Info about STAR WARS™ Knights of the Old Republic™ II - The Sith Lords™:

Official game description:
Five years after the events from the award winning Star Wars® Knights of the Old Republic™, the Sith Lords have hunted the Jedi to the edge of extinction and are on the verge of crushing the Old Republic. With the Jedi Order in ruin, the Republic’s only hope is a lone Jedi struggling to reconnect with the Force. As this Jedi, you will be faced with the galaxy’s most dire decision: Follow the light side or succumb to the dark…
Key Features:
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*   Follow up to the acclaimed and original Star Wars® Knights of the Old Republic™.  
*   Choose from three different classes of Jedi, each with access to specific Jedi abilities.  
*   Choose the light or the dark side of the Force as you progress through the story.  
*   The choices you make will affect your character, those in your party and those who may join you in your quest.

Release date: 23 Aug, 2012

Categories: RPG, Single-player Story, Choice-based Narrative, Character Progression, Player Customization, Party-based Combat, Turn-based Combat, Moral Decision-Making


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Profound Star Wars Narrative & Deconstruction (weight 1): The game is widely regarded as having one of the best Star Wars stories across any medium, lauded for its unique philosophical depth. It masterfully deconstructs established Jedi/Sith ideologies, explores morally gray areas, and delves into darker themes of war, trauma, and the complex nature of the Force, challenging players' preconceived notions.
- Exceptional RPG Mechanics & Design (weight 0.86): Players consistently praise the game as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, noting its excellent character depth, consequential choices, and sophisticated RPG systems. Many reviews highlight significant improvements in gameplay, mechanics, and overall design compared to its predecessor, KOTOR 1.
- Deep & Complex Companion Characters (weight 0.55): The game features a standout cast of complex and well-written companion characters, with particular acclaim for Kreia's philosophical depth and moral ambiguity. The innovative influence system allows player choices to dramatically shape companions' alignments and personal stories, creating profound and memorable interactions.
- Enduring Appeal & Immersive Atmosphere (weight 0.45): Despite its age, the game is celebrated as a timeless classic, retaining high replay value and an immersive atmosphere that draws players back for decades. Its captivating writing, memorable soundtrack, and rich world-building contribute to a unique experience that still resonates strongly with players, often surpassing modern titles.
- Enhanced by Community Mods & Support (weight 0.37): The dedicated fan community and extensive modding support, particularly the essential Restored Content Mod (TSLRCM), have transformed the game. These efforts reintegrate cut content, fix numerous bugs, enhance visual/audio elements, and improve overall stability, allowing players to experience a more complete and polished version of the developers' original vision.

Common complaints:
- Unfinished due to rushed development (weight 0.55): The game was notoriously rushed for release, resulting in significant cut content, incomplete story threads, and an abrupt, unsatisfying finale. This left the original vanilla experience feeling like a half-baked and unpolished product.
- Dated and clunky gameplay mechanics (weight 0.41): The core gameplay, including combat, controls, and character movement, was widely criticized as clunky, rigid, and outdated. Players found combat tedious, unbalanced, and repetitive, often becoming either too easy or frustratingly difficult at random times.
- Game is technically broken (weight 0.39): Players frequently encounter severe bugs, game-breaking glitches, and frequent crashes, making the game often unplayable without extensive troubleshooting. Its outdated engine struggles with modern hardware, leading to poor performance and compatibility issues.
- Fails to match predecessor's quality (weight 0.36): A prevalent sentiment is that the game falls short of the first KOTOR in most aspects, including story, immersion, technical polish, and companion appeal. Many players found it a less enjoyable and more frustrating experience compared to the original.
- Incoherent story and poor pacing (weight 0.27): Reviewers found the narrative suffered from bad pacing, often feeling disjointed, confusing, or leaving plot points unresolved. Character development was frequently lacking, and the ending, even with restoration mods, felt rushed and failed to provide proper closure.
- Slow and confusing start (weight 0.15): The game's initial hours are often described as tedious, boring, and overwhelming due to slow pacing, excessive backtracking, or a flurry of information. This makes it challenging for players to get invested and progress in the early stages.
- Specific planets feel rushed or tedious (weight 0.03): Reviewers noted that certain planets, such as Nar Shaddaa and Korriban, felt either too short, underdeveloped, or suffered from frustrating pacing and design choices. This indicates an inconsistent quality in the game's level design.

Gameplay feedback:
- Consequential Player & Companion Choices (weight 0.22): Player choices have significant consequences, influencing the protagonist's alignment and the story's direction. The game features an in-depth influence system where dialogue and actions impact companion loyalty and even their potential to be trained as Jedi or Sith.
- Inherited D&D Combat & Gameplay (weight 0.19): The game largely retains and refines the Dungeons & Dragons-based, real-time-with-pause combat system and general gameplay mechanics from KOTOR 1. This includes d20 dice rolls, character progression, and party-based tactical combat, which while familiar, can feel less dynamic compared to modern RPGs.
- Varied Lightsaber Combat Styles (weight 0.08): KOTOR 2 introduces a system of distinct lightsaber combat styles, such as Shii-Cho and Juyo. Players learn and unlock these styles as they progress, offering tactical options to adapt to different combat scenarios.
- Customizable Protagonist & Jedi Exile (weight 0.07): Players create their own character, who is established as 'The Exile,' a former Jedi already disconnected from the Force. This initial Jedi identity, unlike KOTOR 1, sets the stage for a unique journey of rediscovery and moral alignment.
- PC Controller Support Issues (weight 0.02): The PC version suffers from inconsistent and often problematic controller support, frequently displaying keyboard and mouse prompts even when a controller is in use. Some players resort to older game versions or third-party solutions for a smoother experience.
- Structural Similarity to Mass Effect (weight 0.01): Reviewers observed that KOTOR 2 shares structural similarities with the later Mass Effect series, particularly regarding its ship-based hub, team management, mission progression, and the impact of dialogue choices.

Performance notes:
- Modern display support is mixed (weight 0.06): The game now includes native support for modern resolutions, including widescreen, up to 4K and 5K. However, some players still report a need for community-made widescreen fix mods to correctly un-stretch the UI, indicating that the native implementation may not be perfect for all setups.
- Patch significantly improved experience (weight 0.03): The latest patch (1.8.6) notably enhanced game stability by eliminating previous frame drops and crashes. It also integrated modern features like Steam achievements, cloud saves, controller support, native 1920x1080 resolution at 60Hz, and Steam Workshop compatibility, including TSLRCM. These updates collectively make the game more presentable and playable on modern systems.
- Very low system requirements (weight 0.02): The game is noted for its ability to run on very modest hardware, often described as a 'potato' PC, due to its use of an older 32-bit engine. This makes the game highly accessible to a broad range of players, even those with outdated systems.
- Critical Onderon quest bug (weight 0.01): A significant, game-breaking bug has been reported towards the end of the Onderon questline. This issue manifests as a black screen or an incorrectly triggered Nihilus cutscene, potentially halting progress for players.

Recommendations:
- Highly Recommended for Fans (weight 0.41): The game is widely praised as a 'must-play' for Star Wars enthusiasts and RPG fans, lauded for its deep narrative, complex story, and challenging themes. Many reviewers enthusiastically recommend it as a classic, often giving it high ratings (8/10 to 10/10) despite its age and initial flaws, highlighting its lasting appeal.
- TSLRCM Mod is Essential (weight 0.29): The Sith Lords Restored Content Mod (TSLRCM) is overwhelmingly considered mandatory for an optimal and complete experience. Reviewers emphasize that the mod restores crucial cut content, fixes numerous bugs, and completes unfinished storylines, making the vanilla game generally not recommended or worth playing without it.
- Play KOTOR 1 First (weight 0.22): Many players strongly recommend playing the original Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR 1) before KOTOR 2. This is advised to fully appreciate KOTOR 2's story, understand character connections, and grasp its unique approach to twisting the first game's themes and conclusions, with both games often cited as essential.
- M4-78 Mod Considerations (weight 0.02): There is specific discussion around the M4-78 Enhancement Project mod, which adds an entire planet. Opinions are divided, with some recommending it for additional content, while others caution against its inclusion, especially for a first playthrough, suggesting players carefully consider its impact.
- Negative Recommendations Exist (weight 0.02): Despite the predominantly positive reception, a small number of reviewers explicitly advise against playing the game. These recommendations often stem from disappointment with its perceived shortcomings or issues in its current unmodded state, though specific reasons are often sparse in this feedback.

Other player notes:
- Desire for Remaster/Sequel (weight 0.19): There is a strong and recurring desire among players for a modern remaster or a true sequel, KOTOR 3, preferably by BioWare or Obsidian. Players hope for updated graphics, quality-of-life improvements, and a definitive continuation of the rich story.
- KOTOR 1 often preferred (weight 0.15): Many players frequently compare KOTOR 2 to its predecessor, often finding KOTOR 1 to be a more enjoyable, complete, and iconic experience, especially regarding its narrative and classic Star Wars feel. While KOTOR 2 has its merits, it frequently doesn't surpass the original in players' overall preference.
- Strong Nostalgia & Longevity (weight 0.08): KOTOR 2 holds significant nostalgic value for many players, often being one of their first RPGs or a game they've played for decades across various platforms. Its enduring appeal has created a loyal player base who continue to revisit it years after its release.
- Obsidian's Unique Approach (weight 0.06): Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, KOTOR 2 is recognized for its distinctive storytelling and philosophical take on the Star Wars universe, which often differentiates it from BioWare's approach. Players appreciate Obsidian's complex design, even noting it was the studio's debut title.
- Rich Star Wars Lore (weight 0.02): The game is lauded for its deep integration into the Star Wars Expanded Universe (Legends), featuring compelling lore surrounding the Mandalorian War and Jedi Civil War. It introduces impactful characters and provides foundational depth to the overall Star Wars narrative.
- Notable Sith Characters (weight 0.02): Specific praise is given to the antagonists Nihilus and Sion, who are highlighted as some of the most compelling and powerful Sith in Star Wars history. Their unique abilities and character development contribute significantly to the game's narrative depth.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.25): Players experienced satisfaction primarily due to the game's deep, complex narrative, philosophical themes, and well-written characters, often finding it superior to its predecessor. The refined RPG mechanics, character customization, and impactful choices also contributed significantly, with the Restored Content Mod frequently cited as essential for a complete and highly enjoyable experience that enhances replayability and modern compatibility.
- Admiration (weight 0.12): Admiration stems from the game's profoundly ambitious and philosophical narrative, which often deconstructs Star Wars themes and introduces complex characters like Kreia. Reviewers praise its exceptional writing, character development, and unique storytelling, consistently hailing it as a masterpiece and a standout RPG within the Star Wars universe.
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): Disappointment largely arises from the game's notoriously rushed development, leading to a buggy, unfinished state with significant cut content, particularly affecting the ending and plot resolution. This unfulfilled potential, coupled with technical issues and perceived shortcomings compared to its predecessor, often led to a frustrating and incomplete experience for players.
- Frustration (weight 0.11): Frustration is frequently reported due to pervasive game-breaking bugs, frequent crashes, and general technical instability that often prevents progression or enjoyable play on modern systems. Players also cite clunky, dated combat mechanics, confusing companion systems, and tedious gameplay segments as significant sources of annoyance, often exasperated by the perceived necessity of mods to mitigate these issues.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Players express excitement due to the game's extensive role-playing depth, high-quality story, and compelling characters, especially when enhanced by the Restored Content Mod which unlocks significant content. The game's strong replayability, engaging Star Wars experience, and the thrill of making impactful decisions also fuel enthusiasm, leading to strong recommendations and a desire for future playthroughs or remakes.
- Appreciation (weight 0.06): Appreciation is deeply felt for the game's profound philosophical themes, nuanced exploration of the Force's gray areas, and unique contribution to Star Wars lore. The well-written narrative, memorable characters (particularly Kreia), and high-quality voice acting are frequently praised, as are the significant efforts of the modding community in restoring content and improving the game's enduring quality and modern compatibility.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.04): Nostalgia is strongly associated with players' childhood memories of playing the game, often considering it a beloved classic that has retained its appeal over two decades. The game's enduring quality, its old-school RPG feel, and its ability to evoke fond recollections of a bygone era of Star Wars storytelling contribute significantly to this sentiment.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Players experience joy through the game's enduring quality, strong replayability, and its status as a long-time favorite, often since childhood. The amazing story, characters, music, and the significantly enhanced experience provided by the Restored Content Mod contribute to a consistently positive and engaging gameplay experience, even across multiple playthroughs.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Enjoyment stems from the game's engaging narrative, compelling companions, and immersive world-building, which provide a fun and lasting experience despite its age or minor flaws. The turn-based mechanics, player choice, and exploration of planets and quests are frequently cited as key contributors, especially when combined with mod enhancements.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game is characterized by its deep personal impact, elevating it to an all-time favorite status due to its profound narrative, open-ended character building, and extensive replayability. Players express strong, enduring affection for the game's universe and overall quality, often dedicating significant time to playing or even enhancing it through mod development.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is primarily directed at the game's unplayable state on modern systems, characterized by frequent freezing, crashes, and game-breaking bugs that prevent enjoyment or progress. Players express significant frustration with the perceived poor design choices, unengaging characters, and the corporate decision-making (Lucas Arts) that led to the game's rushed and unfinished release, requiring consumer intervention to fix.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope centers on the strong desire for a future remake or remaster of the game, anticipating updated graphics, quality-of-life improvements, and official restoration of cut content. There's also a significant longing for a continuation of the series, particularly KOTOR 3, and a return of the original developers to the Star Wars universe.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is driven by the game's high overall quality, engaging story, and rich RPG elements, especially when enhanced by the transformative Restored Content Mod which makes it highly recommendable. Players express strong positive feelings for its enduring appeal, extensive replayability, and its status as a definitive Star Wars experience, often encouraging others to play.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement arises from specific quirky elements within the game, such as humorous dialogue, the comical overpowered nature of certain abilities like "Force Storm," and the over-the-top evil of the Dark Side path. Players also find humor in personal anecdotes and playful observations about the game's unique characteristics.
- Helpfulness (weight 0.01): Helpfulness is demonstrated through players' efforts to guide others toward an optimal experience, primarily by strongly recommending the essential Restored Content Mod and other technical fixes. This includes providing specific mod installation advice, solutions for common bugs, and guidance on character choices or play order to ensure a smoother, more complete playthrough.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is fostered by the game's immersive, impactful narrative, which delves into complex moral dilemmas and deconstructs traditional Star Wars lore. Players become deeply invested through significant character interactions, the ally influence mechanics, and the profound impact of their choices on the evolving storyline.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Mixed feelings emerge from players acknowledging the game's significant flaws, such as bugs and an incomplete narrative, while still finding it enjoyable and important. This often includes a slight preference for its predecessor or a conflicting appreciation for themes like the "desolate universe" feel, highlighting a complex perspective on the game's overall quality.
- Recommendation (weight 0.01): Recommendations are primarily driven by the game's strong overall quality and its significant improvement when played with the essential Restored Content Mod, which is often considered a mandatory fix. Players actively encourage others to experience the game, guiding them to leverage mods for a more complete and enjoyable experience despite any inherent flaws.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Awe is inspired by the game's monumental achievement in storytelling, particularly its dedicated approach to tragedy and its profound philosophical depth that rigorously explores the Force and moral complexities. The haunting impact of its narrative, coupled with deep emotional introspection and the terrifying correctness of characters like Kreia, elevates it to an art form for many players.
- Guidance (weight 0): Guidance is provided through explicit and strong recommendations for essential mods, such as TSLRCM and Widescreen Fix, often including detailed installation advice. Players aim to ensure new players have the best possible experience, sometimes also advising on character choices or the importance of playing the prequel first to fully appreciate the narrative.}