Originally, video game RPG's were extremely simple affairs. Kill some enemies, gain some levels, follow a scripted, unwavering plotline, and save the world. Game over. KOTOR changed all that. Now, the industry refers to RPG's in 2 separate ways: Japanese RPG's where you follow that set plotline (and generally grind out experience) and Western RPG's where you get to make decisions that shape your abilities, relationships and the game's universe. Star Wars: Knights was the first notable and acclaimed video game that let you do all of that.
The abilities were something that had been done in games like Baldur's Gate before, but Star Wars still did it well. You could specialize your characters in a number of different ways to have them excel at different things. My normal party was always me, a wookie, and a droid. I would deal damage, the wookie would take damage and the droid would stay away from combat and unlock everything I needed him to. It was great to have an RPG game where a character didn't have to be a great fighter to be in your party.
Relationships with party members was something that Knights pioneered in the RPG genre. You can hold conversations with your party and other NPC's that shape rewards and what people think of you. You can randomly decide that you hate a character and belittle them at every turn while being a sweetheart to everyone else. It's up to you.
While Western RPG's are known for choices, they're not known for plot. KOTOR is still one of the only WRPG's with an excellent plotline. The universe you're shaping seems in peril and the RPG standard of ruining an area that you started at is still here. But when you start meeting races and creatures that you'd remember from Star Wars lore, you start to get sucked in. Then you hit the plot twist. I can't say anything else, but the twist from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is one of the best in all of gaming. In fact, the twist is so good that it bumped KOTOR up multiple spots in my ratings.
Even if you're not into Star Wars games, you still need to play this game. It's plot, relationships, and customization are excellent. Moreso, it's one of the most important games of the last 10 years. Try it out, especially because being a jedi is awesome.
Um I believe you failed to mention how much of a dreamboat Carth is.
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note I really loved the nonlinear nature of the game - the mission to get the plot coupons was straightforward, but the order in which you visited certain planets affected the game and your relationship with certain party members. Also - fantastic voice actors! Bioware loves to use raphael sbarge and jennifer hale, and with very good reason.
I'm sorry, I never tried to go for Carth. No no, there's a legit reason. My character had a very specific backstory that was troubled. My character even had addictions to alchohol. SO IT WAS BAD TO BE AROUND THAT MUCH WHINE!
ReplyDeleteBah, Carth was the Debbie Downer of my adventures.
Clearly jealous of the orange space jacket.
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