Star Wars: KotOR II Reviews
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KOTOR 2 is in my mind a superior sequel. And while it follows a recent trend of open endings designed to compel you to buy the third instalment, it offers many, many hours of RPG fun. 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. KOTOR 2 shows that to make a truly impressive RPG you really only need two things: a workable and fluid engine, and some seriously talented writers. KOTOR 2 also has superb settings, great sound and music and a combat system that strikes the right balance between action and considered confrontation. Even if you haven't touched or were left underwhelmed by the first KOTOR, if you have an affinity for either Star Wars or RPGs it's very unlikely that you won't find yourself quickly getting sucked into the sumptuous atmosphere and intrigue that is KOTOR 2.
The second is at Silicon Fusion with an overall score of 9/10:
The system will be familiar to those who have played the first KOTOR, combat is semi-turn based and part real-time decision making with a selection box for actions, including attack, thrown and Force actions. You can select other actions such as healing, non-combat Force powers, select a Lightsabre style or set something else. Combat can be fluid and very, very lethal at times, it pays to save and plan ahead. Incorporated for the first time are 'Prestige' classes. More advanced versions of the main classes that bring even more training and abilities to your character at they explore the galaxy. Yes you can become a Sith Lord and woe betide anyone who gets in your way as you go on a rampage.
The third is at Contact Music with an overall score of 8.5/10:
Graphically Knights of the Old Republic was fairly impressive and KOTOR 2 does push these boundaries even if it is only slightly, but when you are running around solving puzzles and getting immersed within an excellent story this isn't always priority number one. Everything looks nice enough and the frame rate on Xbox seems pretty steady. Sound-wise this game really comes to life. Another incredibly put together set of voice acting clips feature highly in the game and give the characters real life plus a classical score provided by Lucas Art's Mark Griskey adds to the atmosphere consummately.
And the fourth is at Console Obsession with an overall score of 7/10:
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is recommended to both fans of the movies as well as devotees of the RPG genre, both groups should find much to enjoy here. We could have recommended it with yet more gusto, if not for its technical pitfalls and messy menus. Still it's a decent game that would have benefited greatly from extended development time, the force may be strong in this one, but it could have been even stronger without the problems.
