The city planet of Taris in the Star Wars universe is a breathtaking sight, with its curved metallic skyscrapers and minaret-like towers emerging from the ground. The bustling city is filled with energy, from the roar of freighters to the shuffling of droids. Sith troopers patrol the area, while utility droids scavenge for parts and ruffians cause trouble. This vivid and lively universe is the setting of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), a game that takes players on a grand adventure across the galaxy.
Released twenty years ago, KOTOR allowed players to immerse themselves in the exotic planets of the Star Wars universe, fulfilling the dreams of young space enthusiasts. The game captures the essence of the original film trilogy, with its landscapes and storylines filled with melodrama and adventure. From the moment players step out of the cramped apartments of Taris, they are transported into a world teeming with life and excitement.
KOTOR’s landscapes are almost picture-perfect, offering breathtaking and sometimes unsettling panoramas of life in the game. The planet Taris, for example, is divided into three levels: the Upper City, Lower City, and Undercity. This layout symbolizes the stark contrast between social classes, with the wealthy and powerful residing in the Upper City and enjoying the privilege of the skyline view. The Lower City, on the other hand, is a dark and dangerous place, with gang fights and turf wars being commonplace. The Undercity is even more dismal, with outcasts living in makeshift tents and infected individuals locked behind rusted gates.
In contrast to Taris, the planet Dantooine is a lush and agricultural world, with rich flora and wildlife. The Jedi enclave is located here, and the sun’s harsh rays dry the fields to a brown color. Even the barren planet of Korriban, with its lifeless and desolate landscape, has its own allure. The opportunity to explore the palaces and mausoleums of long-dead Sith lords adds to the excitement of the game. Each planet in KOTOR offers a unique and diverse experience, making space travel in the game incredibly tantalizing.
The Journey of a Hero
While the landscapes and settings of KOTOR are captivating, the game’s true appeal lies in its storytelling and the opportunity to wield a lightsaber. From the epic battles aboard the Endar Spire starship to the discovery of being blessed with Force sensitivity, the game follows the classic narrative of good versus evil. Players begin as a Republic soldier, narrowly escaping death and waking up in the midst of chaos. The journey to becoming a Jedi and wielding a lightsaber is a central part of the game’s narrative, and players must go through a series of challenges and quests to achieve this goal.
KOTOR offers players the chance to build their own lightsaber, a symbol of becoming a true Jedi. The process involves answering questions about combat preferences and choosing a lightsaber crystal. The moment when players ignite their first lightsaber is a pivotal and thrilling experience. However, this is only the beginning of the Jedi journey. Players must then hunt down the mythical Star Forge, accompanied by a crew of companions they’ve gathered along the way.
A twist in the game reveals that players are not only a Jedi but also the Sith lord Darth Revan, with the power to embrace either the light or dark side of the Force. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, allowing players to make choices that impact the fate of the galaxy. KOTOR resolves dramatic arcs with even more dramatic arcs, leading to a monumental and satisfying conclusion.
Despite its outdated visuals, KOTOR remains a groundbreaking game that paved the way for future space operas in the gaming industry. Its immersive storytelling and thrilling gameplay continue to captivate players, even in a world filled with polished and nostalgia-driven offerings. Games like the Mass Effect series owe their success to the grand adventures and theatrics introduced by KOTOR. The epic journey across the galaxy in KOTOR is an experience that every Star Wars fan should embark on.
Leave a Reply