OldSkool allright. This game is the best of the old Jedi Knight Series, but, of course, Jedi Knight II games are better.
Nothing new in the graphics department. Using the same engine and even most of the same textures from Dark Forces II, Mysteries of the Sith offers nothing new. In fact, its missing one thing: movie cinema scenes. Instead we get real time cut-scenes. But, who gives the damn? All of the in-between mission cinematics were rendered using the game's 3D engine. They're not spectacular, but they're fairly well done and are a lot better than Jedi's FMV. Also, Sith adds hardware support for colored lighting. Although not nearly as impressive as the lighting effects in Quake II, Sith's added color helps to create a more immersive and sinister atmosphere all around.
Now, on to the Gameplay status. The gameplay is decent. As I mentioned before, this is an old game, so some of the enviroments can be pretty rigid, and you're game will freeze up for a second or 2 every once in a while, but not often. The controls are pretty simple, though it can take a while for a newbie to master deflecting laser blasts back with your lightsaber, you'll get the hang of it eventually. Oh, no! I almost forgot. In Dark Forces II, it was pretty impossible to block. In Mysteries of the Sith, blocking faclilties have improved by miles and blocking is a bit easier, but not as easy as blocking in the games like Star Wars: Obi-Wan or Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast. In Outcast, you could deflect blaster bolts in a flash.
WARNING! MYSTERIES OF THE SITH SPOILERS AHEAD
If you don't want me to unravel the story plot to you, and you read ahead, you,this is your chance to run away to the next part of this review. This game is basically the Sequel to Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight. It takes place after the Empire has fallen, but the Remnant is still linger. In the very beginning, you take control of Kyle Katarn, trying to stop an invasion by the Remnant on the Rebel Base you're stationed at. After a few levels with Katarn, you eventually take over as Mara Jade. Yes, THE Mara Jade, once the 'Emperor's Hand.'' Mara had been seeking guidance after the death of Emperor Palpatine, her former master, and found that guidance within the self-trained Jedi Knight, Kyle Katarn. Mara trains with Kyle for a while, sharpening her Jedi and lightsaber skills. The point of the game later on, is to infiltrate an ancient Sith Temple, and save Kyle from the Dark Side of the Force. But, going through the story, make sure you have a walkthrough at handy. Trust me. Whether playing on Easy, Moderate or Difficult mode, you will need a walkthrough.
END SPOILERS
Of course, it's Star Wars. The game is filled with the classic sounds of the original movies. And they're written by John Williams himself, the mastermind that was a key factor in brining the Star Wars universe alive to all of us so many years ago. As for the blaster effects and voices... well let us just say that they could be better. The game's sound is very good. All the sounds sound very similar to the movie sounds, which is great. And the music can be really good. Yes, it is mostly just remixes of the movie music, but it is presented very, very well. I especially like the music in the last level, perhaps because of how much time I spent confused in it before figuring out how to progress... I have just a bit to complain about here.
The Replay value is a bit weak, but, mostly damn headstrong. Some levels have graphical problems, and you are addicted to the fun, not the graphics. That is damn bad. Especially the first level, New Republic Base on Altyr 5. The final major aspect of JK:MoTS is the multiplayer. It is essentially the same as the multiplayer in Jedi Knight, just with some more characters and levels to choose from. Still, given how good the multiplayer is in the main game, again, the best thing for them to do was not change things much. Also, some of the new levels are great, and the added force powers make things interesting since force is one of the most unique and fun aspects of the Jedi Knight series.
So, it is YOU who shall unravel the mystery of buying MoTS or not? If you sore crap graphics, do not get it. But, if you sore graphics and enjoy SW, download a demo first or rent it to check if it reached your standards. If you hate SW and bad graphics, I don't know why you are hanging around here... just ignore it.
If you can ever find this game, I would say get this game. The Jedi Knight series is one of the best Star Wars games ever made. So if you like Star Wars and lightsaber action, you would be better off searching for this game.