A long time ago in a galaxy far far away....
PUBLISHER: LucasArts
RELEASE: December 6, 2004 (Original); April 26, 2018 (Xbox One Backwards Compatibility)
LANGUAGE: English, French, German, Spanish (UI only), Italian (UI only)
GENRE: Role-Playing
MODE: Single-player
PRICE: $9.99
At this point you might be asking yourself, "AlexFlame116, how DARE you even associate this lowly game with the greatness (or trash depending on your certain point of view) that is The Last Jedi?! You're on the ignore list now!" or something along those lines. But in my humble opinion, The Sith Lords really was The Last Jedi before The Last Jedi ever came out! Both in tone, and in reception. Not review score wise, but more how the fans reacted to it. Even when you leave the unfinished parts behind, the tone of The Sith Lords was vastly different compared to previous Star Wars games. This was a game where the bad guys had technically already won, and that the Jedi were already on the brink of extinction with you being the last known Jedi left.
The game is in some ways, borderline depressing. There's a sense of anguish rooted in the game and in the characters. Gone are the heroic Jedi vs Sith conflicts and the fulfilling endings of before (and that one you can take literally). While KOTOR 1 was more of the classical Star Wars games we all know and love, KOTOR 2 took a more philosophical approach to the journey of light and dark. The lore itself was changed because of this game and fans either applaud it as one of the greatest Star Wars stories ever told, while others call it a sorry excuse of a KOTOR sequel.
But first let's do a bit of catching up on the events prior to The Sith Lords!
In Knights of The Old Republic, people played as the Padawan, a former soldier who later on trains to become a Jedi with the help of the Jedi Bastila Shan. Bastila, sensing great potential in him and knowing about the visions that he's been having, visions that replay the downfall of the former Sith Lord Darth Revan and the rise of Darth Malak, requests to the Jedi Council located in Dantooine to approve him as being worthy to be trained. During his training, Bastila reveals to the Padawan the location of the ruins where Revan and Malak had gone to discover something terrible. There, the two discover something called a Star Map, one of many relics left behind by an ancient empire known as the Rakatan. These maps, though created mostly as a display of the Rakatan's glory, also pinpoint the exact location of the Star Forge, an ancient facility with the ability to produce mass amounts of starships in moments.
The Padawan, Bastila, and a host of other characters then head off to find the remaining Star Maps in hopes of finding the Star Forge before Darth Malak gets his hands on it. Heading out to the four planets (Tatooine, Kashyyyk, Manaan, and Korriban) the Padawan gets stronger in the Force and forms a bond with Bastila. But as they finish finding all of the Star Maps and prepare to return to Dantooine to report their findings, they are captured by Darth Malak's flagship, the Leviathan. Onboard, as they try to escape, they finally encounter Darth Malak himself, who gives the shocking revelation (seriously, when this game first came out, this was one of the biggest reveals that we have ever had! Such an amazing plot twist!) that the Padawan....... was actually Darth Revan himself.
"Besides, I had to see for myself if it was true. Even now I can hardly believe my eyes... tell me, why did the Jedi spare you? Is it vengeance you seek at this reunion? …. What? Ha-ha-ha! You mean you don't know? Ha-ha-ha! All this time, and you still haven't figured it out? Ha-ha-ha! I wonder how long you would have stayed blind to the truth? Surely some of what you once were must have surfaced by now. Even the combined power of the Jedi Council couldn't keep your true identity buried forever, could it? You cannot hide from what you once were, Revan! Recognize that you were once the Dark Lord – and know that I have taken your place!" - Malak
The shock of the revelation caused Revan to falter for a bit, and Bastila, in a moment of determination, stood her ground against Malak while the others lead Revan out to safety. Though conflicted at who he once was, Revan decided to continue on with the mission to find the Star Forge, and now with Bastila in danger, to rescue her as well.
The Padawan, Bastila, and a host of other characters then head off to find the remaining Star Maps in hopes of finding the Star Forge before Darth Malak gets his hands on it. Heading out to the four planets (Tatooine, Kashyyyk, Manaan, and Korriban) the Padawan gets stronger in the Force and forms a bond with Bastila. But as they finish finding all of the Star Maps and prepare to return to Dantooine to report their findings, they are captured by Darth Malak's flagship, the Leviathan. Onboard, as they try to escape, they finally encounter Darth Malak himself, who gives the shocking revelation (seriously, when this game first came out, this was one of the biggest reveals that we have ever had! Such an amazing plot twist!) that the Padawan....... was actually Darth Revan himself.
"Besides, I had to see for myself if it was true. Even now I can hardly believe my eyes... tell me, why did the Jedi spare you? Is it vengeance you seek at this reunion? …. What? Ha-ha-ha! You mean you don't know? Ha-ha-ha! All this time, and you still haven't figured it out? Ha-ha-ha! I wonder how long you would have stayed blind to the truth? Surely some of what you once were must have surfaced by now. Even the combined power of the Jedi Council couldn't keep your true identity buried forever, could it? You cannot hide from what you once were, Revan! Recognize that you were once the Dark Lord – and know that I have taken your place!" - Malak
The shock of the revelation caused Revan to falter for a bit, and Bastila, in a moment of determination, stood her ground against Malak while the others lead Revan out to safety. Though conflicted at who he once was, Revan decided to continue on with the mission to find the Star Forge, and now with Bastila in danger, to rescue her as well.
The rest? Well, I don't want to spoil the actual ending since it ties to The Sith Lords. Just know that if you haven't played KOTOR 1 yet, you owe to yourself to buy it ASAP and play it! But since you're still here, let's move on to the sequel.
It is a perilous time for the
galaxy. A brutal civil war has
all but destroyed the Jedi
Order, leaving the ailing
Republic on the verge of
collapse.
Amid the turmoil, the evil
Sith have spread acorss the
galaxy, hunting down and
destroying the remaining
Jedi Knights.
Narrowly escaping a deadly
Sith ambush, the last known
Jedi clings to life aboard a
battered freighter near the
ravaged world of Peragus...
Five years after the events of the first Knights of the Old Republic, the Sith Lords have hunted the Jedi to the edge of extinction and are on the verge of crushing the Old Republic. With the Jedi Order in ruin, the Republic's only hope is a lone Jedi struggling to reconnect with the Force. As this Jedi, you will be faced with the galaxy's most dire decision: Follow the light side or succumb to the dark…
The Exile:
"Is that job offer for saving the Republic still open?"
(I am aware that The Exile now has a canon name and gender, but considering that that wasn't decided until The Old Republic released, and since the original promotional art for The Sith Lords portrayed a male Exile, I am going to use the Frisk and Chara approach)
A former Jedi general who once served under Revan in the Mandalorian Wars, before being cast out of the Order. The Exile was on their way to return to the Republic after the end of the Jedi Civil War as this game begins. This poor fellow has A LOT of baggage. They are the definition of "more than meets the eye". Oh yeah and also, they were cut out from their connection to the Force before it became cool. Take that Luke!
Kreia:
"Take the greatest Jedi Knight, strip away the Force, and what remains? They rely on it. Depend on it, more than they know. Watch as one tries to hold a blaster, as they try to hold a lightsaber, and you will see nothing more than a woman – or a man. A child."
A mysterious old woman who meets The Exile in the Peragus Mining Facility. A powerful Force sensitive user, Kreia acts as your mentor throughout your journey to restore order to the Republic, helping your character reestablish their connection to the Force. While her motives are initially shrouded in mystery, you'll find that Kreia can be your greatest ally, or your greatest enemy. She's also a big hypocrite. The coolest thing is that she has a force bond with The Exile, the same like the one that Ben Solo and Rey share.
Atton Rand:
"Are you an angel? Aw, I'm just kidding. That's the worst line I've ever used. Hope some poor kid doesn't start using it."
A scoundrel smuggler that you meet aboard the Peragus Mining Facility. One has to wonder what goes on in his head at times. Being desperate for allies in the hostile facility, you and Atton team up to escape, taking off in the Ebon Hawk. But don't worry. He may have a sharp tongue, and he may not always be the most willing party member, but he's got a good heart and he's very loyal. As long as you're willing to listen. He's also freaking hilarious and is probably the funnest party member to have around!
Bao-Dur:
"I'll take the stupid one who decided to threaten us rather than shoot us when he had the chance."
A Zebrak who was an engineer assisting The Exile during the Mandelorian Wars as an engineer and a combat technician. Nowadays he spends his time helping out the Ithorians in returning the planet Telos to it's former beauty. He has a long history with The Exile, and constantly calls them General even if The Exile requests that he stops. He may sound dull, but he's quite unique, and is a prime example of being afraid of the quiet ones.
The Handmaiden:
"Pulling a... Bindo?"
One of the many handmaidens that Master Atris has, she is unique in that she is ostracized for being different oddly enough. She joins The Exile to keep watch on him under commands from Atris. Though at first suspicious of you, eventually she can be persuaded to see you in a different light. A master of the Echani combat, she will gladly teach you what she knows if you ask nicely. She's quite the green-eyed monster as well! She is only available as a party member if The Exile is a male.
Visas Marr:
"My life for yours."
The sole survivor of the Miraluka race after Darth Nihilus consumed the planet. Though at first sent to kill you by the demonic Sith Lord, you have the option of sparing her life. Doing so will give you one of the most loyal companions you could have, even going as far as declaring The Exile as her new master. Devoted to your every beck and call, she'll even die for you if you so desired. But why let her die? She may look aloof but she's a real nice girl so be kind. Just not too kind in front of a certain someone.
Mira:
"It's simple - when you want a man, you jab him with a Bothan Stunner, then while he's screaming in pain, slap some stun cuffs on him."
A bounter hunter whom you encounter on the planet Nar Shaddaa. She's different from her fellow hunters due to her preferrence of taking her quarries alive rather than dead – which is good news for The Exile! Being pursued by a crazy Wookie named Hanharr, she joins your party after rescuing you from the Exchange. She's actually a very useful party member and can be quite powerful when using blasters. She also has a great sibling like relationship with The Exile! Only available to light-side or neutral Exiles though.
The Disciple:
"No, Atton, I think it may be a trap!"
A Republic scholar who has a fascination for the Jedi. He doesn't harbor hatred for the fallen Order like some others do. He encounters The Exile on Dantoonie, in the ruins of the Jedi Enclave, where he is searching for lost holocrons. The dude is a goody two shoes and it's adorable how he stumbles over his own words when speaking to The Exile, much to Atton's jealousy. He is only available as a party member if The Exile is a female.
The combat of Knights of the Old Republic II is identical to its predecessor. Several new lightsaber forms were added to the game. Each of them is useful for a different situation. For example, one is best for enemies using blaster weapons, while another would be good for recovering from using Force powers. You can use a variety of melee and ranged weapons, including swords and blasters. Fighting unarmed is also an option if you choose to go that route. Once you reach a certain level in the game, a new addition to the game are "prestige classes" are available for you. They are add-ons to the Jedi classes that were established in the first game. They allow the you to excel in lightsaber combat or Force powers, depending on your choice.
Like the first game, The Exile can travel with up to two party members at a time, which gain experience points at the same rate as the player character. Equipment and perks for party characters can be selected for different statistical effects or abilities. Players can loot them dead bodies and various objects in the environment.
One new feature that stands out from the original is the influence system. You as The Exile have the ability to "influence" your party members; by doing things that impress them, you increase their influence with them. Depending on the level of influence, party members may support The Exile unconditionally or turn against them in crucial moments. The best part is that you can also exploit high influence by drawing party members to either the light side or the dark side, with some characters getting the option to be trained to use the Force.
KOTOR II is, for all intents and purposes, an unfinished game, especially on the XBOX with it's lack of mods. Something you'll definitely notice later on in the game. I won't spoil anything, but you'll quickly see what I mean as you reach the end. Which is a huge shame since the game had the potential of truly being an astounding piece of work had LucasArts given it the time it needed rather than rushing it to be released for the holiday season. That being said, I still wholeheartedly recommend playing through it. It's quite possibly my favorite Star Wars game due to how different it feels. I first played it on the Xbox years ago and quickly fell in love with it.
LAST PIECE OF ADVICE I CAN GIVE YOU IS EVEN THOUGH PARAGUS SUCKS AND IS A HUGE CHORE TO GET THROUGH, PLEASE STICK TO IT AND PUSH THROGH THAT LEVEL! IT GETS BETTER IN MY OPINION!
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