Let me say right off the bat that I had dramas playing this game for more than one hour at a stretch without this happening:
This is the system spec of the computer I played it on.
- Pentium 4 2.4 GHz
- 512 MB PC 333 RAM
- GeForce 2 MX 64MB (holding this computer back)
- Santa Cruz Turtle Beach
- Windows 2000 Professional
- MS Optical Mouse via USB
- Standard 104 Key Keyboard vis PS/2
Thinking it may have been the Santa Cruz, I disabled the sound. Still crashed. In hindsight I'm surprised I was able to complete the game. I can't deny it though, the game was an extreme blast. I had nothing but total fun playing it.
Jedi vs Sith
As the entire world knows, KoTOR is a ported console (Xbox) game. You'd never know it. Most of them have abysmal controls, grainy graphics or console-style save game points. KoTOR has none of these. For all intents and purposes it's a pure PC game. You can more or less save anywhere, the controls via mouse and keyboard are decent and the graphics are drop-dead stunning.
KoTOR is a Bioware game and that means quality IMHO. The Icewind Dales, the Baldur's Gates and Planescape:Torment. Not to mention the Fallouts. Sadly, the quality didn't extend to the reliability of the game. From reading boards here and there, crashes are a common occurrence with it.
Despite this, everything else excels. The story, the character development, the interaction with the worlds and events about you, all is wonderful.
KoTOR is set 4000 years prior to the events contained in the films. The Republic is weakened after wars against the Mandalorians, among others. Two rogue Jedi have un-puzzled an ancient relic and have brought the Sith army under their control. It's your job to stop this and restore order to the Republic, if you're a good guy Jedi, or usurp them and take charge yourself if you're a bad guy. Either way, the ride is an epic one. The interaction with the various characters who join you is done with great verve. Each of them have a story and a history, even the droids that sign up with you. One, Juhani, requires turning from the Dark Side before she'll ally with you. She's worth it, as she's easily the most kick-ass lightsabre user in the game.
You go to some amazing locations in the course of your journey. Each of them are superbly drawn, especially Dantooine with its endless pastoral vistas. The endless deserts of Tatooine, the oceans of Manaan, the crags and mountains of Korriban, the trees and gloom of Kashyyyk, and the tropical coast of the Rakatan planet.
So be it, Jedi
KoTOR resembles Jedi Knight to a large degree. Your slant towards Light or Dark is based upon actions you choose in the game. Whereas Jedi Knight is a shooter with a story, KoTOR is a real-time RPG. Like the Baldur's Gate series, etc, you can pause the game during combat to try a different approach or strategy. Upon reaching a new level, you get to train a variety of new skills, and, eventually, Force powers. Yep yep, you get to be a Jedi later on, although you need to perform tasks and answer riddles to become one.
In essence, it is a superb game, if only it didn't crash every thirty minutes. I found myself quick-saving the game repeatedly out of paranoia.
More Information
- Official Site -- The official lowdown.
- Gamebanshee -- Their exposé on KoTOR, includes a walkthrough and strategies. Best I've found so far.
Screenshots
- Dantooine -- My guy surveys the endless fields of Dantooine. Good to see boab trees have made it to Star Wars.
- Sith Temple on Korriban -- Near the Sith Temple on the wild world of Korriban.
- Sharks on Manaan -- I'd ask my friends to come and see, an octopus's garden with me. Right.
- The Beach -- The Rakatan's homeworld. Club Med with downed spaceships.
- In Space -- Outside of the Leviathan. Check out the light flare!
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