Star Wars’ KOTOR Remake Should be a Trailblazer in One Big Area

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Star Wars' KOTOR Remake Should be a Trailblazer in One Big Area

Key Takeaways

  • KOTOR remake aims to modernize beloved BioWare classic for new audiences.
  • Initial KOTOR games led to mature storytelling within the franchise, which could influence future Star Wars RPGs. However, they could also innovate, whether it be through character customization or exploring other RPG sub-genres.
  • If successful, KOTOR remake could spark a new wave of Star Wars RPGs with diverse narratives and gameplay.

As a gamer who’s been around since the days of dial-up internet and floppy disks, I can tell you that the upcoming Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake has me more excited than a Wookiee at feeding time! The original KOTOR games were pioneers in the RPG genre, setting a new standard for storytelling within the Star Wars franchise.

Fans of both Star Wars and role-playing games are excitedly waiting for the modernized version of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic by Aspyr, a remake of the BioWare classic aimed at bringing it up to date for today’s audience. The original KOTOR games offer an abundance of distinctive lore and captivating storytelling that merit high-quality presentation and easy playability on modern devices. Ideally, the KOTOR remake will create a significant wave of influence, affecting more than just its own series.

Prior to the groundbreaking achievements of games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, BioWare was predominantly recognized for their creation, Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). This game was widely acclaimed for its mature storytelling, setting it apart from other titles. It served as a catalyst for a new wave of developers interested in pushing the boundaries of narrative possibilities within video games. Although some aspects of the original KOTOR, such as its role-playing mechanics and customization options, might appear outdated by today’s standards, the ability to mold an original character based on the player’s decisions was fully realized, making it one of the most distinctive and artistically impactful Star Wars stories. Here’s hoping that these elements are expanded upon in the KOTOR remake, as its influence could extend far beyond just that game.

Initially, the original KOTOR was created by BioWare, but it was Obsidian Entertainment, known for games like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, who developed KOTOR 2 instead.

The Knights of the Old Republic Remake Should Reignite Star Wars RPGs

KOTOR’s Remake Could Usher In a New Era of Star Wars Games

Of course, enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating all the advancements the new version of KOTOR will bring compared to the original game. However, it’s worth noting that the influence of the original KOTOR went beyond just BioWare projects like Mass Effect; it also significantly impacted other large-scale RPGs such as the first two Witcher games. Therefore, if the remake is successful, a similar ripple effect might be seen across the gaming industry.

If the revamped KOTOR proves successful, it might inspire Star Wars’ proprietors to grant licensing agreements for RPG development to other studios specializing in role-playing games. This could result in a variety of RPGs within the Star Wars universe, some potentially under the KOTOR label, while others might explore different timelines or feature distinct characters. Regardless, there’s a wealth of RPG opportunities hidden within Star Wars, and it would be wise for game developers to tap into this potential.

What Other Star Wars RPGs Could Do that the KOTOR Remake Might Not

One noteworthy advantage of having more Star Wars RPGs is their ability to offer a wide range of storylines and gameplay styles. While the original KOTOR has similarities with other BioWare games, and Aspyr’s remake may continue this trend, other Star Wars role-playing experiences could explore unique directions, particularly if they draw inspiration from the DnD-influenced KOTOR.

It’s hard to imagine why future Star Wars RPGs wouldn’t incorporate character customization, given the immense popularity of the franchise. It’s surprising that there aren’t more games in the series that let players create their own avatar. The remake of KOTOR could serve as a catalyst for other developers to follow suit. To maximize player immersion, these new games could expand upon KOTOR’s character customization, emulating the detailed customization options found in games like Baldur’s Gate 3 within the Star Wars universe.

Next up is discussing the various sub-genres within RPG games: The KOTOR series sticks to traditional tabletop rules, but maybe future Star Wars games could draw inspiration from exaggerated JRPGs or non-combat games like Disco Elysium. Since the Star Wars Jedi games have demonstrated that the franchise can embrace unconventional genres like Soulslike, a wider range of authentic RPGs could enhance Star Wars’ appeal in the gaming industry.

It seems that the development of KOTOR might not be going smoothly, as there are widespread rumors suggesting it’s stuck in a creative rut. However, we can only hope that the project will honor its predecessor’s legacy. Even if it doesn’t quite measure up, it could inspire future, high-quality role-playing games within the Star Wars universe.

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2024-08-31 01:05