Knights Of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords Review

In A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Knights of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords by Obsidian Entertainment hit PC back in 2004. Luckily, the cult classic title has finally made its way to mobile via Aspyr Media. An in-depth RPG, Knights of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords immerses players in the Star Wars universe. Wield the force in intense battles as you unravel a compelling storyline worthy of the George Lucas franchise.

The title is set five years after the events of Knights of The Old Republic with both the Jedi Order and the Republic on the brink of collapse. The few Jedi remaining have gone into hiding and are being hunted down by the Sith. It’s a compelling premise which is complemented by an engaging storyline

Players take on the role of a Jedi in exile who awakens in the med bay of an unfamiliar mining ship. The crew is dead, and the droids are hostile. The player must find a way off the ship and begin your quest to seek out the remaining Jedi and defeat the Sith. Luckily, you’ll be aided in your escape by a mysterious Jedi, a prisoner and an adorable T3-M4 droid.  The story immediately hooks you.

May The Force Be With You

Throughout the game players will make choices which affect whether the player character commits to the light or dark side of the force. Often, there’ll be options in dialogue which grant you either light or dark side points.  Essentially being empathetic and caring nets you light side points while cruel comebacks and sarcasm nets you dark side points. It’s a pretty straightforward system that gives players the freedom to live the life of a Jedi their way. Knights of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords features two endings and the one you get depends on whether you choose the light or dark side.

You’ll come across new companions as you traverse the galaxy. While conversing with your companions, certain dialogue options will increase your influence over said companion. For instance, you’ll gain influence with Atton when choosing dialogue options in which you point out that you trust him. Some companions can become Jedi when your influence is high enough while having high influence with others unlocks bonuses such as upgrades and force abilities. My only complaint is that the controls are a bit touchy. Often when trying to move after exiting a dialogue I found my character drawn back into dialogue.

Stellar Combat

Combat, as you would expect of a Star Wars title, consists of a mixture of lightsabers, blaster rifles, and the force. The game’s turn-based combat system is fast-paced and strategic. Your force takes time to replenish once it runs out so it’s best to rely on grenades and your melee weapon; as a Jedi in exile it’ll be a while before you get a lightsaber. The companions that join your crew throughout the game take advantage of diverse combat styles. Atton fights with blaster in hand, while Kreia wields a lightsaber. Battling against Sith soldiers while wielding the force is an exhilarating sci-fi experience.

As you level up, you’ll unlock new force abilities such as precognition, which warns you when you’re about to enter into extreme danger. There are light, dark, and universal force powers. Light side powers include the rather self-explanatory Heal and Stun Droid. Dark side powers include Fear, and Force Scream, a wave of sound that causes sonic damage. The more light side points your character has the more force points dark side powers cost to unlock and vice versa. This adds a strategic element to the title. Players who want to stay on the light side of the force may want to grab dark side powers early on before they’ve accumulated too many light side points.

Be A Jedi

Knights of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is a thrilling Star Wars RPG with engaging turn-based combat. With compelling graphics and a deep storyline, the title has been an RPG classic for over 15 years after its initial release.  Though the game is set at a steep $14.99, it’s more than worth the price. Knights of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is a fantastic port of the classic game. So, what are you waiting for? The Force awaits.