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

 PC
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
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  1. Traxillion
    Feb 21, 2021
    6
    Absolutely brilliant writing, world-building, and lore ruined by the incredible amount of cut content and rushed corners.

    LucasArts gutted a masterpiece by rushing this game out, as evident in the difference between playing this game without the cut content mod and with the cut content mod.
  2. JeremyE.
    May 5, 2007
    6
    A very unworthy sequel to the original. The gameplay was much improved, with all the item creation aspects being really pretty dang cool. And the graphics and such were pretty much exactly like the first, so I didn't really have any problem with that. The problem was that while the first game delivered an incredible story, this one barely had any story whatsoever. By the end of the A very unworthy sequel to the original. The gameplay was much improved, with all the item creation aspects being really pretty dang cool. And the graphics and such were pretty much exactly like the first, so I didn't really have any problem with that. The problem was that while the first game delivered an incredible story, this one barely had any story whatsoever. By the end of the game, I felt like the story had been put in place by a group of kids doing a school project or something. It was such a disappointment to see the KoToR legend almost certainly killed in this way.… Expand
  3. JonPlummer
    Feb 10, 2005
    6
    Looks like a great game. Story line is completting and while the graphics are a bit sub-par by today's standards, they get the job done. This is essentially the same game engine as the first game which I would give a 10 out of 10 any day of the week. Here's the thing - It's buggy, really buggy to the point where I have given up until a patch. That just is not acceptable,Looks like a great game. Story line is completting and while the graphics are a bit sub-par by today's standards, they get the job done. This is essentially the same game engine as the first game which I would give a 10 out of 10 any day of the week. Here's the thing - It's buggy, really buggy to the point where I have given up until a patch. That just is not acceptable, especially considering the engine is essentially the same. Wait for the patch! before attempting this game. I give it a 6 based on the promise it shows. I hope I'm right when I can eventually play it.… Expand
  4. Parvarteshwar
    Aug 16, 2011
    6
    KOTOR 2 has the misfortune of being named after an outstanding game. If it was a completely different Star Wars game it probably would have a better place in my heart but because it failed to live up to the expectations of its predecessor it will forever be doomed to sub-par. But even disregarding those failed expectations the game is simply average. Combat The melee combat is automaticKOTOR 2 has the misfortune of being named after an outstanding game. If it was a completely different Star Wars game it probably would have a better place in my heart but because it failed to live up to the expectations of its predecessor it will forever be doomed to sub-par. But even disregarding those failed expectations the game is simply average. Combat The melee combat is automatic and aside from occasional force spells is not very engrossing. The force spells are interesting and Force Lightning is always a blast but the melee feels like it could be done without you. If you started fighting and went to make a cup of tea the game might automatically win the fight for you before the kettle dings. You are really only needed for the more difficult fights and to move your characters from one encounter to the next. The main satisfaction is derived from waving around lightsabers.

    Dialogue
    There is enough dialogue to fill a book the size of War and Peace or a washer manual but instead of a plethora of well defined characters like Tolsky's masterpiece you find yourself talking to a washer manual with as much character as the soapy water within it. In the beginning there is plenty of people to meet but eventually you can predict what a characters next plot point will be 10 hours before it happens. I called the antagonist from the moment I met them and it was just a matter of time before my predictions were confirmed by their betrayal.

    Story
    In KOTOR you are a Sith Lord. In KOTOR 2 you are an old soldier. Why does the story need to exist? Who are you saving? What is your motivation? Why cant I just wave my lightsaber around for 20 hours? All these questions are unfortunately left unanswered and even unacknowledged. The plot is simply a device to move the character from one lightsaber battle to the next. I think the game wanted a character that anyone could relate to, a person with no outstanding qualities or past accomplishments that the player could then mold into an ultimate bad-ass. But there is no quest to save the galaxy or even defeat someone who is remotely capable of destroying a planet. You are simply a nobody who is trapped in the story of a nobody.

    In conclusion the only selling point of this game is the lightsabers. If you want to fantasize about yourself holding with a glowing hot stick then go for this game and skip all the dialogue and character interaction. But if you are looking for an engrossing and interactive game that will enhance your appreciation of the Star Wars universe then look elsewhere.    … Expand
  5. RaelShadow
    May 11, 2005
    6
    This game is a tough one to review because 75% of the game is great. Problem is...that last 25% is really, really bad...and made all the more painful by that wonderful first 75%...kind of like ice cream that tastes wonderful when it hits your tongue and swirls around your mouth...but right before you swallow, it sours and leaves you with an awful aftertaste. On the good side, the story This game is a tough one to review because 75% of the game is great. Problem is...that last 25% is really, really bad...and made all the more painful by that wonderful first 75%...kind of like ice cream that tastes wonderful when it hits your tongue and swirls around your mouth...but right before you swallow, it sours and leaves you with an awful aftertaste. On the good side, the story (um...except for that last 25% part) is interesting. The characters are more deeply developed. I like the new Influence factor, where you gain influence with characters enabling your light/dark shift to have a greater impact on their light/dark shift. The voice acting is good and the sounds effects are great. Put it this way...if I rated this game after playing about 75% of it, I would give it a 9. Then came the last 25%. The problem is that the game has these various plot lines...which are completely and utterly ignored at the end of the game. I mean...what is it with HK-47 and T4-M3? What is up with the voice lock on the navcomputer? What about the HK-50's - where are they coming from? And what happened to the rest of my crew? All this...and MUCH MUCH more...is left dangling. I imagine it would be like reading two-thirds of a good Tom Clancy novel, turning the page and reading, "And they all lived happily ever after...the end." In other words, when you get to the end of the game...go ahead and take a breath....sit back...and wait for the final closing cut-scene to bring everything together...and I guarantee....30 seconds later, you will be yelling at your monitor asking, "Is that it? Is that all there is?" Also, I should mention that the bad guys are incredibly easy to beat. My Sentinel would simply force up to Knight Speed, take 2 or 3 swings, and the fight would be over...and this was against the toughest opponents at the end of the game. NOTE: I should mention that I seemed to get more information about the plot playing the dark side than I did the light side...not much more, mind you, but more nonetheless. So...I give the game a 6 because 75% of the game is a 9, but the last 25% of the game is a 1 or 2...and that comes out to around 6. It is a game of such great potential with a totally, absolutely, incredibly unsatisfying ending.… Expand
  6. JohnM.
    Feb 16, 2005
    5
    Not bad, just exactly the same game as KotOR 1. And the RPG element is virtually nonexistant, as you're apparently given tons of options but in the end the results are about the same. Like the lightsaber setup options, their impact in the game is nonexistant. Good eye-candy, but using the same engine as the first game (after we've seen FarCry, Doom3, HL2 etc) makes it look dated Not bad, just exactly the same game as KotOR 1. And the RPG element is virtually nonexistant, as you're apparently given tons of options but in the end the results are about the same. Like the lightsaber setup options, their impact in the game is nonexistant. Good eye-candy, but using the same engine as the first game (after we've seen FarCry, Doom3, HL2 etc) makes it look dated and kinda shabby.… Expand
  7. JimmusMaximus
    Feb 14, 2005
    5
    Extremely mediocre. Couldn't this just have been an expansion pack? Same game mechanics, same mini-games, same "amnesiac"-style plot-lines, different game name. Sure, they added a few saber and melee moves, but it feels just like the first one. Control interface is just as simplistic and inflexible as the first game, too. At least with NeverWinter Nights, you had three or four Extremely mediocre. Couldn't this just have been an expansion pack? Same game mechanics, same mini-games, same "amnesiac"-style plot-lines, different game name. Sure, they added a few saber and melee moves, but it feels just like the first one. Control interface is just as simplistic and inflexible as the first game, too. At least with NeverWinter Nights, you had three or four movement options available. Not a bad game, to be sure, but brings very little new to the table. Disappointing.… Expand
  8. praXis
    May 5, 2014
    6
    I really enjoyed the original KOTOR, and look back on my time playing it fondly. I wish I could say the same for its sequel.
    While some gameplay improvements were made over the first, a glaring lack of likeable characters (everyone seems engineered to be "neutral" with obviously forced good/evil elements), and a narrative that fails to come to a real conclusion make this edition very    I really enjoyed the original KOTOR, and look back on my time playing it fondly. I wish I could say the same for its sequel.
    While some gameplay improvements were made over the first, a glaring lack of likeable characters (everyone seems engineered to be "neutral" with obviously forced good/evil elements), and a narrative that fails to come to a real conclusion make this edition very disappointing. Kreia is a fascinating character, so it really is tragic that the developers obviously ran out of time or money and never completed a proper climactic ending to this game and story arc.    … Expand
  9. KCL.
    Mar 6, 2005
    7
    Its a good game, but I really must say I'm somewhat disappointed by it, the graphics being slightly obsolete as come critics have claimed didn't really occured to me as so, but I really kinda feel the story lacked quite a bit of substance and balancing. The first KOTOR pulled you a lot deeper into the story than this one. The game was unsatisfyingly short, upon finishing the Its a good game, but I really must say I'm somewhat disappointed by it, the graphics being slightly obsolete as come critics have claimed didn't really occured to me as so, but I really kinda feel the story lacked quite a bit of substance and balancing. The first KOTOR pulled you a lot deeper into the story than this one. The game was unsatisfyingly short, upon finishing the last boss it was only 33.5hours. The ending cinematic really was a let down, I played all the way till the end to see some uneventful 10 second low quality video clip!? But all in all. this is really a decent buy, despite all these bad things i've been saying, it really got 7 because the gameplay made a high cut. Waiting for thrid sequel, hope its gonna fill up all these rooms for improvement.… Expand
  10. ArkonBlade
    Dec 15, 2010
    6
    wow bioware dropped the ball on this one . the first knights game is fantastic this one just doesnt deliver in many ways . first off the story just isnt that intresting . the choices you make have no baring on the ending of the game unlike the first one. light sabers are a extreme pain to find . the chocie selection for talking just isnt as intresting or as funny as what the original onewow bioware dropped the ball on this one . the first knights game is fantastic this one just doesnt deliver in many ways . first off the story just isnt that intresting . the choices you make have no baring on the ending of the game unlike the first one. light sabers are a extreme pain to find . the chocie selection for talking just isnt as intresting or as funny as what the original one was eather which is a shame because i laughed my ass off at some of the things you could say in the first one . the games pacing just drags on and on . this game feels very rushed to make some money off the greatness of the original its a shame this is just amediocore RPG.… Expand
  11. Tubie
    Oct 23, 2010
    7
    A shame Bioware did not work on this sequel. It shows and I wish I never played it. Just forget this sequel exists and wait for Star Wars: The Old Republic hehe.
  12. stern
    Dec 30, 2012
    7
    Reviewing this game is complex.
    At first you'll think this is only a sad and buggy re-rash of the previous title; because of similar characters (like HK-47) and similar stories (the amnesiac jedi aboard a ship). And gosh how this game start bad, you are thrown in a repetitive and bland dungeon, doing meaningless quests.
    But then the game open up and you see a lot of qualities unseen in    Reviewing this game is complex.
    At first you'll think this is only a sad and buggy re-rash of the previous title; because of similar characters (like HK-47) and similar stories (the amnesiac jedi aboard a ship). And gosh how this game start bad, you are thrown in a repetitive and bland dungeon, doing meaningless quests.
    But then the game open up and you see a lot of qualities unseen in the previous title.
    If Kotor 1 had a intense macro plot involving everything, but forced conversations with characters (for example, a character would bring a talk about his parents only to develop background) and an often unilateral representation of the world , Kotor 2 offers the opposite: the bigger plot isn't all that relevant or entertaining, but the characters are great and their personalities amazing. Some lines of Kreia and Handmaiden are writer's material, and it's a relief to finally see someone being original and playing with moral and ethical dicothomies in the Star Wars universe, an universe so hungry of this.
    The downside is that Kotor 2 is an incomplete game with a lot of wasted potential, besides the fact that, unlike Kotor 1, you can't really enjoy all the social interation with characters due of the inexorable influence system; if you mistreat a character once you may never be able to interact fully with him again.
    Play this game as weekend casual rpg and you won't disappointed. Also don't forget to install the mods.
    If any bug happens, see the bright side: at least you are not playing a game with bioware level of writing.    … Expand
  13. lifeofbrian
    Aug 24, 2014
    5
    Kotor 2 has a lot of fanboys that make the game out to be way better than it actually is.

    The problem with the game is that you basically have to talk to your companions to get a good idea of what exactly is going on. If you don't you'll get to the end and will wonder "what just happened" because of how poorly explained many things are in the game. What some people call the    Kotor 2 has a lot of fanboys that make the game out to be way better than it actually is.

    The problem with the game is that you basically have to talk to your companions to get a good idea of what exactly is going on. If you don't you'll get to the end and will wonder "what just happened" because of how poorly explained many things are in the game.

    What some people call the "richness" of the characters is really just making up for the otherwise sloppy writing and game development.

    The game was left by Obsidian in a totally unfinished state. There are parts of the game where they clearly intended to add more, but didn't. The final area is an example of this.

    There is considerably less to explore in this game compared to the first game, and it is much more linear. Also you are never going to be awed by a richly created background on a planet like Manaan. Nope, instead you get a lot of very bland areas like Nar Shadaa and Telos. Nar Shadaa was especially disappointing as the enemy you fight there is probably the least interesting boss in both KOTOR 1 and 2, and the quests you do on the planet are cartoonish at best.

    The balancing is also frankly laughable, as the additional force powers and advanced classes that they add to the game make it so that enemies are barely even scratching you. The pretty much make your jedi a god by the end, which makes it just not particularly fun if you are looking for any kind of challenge.

    Ohh and then there are the bugs. The game is full of them, to the point where FANS HAD TO PATCH IT. Even then you only have to go onto other places like the Steam forums to see how many problems people have in trying to either get the game to work or to not crash when they enter their ship or go to a new area.

    Overall it is inferior to KOTOR, even if KOTOR has a cartoonish final boss itself.    … Expand
  14. dcool003
    Jul 1, 2014
    7
    It is a fantastic game, great and well designed environment, greatly improved upon from KOTOR, and a truly immersive story. I truly felt like I was the exile, deciding the fate of myself, unfortunates whom I attempted to aid, or not, and the fate of the galaxy as a whole. My issues with the game are primarily with the vast array of bugs, with the environment, enemies and the story.It is a fantastic game, great and well designed environment, greatly improved upon from KOTOR, and a truly immersive story. I truly felt like I was the exile, deciding the fate of myself, unfortunates whom I attempted to aid, or not, and the fate of the galaxy as a whole. My issues with the game are primarily with the vast array of bugs, with the environment, enemies and the story. There were several times where the decisions I made in conversations left me stuck perpetually, unable to move on with the game, until I loaded a previous save state. The worst was of course with Atris, and this same problem has been recorded my many other players. Choosing one conversation line leads to no story progression, while others work just fine.

    All in all, a really great game, held back by the many apparent bugs in the game.    … Expand
  15. CenkAlp
    Jan 3, 2018
    7
    Hikaye = 8
    Oynanış = 7
    Grafikler = 6
    Sesler = 7
    Keyif = 7
    Atmosfer = 8
    Süre = 6
  16. MikeR.
    Feb 19, 2005
    6
    A really good, deep game but too much like the original. There are also rather a lot of bugs (including some rather nasty ones) that the "a" patch didn't cure...
  17. DaveG.
    Mar 4, 2005
    7
    Yes the game is great just as the first one was. But there's no question it is rushed! The game gets a 7 because it is good, but its only 90% finished. I've never payed this much to beta test a game! The developers were doing a good job, but the project managers or the jerks who run the show didn't let them finish the game! Selling this game before it is finished for full Yes the game is great just as the first one was. But there's no question it is rushed! The game gets a 7 because it is good, but its only 90% finished. I've never payed this much to beta test a game! The developers were doing a good job, but the project managers or the jerks who run the show didn't let them finish the game! Selling this game before it is finished for full price is bordering on criminal. The Obsidianites could at least own up to the fact that the game wasn't *quite* ready and work doubletime on some patches.… Expand
  18. JB
    Aug 11, 2006
    7
    A disappointing sequel to one of the greatest crpgs of all time. The storyline is overly philosophical, slowing the game down in a universe that has always screamed 'action!'. The side games, which had great prevalence in the original (and were very fun there) are here watered down and inane. As a fan of both Planescape:Torment and KOTOR I, I would have to say that the former A disappointing sequel to one of the greatest crpgs of all time. The storyline is overly philosophical, slowing the game down in a universe that has always screamed 'action!'. The side games, which had great prevalence in the original (and were very fun there) are here watered down and inane. As a fan of both Planescape:Torment and KOTOR I, I would have to say that the former does mental stimulation better and the latter conveys a sense of adventure better than this game. The actual gameplay mechanics, etc., are great, but that indescribable sense of fun that existed in KOTOR and PS:T is missing here.… Expand
  19. DavidB.
    Feb 24, 2005
    7
    Don't you just hate the conversations that go round in circles. Don't you just hate the conversations that go round in circles. Don't you just hate the conversations that go round in circles. Don't you just hate the conversations that go round in circles. Don't you just hate the conversations that go round in circles. [Ed: yes]
  20. MasterBoredom
    May 14, 2009
    7
    Forced. Knights of the Old Republic II suffers, in short, from being in the shadow of it's predecessor's brilliance. When the former not only brought to life the Star Wars world better than any previous game, but also managed to combine PC RPG stats and dice with Console RPG storytelling, it did so almost unexpectedly. KotOR threatened to be far less than the sum of its parts, Forced. Knights of the Old Republic II suffers, in short, from being in the shadow of it's predecessor's brilliance. When the former not only brought to life the Star Wars world better than any previous game, but also managed to combine PC RPG stats and dice with Console RPG storytelling, it did so almost unexpectedly. KotOR threatened to be far less than the sum of its parts, and when it turned out to more, much more, its success was guaranteed. Unfortunately, that first game, but for a few tiny control issues, really didn't leave much to be improved upon. Taking up the motto of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", the developers subsequently created something that feels more like a hefty expansion, rather than a true sequel. New story, slightly altered levelling up system, but all within the same shell. Unfortunately, the game fails to match its predecessor on several of these levels. Firstly, the combat and skill related section of KOTOR II lacks the balance of the first game. Certain fights in the first game were genuinely difficult, and frequently your choice of skills and party members only opened doors at the expense of others being shut. In contrast, from the outset of KOTOR II, it is easy to have a party capable of accomplishing everything and kicking ass to boot. A carefully constructed jedi is quite capable of destroying even the toughest enemies on their own, and several of the other party members (or yourself, if you choose) can cover ALL of the skills needs you'll ever have, while remaining quite combat capable. The satisfaction of levelling up becomes muted as the game wears on, and towards the end begins to feel rather meaningless. Secondly, the interactions between your fellow party members and yourself, while still a cut above most rival games, never reaches the brilliance of the first game. Ultimately, despite the game's efforts, the brilliance of Bastila, Carth and Mission is not replicated, and instead we end up with characters who range from the flat to the outright dislikeable. This is coupled with a well intentioned system of converting followers to the light or dark sides, which while a promising idea ultimately serves to replace rather than support the "it looks like something is bothering ____" of the first game. Rather than developing, the game instead seems to pour all the character's stories into initially accessible paths and abandon them for the endgame. Indeed, the game also includes a rather bizarre continued conflict between two NPCs that might well not feature in the player's plans. Finally, the story itself borders upon weak, though it likely suffers again from the impact of its predecessor here. The pacing of the game, certainly, is poor, and the game seems to drag for large periods without any injection of urgency or a strong wider goal. When the endgame does approach, it is thrown on almost unexpectedly. This combines with the game's enemies, who, after appearing deeply menacing when we first meet them, and radiating a sense of power, proceed to fall like bowling pins so quickly at the end, that you're left expecting revivals that do not come. This is a shame, because while characters like Darth Malak and Darth Revan (KotOR) might have been impossible to best, the game initially appears to have matched them. Frankly, KotOR II's concepts deserve far better than the game delivers. It isn't all doom and gloom, though. The sensation that this is KotOR 1.5 will probably be welcomed by most, and although the game doesn't match it's predecessor, you would be hard pressed to accuse KotOR II of being the cash-in it might have been. Some of the dialogue is genuinely brilliant and there are many pleasing little concepts in the storyline. And it is another replication of those wonderful star-wars worlds, which is always appreciated. My final gripe with the game, concerns the way the story progresses from it's predecessor. It would have been nice if the game could have absorded some details of what happened in the player's previous outing, but instead we have a hotch-potch amalgamation of the potential light/dark paths ventured last time around. Indeed, given the options available in the previous game, it is disappointing to see a story told where the actions of my character seemed completely contradicted. The ending, in particular, is very unsatisfying, and seems to cater for only one path of play. Frankly, the story of the second game is best ignored when thinking about the series. KotOR II remains an acceptable RPG romp, but fails to deliver to the level of it's predecessor. Ultimately, it fails to reach the benchmarks in gameplay, story and characterization of the first game, and though fans will welcome the extension of the series there is no doubt that it will take more to acheive the success of the first game.… Expand
  21. thetawaves90
    Apr 19, 2011
    6
    First of all, as released I'd give this title 3/10: this game is unplayable in places due to bugs glitches. Considering this and a storyline cut short to the point of nonsense, I played through this once and felt very let down in light of the original. Then I found a "Kotor 2, restored content mod" which added in aspects of the game that were left in the data files but unimplemented forFirst of all, as released I'd give this title 3/10: this game is unplayable in places due to bugs glitches. Considering this and a storyline cut short to the point of nonsense, I played through this once and felt very let down in light of the original. Then I found a "Kotor 2, restored content mod" which added in aspects of the game that were left in the data files but unimplemented for whatever reason. From here, the game was a vast improvement. The graphics are a polished take on the original, but looking slightly aged by modern standards. That being said, the environments are considerable and there doesn't seem to be any "copy paste" level-design going on. So far, so Bioware. Dialogue is true to KOTOR form, engaging and well written with excellent voice acting. Major improvements are the inventory system and weapon customisation (it's almost worth playing this game purely for the light sabers), as well as character development among your crew mates and resultant story elements from these aspects. In this respect, the RPG elements in this game (once modded) live up well to Biowares' token game design. Personally I'm not a fan of the D&D "real-time turn-based" combat, but it's playable at least and you notice marked improvements as your character progresses. Squad AI has the tactical IQ of a slightly gifted baked potato, but later in the game it is very enjoyable having the ability to go solo into large enemy groups without having to rely on bad squad mates. Cutscenes are entertaining and the soundtrack is true to the Star Wars canon and its' bombastic sensibilities.

    Given further development to finalise the ideas presented in the "restored content mod", this game would have been genuinely astonishing. As released it felt rushed and incomplete, especially considering minimal chances of a sequel.    … Expand
  22. Turtle16
    Jan 27, 2014
    6
    This game makes me very sad. To see so much potential being killed by stupid decision. This game has amazing, rich story witch captivating dialogs and potentially very good atmosphere. However it REALLY needed more time for development. Since tha game was pushed to be aut by christmas it is broken, stripped down and filled in in a hurry )not to mention buggy). You can see it everywhere.This game makes me very sad. To see so much potential being killed by stupid decision. This game has amazing, rich story witch captivating dialogs and potentially very good atmosphere. However it REALLY needed more time for development. Since tha game was pushed to be aut by christmas it is broken, stripped down and filled in in a hurry )not to mention buggy). You can see it everywhere. Unfinished storylines, copy paste from first game everywhere, boring unimaginative locations and so on. This game had potential do be far better than the predecessor. Sadly it is barely average this way.… Expand
  23. kane148
    Aug 6, 2012
    7
    This game had so much potential, but suffered heavily from a lackluster developer and a rushed release. The game engine, graphics, etc. are all basically the same from the first game--no improvements there, but that's not such a bad thing. The real problem is the bugs, which were still not fixed a couple of years after release. The good news is that KOTR 2 does add some interesting newThis game had so much potential, but suffered heavily from a lackluster developer and a rushed release. The game engine, graphics, etc. are all basically the same from the first game--no improvements there, but that's not such a bad thing. The real problem is the bugs, which were still not fixed a couple of years after release. The good news is that KOTR 2 does add some interesting new features, such as stat bonuses from developing relationships with your party members, item crafting, and the ability to train some party members as Jedi (eventually). The story is not as good as the first, but is nonetheless pretty good. Unfortunately the ending is very rushed and becomes both confusing and unsatisfying. It's also a bit slow getting started: the first 'level' or two are fairly dull, but after awhile you get to visit some pretty cool places. KOTR2 is probably well worth playing, but I'd recommend against expecting it to live up to the first game's standard...… Expand
  24. gracjanski
    Aug 17, 2016
    7
    This game could be easily better than the first part, but as everyone knows, the production was rushed and it has still some bugs. There are some missing parts in many areas, that you can still feel. There is the great Restored Content Mod, but anyway it doesnt feel perfectly connected. Like in the first part the controlling is very bad, because they almost ignored, how we PC Gamers play.This game could be easily better than the first part, but as everyone knows, the production was rushed and it has still some bugs. There are some missing parts in many areas, that you can still feel. There is the great Restored Content Mod, but anyway it doesnt feel perfectly connected. Like in the first part the controlling is very bad, because they almost ignored, how we PC Gamers play. The AI is sometimes frustrating: companions doing stupid actions fora example.
    They improved the gameplay a bit, but it has still some weaknesses like simple dialog system. The story is interesting like the Kotor 1, but often there are too many unnecessary dialogs, especially Kreia talks too much.
    -> In my view Kotor 1 is much better.    … Expand
  25. HereticAlpha
    Mar 17, 2014
    7
    SW:KotOR II is a wonderful example of how to take a great concept, show it to the player, let them bask in it for a few minutes and then crush it. Throughout the story, there is the underlying theme of "right and wrong are just perceptions", yet everything you do is so polarized between right & wrong that it's impossible to really drive that theme home. Each of the characters in yourSW:KotOR II is a wonderful example of how to take a great concept, show it to the player, let them bask in it for a few minutes and then crush it. Throughout the story, there is the underlying theme of "right and wrong are just perceptions", yet everything you do is so polarized between right & wrong that it's impossible to really drive that theme home. Each of the characters in your arsenal have SOME moral grey area and inner demons that they all must confront in some form, but it's poorly undercut by that light side/dark side conflict that demands the spotlight and just serves to make the characters more bland and just as polarized.

    KotOR had the luxury of being able to throw an INCREDIBLE twist at the player toward the end, but without that, KotOR II builds up a great atmosphere, great tension and then just... stopped it all. The ending can't even be considered a "Deus ex Machina" because there was no real conclusion, there's just "this is the good guy's ending" and "this is the bad guy's ending".    … Expand
  26. Kai82
    Jun 19, 2021
    7
    Sadly the games development was rushed because of a short deadline and had an abrupt ending. Without this it would be the best Star Wars videogame even making the excellent prequel look inferior. It improves on nearly all levels. It has a fascinating story with depth and a lot of philosophical themes. The RPG gameplay works well and the characters are even better than before. In short itSadly the games development was rushed because of a short deadline and had an abrupt ending. Without this it would be the best Star Wars videogame even making the excellent prequel look inferior. It improves on nearly all levels. It has a fascinating story with depth and a lot of philosophical themes. The RPG gameplay works well and the characters are even better than before. In short it would be a prime contender for a 10/10 without hesitation and even with the abrupt ending I feel compelled to lean in this direction. I must admit that some of the enjoyment depends on how much patched your version of the game is. At release it was quite full of bugs and this harmed the immersion and enjoyment. Luckily for me I read about this and only got the game after the patches fixed the bug issues. Story: It is set a few years after the prequel which means approx 4000 years before the events of the original trilogy. When the Mandalorians attacked the Old Republic the Jedi order did not help in defeating them because of fear, hesitation and political motives (True defenders of peace and guardians of the Old Republic). A few Jedi rebelled against this ignorance lead by Revan and Malak who joined the Republic military and ultimately saved the Republic but turned later to the dark side and caused another conflict (Shown / resolved in the prequel). Your main character followed them into the war against the Mandalorians but refused to join them later on or turn to the dark side. Because of this the Jedi order exiled him and she/he became know as “The Exile”. After many years in exile the main character is drawn into new events that are again a threat to the Republic, Jedi order and have a connection to the past that he/she abandoned. The story is excellent and has a lot of depth. It shows you for example that there is more than black and white morality and that all decisions have effects (like a stone tossed into water creating ripples). It is enjoyable and immersive and one of the best (unfinished) stories in videogames. Sadly you clearly recognize that the last chapter was cut and the ending is abrupt and forced. Bonus for the philosophical themes as even today there are people discussing about it. Characters: This game has a magnificent cast of characters. Be it your party members or the mayor enemies. All have their own story, motives and world views. I should mention that some are restricted to the gender of the main character or your moral alignment. Only because of avoiding spoilers I will not mention my favorite characters but will remark that there are many I still remember after all the years. There are a lot of fond memories and their might be some (optional) events that change characters. Gameplay: You create your character similar to D&D rules (Dungeon and Dragons). I recommend to read a guide or two and GameFAQs is pretty good here. This means putting points into stats like strength, dexterity, constitution, wisdom, intelligence and charisma. With this you set up your play-style or better said character efficiency. For example more constitution means more health, dexterity works for evasion etc. Then there are the skills and I want to mention that the non combat skills are quite good too. I develop my persuasion and problem solving skills first as those were valuable (I still was able to be a terrific fighter later on). All skills have a purpose while I freely admit that some are better than others. Just think a bit about your preferences as you cant be a master of all. There are feats to improve your character and you have to chose a class. As per RPG standards you level up and develop your character even further. Setting / worldbuilding: This is how you use a license (Also a side-blow to EA). Like I already said they paid attention on the large scale by creating worlds that is fascinating, immersive and enjoyable and in details when you for example try to use Jedi mind manipulation on a Toydarian (Watto’s species) or explain how Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan could hold on their breath for so long in Episode 1. This is a near perfect use of the Star Wars universe. Technical: Again this was graphically impressive at the time of release but naturally aged a bit. Still good enough for me but graphic enthusiast will complain without any doubt. The soundtrack was well done. Bugs: I already mentioned that I joined later after the bugs were fixed. So I cant complain but must warn you for the unpatched experience. Overall this is an unfinished masterpiece and a classic. A sequel that puts its predecessor to shame. If they would have finished the final chapter and ironed out the bugs before release it would be one of the most legendary games of its time. I hesitate to lower my rating as I had so much fun with the game even when I say a rushed ending is a mayor sin in gaming. I give a 7/10 and say it is a 10/10 game up to the abrupt ending. Worth playing especially for Star Wars fans.… Expand
  27. Sanastusa
    Sep 29, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Where to begin...Knights of the Old Republic 2 takes parts of the first game and makes them slightly better. But also takes aspects of it and makes them worse. Its hard to say if this game was a "good" game. Story wise the idea and concept of the exile had me lost from the start. Not caring who I was playing, I'm just a exiled ex-jedi wanting my precious lightsaber back. The story slightly picks up as you explore the plants and find the jedi masters but once you find them the game snowballs in a very werid direction. Leaving me only to beat it....to beat it. Even at the end I laugh to myself asking WTF was that. Where it does that part wrong, it adds some more depth to the worlds and have you return to some twice to finish main plot lines;That is something the first one didn't have. Party members was a huge plus, adding more interesting characters and having HK back in the scene.
    Character development had some change to it as well with the secondary class selection about mid game, adding 3 sub classes you could follow to expand your ability. Gameplay was bugging, sometimes having my character stand still with actions/attacks in his que and not doing anything. Standing idle while being molly whopped by lightsabers....not so pleasant. Small bugs through the games added up to just be a nuisance; As the Environmental suit in the Alien bar not showing when Mira was in it, the constant getting stuck trying to open a container. ALL I wanted was my loot but no I had to stack twitching and couldn't open my container, I had to have one of my trusty side kicks do it.
    Minus the negative parts they released a huge update to the game which made it up to date with graphics and to play on full resolution. It looks beautiful and blew me away when I booted it up. Great job there guys.    … Expand
  28. CriticNamedZack
    Jul 7, 2019
    7
    Story: The game takes place five years after the first game, The Sith are hunting the Jedi down and your character "The Exile" is believed to be the last Jedi by the Sith...

    Pros: • Obsidian have managed to create a very engaging story where it questions many aspects of Star Wars we have known for years, while also continuing the story that Bioware started in Kotor 1. Although not as    Story: The game takes place five years after the first game, The Sith are hunting the Jedi down and your character "The Exile" is believed to be the last Jedi by the Sith...

    Pros:
    • Obsidian have managed to create a very engaging story where it questions many aspects of Star Wars we have known for years, while also continuing the story that Bioware started in Kotor 1. Although not as good as the first games, it does do some interesting ideas.
    • Great characters once again that play an important part in the story. Kreia especially is one of the most unique Star Wars characters and one of my personal favorites.
    • Multiple endings is always a nice touch.

    Cons:
    • Kotor 1 did take a bit of time to get it's story going, but Kotor 2 is even worse when it comes to this issue with the opening not being as interesting and even slower then the previous game.
    • The story in this game really focuses on certain side characters and villains more then other, which really overshadows some genuinely great characters that could of been used so much more. Same with the villains, they are interesting when looking at them in detail, but don't all get used to there full potential.
    • I know this wasn't really Obsidians fault, but the cut content really leaves a void in this game in certain places. This lead to certain parts really feeling rushed and certain places and some things never being explained properly.

    Gameplay: For the most part, Kotor 2 plays almost like the previous game, with the exception of no level-cap and slightly different dialogue system.

    Pros:
    • Still have the freedom of being able to make your character your own with whatever force powers, weapons etc. you want to use.
    • Choice making is still a huge factor in this game, which can influence if your character is light side, dark side or in the middle of the road between the two. If you influence your character in one of these sides, you can get some handy bonuses too.
    • The dialogue system has improved, with your followers increasing or decreasing in your influence depending on what you say to them or certain actions they witness you do. If you influence them enough, you can actually train them to learn Jedi powers and further enhancing their usefulness.
    • Crafting system is a small addition, but a pleasant one.
    • Exploring the planets is still fun and finding things to do and learning about what goes on in your surroundings is still satisfying.
    • Took me 40-45 hours too complete and that was doing almost everything the game had to offer.

    Cons:
    • Since Kotor 2 is still using the Infinity engine, it has a lot of the same issues from the last game in terms of gameplay. The AI is still dumb as a brainless dolphin and still get stuck, are slow or even ignore commands you give them. The combat as well is still the very basis RNG-based, D&D system that isn't really in-depth by any means and just functions at least as a combat sysyem.
    • Sometimes for parts of the main story, certain characters are locked-out and forces you to use a fixed character. These are refreshing sequences, but they come off and linear and sometimes the surprise of them can leave you unprepared.
    • Backtracking is still an issue.
    • The choices you make also has to be said, don't really feel as if they make as much of an impact as they did in Kotor 1.
    • No new-game plus or end-game sadly.

    Sound and Music:

    Pros:
    • The soundtrack once again really hits the mark for making it sound like it's from Star Wars, while also having original tracks. A few return from the first game and a few John Williams track too. I'd have to boldly say I think it's better then the first games.
    • Voice acting is done to a high standard once again with excellent writing as well.
    • Sound fx are as Star Wars as ever.

    Cons:
    • A few hick-ups is syncing a few times, nothing major though.

    Perfromance and Graphics:

    Pros:
    • game more or less looks the same as the first, but with some better lighting and a few better textures, nothing amazing just good enough.

    Cons:
    • Did encounter a few annoying bugs, like one that skipped character dialogue which was the worst.
    • In-game cutscenes are still quite poor.
    • Had some nasty frame-rate drops in certain sections of the game.

    Verdict: Knights of The Old Republic 2 - The Sith Lords was a good attempt from Obsidian to continue where Bioware left off in the first game and for the most part they have done a fairly good job. However, due to the cut-content, overly focused on some characters, big pacing issues and repeating gameplay issues from the first game, it is a good game at the end of the day though. I highly recommend you download the restore content mod that fills in some of the gaps that were missing, it makes it better, trust me.
    Story: 8/10 Gameplay 7/10 Sound and Music: 9/10 Performance and Visuals: 7/10 Kotor 2 - The Sith Lords 7.7/10    … Expand
  29. ElCucuy
    Mar 18, 2020
    7
    Крайне неровная игра, местами хочется в восторге кричать 10 ИЗ 10, местами хочется её просто удалить и больше никогда не возвращаться. Так получилось из-за тяжёлой истории разработки, и даже фанатские патчи, с которыми я играл, не исправляют эту ситуацию до конца (да-да, фанаты не в состоянии сделать игре новую концовку, а она здесь такая, что mass effect 3 держит пиво где-то в стороне).Крайне неровная игра, местами хочется в восторге кричать 10 ИЗ 10, местами хочется её просто удалить и больше никогда не возвращаться. Так получилось из-за тяжёлой истории разработки, и даже фанатские патчи, с которыми я играл, не исправляют эту ситуацию до конца (да-да, фанаты не в состоянии сделать игре новую концовку, а она здесь такая, что mass effect 3 держит пиво где-то в стороне).

    Что есть хорошего в игре: Во-первых, шикарнейшие диалоги и отличный сюжет, пожалуй, самый мрачный и взрослый во вселенной Star wars, во-вторых, отличная проработка НЕКОТОРЫХ (НЕ ВСЕХ) персонажей, например, Крея, реализованная выше всяких похвал, в-третьих, серая мораль, котор 2 - одна из немногих игр, в которой это реализовано на должном уровне, да так, что в разные моменты игры, ты то любишь, то ненавидишь, главного героя, Крею, джедаев, ситхов и тд, прекрасная реализация, и это в такой-то сказочной вселенной.

    Что плохо: Коридорность и линейность, практически всё время вне диалогов у меня было ощущение, что я играю в какую-нибудь адвенчуру, только по правилам D'n'd, очень часто игра просто закрывает игрока в узком пространстве и заставляет отбиваться от орд врагов, не оставляя ни сюжетной, ни геймплейной вариативности, какие навыки вы можете качать в этой игре кроме боевых? Хакинг, взлом, скрытность, убеждение и тд, и количество скилчеков этих навыков будет чрезвычайно мало для такой, казалось бы, культовой RPG. Также мне не понравилось огромное количество игровых сессий за сопартийцев в одиночку, эти сессии очень трудны, учитывая, что невозможно сбалансированно и одинаково хорошо прокачать всех членов команды, такие сесси превращались в пытку, особенно учитывая их длительность и количество в игре. Далее, зачем в игре Коррибан - эта локация откровенно бедна на контент и была не готова к релизу. Нар-Шаада, отсутствие вариативности, даже мнимой. И самое главное, концовка, она ужасна - это бесконечное повторение одинаковых помещений и сотни и сотни ситхов в каждом из них. Не хочется обвинять обсидиан в халтуре, зная в каких условиях доделывали игру, но не возмущаться такой концовкой нельзя, это уровень индусов-фрилансеров новичков, не более того.

    Сложно ставить такой неоднозначной игре оценку, уж слишком были разные эмоции по ходу прохождения, поэтому я просто оценил каждую планету по отдельности и вывел среднее арифмитическое, получилось:

    7 из 10.    … Expand
  30. Ympero
    Dec 20, 2020
    7
    Game: 7/10
    Story: 7/10
    Playability: 7/10
    Graphics: 7/10
    Music: 8/10

    Very good game!
    Stability: 6/10

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
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