20 years later, it remains a powerful uniting force.
It has been 20 years sinceStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republicwas released.
Its not justStar Warsenthusiasts that recognize its value though.
Gamers across the world can easily attribute some of the changes in the RPG genre to the successes ofKOTOR.
But how dida game from decades ago build up such an expansive fan base?
And ultimately, why does it unite theStar Warscommunity when it sometimes seems like little else can?
Ad content continues below
Knights of the Old Republicdid a lot right for its time.
More importantly, it used those elements in ways that felt true to its significant source material.
Yet few of those faults overshadow everything else the game is doing.
Consider the games variation on RPG class systems.
The archetypes of theStar Warsgalaxy play into that classic genre concept perfectly.
Your stats tell you that youre becoming more powerful, but those narrative elements actually make youfeelyour characters growth.
The games turn-based combat mechanics accomplish something similar.
Its not the most kinetic style of gameplay, but it still felt exciting and dynamic.
More importantly, it ensured players retained control over everything that was happening.
Their tactical choices soon proved to be as impactful and dynamic as their narrative decisions.
There was no mindless button-mashing or fast-paced FPS action.
This was a game designed for those who wanted to think and come to understand their character.
Yet,KOTORs Alignment System soon proved to be its most genius concept.
Besides, its the ways that idea was re-imagined for theStar Warsuniverse that made it feel so magical.
Yet, that idea arguably spoke loudest toStar Warsfans.
There was genuine freedom in the opportunity to shape your characters morality.
The sense that you were doing something forbidden only enhanced those feelings of freedom.
A Long Time Ago
Knights of the Old Republicwas a defining title for theStar Warstimeline.
It fleshed out a dazzling new time period, set before any of the stories Lucasfilm had previously told.
Despite the presence of some familiar franchise tropes,KOTORs era feltunlike anythingStar Warsfans had seen before.
The key to the games success in that area was its weathered feel.
The Old Republic represented a fresh new period of mystery that encouraged risk-taking and new storylines.
No one knew what to expect and there was little else to compare it to.
KOTORfeatures some of the best writing in theStar Warsfranchise regardless of medium.
The beauty of the storyline is that theres a little something for everyone.
Its a vast and detailed narrative that each player can get something different out of.
That level of depth is another reason whyKOTORhas often bridged the different sides of the fandom.
This Is The Way
Today,KOTORslegacy has contributed to a rapidly expanding universe.
All of that success brings us back to the powerful realization thatKOTORisStar Wars.
Its everythingStar Warsshould be.
It made the most of the genre and never defined itself by its limitations.
Thats something fans have come to respect even more in the years sinceKOTORs release.
