Star Wars is a huge universe. If I know my audience at all, you guys here at RPI have a greater chance than most to know about the expanded universe, the invasion of the Yuuzhan Vong, the strong warrior traditions of the Echani and the Mandalorians, and the secret prison of Sinkhole Station at the center of the Maw.
If you know about any of that, if you know about none of that, or even if you don’t know about Star Wars at all, you should consider picking up Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, affectionately known as KOTOR.
KOTOR is widely considered to be one of the best expansions to the Star Wars universe. It’s an RPG, and it draws heavily from the pencil and paper traditions of their analog forebears. Now to most folks, especially those with a fear of Dungeons and Dragons, this may be a turn off, but what it really means is that the game is amazingly well thought out and balanced—especially for a game that came out in 2003.
Now, the mechanics are good, combat is fun and turn-based, and overall the game play leaves little to be desired even from someone well acquainted with both instant action and turn based gameplay.
All of that is fine.
Where the game shines is the story. Now for a hair’s weight of context here, I have played this game fully to completion over eight times, at least once with every class, two speed runs, and a full complete. I am still in absolute love with every minute of dialogue and story in this game. Each planet has a very distinct style, from the Tatooine that many of us know and love so, to the new planet of Manaan peopled by the mysterious Selkath. Each companion has a side story, too, that shows you more of both them and the universe. It’s just brilliant.
Now at this point, some of you may be thinking, “Hey, David, why are you reviewing a game that is almost a decade old? What gives?” Well, three things. One: If you have review suggestions, or thoughts, feel free to send them to me through the paper’s e-mail list located in the editorial and opinion section. Second: The main story. Billion dollar industries, religions, and wars have been started, destroyed and subsequently resurrected over worse things. The first time you play it, your mind will be blown, the second time, everything will make more sense and fall into glorious position. It’s amazing. It’s on par with other works of art, like Bioshock and the Mona Lisa.
Third: Just over the summer its absolutely beautiful and amazing sequel was added to Steam, so go there and buy it, because I guarantee your laptop can run it, and I can safely say that your time will be very, very well spent.