Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords

About Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords arrived on December 6, 2004, from Obsidian Entertainment. It serves as a direct sequel to the first game but shifts focus heavily toward moral ambiguity and political intrigue. You play as The Exile, a former Jedi Knight who was cast out of the order five years prior to the events of this title. The story takes place in a galaxy where a brutal civil war has nearly wiped out the Jedi Order. This RPG launched on PC and later expanded to Linux, Mac, Xbox, iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. It is a single-player experience that challenges players to navigate a collapsing Republic while deciding the fate of the Force itself.

Gameplay

Sessions involve managing a party of companions across six distinct planets while making dialogue choices that steer your character toward the light or dark side. Combat switches between real-time exploration and turn-based tactical battles where you order each unit to move, attack, or use special abilities. You gain new force powers and classes as you progress, allowing for flexible builds. The control scheme feels standard for Western RPGs of this era with mouse-and-keyboard input on PC. Typical playtime revolves around deep conversations that alter the narrative outcome rather than just combat encounters. You pick up allies along the way who can either support your mission or act as obstacles depending on your previous decisions.

What Players Think

Critics and players rate this title highly, with an IGDB score of 86.2 out of 100 based on 800 ratings. The community vibe leans heavily toward mind-bending themes, though some find it competitive or atmospheric. Average completion rates suggest a significant time investment given the depth of the story. Review snippets often highlight the complex moral choices available to players. Many users note that the emotional weight of the narrative sets this apart from standard sci-fi adventures. The data shows a dedicated fanbase that appreciates the darker tone compared to other entries in the franchise. Playtime averages are substantial, reflecting the game's focus on exploration and dialogue rather than quick action sequences.

PlayPile's Take

This game is for players who want a story-driven RPG with complex moral dilemmas rather than fast-paced action. The price varies by platform but remains a solid value considering the content length. Players can earn numerous achievements by exploring different dialogue paths or completing side quests. Obsidian did not polish every bug, yet the writing compensates for technical hiccups. You should play this if you enjoy watching characters evolve through your choices. The ending depends entirely on how you treat your companions and handle the Force. Skip this title only if you prefer straightforward heroics without moral gray areas.

Storyline

It is a perilous time for the galaxy. A brutal civil war has all but destroyed the Jedi Order, leaving the ailing Republic on the verge of collapse. Five years after the events of Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, in a time when the Jedi have been brought to the edge of extinction, a former Jedi Knight exiled from the Jedi Order embarks on a tribulous journey to restore their connection to the Force. You must make the choices that turn The Exile to either the light side or the dark side of the Force, and travel to six planets picking up additions to your party along the way, to either help or hinder the Republic's efforts to bring peace and stability to the galaxy.