"A Hit Sequel"

Introduction

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: Sith Lords is the sequel to one of the best games on the Xbox. The original Knights had great gameplay and followed true to its Star Wars roots. Bioware developed the first. You might know Bioware from games like Neverwinter Nights. Anyways, Bioware decided to pass this one up and leave it to Obsidian. While relatively knew, Obsidian does consist of a lot of rpg veterans. It shows too, because the game is well made and has a lot of great moments. The game takes place five years after the first Knights of the Old Republic game. There is a whole new set of cast, but you will see some familiar faces. Even though it is not quite as good as the original, Sith Lords is still worth checking out. Sith Lords is definitely one of the best games on the Xbox and here is why.

Gameplay

The gameplay consist of a quasi-turn base system, which is a mixed of real time and turn base. The combat's turn base system is masked behind the real time ability. Basically you can run around as much as you want, but when you are actually fighting it out with an enemy, you take turns pounding on each other. Like Star Wars, you can also use force abilities. Your force abilities include force storm and force push. There are different dark and light side powers. There are different planets that you can go to and explore. There are usually missions for you to do. You will meet new characters and some of them will join you. You can also influence them through dark and light decisions. While your playing, your character will get more powerful. For me, my character became extremely strong towards the end. Basically you can choose between the Sith or Jedi. Your conversations and decisions affect which side you will be on. One great thing about this is it allows you the freedom to choose. Also when you get your saber(a jedi weapon) the game really picks up. The fight cinemas look good to go with it too.

Graphics

Like the original game, Sith Lords is subpar when it comes to graphics. There is some lag when there are numerous enemies on screen. The character models look good, but it really lacks any details. The fight scenes do look great though. When using force powers it gives you a glimpse of what it is like to use the force because it looks realistic. The biggest problem is the game looks a bit subpar on a system that has great hardware. Graphics aren't everything, so it doesn't change the fact that the game is still awesome. Also, the game doesn't have very many cinematic scenes, which is a shame because it would have made the game that much better.

Sound

The voice acting is incredible. There are many lines and each one of them is delivered flawlessly. The character show great emotion and a lot of times, you feel you are actually there because they sound so real. The music reminds me of the movies. It is similar, and offers a genuine experience. What I really liked is how it makes the game seem so life like. Being similar to the movies in the sound category really makes this game that much better.

Story

The story is based on a jedi who lost his or her memory. He or she was also cast out of the jedi order. Now it is up to you whether or not you want to be a jedi or sith. There will also be a few sith lords in this game(like the title says). Anyways you were exiled and you have to find a way to redeem yourself among the nearly gone jedi or join the sith. Not to mention, your choices will play into how the story unfolds. The coolest thing about the story is sometimes you will be shocked by something unexpected in the story. Overall, the story is one of the best aspect of this game.

Play time

The game has a lot of play time. The game is over 30 years, which is perfect for me. Unlike other rpgs, I don't have hundreds of hours to give up. I really like the length of it. Also you might want to play it over and over again to try the dark and light side. Even though this game is linear, there is a lot of content here. You will want to take the time and read the conversation and take the time exploring. Overall, I believe this game has great length, contrary to what some veteran rpg players think.

What I liked Best

What I liked best about this game was the branching story. There was a lot of conversation to be had here. I really enjoyed taking the time and talking to the characters. What I also liked was the length, which I thought was perfect. The game has some great rpg elements such as character development and levelling up system. There is just so much to like in this game that it is overwhelming at first, so sit back and breathe it in because this game is flat out awesome.

Overall

This game overall is one of the best games on the Xbox. It has a great story, great gameplay, good length, lots of rpg elements, and the choice of good and light side that gives this game a lot of depth. Much of the game's content is great. While not everything is flawless, the game is filled with many positives. I loved the characters and how they interacted. And I feel at the end of my play time that this game is really the second best rpg on the Xbox, just behind the first Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic. There are so many positives to this game and you should really try it out, so go out and get this game and if not, then at least rent it.

Overall – 9.0

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/01/05