Knights of the old Republic II is everything everyone hoped it could be. I will admit that it doesn't really change any gameplay wise from the original, or graphically, but hey - why fix what isn't broken? The story is a lot less forced upon you this time around. In most RPGs, you're pretty much told what your task is to do. In KotoR II, however, you're given the choice to play the game truely how you wish. Your choices of good or evil that you pick during the course of gameplay seriously alter the story and course of events in the game. For every situation that arises, there are almost always at least two ways to solve them, if not more. In this regard, Knights of the old Republic II accomplishes everything it needed to. Character interaction among your companions isn't forced upon you, or at least dramatically hinted to you, like it was in the original. There are plenty of sub-plots and stories you can uncover by talking to people, and unless you try actively to communicate with your crew, they're just not going to talk about it. As well as plenty of sub plot stories, talking with your companions can also offer up the chance for you to train them as your padawan, thus obtaining another Jedi in your party. The graphics and gameplay are largely unchanged from the original. The game uses a turn based /real time approach along with the d20 roleplaying rules, to give you a great battle experience without too much hassle. The graphics havn't changed, but they are good enough for most people to shrug off easily enough - they looked amazing when it came out almost 2 years ago, we can just pretend we travelled back through time. The only real difference in gameplay is the addition of new items and ways to customize them. The concept is a bit hard to explain without error, but the game takes an intuitive approach to letting you craft your own equipment the way you want it. What i think makes Knights II pure gold is the sheer replayability it has. Sure, many RPGs can give you a slightly difference experience on a second playthrough, but Knights takes this to an entirely new level. There are so many choices to make during the game that effect the story, that you could probably replay it dozens of times before seeing all the plot choices that are available. Not to mention, this game took me, a veteran gamer, just shy of 90 hours to beat the first time. This game will most definately have you busy for a long, long time. Knights of the old Republic II is simply put, a wonderful game to play. If you liked the original, you'll like this one too. If you like RPGs, its definately worht the shot, as it is probably the best Xbox RPG out there right now - and it will soon be added to the list of great PC RPGs as well. In the end, it is definately worth the price tag, and maybe even an extra tewnty bucks for the gameguide too. (I know im going to buy it soon for my next few playthroughs)
Other Helpful Reviews for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
Modern RPGs are driven by gripping stories and apparently a lot of voice acting. The story has no twists to it or surprises. KOTOR had a twist ending that could surprise most people. It also seems like Obsidian or Biowar... Read Full Review
By Kool_Mo_Dee1 | Review Date: Jun 27, 2006 | XBOX
Really, this game is that good. I'd have to say its the best RPG game I have ever played. It is great because you can stick to the basics of Star Wars with all of the lightsabers and blasters and what ever else, but have... Read Full Review
