SW KOTOR Pt. 3
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic: A Retrospective — Part 3
Hold onto your lightsabers, my fellow Jedi!
Yep, it’s finally here. The third installment of my musings on one of the best games ever. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 here if you need to catch up.
We’re delving back into the awesomeness that is Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). This classic role-playing game, developed by BioWare and published by LucasArts in 2003 (20 years ago!), is a fan-favorite for a reason: it takes place 4,000 years before the original trilogy, introducing us to a whole new cast of characters and planets in the Star Wars universe.
And yes, I think Disney was irresponsible and shortsighted for making KOTOR uncanonized… (Don’t even get me started)
But let’s not stop at the storyline, oh no! KOTOR boasts some of the most iconic characters in video game history, with NPC companions who are more than just one-dimensional additions to your party. They have their own backstories, motivations, and quirks that make them feel like real people (well, real aliens and droids). And don’t even get me started on the character development — you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably feel more emotions than when watching the latest films.
I will say that I put the new TV show Andor on the level of KOTOR for great story development and characters.
Wait! Wait! there’s more!
The gameplay mechanics in KOTOR are on point, with a skill tree system that is deep and flexible, turn-based combat mechanics that are engaging, and non-combat gameplay mechanics that keep you on your toes. And let’s not forget about the voice acting — because what’s a good RPG without some expertly crafted voiceovers? The talented cast of voice actors in KOTOR bring the characters to life in a way that will have you feeling like you’re watching Clone Wars.
So buckle up, folks, because we’re about to embark on a journey that will take us to the depths of ancient temples, across the galaxy to fight the dark lords, and into the hearts of unforgettable characters.
May the Force be with us.
Storyline
Just a little recap for you: The overarching story of KOTOR revolves around a player-created character who becomes embroiled in a conflict between the Jedi Order and the Sith Empire. The game opens with the player character awakening on a Republic ship under attack by the Sith. After escaping, the player character meets up with a group of companions, including the Jedi Bastila Shan and the smuggler Carth Onasi, who accompany them throughout their journey.
After the PC escapes the Sith attack on Taris, they set out on a journey to find the Star Forge, an ancient artifact that the Sith are using to create an endless supply of ships, weapons, and droids. Along the way, they meet a diverse cast of characters, including the Canderous Ordo, the Wookiee Zaalbar, the droid T3-M4, and many others.
As the player character travels from planet to planet, they encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles. They must navigate political intrigue on the planet Manaan, fight or make a deal with the Sand People on the desert world of Tatooine, and explore the ruins of an ancient civilization on the jungle planet of Kashyyyk.
Throughout their journey, the player also grapples with the Force. The PC can choose to embrace the light side of the Force, using it to heal, protect, and inspire others, or they can succumb to the dark side, using it to dominate, control, and destroy.
And what do most people do… YEAH, they go DARK
As the player character draws closer to the Star Forge, they discover that they have a personal connection to the artifact and to the Sith Lord Darth Malak, who is leading the attack on the Republic.
Then you find out that you are DARTH REVAN!
The player character must confront their past and their destiny, choosing whether to stay true to their principles or succumb to the seductive power of the dark side.
In the game’s climactic final battle, the PC and their companions storm the Star Forge, fighting off hordes of Sith soldiers and dark Jedi. They finally face Darth Malak himself, engaging in a lightsaber duel to determine the fate of the galaxy.
The story of KOTOR is epic in scope and rich in detail, with memorable characters, thrilling action, and thought-provoking themes. It explores the nature of power, choice, and identity, and challenges players to consider the consequences of their actions. Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars or just a lover of great storytelling, KOTOR is an unforgettable experience.
Character Development
One of the strengths of KOTOR’s story is the deep and nuanced character development of its NPC companions. Throughout the game, the player character has the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of characters, each with their own unique personalities, backstories, and quests.
Bastila Shan, the first companion the player character meets, is a Jedi with a troubled past. She is strong-willed and independent but also struggling with her own inner demons. Through her interactions with the player character and the challenges they face together, Bastila learns to overcome her past and embrace her role as a Jedi or fall to the Dark Side.
Carth Onasi, a Republic soldier and one of the player character’s closest allies, is also dealing with his own emotional baggage. He is haunted by the loss of his wife and son in the war against the Sith, and struggles to trust others. As the player character earns Carth’s trust and helps him confront his past, he becomes a more loyal and supportive companion.
Zaalbar, a Wookiee warrior from Kashyyyk, is fiercely loyal to his people and his companion, Mission Vao. He is initially reluctant to trust the player character, but as they work together to save Kashyyyk from the clutches of the slaver Czerka Corporation, Zaalbar comes to see the player character as a true friend and ally.
HK-47, a droid assassin built by the Sith, is initially programmed to be hostile to the player character and their companions. However, as the player character reprograms HK-47 and engages in conversations with him, they learn that the droid is much more complex than he initially appears. HK-47 is a darkly humorous character, providing comic relief in the midst of the game’s more serious moments.
In addition to these core companions, the player character also encounters a variety of other characters with their own stories and motivations. Jolee Bindo, a cantankerous Jedi hermit, provides a unique perspective on the Force and the Jedi Order. Mission Vao, a spunky young Twi’lek, is a plucky and resourceful companion who helps the player character navigate the seedy underbelly of the galaxy.
The character development in KOTOR is rich and satisfying, with each companion growing and changing over the course of the game. The player character’s choices and interactions with their companions can deepen their relationships and unlock new quests and abilities. Whether you’re a fan of character-driven stories or just enjoy great RPGs, KOTOR’s companions are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Gameplay
The gameplay of KOTOR is a blend of turn-based combat and real-time exploration. The player character and their companions engage in battles with enemies using a variety of weapons, abilities, and Force powers. Outside of combat, the player character can interact with other characters, complete side quests, and explore the galaxy in their own spaceship, the Ebon Hawk.
One of the hallmarks of KOTOR’s gameplay is its rich and flexible skill tree system. Players can choose from a variety of skills and abilities to customize their characters, including combat skills like melee and ranged combat, technical skills like computer use and repair, and Force powers like healing and mind control.
In combat, KOTOR features a turn-based system that allows players to pause the action and issue commands to their characters. Players can choose from a variety of actions, including basic attacks, special abilities, and Force powers. Each character also has their own unique set of skills and abilities, allowing players to develop customized strategies for each encounter. I love being able to build a diverse team when gaming and KOTOR scratches that itch so well.
As players progress through the game, they earn experience points and level up, allowing them to improve their skills and abilities. The skill tree system is deep and complex, allowing players to create highly specialized characters with unique strengths and weaknesses.
KOTOR also features a variety of non-combat gameplay mechanics, including conversation trees and puzzle-solving. In conversations, players can choose from a variety of dialogue options to interact with NPCs and advance the story. The choices players make in these conversations can have significant consequences later in the game, affecting the outcome of quests and even the final ending.
Puzzle-solving also plays a key role in KOTOR, with players encountering a variety of challenges that require them to use their characters’ skills and abilities to overcome them. These puzzles range from simple lock-picking and computer-hacking challenges to more complex puzzles that require players to think creatively and strategically.
Overall, KOTOR’s gameplay is rich and satisfying, with a deep and flexible skill tree system, engaging turn-based combat mechanics, and a variety of non-combat gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged and challenged throughout the game. Whether you’re a fan of RPGs or just love Star Wars, KOTOR is an unforgettable experience.
Voice Acting
KOTOR is widely regarded as having some of the best voice acting in the history of video games. The game features a talented cast of voice actors who bring the game’s characters to life with their performances.
The most notable voice acting in KOTOR comes from the game’s NPCs, particularly the game’s companions. Each companion has a unique personality and backstory, and the voice actors do an excellent job of capturing these nuances in their performances. Whether it’s Jennifer Hale’s strong and confident portrayal of Bastila Shan or Raphael Sbarge’s emotionally charged performance as Carth Onasi, the voice acting in KOTOR is consistently top-notch.
The game’s villains are also portrayed with skill and nuance. Darth Malak, the game’s primary antagonist, is voiced by the talented Rafael Ferrer, who brings a sense of menace and power to the character. Other villains, such as the Sith Lords Darth Bandon, are also expertly voiced, with the actors imbuing these characters with a sense of evil and malice that makes them truly terrifying.
The voice acting in KOTOR is also notable for its attention to detail. Each character’s voice reflects their species and culture, with unique accents and inflections that help to create a sense of immersion in the game’s universe. Whether it’s the guttural growls of the Wookiee Zaalbar or the cultured tones of the Jedi Master Vrook Lamar, the voice acting in KOTOR helps to bring the game’s universe to life in a way that few other video games have been able to match.
The voice acting in KOTOR is a testament to the importance of good voice acting in video games. The game’s talented cast of voice actors helps to elevate the game’s story and characters, creating a truly unforgettable experience for fans of Star Wars and RPGs alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a masterpiece of video game storytelling, with an overarching story that spans the galaxy, a rich cast of characters with compelling backstories and nuanced character development, engaging gameplay mechanics, and top-notch voice acting.
The game’s story takes players on a journey through the Star Wars universe, from the ruins of Taris to the depths of the ancient Rakatan temple, and beyond. Along the way, players encounter a variety of characters, each with their own unique story and motivations, and must make choices that affect the outcome of the game’s story.
The game’s NPCs, particularly the companions, are among the most memorable in video game history, with complex backstories, nuanced character development, and expertly crafted voice acting that brings them to life in a way that few other video games have been able to match.
KOTOR’s gameplay mechanics are equally impressive, with a deep and flexible skill tree system, engaging turn-based combat mechanics, and a variety of non-combat gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged and challenged throughout the game.
Finally, the game’s voice acting is nothing short of extraordinary, with a talented cast of voice actors bringing the game’s characters to life with skill and nuance.
All of these elements combine to make Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic an unforgettable experience that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, RPGs, or just great storytelling, KOTOR is a must-play game that deserves a place in every gamer’s library.
Fly back in soon to read my insights on KOTOR 2, The Sith Lords!
