arriving at the Star Forge the player is able to choose between the dark and light paths; either defeat Malak and the Sith, or take Malak down and become the new lord of the Sith.

Gameplay

The game plays out as a third person role playing game with elements of D&D.

Being based on D&D, each character in the player's party is able to level up by gaining experience. This is obtained by defeating enemies and completing quests. Upon levelling up a character is able to choose from various skills and abilities (including force powers if they are a Jedi). Force powers are split into dark and light.

The player characters are also divided up into classes such as "Jedi Guardian" who is a combat based (light sabre using) Jedi Knight.

Equipment plays a big part in the game, and there is a degree of item creation which involves having armour and weapons with "slots" which can be filled with various other items which enhance them.

Combat runs a lot like other BioWare games such as Neverwinter Nights. You can pause the game, issue combat commands, and then resume the game and watch them take effect. This gives the player time to strategise and make the most of every battle.

The player is able to travel to various planets in the system, each one has a unique environment and mini-story.

Positives

Great story, especially the Revan reveal halfway through. A fun and satisfying twist on the role playing game, which in my opinion blew its contemporaries out of the water.

Negatives

None. Some people didn't like the slower pace of combat (compared to Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy for example) but I personally liked it a lot.

Memorable Moments

I played the game twice, once as a Jedi Guardian with a lightsabre in each hand. I was very powerful, and found the game quite easy. The second time I chose a Sith and used my force abilities mostly (only had a short lightsabre). I enjoyed the challenge of that a lot.