Score: 93
Overall User Average: 9.30 / 10 (93.0%)
Gameplay User Average: 8.60 / 10
Graphics User Average: 8.50 / 10
Sound User Average: 9.40 / 10
JediMasterChief
Date reviewed: August 31, 2005.
Overall: Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is the sequel to BioWare?s acclaimed 2003 RPG Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic. Both make up one of the most successful and brilliant Star Wars (and Xbox) game franchises to date. Like its predecessor, KotOR II is an amazing RPG with an ingenious storyline. Though unlike the first game, you start off as a Jedi in KotOR II. Set five years later, the story revolves around you being one of the last of the Jedi - hunted by the Sith. You can either turn to the Dark Side and help the Sith dominate the galaxy - or you can turn to the Light Side and help restore the Jedi Order, as well as peace in the galaxy. The entire story, dialogue, and events have been beautifully written, plus the game provides constant reference to the previous KotOR, as well as to other parts of the ?Star Wars universe?. The game plays extremely well and, while it is very similar to the first KotOR, maintains originality throughout. Obsidian Entertainment has developed a masterpiece that is, in fact, among my favorite Xbox games. Despite a few bugs and painfully long loading times, the game boasts spectacular visuals, incredible sound, sprawling gameplay, and an extraordinary storyline. KotOR II is a must for Star Wars fans (like me). However, I still strongly recommend it to RPG fans and virtually any Xbox owner.
Gameplay: In most ways, gameplay is very similar to the first KotOR. The progression of the game, exploration of environments, interaction, mini-games, and real-time turn-based combat all make a comeback. There are also a few new things, such as prestige classes or lightsaber forms, which are reasonable. KotOR II allows you to create your own character and customize him or her with weapons, armor, and other things, which will certainly make any gamer?s experience in playing the game unique. Obviously, the game has no multiplayer, which is good, because if it did it would most likely ruin the game (unless cleverly implemented). Unlike the first KotOR, it is a surprise to see no available Xbox Live downloadable content for this game, which - in my opinion - is unnecessary, since the game provides enough already. In general, gameplay flows well - like it did in the original KotOR. I myself am also a big fan of the combat system used in the KotOR games. Moreover, the game controls were - as always - easy to use. KotOR II offers a exceptional gaming experience, because its gameplay is heavily based on a superbly written storyline.
Graphics: The first KotOR had outstanding visuals and its sequel makes an improvement upon them. The visual aura of both these games cannot really be explained in words. Though in terms of design, textures, modeling, and animation, KotOR II is an enhancement - even if it is not a major one. Characters and environments are all marvelous. The effective use of color and lighting in the game is noteworthy. The cinematics (not necessarily the dialogue cut-scenes) are incredible and contribute to the game?s epic feeling. The overall visual aspect of the game makes it one of a kind and it truly matches that of the Star Wars movies.
Sound: High quality sound has been a trademark of Star Wars games - or of Star Wars, in general. KotOR II substantiates this theory and the sound of the game adds to its beauty. For instance, the use of sound effects, especially Ben Burtt?s original Star Wars sound effects, is astounding. At some points in the game, I ignited my lightsaber just to hear the sound of it. Yet sound design is not the only job well done. KotOR was famous for its brilliant use of voices and KotOR II continues this tradition. Ed Asner even returns to voice Master Vrook from the first game. And what makes the sound of this game absolutely perfect? The music of course. Mark Griskey, the composer, has done some excellent work (renowned game composer Jeremy Soule only did additional music for KotOR II, although he was the main composer for the first game) and each location, as well as each event, has its own musical theme. KotOR II truly has great sound.
Suggestions: This game really does not need any suggestions. My only proposal is to take gameplay, visuals, and sound to the next level. Also try to make the loading times shorter. I sincerely hope to see a Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic III on the Xbox 360.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Shadow20002
Date reviewed: June 14, 2005.
Overall: Even i have played more than 10 hours into this game but never feel get into it. The theme about star wars really didn't have my attention from the start, i just got it cayse at that time, there nothing worth my money to depend on.
Gameplay: You are supposely a exiled Jedi for a unknown reason and now you have being hunted by the Siths. Your mission to discover what happen and why you are being exiled. There are six planets you can explore. Each one has side-quests and different regions that keep you busy for a while. The choice of evil and good is still there but like the first one, it's very limited. Ypu can customize your light-saber (color, damage, dual or not, etc) to fit your taste about it. What really make me sad about it, is the loading events. This game is great but the loading events just kill it. Each time you enter another region, you must wait around 10-25 secs which hurt the fun of the game.
Graphics: The visual isn't that great, the characters look too basic to me, the environments look like vast but you can't go anywhere you want since the path is limited. When oyu fight with like 3 or 4 ennemies, the frame is just killing your pleasure about RPG.
Sound: Well, i don't even listen while playing bit if you are fan, you must like it. The sound of the light-saber is cool to hear each time your turn it on.
Overall: 70 %
Gameplay: 70 %
Graphics: 60 %
Sound: 70 %
Ninjermy
Date reviewed: June 6, 2005.
Overall: Oh yea, the best Starwars game ever is here! I feel that KOTOR II is the greatest RPG on the Xbox of all time. Its storyline, combat, graphics, characters, oh man its just pure sweetness.
Gameplay: One of my favorite aspects of KOTOR II is the combat engine. I love it being fast paced and almost nonstopping. The storyline is long and you have many ways you can go with the path way which adds multiple endings and missions depending on your descisions!!
Graphics: The graphics in KOTOR are beautiful. With large vast open plains and massive citys booming with operations, the world of this game is awesome. Character models are great and so are the weapons. Only downer is a few low framerate sections when involved in massive firefights (very rare though).
Sound: The dialog in KOTOR II is so indepth that is just stunning. Sound effects and music are also wonderful and are flawless to me.
Suggestions: Online capabilities.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
xdragon
Date reviewed: February 2, 2005.
Overall: I have always been a fan of the Star Wars games, and this one delivers just as it's predeccessor does. While the ending and begining can be a little slow or perhaps not the way ou ay have expceted from all the surprise of the first game, fans will definitely like this one still.
Gameplay: This time around your actions and choices make an even bigger difference, the thing I liked the best about this sequal. While unlocking everything and seeing everything in the game will likely take a very long time, those who go mostly linearly, will get it done in about 40 hours, not bad, and luckily long enough to keep the interest. As well, those who played the first can jump right in with little to no help.
Graphics: I was hoping for some more muscle in this area, but it seems that Lucasarts and Obsidian seemed fit to keep with the graphical equation from the first game. While many things still look nice, improvements could still have been made.
Sound: The sweeping orchestal scores of space or land battles, the small language, environmntal and weapon sounds deliver you senses to the Star Wars universe. Plus a surround sound doesn't hurt either...
Suggestions: The aspects from the first game that needed change, were changed, not that there were that many in my opinon. The new influence system and more depth in jedi classes and powers was cool as well...it'd be nice to see some of the names, places or new jei stuff maybe make it into Episode 3, but that's probably just wishful thinking. Make some better graphics, like Mercenaries, in the next one.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 100 %
f05Fred
Date reviewed: January 2, 2005.
Overall: Great Game Definatly worthey of being the sequel to one of the greatest games of all time
Gameplay: very similiar to KOTOR 1 but more complictated much better i think
Graphics: EXcellent big improvment
Sound: THe tipicial star wars music which is good
Suggestions: Dont rush to make a sequel there is not much left u can do to the game so let a few years go bye before u hit us with another so it still feels fresh and not reused
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
stinkypuffs
Date reviewed: January 2, 2005.
Overall: Star wars: Kinghts of the Old Republic II is by far one of the best storys ever told in a video game. However i won't reveal any of the plot, as to not spoil it for the rest of you. KOTOR II takes place 5 years after the events of the first KOTOR. So you will see a few familiar faces, and you will learn what Revan has been up to. The game is very much related to the events of the 1st KOTOR. There is alot of reading to be done in this game but it is worth the time. Again, it is a great story. The end, though satisfying enough, is somewhat of a cliff-Hanger. However it does show a seemingly clear paveway of what might take place in KOTOR III...but that is not certain.
Gameplay: All in all KOTOR II's gameplay follows that of the first, but with a few improvements. More feats, more force powers, you can learn fighting techniques, your actions influence your party members, and the force powers prove more useful. Two of my favorite powers to quickly kill multiple enemies is a combination of force wave, and force storm.
Graphics: visually this game is pretty good. No complaints
Sound: The sound, as in most star wars games is great. Some of the best voice acting i've ever heard. The tone of the characters Greatly reflects their personalitys.
Suggestions: The game is great. I'd like to say that the star wars video-game franchise is slowly improving. The decent star wars battlefront and the 2 KOTORS might pave the way for more great games to come. I am however a bit dissapointed that battlefront had no real story, As that is what you guys at Lucasarts are best at. Looking forward to the next KOTOR.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
dustintarditi
Date reviewed: December 12, 2004.
Overall: It ROCKS! Similar feel to KOTOR I, but deeper, richer, and more foreboding. This game is very immersive - prepare for LONG sessions, as I've logged 20 hours and am only on my 1st visited planet (of several).
You start off as a jedi exile (stripped of your force bond by the jedi council). You quickly discover that you are the last known jedi (adept) left after the jedi civil war (jedi vs. sith)... or are you? Your journey will take you all over the galaxy to discover yourself and unfold your destiny... light or dark? You decide - supposedly there are multiple game endings, so we'll just have to wait and see...
You will see some familiar characters and voices, but the game stands alone on it's own - if you've never finished (or even played) KOTOR I you won't be left wondering what's going on.
The sound is even better than KOTOR I (which was good for its time), as it is now true 5.1 and the video supports a HDTV (480i) which the first one got quite distorted trying to play without letterboxing it.
I played KOTOR 1 many, many times. It's fun to try to see how different classes and light/dark approaches change the game - this version is very sensitive to such manipulations, so it should provide a LOT of entertainment.
Gameplay: I'm glad Pazaak and swoop racing are downplayed in this version - they are still there, but there are a host of other ways to get money and equipment without worring about these mini games (wich simply annoyed me).
The quests are now broken down into core and bonus categories, the NPC interaction is much deeper (you gain/lose incluence with them based on your game decisions, conversations, etc. and your alignment can have pos/neg effects on their dialog with you as well).
The combat is similar to the 1st KOTOR (it can run on autopilot) but you can change styles in your action menu, switch weapons configurations (2 per character), and even learn jedi fighting forms.
You now have a freelook feature, as well as the ability to create/salvage items you find.
There isn't as much "treasure hunting" in this version, lots of containers, many aren't open-able, but the HUD tells you if it is and if it's already been visited.
Certain skills are now core to player type, but you can add then to your list via feats and no longer take a non-type penalty for adding points to these skills.
Constructing a lightsaber is now a quest that takes a while to scavenge the components, and your lightsaber now has a lot of upgrade options other than just a few crystals to change around.
The game is very balanced now, and there are a LOT more jedi powers available - choose your powers carefully. There are many more weapons and armor as well, with a lot more upgradable options/variations - many of which you or other characters may construct from components you collect through the game.
There are a lot of break out sections where you play as a different character than your main protagonist, so save often and in different slots - you never know when an action (or inaction) will send you down a path you wish you hadn't (or would do differently if you knew the reprecus actual combat on the Ebon Hawk now, and NPCs busy themselves with activities when you're onboard.
Graphics: Very rich graphics - definately a darker feel than KOTOR I. The interior bumpmaps are very detailed, and the voice acting is a bit more in synch (although not perfected) than #1.
The physics are quite nice, as robes ruffle as you walk, and there are new moves based on combat style, action, and form.
Freelook allows you to look around your surroundings (not needed for gameplay, just ambience) and enjoy the world, and visual effects like splashing water on a beaches shore add a nice level of realism.
Shadows and lighting effects are dialed in nicely, and there are lots of richly detailed equipment to change your character's appearance.
Ambient visials abound in this version - space craft moving about in the city, grass blowing in the plains, waves in the water, etc.
You see a few of the same heads and bodies from the first game (Hey, look! It's Davik Kang! :-) ) but the NPCs are much more interesting looking and have a lot more incidental scripts compared to the first game (and other role playing games).
Sound: The sound is quite good. True dolby 5.1 this time, and turning your character changes sound source location accordingly, as does proximity to the sound's source in the game. (play around in the cantina by moving around as the band is playing... I had to call my wife into the room to check it out!)
The score is great and you don't get beaten to death by the typical star wars music - it changes based on the progress of the storyline and picks up pace during combat.
The ambient sound effects are quite nice and add a level of realism to the game.
Suggestions: Great job! Start working on #3! :-)
(Add in some ambient effects from Jedi Academy).
I did find one little glitch, where I got trapped behind a rock and couldn't move, but loaded from a save I made a few seconds before and it was no problem... not a big deal - save often anyway!
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
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