So, the sequel that we have all been waiting for has finally arrived - and the big question, of course, is whether it's an improvement, more of the same or inferior to the classic KOTOR. To kick off, I think I would have to say that if you didn't enjoy the first one then you won't enjoy this........however if (like me) you thought the first one was an engaging, interesting story with great RPG elements then be prepared for a treat. OK, so what is the same and what has changed since KOTOR was released in 2003? Well, I guess it's fair to say that graphically little has changed. If you were to compare the 2 games side by side then you may notice a slight improvement. While not looking in any way dated, the graphics aren't pushing the Xbox's power limitations (although that's not a criticism, just an observation). The sound, inventory system, item equip, save system etc etc are all similar as the first (albeit with a few small tweaks that can make things easier). So, what has changed? Well, the story is ALOT longer (apparently a good completion time for the first game was 20 hours on the first run, try 50 plus hours for this). It's also alot more complex, interesting and varied - people change during the course of the game (more on that later) and without giving anything away, the game really plays with your head when you start getting suspicious about the motives of your party. Speaking of your party - a few old faces are back again, but generally you will be meeting alot of new people in your adventure, each with their own agenda. What is interesting is the way that your actions and 'force alignment' physically and statistically affect your party members - far more than in the first game. Another nice addition is the way that you can switch weapon setups from the action bar on the playing screen, rather than going into the menu and manually changing between ranged and melee each time you encounter a different combat scenario (not so useful to me for the main game character as I never really used anything except a lightsaber, but incredibly useful for party members). Also, your posse of party members has become alot smarter (yes, they do occasionally get lost, or run around in circles) and this is helped by the new AI configuration options, where you can choose the automatic style the individual will take during combat in more detail than the original game. What else? Well, there are more feats, more force powers, more items, more plot twists...............all in all it's a significant improvement from the first. Any bad points? Since I bought the game it has crashed / frozen twice (on a brand new Xbox after my old one died) and my 20+ hour save became corrupted which was a tad annoying (now I always save twice when I'm about to finish playing for the day) Also, although the movies are great, when you play through the game for the second time you kind of wish that they could ALL be skipped if required (some can, some can't). As a last point, and it's been stated many times before, the first game 'threw' you into the action within a few moments of powering up...........in this sequel expect to spend the first hour or two doing alot of listening, walking and 'Fed-EX' type missions. Thats not a criticism as this game is ALOT deeper and needs the background building at the start (and I'm trying hard to not give anything away by saying that) and if you persevere with those first couple of hours you will unlock and absolute gem of a game that will keep you glued to the screen day and night (I've already lost 2 or 3 nights sleep as the story is just so interesting I couldn't stop playing!). To summarise.....although the game isn't perfect (and I have never played a 'perfect' game) I think that KOTOR2 is pretty much at the top of the console tree for game design, storytelling and depth just now. If you liked the first game you WILL NOT be dissapointed. Go and buy it already! (One final note......KOTOR2 does NOT support the Xbox memory card - it's clearly stated on the back of the box but it's worth mentioning. The actual size of the KOTOR2 save file is huge (too big to fit on the memory card) and even after compressing it with one of the utilities available it still will not work once copied over. A lesson I learned and share with you after my old Xbox died with my 20+ hour save on it).
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
