Review of Star Wars: The Old Republic Online Gameplay

As I delved into the world of Star Wars: The Old Republic, I was struck by the sheer depth and richness of its gameplay mechanics. Behind the scenes, damage is calculated using Dungeons & Dragons' D20 system, which leverages dice rolls and modifiers based on your character's stats. This might seem complex, but in practice, the game plays like a real-time action-RPG, with characters' attacks placed in queues to create a seamless experience.

While gameplay-wise, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) may not hold up as well as its writing, it is still remarkably solid. The true star of the show, however, is the game's litany of sidequests. From a Romeo and Juliet-esque conflict between two lovers' families to a fascinating murder mystery and trial, each quest is expertly crafted to draw you in and keep you engaged.

These sidequests are just one aspect of KOTOR's remarkable world-building. The locations you visit are diverse and flesh out the Star Wars universe in clever ways. Whether it's the bustling prejudicial city of Taris, the ominous Sith Academy of Korriban, or the serene Jedi Academy on Dantooine, each location is meticulously designed to transport you into the world of Star Wars.

But what truly sets KOTOR apart is its cast of characters. Far more important than plot, these characters offer nuance and depth to the world outside of the classic Jedi-Sith conflict. From the Mandalorian bounty hunter Canderous Ordo to the hilariously homicidal droid HK-47 or the sardonic and morally grey former Jedi Jolee Bindo, each character is superbly written and memorable.

Of course, the Light Side/Dark Side choices you can make are fairly binary by today's standards. However, they still fit the overall moral simplicity of Star Wars, which is all about the struggle between good and evil. And then there's the game's iconic, mind-blowing Empire Strikes Back-level twist that I won't dare spoil here.

For fans and newcomers alike, KOTOR will feel like a breath of fresh air. If you're tired of modern Star Wars stories being connected to the same damn family, KOTOR offers a refreshing change of pace. Its engaging gameplay, richly detailed world, and memorable characters make it a must-play for anyone who loves the Star Wars franchise.

Review of star wars the old republic online gameplay