The world is re-experiencing the world of Star Wars thanks to Disney +, and anticipating the next movie. This is the perfect time to look back at one of the best Star Wars games created. Developed by Bioshare, this RPG took the universe and explored it without familiar characters. Released in 2003, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was a game changer in terms of story and gamplay in the Star Wars Universe.
Long before Rey, Luke and even young Anakin, the universe is under assault by the Sith Lord Darth Malak. The player starts the game in a ship under attack by this very fleet. Escaping, the player will learn about the Jedi Master Bastila Shan and aid her in escaping from Malak. The Star Forge is at the center of Malek’s military power and the player will join a group of characters to discover where it is located. The player will also learn the ways of the force and learn how to control it.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is at it’s core a turn based RPG. You select what your character will do. Your party members can do actions independently or you can give them commands. The action spawns the universe, and you will see familiar places in a new light. Since the game takes place 4000 years before the rise of the Empire, the developers could create a new story. The voice actors are great, especially the homicidal droid HK-47.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic also gives the player a choice if they will follow the light or dark side of the force. This is not just simply a few choices. Almost all actions or dialogue choices push you toward one path or the other. The Light or Dark side has unique powers. Characters start to act differently towards you and this feature gives players a minimum of two playthroughs.
The game is also remembered for the huge twist that comes halfway through it. It is constantly ranked as one of the top three surprises ever in video games. No spoilers here. It works because it fulfills all the requirements for a good twist. You don’t see it coming. When it happens, it lands like a sucker punch. When you look back on everything that happened before, it makes sense. If you play the game and don’t know about it, go in as blind as you can.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a great RPG, not withstanding the Star Wars connection. The graphics might be a little dated, but the story and gamplay are timeless. The game has now released on multiple platforms, so if you have not played it, you are missing out. If you have, maybe take a break from waiting for next Mandalorian episode and jump back in the world of the Old Republic.
