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

Few sequels can exist in a vacuum, and so the immediate burning question is: which is the superior title? KOTOR I or KOTOR II? With begrudging admittance, it is the former, for the latter lacks the same level of cohesion due to having been released in an incomplete state. KOTOR II is so fragmented that it has come to rely on a mod (abbreviated as TSLRCM) to be restored. While modding surely elevates the game above its' already "all time classic" status, new players cannot be expected to know they would need mods for a proper "full" or "originally intended" experience. Therefore, this review will reflect on the game in its' default state... and that state suffers twofold: •Firstly, with narrative loose ends that leave a player unsatisfied. A prime example would be with the companion HK-47, who alludes to a potential questline that would be meaningful to the character but doesn't actually exist. •Secondly, with hysterically noticeable glitches. This is something I wouldn't typically point out if it weren't for the fact one such glitch forcibly and entirely skipped each dialogue sequences during the FINAL conflict, leaving me with no context aside from my reply options. However, when KOTOR II is at its' best, it is the best of both KOTORs. The writing is genius. The narrative is that of a paradox, chastised by purist fans as a divisive dissection of the very core of what gives Star Wars its' identity... But this is a half-truth. Through wrestling with its' identity it embraces it with an intensity and nuance never seen before, making player choices all the more palpable, all the more in line with the belief system of The Force: •To walk the path of the Jedi is to rebel against persecution, doubt, suffering, and the shackles of old sins— and in so doing offer a steading hand to the staggered soul of a wounded galaxy. •To walk the path of the Sith is to twist the dagger, to revel in the sculpting of your own supremacy, casting down not only all rivals but fate itself— to obtain vain, intemperate freedom. P.S. The "influence" system will likely feel esoteric or convoluted. There are only so many opportunities to gain or lose these friendship points, so unless you plan to play with a guide in your lap, I'd say just spend time with your favorite companions and let the rest burn.