Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
- August 22, 2012
- Aspyr (Mac, Linux, & Windows Update)
- 39h median play time
Get on SteamStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords is a role-playing game set in the Star Wars universe, serving as a sequel to the original Knights of the Old Republic. The game offers an emotionally driven story with new characters, classes, locations, and force powers, providing a deeper exploration into the franchise's lore. Players can expect enhanced features and an engaging narrative that continues to captivate Star Wars fans.
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Reviews
- story6,808 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords" is widely regarded as one of the best narratives in the Star Wars universe, praised for its depth, complexity, and philosophical themes that challenge traditional notions of good and evil. Many players appreciate the character-driven storytelling, particularly the compelling character of Kreia, and the moral ambiguity that permeates the plot, making choices feel impactful. However, the game is often criticized for its rushed development, leading to unfinished storylines and bugs, which can detract from the overall experience, though the restored content mod significantly enhances the narrative by filling in gaps and improving coherence.
“The deep, morally complex storyline keeps you engaged from start to finish, with choices that truly impact the fate of the galaxy.”
“This is probably my favorite story told in Star Wars, including the movies and TV shows.”
“The story is much more nuanced, better written, and more mature; it explores gray areas rather than the first game's clean-cut light/dark decisions.”
“It's biggest weakness is the story and characters, which for a roleplaying game is meant to be the biggest appeal.”
“The story is so vacant you might as well watch the 5 minute story recaps on YouTube.”
“The story, while predictable, also feels very empty.”
- gameplay1,994 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Knights of the Old Republic II" is often described as a blend of turn-based and real-time mechanics, closely resembling its predecessor while introducing improvements such as a more nuanced influence system for companions and expanded character customization options. While some players appreciate the depth and strategic elements of the combat, others find the mechanics dated and occasionally clunky, with bugs that can disrupt the experience. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging story and character development, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of RPGs, despite its gameplay shortcomings.
“Gameplay-wise, there are more force powers available, and there are lightsaber forms you learn throughout the game, giving you bonuses and penalties, but each form excels in certain situations, thus making fights more strategic.”
“The gameplay is smooth and quite engaging.”
“The gameplay is classic D&D style, no hand-holding but also not too difficult for anyone with some experience in an RPG.”
“As an adult, I find the gameplay to be pretty dull, especially the combat.”
“The gameplay is terribly dated and not fun.”
“Gameplay-wise, kotor is an action rpg, resemblant of neverwinter nights and other d&d-based rpgs.”
- graphics1,106 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of "KOTOR II" are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its 2004 release, with many players noting that they do not meet modern gaming standards. However, the game's unique art direction and atmospheric design still resonate with some players, and the modding community has created various enhancements to improve visual quality. While the visuals may not impress, the compelling story and gameplay often overshadow these graphical shortcomings, making it a beloved classic among RPG fans.
“The upgraded graphics make it feel like a remaster.”
“Visually, while the graphics may show their age, the game's art direction and atmospheric design still hold a unique charm.”
“Although the graphics are a bit dated today, mods can assist with that to some degree.”
“The graphics are dated, but the mechanics hold up.”
“The graphics haven't aged well, but they do the trick for the most part.”
“The graphics are old and outdated.”
- stability755 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The stability of "Knights of the Old Republic II" is widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that can significantly disrupt gameplay. Many reviews emphasize that the game was released in an unfinished state, leading to frequent character freezes and game-breaking issues, particularly on modern systems. While some players find enjoyment in the story and characters despite these flaws, the consensus is that the game requires the installation of mods, such as the Restored Content Mod, to mitigate many of its stability issues.
“What a difference, much better on PC; looks crisp and is not buggy, which was a big problem on the Xbox version.”
“Brilliant game, loved it at initial release and this works perfectly, unlike the first game; no glitches so far.”
“No game crashes, no freezes, no game-killing bugs of any kind, not once, ever.”
“The game is a glitchy, buggy mess.”
“It's broken and buggy to the point of being unplayable.”
“The bottom line is that any game released in a state this buggy does not deserve to be sold... ever!”
- replayability341 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, with players highlighting the rich character development, diverse dialogue options, and multiple paths influenced by player choices, including light and dark side alignments. The turn-based combat system and skill customization further enhance the strategic depth, encouraging players to explore different character builds and story outcomes. Additionally, the modding community has revitalized the game, adding even more content and replay value, making it a must-play for fans of the genre and the Star Wars universe.
“The game's mechanics, including the turn-based combat system and skill customization, provide a strategic depth that enhances replayability.”
“There's replayability for those who are curious about how alternate approaches to things impact the story, additional content available via mods, and the story is told well enough that even another playthrough identical to your last one is an enjoyable experience.”
“The replay value is huge, although there is a fairly steep learning curve sometimes, due to some in-depth crafting system, and story line that might not make sense.”
“The biggest downside for me - like its predecessor & unaffiliated game Fable - was even after doing as many side quests and collections as possible on a character, it left me wanting more and feeling like it was an extended prologue with vast potential yet to come; sadly this was before the days of endless DLCs but with the variety in character creation, gear, and companions & even the ability to toggle active or tactical combat modes keep its replay value fairly well.”
“The replay value is pretty high though since you can affect your companions and the story plays differently depending on the choices you make; the charm is definitely in the reaction and interactions with the world around you more so than a specific story element.”
“However, in a whole, not nearly as replayable as countless Star Wars classics and I still feel as though for KOTOR 1 and 2, a simple YouTube binge would have sufficed.”
- music248 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively complementing the narrative and enhancing the overall experience. Composed by Mark Griskey, the soundtrack captures the essence of the Star Wars universe while introducing darker undertones that align with the game's themes. While some players note occasional repetitiveness in the tracks, the majority agree that the music significantly contributes to the game's emotional depth and nostalgic appeal.
“The game’s music and sound design also contribute to its atmosphere, with a score that perfectly complements the game's tone and setting.”
“Mark Griskey's soundtrack is fantastic; it keeps that Star Wars feeling that you all know and love but enhances it as it complements the game's dark undertones and conveys the appropriate mood for each scene.”
“The music is just as memorable as the original game but also in a much darker, ominous way.”
“The graphics are dated and the soundtrack is repetitive, and the voice acting is almost cringeworthy at some points.”
“The music seems to have a bug where it will repeat the same track over and over... that, or there are very few music tracks available.”
“This game has one of the worst soundtracks in all of Star Wars media.”
- atmosphere177 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its dark, immersive, and gritty tone, effectively capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe while introducing a more complex moral landscape. Players appreciate the rich sound design, including a haunting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, and the unique environments that contribute to a sense of loneliness and danger. Despite some criticisms regarding technical aspects, the game's storytelling and character development are noted as exceptional, making the atmosphere a standout feature that resonates deeply with fans.
“The game’s music and sound design also contribute to its atmosphere, with a score that perfectly complements the game's tone and setting.”
“The dark and sinister atmosphere is unlike anything you've ever experienced in Star Wars before.”
“The atmosphere is palpable, the characters are fully realized.”
“The atmosphere is so barren you will believe you are playing a tech demo despite all of the effort put on by the wonderful modders that have made this sack of crap somewhat playable.”
“The whole game has an uncertain, uneasy atmosphere, as every action you take is second guessed, and your character slowly wanders in the darkness of the future.”
“The pacing is also off and the mood and atmosphere are painfully monotonous.”
- character development140 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is a standout feature, with many reviewers praising the depth and complexity of companion arcs influenced by player choices. While some critiques mention a lack of development for certain characters, the overall consensus highlights the intricate storytelling and moral dilemmas that enhance character growth, making it a rich experience compared to other titles in the genre. The writing and dialogue are frequently noted as exceptional, contributing to a deeply engaging narrative that resonates with players.
“The character development is exceptional, with companions who have their own intricate backstories and personal growth arcs influenced by the player's choices.”
“Character development is at the heart of KOTOR II's brilliance.”
“The story, character development, and presentation are simply amazing, even if the game launched in its incomplete state.”
“Even though the influence mechanic was introduced (alongside being able to turn some of your companions to Jedi/Dark Jedi), companion dialogue is very stale and there is zero character development.”
“From my perspective, each and every single lesson learned and event experienced during the game meant nothing for character development by giving no option to side with this way of interpretation.”
“On top of this, there was a lot less character development than in the first game, which made a lot of them feel rather forced upon you.”
- grinding103 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and repetitive, with many players noting the excessive backtracking, fetch quests, and combat that can become monotonous over time. While some players appreciate the depth of the story and character interactions, they often find the gameplay mechanics and quest design to be frustratingly vague and time-consuming. Overall, the game may require significant investment in time and patience, especially for those looking to achieve completion or explore all content.
“It has a well-written plot and characters, side-quests that are engaging but not tedious, and interesting plants, stories, and lore (except the first two planets; they're very sluggish). The mechanics are above average (it's still a d20, but it doesn't feel as random as KOTOR 1).”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Fighting the same AI enemies in areas is a little tedious at times, and there can be a lot of fetch quests for no reason.”
“They shamelessly pad the game length with hundreds of tedious, pointless enemies.”
“The quests are never grindy, and usually require a bit of searching, talking or fighting.”
- humor94 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its clever dialogue, dark comedic moments, and the entertaining interactions between characters, particularly the return of the sarcastic droid HK-47. Many reviews note that the writing is filled with irony and wit, making even serious themes approachable and engaging. While some players found the humor to be inconsistent, overall, it contributes significantly to the game's charm and replayability.
“Best dialogue writing in any game I've played; it's filled with ideas to contemplate as well as great irony and humor. Some of the best parts of the game are simply the jokes characters make as you travel around the universe.”
“Possibilities are endless, boundless choices to be made, hilarious dialogue coupled with saving the galaxy with a mysterious force-sensitive grandma.”
“The characters are complex, their agendas are fascinating, plus HK and Atton are pretty hilarious.”
- optimization76 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues, bugs, and crashes that detract from the overall experience. While some users report smoother gameplay on modern hardware and appreciate community mods that enhance performance, others struggle with stuttering, loading problems, and unresponsive elements, indicating that the game often feels poorly optimized for current systems. Overall, while there are improvements over the original, many players still find the game's optimization lacking, especially in demanding scenarios.
“The optimization is damn good, with actual patches having come out in 2015-2016, adding high resolutions and workshop support.”
“Graphics and engine are more optimized for modern PCs and you can get this to run at 1080p/60fps with no external software.”
“Despite modern(ish) hardware, which is far better than what the game was designed for, enabling antialiasing and/or anisotropic filtering does degrade framerate considerably -- I find it particularly strange that whenever smoke or similar effects are visible, performance is pitiful.”
“Once again, an outcome of the game being rushed and not having the proper optimization.”
“The game is poorly optimized most of the time.”
“Until there's some known fix that works for the sudden stuttering and a fix for loading the proper save games, I wouldn't recommend this game.”
- emotional62 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its depth and complexity, with many players noting its ability to evoke strong feelings through its characters and narrative. Themes of trauma, moral ambiguity, and personal struggle resonate throughout, creating a melancholic and contemplative atmosphere that lingers long after gameplay. While some critiques mention issues with quest design and technical flaws, the overall emotional impact remains a standout feature, making it a memorable experience for many players.
“The game then does a very good job of touching on trauma and the proper response to that trauma.”
“This game's emotional depth surprised me; I found myself actually caring about the other characters aside from mine.”
“Decline is an inevitable historical and personal force, and this game will test you on how you deal in those moments closest to death, and how you will cross the threshold at its climax. An emotional journey throughout, I would heartily recommend the Sith Lords to anyone willing to deal with themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and betrayal against the backdrop of galactic downfall.”
“Clunky, unresponsive controls, bugs everywhere, slightly boring story, and an ending that just drags on forever.”
- monetization7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 57 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is praised for its absence of in-game purchases and microtransactions, reminiscent of the pre-microtransaction era, allowing players to enjoy the experience without financial pressure. Users appreciate the ease of using mods through Steam, enhancing gameplay without additional costs, although some express disappointment with the overall quality of the game compared to their nostalgic memories.
“No worrying about in-game purchases or anything else.”
“It's an RPG from the pre-microtransactions era, so your wallet won't look like an ex-convict's after their last day in jail.”
“It's an RPG from the pre-microtransactions era, so your wallet won't look like an ex-convict's backside on the last day of jail.”
“Don't get me wrong, the Battlefront games are fairly good, but as far as I recall, there are no microtransactions in these two games.”
“Let's face it, this game is fast food - all advertising and the product is crap - but everyone's nostalgia makes them think this game is a 5-star gourmet feast. If you were thinking about getting this, do it for 3 dollars or less.”
