Star Wars Review (Cerun)
There is a reason when Steam promotes a "May the 4th" sale, Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2 are at the top of the list. They are classics that should be experienced by you, gamer. Two choice saturated games that run on "real-time" turn based combat. Dated in numerous ways, yet each with golden cores that make it absolutely worth digging through the calcified crust of age.
Be wary, this game runs off of a 3.x D&D Star Wars system, which can add a lot of "game knowledge" overhead that some of us absolute degenerates live to ingest and process. If you are not a dyed-in-the-wool TTRPG nerd and for some reason dislike having 30+ feats to choose through, don't fret too much. KotoR1 & 2 are not especially difficult games, especially because they rewards power for combat through exploration and roleplaying. The stuff you'll be doing the other 2/3rds of the time, besides combat. The recommended build paths in game are... o-kay, so auto-leveling and equipping bigger numbers will see you through normal difficulty. Alternatively, you can destroy the game. Breaking open the carapace, then spine of 3.x numbers bloat to become a living God. Laughing condescendingly as you dissolve the game's final boss in a tide of Force Lightnings.
Both games are thoughtful examinations of the Star Wars universe. To me, that's the main appeal. If you've watched a Star Wars film and wished for more substantive exploration of the themes, KotoR 1 is here for you. There is war, there is philosophy, there is pazaak. You will experience the highs and lows of force-hood and a great hero's journey.
With KotoR 2 DOWNLOAD THE MOD THAT IMPLEMENTS VAST QUANTITIES OF CUT CONTENT. The Sith Lords Restored Content Modification (TSLRCM) is a 15-year in the making restoration. Today, it is available in the steam workshop as a one button fix. KotoR 2 is the interesting deconstruction of Star Wars, period. An examination of the jedi, their sibling sith, and how the galaxy contorts around these powers into twisted paradigms. A uniquely bitter experience, like hot coffee. Deeply satisfying and wakening.
I wrote this review once and applied it to both games.