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 GAMES: 
Beginning approximately five years after the events of the first Knights of the Old Republic, Metacritic's 2003 Xbox Game of the Year, The Sith Lords takes players on an entirely new journey as they assume the role of what is believed to be the last Jedi in the galaxy. The game features a cast of memorable returning characters and sinister new villains. Using more than 30 new Force powers, players can turn weak-minded enemies against one another in combat with "Force confusion" or see through doors and view character alignment with "Force sight." Assigned to protect the Old Republic and the Jedi Order from the terrifying Dark Lords of the Sith, players must explore and battle through seven diverse worlds while being challenged whether to choose the light side of the Force or surrender to the lure of the dark side. [LucasArts]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Stuff
New powers, faster combat and new environments - such as Korriban, ancient Sith Lord burial ground - make this trip to KOTOR-ville more than just an Old Republic retread. [Jan 2005, p.54]
97
Da Gameboyz
You can forget about "Halo 2," "GTA:SA" and "Metroid Prime 2" this is the Game Of The Year (2004).
 94
XGP Gaming
You can't play a LucasArts game and not notice the sound. Even their other licenses are top notch and, of course, a Star Wars game is no exception.
93
Game Informer
A crowning accomplishment for video games and one of the finest Star Wars stories ever told. [Feb 2005, p.120]
93
GameZone
If the wonderfully written story and interesting characters won’t hook you, then you must not like brilliant role-playing games or Star Wars.
93
Worth Playing
This game really has everything you could want, including one of the best if not the best stories of the year, and it’ll certainly slake any gamer’s thirst for adventure.
93
IGN
Obisidan has delivered with an interesting story, great dialogue, and strong morality system. There are aspects of KOTOR II that are stronger than the first and one or two things that are perhaps a little weaker, but overall The Sith Lords is one of the best RPGs on Xbox.
93
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
From the opening scene to the final, cataclysmic end, KOTOR 2 sucks you in, chews you up, and spits you out the other end. Despite being a parallel to the original, this is a is a superb sequel if ever we saw one. [GamesMaster]
93
TotalGames.net
The game delivers an all important experience that harks back to the elements that made the films great when they were originally released, and even from the start it becomes obvious that a phial full of that authentic LucasArts MagicTM has been sprinkled throughout the game.
93
Console Gameworld
Perhaps it isn't as phenomenal as the first. Still, the game is exciting, deep, and tells a fantastic story!
92
Official Xbox Magazine
The creators at Obsidian have crafted an amazingly compelling story with just the right tweaks and upgrades to keep the action fresh. [Jan 2005, p.30]
92
Team Xbox
There are times when the story of KotOR II seems head and shoulders above that of the first game, and other times it just chugs along like a bad novel. Luckily there are far more highlights than lowlights...Sorry "Fable," this is the RPG of the year on the Xbox.
92
RealGamer
Every bit as big and good as the original, unfortunately however, the game does still suffer from some of the same technical problems seen in the first game.
92
BonusStage
I am a little disappointed with the number of glitches though and spending time playing as characters other than the exile is daunting at times, but these are all minor gripes for what is easily one of 2004’s best games.
91
AtomicGamer
Obsidian has done an incredible job with Knights of the Old Republic 2. Even though the introduction and ending are a bit iffy, the game's more than worth the effort of going through.
91
Kombo
A greater story, more memorable characters, and improved combat options make KOTOR 2 another intergalactic trip you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
90
GamePro
Too many Japanese RPGs include tons of fighting at the expense of a believable plot and characters. KOTOR II bucks the trend by making every battle a natural progression of an engaging story--and just like the first game, it's a story you'll want to play twice, just to see how much insidious fun being a Dark Jedi can be.
90
GameSpy
It has more of what made the first game so outstanding and contains several improvements over its predecessor. For fans of the first game, this is a nearly perfect sequel.
90
Gamezilla!
The greatest and most unfortunate part of this game is that it's almost a carbon copy of the original Knights. While this isn't a bad thing, because it was a solid gameplay design to begin with, there's not much more beyond a couple of interface improvements, some new powers, and a brand new story.
90
Yahoo! Games
While it won't make as much of an impact as its predecessor, KOTOR 2's strong gameplay mechanics, interesting and well-voiced characters, and genuine, unforced sense of atmosphere make it almost as compelling to play. You won't be disappointed.
90
Cheat Code Central
Every bit as good as the original and then some. It may not have the same impact that the original did in terms of the outcome but an all new storyline with new powers and missions takes us further into a galaxy that's already far away.
90
DarkStation
It's hard to hide the fact that the game has great replay value, excellent gameplay mechanics, and a very intuitive storyline.
90
Gamenikki
I've seldom had this much anticipation for a sequel, and even more seldom had my high expectations met.
90
Gaming Target
It will take weeks to see everything across this incredible story.
90
GMR Magazine
A fine RPG - it's just not the earth-shattering sequel that people might expect. [Feb 2005, p.100]
90
My Gamer
While the original KOTOR was also critically acclaimed, this one is improved in almost every way. The story will keep any Star Wars fan or RPG lover pushing themselves to stay awake in order to find out what happens next.
90
Boomtown
With around 50 hours (if you play both sides) of immersive RPGing and several different possible conclusions for both Dark and Light side players, you’re getting good value for money. Just try not to sweat the ending too much.
90
Loaded Inc
With the emphasis firmly on plot development and the interaction of characters, Obsidian have produced a game that looks past eye candy graphics and instead offers gamers a whole lot more.
90
games(TM)
It’s fair to say that the fans have once again been spoilt by such a magnificent offering. There’s not even a hint of disappointment here. [Feb 2005, p.112]
90
Total Video Games
Very much more of the same, with Obsidian rarely straying from Bioware's original formula. If you're a KOTOR fan then this is a must have, it's as simple as that.
90
Gamers Europe
Technically, the game is not far removed from its predecessor but this is no bad thing really. Graphics are excellent, and the animation good – once you develop some serious lightsabre skills a six way fight is really something to behold.
90
AceGamez
Loaded with tons of replay value even after you've completed the monstrous game once. Hundreds of different options and paths await; for some it'll even be worth it to hear the different voices and responses made when you select different options.
90
Ferrago
The quality of the characters, story and writing is the biggest draw as far as I was concerned and is certainly the game's greatest strength. The characters are full of quirks, idiosyncrasies and flaws, making them seem like realistic individuals rather than the tool of a games designer.
89
Game Over Online
Obsidian ditched the level cap, added randomized items, and made Knights of the Old Republic II a better game in almost every respect than its predecessor. I just wish they'd had the time to iron all the bugs out of the final version.
88
netjak
Great characters, a vibrant galaxy to explore, and a seemingly-unstoppable menace make for an ambitious and cinematic play experience marred only by lacklustre graphics and infuriating lockups.
88
IC-Games
It’s only real flaw is having to compete with one of the best RPG’s of the last five years. If your neighbor Bill had to fill in for Jesus Christ for a week and got everything right except for the walking on water thing, you’d think Bill had done a really awesome job.
88
Play Magazine
I absolutely loved The Sith Lords, flaws and all. HK-47 defines love as "making a shot to the knees of a target 120 kilometers away using an Aratch sniper rifle with a tri-light scope." That says it all. [Feb 2005, p.68]
87
WHAM! Gaming
If you like Star Wars you won’t be disappointed.
87
Xbox Evolved
A great game that fans of the first game shouldn’t hesitate to add to their collection. The chances that it will have the same lasting impact as the original are unlikely, mostly since the game just hasn’t changed very much.
86
Game Chronicles
Does this game come through for the hype behind it? Does a Wookie tear your arm off if you don’t let him win? So if you have any interest in a compelling well-told story with good characters, dialogue, all rolled up into something that’s fun to play then pick this game up. Could it have been better? Yes.
85
MS Xbox World
Not as good as the original as far as locations and story is concerned but better in other areas such as character development and combat.
85
GameSpot
It's remarkable that the game's quest is every bit as big and complex as the original's. On the other hand, some unsightly technical issues and a general feeling of déjà vu will probably prevent you from feeling as strongly about The Sith Lords as you did or still do about the first game.
85
Electric Playground
A sequel that doesn't disappoint. KOTOR 2 is both a great Xbox RPG and a great Star Wars game.
85
Just RPG
In this, the game succeeds at being the Empire Strikes Back to its predecessor’s New Hope. It’s not easy to love, but it’s worth playing.
84
Inside Gamer Online
The story is still as engaging as any you have ever and will ever witness, but the technical issues are too abundant to ignore, which keeps The Sith Lords from reaching the status of last year's Knights of the Old Republic.
83
eToychest
Meatbags should be pleased with the continued storyline, but might find the amount of bugs, loading and framerate issues overshadowing the limited improvements offered.
83
Game Revolution
The once-impressive engine is starting to waver and there really isn’t a great deal of new material here despite a good year and a half since the original game stormed shelves.
83
Warcry
There’s a little “more” of everything, but nothing particularly new and exciting, save for the story.
82
Pelit (Finland)
Tries much too hard for its own good. The writing is mostly passable, but dialogue lacks the feeling and nuances of the original, hence the game is morally much more black and white. The combat is also much too easy. It's still good fun for some of the time, though. [Feb. 05]
82
Electronic Gaming Monthly
While the crème de la crème of RPGs (like "KOTOR1") deliver a gripping tale that sucks you in to its world even further, this narrative is a horribly slow burn, and worse, predictable. [Feb 2005, p.112]
80
G4 TV
It’s unquestionably a great game, and certainly the best RPG on the Xbox this year, but the aging game engine and patchwork ending make it fall short where its predecessor excelled.
80
EuroGamer
While there's a thrill in returning to locations you're familiar with ten years on in game terms, it can't overwhelm the realisation that these are just the original levels stripped bare and re-fabricated according to Obsidians whims.
80
NTSC-uk
Above all, it’s a game that oozes Star Wars, allowing you to role-play as an evil Sith Lord, or a righteous Jedi Knight; and it makes doing so a lot of fun. The character development is enduring and interesting.
80
Times Online
The visuals in this classy RPG are solid, while the level design and locations alternate between the inspired and the merely functional.
80
Gamer.tv
Very much Star Wars but this time with a lot of added depth, care, and a complete absence of laziness.
80
Xbox Nation Magazine
Despite its additions to the canon, Lords comes up short. It's not a farce by any means. It's just less forceful than expected, love's equivalent of perhaps a shot in the shins. [Feb 2005, p.98]
80
Armchair Empire
The more advanced lightsaber customization was another one of those things that made me think that the developers really did have a good grip on what being a Jedi is about.
80
Sydney Morning Herald
Unfortunately, exploration and some assignments are marred by long loading times.
79
Xbox World Australia
Despite the occasionally clunky, and often ponderous narrative and glut of glitches, The Sith Lords is as engrossing an experience as its predecessor.
75
Into Liquid Sky
When you do get to the heart of the story, you'll find characters who are far deeper and fleshed out than most RPGs deserve to have.
75
1UP
The lack of improvement on some of the fundamentals on "KOTOR I" is a little disheartening. It really is exactly the same shell that covered the first game's story, with the same bugs.. and the same graphics engine that's like watching a car crash.
70
AltGaming
The ending has also caught the same sickness that plagued both "Halo 2" and "Half-Life 2," but the result is even more virulent; it made me scream angrily at the TV. When a 23 hour RPG has a less substantial ending cutscene than Katamari Damacy, I begin to despair.
70
Edge Magazine
As clumsy as some elements feel, it’s still difficult to vilify KOTOR II. Its strength is in its ability to make you care about your character’s fate, and as an RPG package it’s as comprehensive as they come. [Feb 2005, p.70]
70
Gamestyle
The lack of an Xbox Live option is especially disappointing, as there will be no opportunity to correct outstanding bugs nor offer fans an additional planet or mission(s) to download.
70
Thunderbolt
It is still a great game, with a well-developed and interesting plot, a great balance of action, exploration and character development and a great representation of the Star Wars universe, but I feel it's incessant similarities to the first game don't do it any favours and technically it could be a lot tighter.
65
GameCritics
Carrying on the same kind of rough, unpolished quality into a sequel without any innovation is completely unacceptable to me, Star Wars or otherwise.
60
The New York Times
Though I loved the original, I was less enthralled by the sequel. It felt too much like a typical role-playing dungeon crawl, in which you go from room to room fighting endless battles.
Dan A. gave it a9: finnith gave it a7: [Anonymous] gave it an8: Jake K. gave it a10: Jonathan D. gave it a9: Jeff M. gave it a7: Micheal L. gave it a10: |
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