Kreia: The Most Complex Character in Star Wars KOTOR 2

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As a devoted Star Wars fan, I can’t help but appreciate the rich universe that extends far beyond the silver screen. Often overlooked are the numerous well-crafted characters hidden in the shadows, particularly those not gracing the big screen. One such game, which unfortunately had a rather chaotic release and was left unfinished, is Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords.

Plagued by hours of cut content, broken questlines, and a multitude of technical issues, this game’s release was far from ideal. However, despite these significant setbacks, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords continues to be celebrated today as one of the finest Star Wars games due to its exceptional writing, captivating world-building, and unforgettable characters.

One notable character from the video game “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 – The Sith Lords” is Kreia. She serves as a seasoned Jedi Master throughout the story, guiding the player character, providing insights about the Force, and frequently commenting on various events and their potential outcomes. What sets her apart is the unique Force Bond shared between her and the player character, enabling them to exchange thoughts, emotions, and even glimpse at each other’s mortality.

Star Wars: The Sith Lords Subverts the Role of the Wise Mentor in Unexpected Ways

Kreia functions as a mentor, yet her role is complex because she is also one of the main adversaries among The Sith Lords. Unlike typical mentors who may have failed students, or whose teachings lead to the downfall of some Jedi, Kreia intentionally pursued the Jedi Exile with the ultimate goal of causing the death of the Force. This subversion of her mentor role extends beyond mere failures and is associated with the fall of several Jedi, such as KOTOR’s Revan, even though she was not a Sith Lord at that time.

Instead of outright contradicting the stories that had come before it, “The Sith Lords” delves deeper into the established “Star Wars” lore. By the end of “The Sith Lords”, it doesn’t reject the ideologies of the Jedi and the Sith, but rather offers a more complex perspective on the lore that was first introduced in the “Star Wars” movies and “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic”. This type of exploration of “Star Wars” lore has been attempted since “The Sith Lords” was released, yet few have been as successful, with perhaps the exception being the “The Clone Wars” TV series.

Kreia’s Relationship with the Jedi Exile in KotOR 2

The exploration and analysis of the Force is predominantly conducted via Kreia’s storyline and objectives. Within her narrative unfolds a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay mechanics, where Kreia guides the player to unlock new aspects of the Force and grow in power as a Force-user. However, this process simultaneously serves Kreia’s intention of ultimately eradicating the Force itself.

In essence, Kreia and the Jedi Exile develop a complex relationship, with the Exile often recognizing that Kreia is orchestrating events, yet still choosing to engage with her due to various factors such as compassion, concern, or compulsion.

Kreia stands out as a unique character in the Star Wars universe, with few similarities since her debut. Unlike Jolee Bindo from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic who, despite being a gray Force-user and former Jedi, still promoted Light-sided actions, Kreia doesn’t push the Jedi Exile towards either the Light or Dark side. Instead, she advocates for neutrality, criticizing actions that are overly virtuous or malevolent.

An effort has been made to mirror Kreia’s viewpoint through multiple weary Jedi Masters, but the common thread is their eventual change of heart and embrace of the Jedi teachings, which makes them seem less captivating in comparison to Kreia. Kreia’s life experiences shaped her perspective, and her exceptional bond with the player is what makes her a character that continues to be remembered vividly even after two decades.

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2025-01-28 04:17