The game combines deep narrative storytelling, strategic turn-based combat, and immersive character progression, offering players a chance to shape their own destiny within the expansive Star Wars galaxy. In KOTOR, players create and customize their own character, choosing from various species, skills, and alignments. The character embarks on a journey as a former Jedi, who must discover the truth behind a looming threat to the galaxy while uncovering their mysterious past.
As the story progresses, players are given the option to align with either the light side or the dark side of the Force, with their choices influencing not only their character's abilities but also the story's direction and the relationships with companions.
The game features a variety of memorable characters, each with their own backstories, motivations, and quests. Players can recruit allies like the loyal droid T3-M4, the brave soldier Carth Onasi, and the mysterious Jedi Bastila Shan, who become essential companions throughout the journey. Each companion brings unique abilities, insights, and side quests that further enrich the story.
The combat system in KOTOR is turn-based and requires careful planning and strategy. Players can choose from a range of combat styles, including lightsaber duels and Force powers, while engaging in tactical battles against Sith forces, bounty hunters, and other galactic threats. The game also incorporates exploration, allowing players to visit a variety of planets, including Tatooine, Kashyyyk, and the space station of the Leviathan, each with its own lore, enemies, and hidden secrets.
What sets KOTOR apart is its emphasis on player choice and moral decision-making. Every action, whether in dialogue or combat, impacts the course of the story and the development of the character. These choices can lead to different story outcomes, affecting not just the protagonist's journey but the fate of entire factions within the galaxy. The conflict between the light and dark sides of the Force is at the heart of the game, and players must decide how their decisions will ultimately shape the galaxy's future.
With its detailed world-building, engaging story, and unforgettable characters, Star Wars™: Knights of the Old Republic offers an unparalleled RPG experience for Star Wars fans and newcomers alike. It remains a classic, with its deep narrative and moral complexity setting a high bar for RPGs in the Star Wars universe. Overall, the game can be called a prequel to STAR WARS™: KOTOR II.