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

 PC
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  1. Worth Playing
    95
    The epic struggles of the universe are told in a cinematic, moving style. The interpersonal conflicts are brought out through rich dialogue and well thought-out storytelling.
  2. eToychest
    94
    On the other side of the presentation scale, the music is absolutely brilliant. The Star Wars films have set a high bar for any derivative material, but, thankfully, this game lives up to the challenge.
  3. Game Chronicles
    93
    Obsidian hasn’t strayed from a proven formula but they have added a few interesting and subtle touches that will delight RPG fans and Star Wars fan alike.
  5. Gamer's Hell
    92
    A masterpiece. It is more than a worthy successor to the original game, and it continues the strong tradition that Bioware started with an epic space opera of morality and thought provoking decisions that affect the lives of both individuals and entire cultures.
  6. GamePro
    90
    Make no mistake; this is the definitive version of KOTOR II.
  7. GameBiz
    90
    Well written, well composed, and full of imaginative ideas, if perhaps lacking a little polishing on the integration of those ideas.
  8. Play.tm
    90
    The quality of the characters, story and writing is the biggest draw as far as I was concerned and is certainly the game's greatest strength. The characters are full of quirks, idiosyncrasies and flaws, making them seem like realistic individuals rather than the tool of a games designer.
  9. Computer Gaming World
    90
    This is a very good follow-up to the best single-player role-playing game in years, and that's OK with me. KOTOR II is a big, often complex, mature piece of storytelling—and I'll take it over anything that's been onscreen with the Star Wars name in 25 years.
  10. Boomtown
    90
    With around 50 hours (if you play both sides) of immersive RPGing and several different possible conclusions for both Dark and Light side players, you’re getting good value for money. Just try not to sweat the ending too much.
    All this publication's reviews
  11. GameZone
    89
    While it falters a little on the technical front in terms of graphics, KOTOR 2 is a great game that takes the classic gameplay of the original game and expands it with a brand new story and 30 to 40 more hours of gameplay.
  12. Computer Games Online RO
    89
    The game’s finale however left me a little disappointed, because it ends too abruptly, leaving behind more questions than answers.
  13. PC Format
    89
    An adult plot, new techniques to unlock your team's back-story, exciting levels and planets, divergent light and dark paths, and a black sense of humor all contribute to a nicely rounded RPG. [Apr 2005, p.94]
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  14. Computer and Video Games
    88
    This was a feature of the first game, but here you can turn even the most peaceable follower of the Light into a bitter and twisted receptacle of evil. Kind of. [PC Zone]
  15. IGN
    87
    More importantly, all these mechanics -- the moral slider, the influence system, combat, etc. -- are surrounded by a first rate story that's almost as mythic and fantastic as the films themselves.
  16. PC Gamer
    87
    Sith Lords tends to exaggerate the best features and few flaws of its predecessor. Its environments are still linear and some are less polished, but the combat, character interactions, and story are all terrific. [Apr 2005, p.62]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Game Over Online
    87
    Some of the magic wasn’t there this time, whether because KOTOR II is a sequel using a similar engine, thus removing the novelty of the game, or perhaps because Obsidian tried to do too much in the game, and the things that don’t quite work or that were cut out due to time constraints have a negative influence.
  18. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    86
    Whether you’ve played the first or not, KotOR 2 offers a complete RPG experience – with a full bodied story, a good experience points system and combat that’s fairly satisfying.
  19. GameSpot
    85
    It's remarkable that the game's quest is every bit as big and complex as the original's. On the other hand, some unsightly technical issues and a general feeling of déjà vu will probably prevent you from feeling as strongly about The Sith Lords as you did or still do about the first game.
  20. CPUGamer
    84
    The combat system, while boring at first, became much more appreciable once your party begins to grow in size.
  21. Game Revolution
    83
    Despite some slightly dated looks, the deep plot will draw you in and the near-invincible power will continuously tempt you to the Dark side. I can't make any promises for "Episode III," but The Sith Lords will not disappoint.
  22. My Gamer
    82
    It’s an effective sequel that makes the statement “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” ring true.
  23. PC Gameworld
    81
    there’s nothing new or innovative in this sequel and thus is merely a good RPG. Fans of the original will probably find the story enjoyable but will feel like they are just replaying "KOTOR" with a different story.
  24. GameSpy
    80
    As good as the storyline and basic gameplay are, there are more than a few issues that keep this game from reaching the bar set by the first KotOR. The first: bugs. There a lot of them; most are just annoying, but a few are deadly.
  25. Armchair Empire
    80
    While in many ways this is a good thing, the weaker storyline detracts from its overall enjoyability.
  26. The Sydney Morning Herald
    80
    More new elements would have been welcome, but The Sith Lords is another epic and fascinating Star Wars adventure.
  27. Times Online
    80
    The visuals in this classy RPG are solid, while the level design and locations alternate between the inspired and the merely functional.
  28. Gamer.tv
    80
    Very much Star Wars but this time with a lot of added depth, care, and a complete absence of laziness.
  29. Detroit Free Press
    75
    But to get to all that good story, you're going to have to get past repetitive action and frequent bugs. If you experienced the combat in the first game, you'll find that it's almost identical this time through.
  30. ActionTrip
    73
    All I know is that the horrible performance, a few random crashes, and other minor bugs have severely diminished my enjoyment of an otherwise addictive and excellently written Star Wars RPG.
  31. GameShark
    70
    A really good RPG, but only if you’re part of the lucky minority that can run the game with none of the huge technical problems everyone else is suffering from.
  32. Thunderbolt
    70
    The interesting decisions and the gripping characters still manage to hook their addictive claws into the player and almost make it easy forget about the game’s many shortcomings. In this case, “almost” is good enough.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PC Game of 2005
10
#10 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
10
#10 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 960 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 800 out of 960
  2. Mixed: 112 out of 960
  3. Negative: 48 out of 960
  1. AndrewB
    Feb 16, 2005
    10
    I usually don't go into sites like this and rate my favorite game, but after seeing the rating I felt I had to give my opinion: this is I usually don't go into sites like this and rate my favorite game, but after seeing the rating I felt I had to give my opinion: this is simply one of the best RPGs I've played. Amazing interface, plotline, and interactivity. I have not been this impressed by a game in a long time.… Full Review »
  2. Tsuichoi
    Feb 6, 2013
    10
    The pinnacle of the RPG genre, KOTOR II gives the player a diverse array of complex characters, a rich and exotic universe, and a deepThe pinnacle of the RPG genre, KOTOR II gives the player a diverse array of complex characters, a rich and exotic universe, and a deep fulfilling plot that will keep you thinking (and maybe--hopefully, even replaying) long after you've put your controller down. It begins steeped in thee unknown, with your arrival aboard a badly damaged derelict ship under mysterious circumstances, headed for an abandoned mining facility, you are quickly tasked, much like the games predecessor, to reveal your origins, and unveil the secrets surround your past and peer into the greater scope of the plot itself. Observing the surroundings as you go through the game, learning about the peoples and cultures you find yourself in the midst of, you may very well become overwhelmed by the wealth of characters you encounter, many who may reference a history your unfamiliar with. If you've played the previous title, or read any of the comics, you'll be aided to some extent in your quest for self-discovery with the prior knowledge of events that have had a profound effect on the peoples and environments you come across. (like a planet, ruined by the conflict that takes place in the first game) yet even if you have not, dont let this discourage you. These additions are largely atmospheric and text related, and will not significantly hinder you in your journey. The planets you travel to are well designed, thought out, and written. I found myself so capitivated by the strange and ordinary figures i encountered, that i constantly lost track of what the hell the main objective was i'm supposed to accomplish. More intriguing then that is your own companions. From the cryptically cynical, to comically murderous, no two characters in KOTOR II are alike. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find one that shares any noticeable similarities at all- in Mannerism, ideology, humor, or communication. One of the new features added from the original that adds to the relationship you have with these characters is influence. As the plot progresses you will be challenged at one point or another with one more dilemma after the other. What one praises you for the other might scorn. The higher standing you are with one, the more dialogue options become possible, and the lower, the less. The former, revealing fascinating insights into the supporting lore, their personal thoughts and stories, as well as even their most closely guarded secrets. The voice acting is exceptional, and adds a feeling of immersion that no technological marvels of graphic improvement could achieve. The plot is a dark, engrossing, well crafted and most of all original, drawing its strength from a number of story-telling aspects, from political drama, to a psychological thriller filled with unexpected twists, to its bits of comic relief, and surprisingly deep, philosophic moments of reflection, there's really a little something for everyone that really serves to open up the game to a broader audience. Overall, i can say with confidence, that this has been my favorite game i have had the pleasure of playing to date. I can not recommend it enough, and can truly say, its a wonder unto itself, a one of a kind piece that is the equal or greater of any classical example of literature of film. Its doesnt shine with the unfathomable graphic advances we have come to feel entitled to, and it may have been cut short due at the crunch time of development and thus feel awkwardly unfinished at times, yet once you can get over that, your in for a great time you wont soon forget.… Full Review »
  3. AndymanMessiah
    Mar 23, 2011
    9
    A bit buggy, partially unfinished and still it managed to be better than the first game? Well, to be fair it's not difficult to surpassA bit buggy, partially unfinished and still it managed to be better than the first game? Well, to be fair it's not difficult to surpass Bioware in almost every department. Bioware delivered a story about a Disney villain trying to take over the galaxy with a plot twist so utterly laughable and obvious that I can't imagine people didn't see it after the opening credits roll. KOTOR2 is not just about the ancient lurking evil coming to take over the galaxy. It's about a jedi knight finding out about his/her connection the force and learning about the responsibilities of always acting the neutral party. It's an enjoyable journey to say the least and you're not going to think it's unfinished until after you've finished it. If you do want to put the unfinished stuff back in, there's a patch out there for you.… Full Review »
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