STAR WARS™ Knights of the Old Republic™ II - The Sith Lords™

STAR WARS™ Knights of the Old Republic™ II - The Sith Lords™ is widely celebrated for its deep narrative and unique philosophical exploration of the Force, setting it apart from typical Star Wars stories. Players appreciate the melancholic atmosphere, memorable companions, and thought-provoking themes about trauma and morality. However, the game suffers from being released in an unfinished state, with noticeable bugs, missing content, and some abrupt plot developments. Many recommend using the Restored Content Mod to patch these issues and restore cut content, significantly enhancing the experience.

Gameplay improvements over its predecessor include expanded weapon and armor upgrades, more meaningful dialogue options influenced by skills, and stronger blaster characters. Despite some dated graphics and occasional crashes, the game remains a beloved classic with rich storytelling and RPG mechanics that encourage creativity in playstyle. Longtime fans cherish it for its lasting emotional impact and the depth of its characters, particularly Kreia, one of the franchise's most compelling figures.

Highlights

Players highly praise the game's exceptional storytelling, especially its mature, anti-Star Wars narrative and complex characters like Kreia. The expanded gameplay mechanics, including weapon customization and skill-based dialogue options, add depth to the RPG experience. The melancholic soundtrack and atmospheric design further immerse players in the world. The game's connection to the first KOTOR and its thoughtful exploration of light and dark sides resonate deeply with fans. Voice acting and writing quality are often highlighted as top-tier, making it a must-play for Star Wars and RPG enthusiasts.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's unfinished state at release, with bugs, missing content, and some narrative gaps that can disrupt immersion. The combat system is considered dated and sometimes clunky, and the pacing, especially in early areas like Peragus and Nar Shaddaa, can feel slow or tedious. Graphics are seen as outdated or overly realistic in an unappealing way. Many players stress the necessity of mods, particularly the Restored Content Mod, to fix issues and improve overall gameplay quality. Some also find companion storylines and quest branching less polished compared to the original KOTOR.