Skip to main content

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is a fantastic RPG, and is simply a joy to play on the Switch.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords Game Cover
86%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
stability, grinding
94% User Score Based on 19,807 reviews
Critic Score 81%Based on 15 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchLinuxPCTabletAndroidMac OSPhoneiPadXboxMobile PlatformiPhoneWindows
Buy Nowfrom $1.68
Buy NowGet on Steam €9.75
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords Game Cover

About

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords is a single player open world role playing game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Obsidian Entertainment and was released on August 22, 2012. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

In Star Wars™ Knights of the Old Republic™ II - The Sith Lords™, players continue their role as a Jedi, navigating a galaxy in turmoil after the Jedi Order's near-extinction. With expanded customization options and an engaging, morally ambiguous narrative, players shape their character's destiny while battling new challenges and adversaries in the Star Wars universe. This sequel offers improved gameplay and an intricate storyline, bringing an epic space opera adventure to life.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords screenshot
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords screenshot
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords screenshot
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords screenshot
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords screenshot
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords screenshot
Skip User Reviews

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 19,807 reviews
story3k positive mentions
stability770 negative mentions
  • The game features an engaging and complex story that explores deep themes of morality and character development, making it a standout in the Star Wars universe.
  • The character development is exceptional, with richly developed companions and meaningful player choices that influence their arcs.
  • The game offers high replayability due to diverse character builds, multiple endings, and the impact of choices on the storyline.
  • The gameplay is often criticized for being clunky and dated, with numerous bugs and performance issues that can disrupt the experience.
  • Many players find the graphics to be outdated, which can detract from immersion, despite some improvements through mods.
  • The game's rushed development led to significant cut content and unresolved plot threads, leaving some players frustrated with the narrative.
  • story
    7,179 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords" is widely praised for its depth, complexity, and philosophical exploration of themes such as morality, trauma, and the nature of the Force. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to challenge traditional good vs. evil narratives, offering a more nuanced perspective through its characters and their interactions, particularly with the enigmatic Kreia. However, the game's rushed development led to significant cut content and unresolved plot threads, which some players find frustrating, though the use of restoration mods can enhance the experience and provide a more complete narrative. Overall, the story is considered one of the best in the Star Wars universe, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise and RPG enthusiasts alike.

    • “While KOTOR 1 was a typical dark vs light Star Wars adventure, KOTOR 2 tries to examine and deconstruct the binary morality system in the Star Wars universe while simultaneously writing an engaging story.”
    • “The story is remarkably deep and the game has some of the best writing in video games.”
    • “KOTOR II is a story about the nature of the Force itself, exploring themes of redemption, loss, and the consequences of power.”
    • “There are significant parts of the story that feel incomplete, and the ending leaves several plot threads unresolved.”
    • “The story is a convoluted mess.”
    • “The story completely flew over my head as a 15-year-old non-native English speaker.”
  • gameplay
    2,101 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "KOTOR II" is often described as an evolution of its predecessor, maintaining the core turn-based combat mechanics while introducing new features like the influence system and expanded character customization. While some players appreciate the strategic depth and RPG elements, many note that the gameplay feels dated and can be buggy, with a few expressing frustration over its clunky mechanics and pacing issues. Overall, despite its flaws, the game is praised for its engaging story and character development, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

    • “Gameplay-wise, it plays much like KOTOR: a revised 3rd-edition D&D ruleset with some tweaks since the first game.”
    • “The gameplay is a lot of fun, and the graphical updates over the originals are pretty good as well.”
    • “Gameplay retains the core real-time-with-pause combat and d20 mechanics of the original, but Obsidian adds refinements that improve pacing and flexibility.”
    • “The gameplay is atrocious, but this may be the greatest Star Wars Legends story you will ever experience.”
    • “The gameplay is very dated and not fun.”
    • “The gameplay is clunky and dated, the combat uses a D&D 3.5 derivative, but for a game released in the early 2000s, this was an underrated masterpiece.”
  • graphics
    1,149 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "KOTOR II" are widely regarded as dated, reflecting its 2004 release, with many players noting that they do not meet modern standards. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm and art style, others find the visuals can detract from immersion, especially in cutscenes. However, the modding community offers various enhancements that can significantly improve the graphical experience, making it more palatable for contemporary players. Overall, while the graphics may not impress, the game's compelling story and gameplay often overshadow this aspect.

    • “The graphics improved a little from KOTOR, so that's nice.”
    • “Despite the passage of 21 years since its release, the graphics in KOTOR 2 have aged well.”
    • “Visually, while the graphics may show their age, the game's art direction and atmospheric design still hold a unique charm.”
    • “Sorry, I know you guys really like your graphics, but Battlefront 2 and the newer games just feel like museums of Star Wars rather than actual Star Wars games.”
    • “My only concern with the graphics would be the horrendous low-poly blaster weapons, and I would of course encourage you to download/subscribe to the mod for high-quality blasters.”
    • “The graphics are dated. I know this is a mean thing to critique for a game as old as this one, and also that there are a variety of mods you can download that would address this, but it is something that can take you out of the game and break your immersion.”
  • stability
    792 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of "Knights of the Old Republic II" is widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and game-breaking issues that can severely disrupt gameplay. Many reviews emphasize the necessity of using the "Restored Content Mod" to mitigate these problems, as the original release was rushed and left unfinished. While some players still find enjoyment in the game despite its flaws, the consensus is that it remains a notably unstable experience, often requiring frequent saving and troubleshooting.

    • “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.”
    • “This game is a buggy, incomplete mess of a game.”
    • “The game is buggy and incomplete, but mods resolve all but the most nitpicky of bugs and have restored a majority of the intended content.”
    • “The game is a glitchy, buggy mess, with some of the best written characters ever.”
  • replayability
    356 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts high replayability, with players praising its diverse character builds, multiple endings, and the impact of choices on the storyline. Many reviews highlight the enjoyment of exploring different paths, such as light and dark side alignments, and the addition of mods that enhance the experience further. While some players note that the game's linearity and abrupt ending can detract from replay value, the overall consensus is that the rich narrative and character interactions make it a game worth revisiting multiple times.

    • “It took me just 35 hours to get through the game doing everything I could find, and there's a lot of replay value due to the nice variety of classes and companions, the nonlinear structure in the middle, multiple solutions to quests, and, of course, choosing between the light side and dark side.”
    • “The characters are richly developed, and the dialogue is sharp, offering tons of replayability.”
    • “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.”
    • “Choices in this game actually matter, by the way, so the replayability value is astonishing.”
  • music
    266 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its ability to evoke the iconic Star Wars atmosphere, with many praising Mark Griskey's compositions for their emotional depth and fitting tone. While some tracks are noted for being repetitive, the overall soundtrack is described as beautiful and atmospheric, enhancing the game's darker narrative and immersive experience. Many players express nostalgia for the music, highlighting its role in creating memorable moments throughout the gameplay.

    • “The soundtrack, while maintaining its tone, is still distinct and memorable, above all, reinforcing its Star Wars identity.”
    • “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 soundtrack is ultimately forgettable.”
    • “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.”
    • “The soundtrack is awful.”
  • atmosphere
    196 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of *KOTOR II* is widely praised for its dark, immersive, and complex tone, effectively capturing the essence of the *Star Wars* universe while introducing a more mature and philosophical narrative. Players appreciate the game's rich sound design, unique environments, and the emotional weight of its story, which evokes feelings of dread and moral ambiguity. Despite some technical shortcomings, the game's atmosphere remains a standout feature, drawing players into a compelling and often bleak galaxy filled with intricate characters and deep lore.

    • “The atmosphere, the existential dread, the suspense, and all of it wrapped up in the old EU (Legends) lore that many original die-hard Star Wars fans loved for years before the new Disney canon.”
    • “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 dark, quiet, and oppressive, with a galaxy that feels like it’s already lost.”
    • “The atmosphere is a lot darker than in the original, and the somewhat simple morality system typical for Star Wars is replaced by a lot of shades of grey.”
    • “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.”
  • character development
    144 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in "KOTOR II" is widely praised for its complexity and depth, with many reviewers highlighting the intricate backstories and personal growth arcs of companions influenced by player choices. The narrative explores philosophical themes and moral ambiguity, making character interactions and development central to the gameplay experience. While some critiques mention inconsistencies and a lack of development for certain characters, the overall consensus is that the game offers one of the richest character development experiences in the Star Wars universe and RPGs in general.

    • “The character development is exceptional, with companions who have their own intricate backstories and personal growth arcs influenced by the player's choices.”
    • “Its exploration of moral ambiguity and complex character development make it a must-play for any fan of the Star Wars universe and RPG enthusiasts seeking a deeper, more contemplative experience.”
    • “A masterpiece of storytelling and character development, this is a thoroughly enjoyable RPG.”
    • “Even though the influence mechanic was introduced, 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.”
    • “The mechanics feel pretty good for the most part, but the plot and character development leave a lot to be desired.”
  • grinding
    115 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding certain sections, particularly the early stages and specific planets, to be tedious and repetitive. While some players appreciate the depth of the story and character interactions, they often note that the combat and quest design can feel drawn out and lacking in excitement, leading to a sense of monotony. Overall, while the game offers engaging narratives, the grinding elements can detract from the experience, especially for those seeking a more streamlined gameplay.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It has 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 alright (it's still a d20, but it doesn't feel as random as KOTOR 1.)”
    • “And it has no grinding or repetition!”
    • “The beginning of the game on the Peragus station is long and tedious - we are on the run, bombarded with a flurry of information about past events, which ultimately have no impact on the plot.”
    • “KOTOR 2 is one of the best Star Wars stories...but I have one huge personal caveat: the Odyssey engine is the most janky and tedious experience in RPG gaming history.”
    • “The quests are never grindy, and usually require a bit of searching, talking, or fighting.”
  • humor
    102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying the witty dialogue, quirky characters, and darkly comedic moments throughout the narrative. Characters like HK-47 and Atton provide memorable one-liners and humorous interactions, while the game's exploration of light and dark side choices often leads to hilariously absurd situations. Overall, the blend of clever writing and character banter contributes to a rich, entertaining experience that keeps players engaged.

    • “The classic light side vs dark side morality is back—still extreme and sometimes hilariously unhinged on the dark side.”
    • “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.”
    • “The characters are complex, their agendas are fascinating, plus HK and Atton are pretty hilarious.”
  • optimization
    84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant performance issues, including FPS drops, crashes, and bugs, particularly on modern hardware. While some users noted improvements with mods and patches that enhance compatibility and resolution, others found the game poorly optimized overall, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. Despite these challenges, a few players reported smoother performance on specific platforms, suggesting that optimization can vary widely depending on the setup.

    • “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.”
    • “Steam version of KOTOR 2 is better optimized than the first.”
    • “Absolutely terrible performance, avoid this at all costs. It does not work with modern hardware in the slightest.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized most of the time, leading to frustrating experiences.”
    • “Despite modern hardware, enabling antialiasing and/or anisotropic filtering degrades framerate considerably, especially when smoke or similar effects are visible.”
  • emotional
    78 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Knights of the Old Republic II" is widely praised for its deep, introspective storytelling and complex character development, often leaving players with a lasting impact. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to explore themes of trauma, morality, and emotional intimacy, creating a melancholic and thought-provoking experience that resonates long after gameplay. While some note that it lacks the emotional payoff of its predecessor, the overall consensus is that it offers a unique and profound emotional journey within the Star Wars universe.

    • “This introspective quality gives the game an emotional gravity rarely matched in the genre.”
    • “The story is amazing with constant twists and great emotional moments, and the characters are all truly wonderful as well, whether it's NPCs on each planet you can go to, or your companions that you can build relationships with via the influence system; everything is great.”
    • “Kotor II explores themes that no other Star Wars story got close to touching, even the first one.”
    • “Clunky, unresponsive controls, bugs everywhere, slightly boring story, and an ending that just drags on forever.”
  • monetization
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game is highly praised, as it features no DLC or microtransactions, allowing players to enjoy the experience without worrying about in-game purchases. Additionally, excellent mod support enhances gameplay without additional costs, reminiscent of a pre-microtransaction era. Overall, players appreciate the straightforward and wallet-friendly approach to monetization.

    • “There’s no DLC, no microtransactions, and mod support is excellent.”
    • “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 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—full of advertising and the product is subpar—but everyone's nostalgia from before they could see how shallow this game is makes them think it's a 5-star gourmet feast. If you were thinking about getting this, do it for $3 or less.”
Skip Critic Reviews

81%Critics’ scoreBased on 22 critic reviews
Skip Game Offers

Buy Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords

40h Median play time
88h Average play time
31h Main story
53h Completionist
16-72h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 63 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords

Games Like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic Image
92%24.5kreviews

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic

2003Open World Role Playing
Nintendo SwitchAndroidXbox+10
Dragon Age: Origins Image
86%17.4kreviews

Dragon Age: Origins

2009Open World Role Playing
Playstation 3Xbox 360Gog Com+10
Mass Effect Image
90%63.8kreviews

Mass Effect

2020Open World Role Playing Shooter
Playstation 3Xbox 360Epic Games+12
Baldur's Gate 2 Image
83%6.3kreviews

Baldur's Gate 2

2013Role Playing
Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 4Xbox+10
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines ImageVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines ImageVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines Image
90%20.4kreviews

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

2007Open World Role Playing
PCWindows
More games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
Skip Game News

Todd Howard says Obsidian was "the only choice" for Fallout: New Vegas – aside from the studios' Fallout DNA, devs did "something similar" with Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2

January 3 on gamesradar.com

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 is Apparently Getting a “Full, Modern Remake”

December 9 on gamingbolt.com

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 Remake Plans Revealed as KOTOR 1 Reimagining Continues Development at Saber

December 8 on ign.com

A "full remake" of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 with "modern gameplay" and an improved ending is "on the road map," according to Lucasfilm Games exec

December 8 on gamesradar.com

A Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 2 Remake Was In Development

December 8 on insider-gaming.com
Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords is a open world role playing game with science fiction theme.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac OS, Phone and others.

The main story can be completed in around 31 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 53 hours to finish. On average players spend around 88 hours playing Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords was released on August 22, 2012.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords was developed by Obsidian Entertainment.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords is a single player game.

Similar games include Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age: Origins, Mass Effect, Baldur's Gate 2, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines and others.