Wednesday, January 23, 2013

I Played This: Star Wars - Knights of the Old Republic


Ten years ago, I played a most amazing game, one that would set the standard for RPGs for years to come. I'm not one for RPGs, as they are literally a virtual time-suck, but I had to give this one a try.

And it's just as fun to play today as it was then ... 

Four thousand years before the Star Wars films, a Sith known as Darth Malak has unleashed an armada against the Republic, leaving many Jedi scattered and vulnerable by his aggression. They may either die in battle or swear their allegiance to Malak. 

Escaping a Republic cruiser, you find yourself stuck on the planet of Taris. To get off, you have to rescue Bastilla, a fierce Jedi with a unique power that gives other warriors a heightened sense of will, which Malak fully intends to use for his own armada.

You choose your character's gender, looks, and you even construct your own light saber as you explore fascinating worlds with unknown dangers at ever turn, but the fate of the galaxy depends entirely on the choices you make.

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There's much to like about this game - the puzzles, the inventory, the characters, and the choices you make that can lead you to either the light or dark side of the force. The game itself is thoroughly thought out to the last detail, has a completely unexpected twist that truly messes with your emotions, and, might I dare say it, a spark of romantic intrigue? Should you choose to pursue it, or course.

I'm all about replay/rewatch/reread value, and this game has it in droves. You can spend a good week exploring everything and do it all over again by making different choices. And depending on what you do, you actions will effect your companions, for better or for worse. The fighting system is a lot of fun, too, but it requires quick thinking as the fighting is real time instead of a per-turn basis.

The best part of all - let's be honest - it's Star Wars! Say those two words together and I'm sold (well, with the exception of attaching Angry Birds to it ...). While this is an older game, it's still available for PC and the first xBox. You might even get a few ideas for a few of your stories. So, if you're brave enough, give KOTOR a shot.

And may the force be with you.

I'm David, and this is but a taste of the Dark Side ...

22 comments:

  1. This was my favorite game ever, replaced at the top only by Fallout 3.

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  2. That sounds fantastic! I love it when games let you explore a character arc and allow them to develop as you play.

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  3. I tried to play that and then realized it required too much time and energy. Though I did enjoy using the cheat codes to make my guy a super awesome dark Jedi who could fry people faster than a fryer on a battleship.

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  4. I didn't play that one, but I did try the newer one that is out. I got sucked in big time. But, I still play WOW (uber gamer nerd here) so I had to pick just one to pay and play. Although, now Star Wars if free to play...temptations, temptations!!

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  5. That's very cool! And that's saying a lot from someone who doesn't like video games. Well I like to watch them, not to play them.

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  6. I sort of felt like I was just reading Chinese. I don't speak Gamer. I literally haven't played a video game in over 15 years! Except Dance 4 Kinnect. That's awesome.

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  7. That was a fantastic game. KOTOR 2 was okay, but not nearly as good. And a tip: if you own a Mac with the App Store, you can download the game for $10! AND it has updated graphics. No need to play with lesser graphics or dig out an obsolete game system :D

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  8. I want to try out the new(ish) MMO, but I haven't had the time. :(

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  9. I know people who are, even now, campaigning to have the next round of Star Wars films written by the guys who did Knights of the Old Republic...

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  10. I played that one, the sequel, and now I'm playing the newest in the series. It's an MMORPG, so even more time consuming (if you're not careful). Lots of fun but I have to limit how much time I spend on it.

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  11. It's crazy how fun some older games are. I love the Sid Meier's computer games, especially the Colonization version. It's sooo old school, but really fun still:)

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  12. I still have never seen a single Star Wars film.
    I know, blasphemy.
    *commence stone throwing*

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    1. No stone throwing, but I know what we're doing for your graduation party ... ;)

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  13. Have you watched any Clone Wars this season? Darth Maul is on a tear with his apprentice. They're basically taking over all the baddies in the universe. And if you haven't been keeping up...yes, Darth Maul is back. He had his legs cut off by Qui Gon but that didn't kill him. He's got a cybernetic lower body now. Convenient, eh?

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    1. I thought it was Obi that hacked his legs off (come to think of it, Obi is pretty good at that). Yes, I've been watching. Maul is a beast. Best season yet! :)

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    2. I thought it was in half. At the waist, like ... now I must rewatch.

      I loved KOTOR, but it was hard playing on a laptop. Certainly love it more on xbox.
      And KOTOR 2, but that was a little ... short. I'm sure I must've missed something along the way there.

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  14. Did you know my dad collects the old Star Wars figures? Yup. He's a genius there. :)

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  15. I've heard really good things about this game. I don't have time for such things, really, but it's tempting. My first novel was all about an RPG game gone wild, so I could maybe consider it research...LOL.

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  16. Not a big gamer- but it sounds like a fun one.

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