Users wrote

Steam reviewers broadly praise Knights of the Old Republic for its storytelling, Star Wars atmosphere, and memorable characters. It is repeatedly called a timeless classic and an influential RPG, especially for Bioware’s design, even as many acknowledge its aging graphics and dated combat. A strong theme across reviews is the replayability offered by light/dark side choices and companion-driven stories. However, critics frequently mention technical issues on modern systems, crashes, and the need for patches or mods to run smoothly. The community’s mods and patches are often cited as essential to getting the game to run and look better today.

Last updated: 2026-03-06

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Compelling story and Star Wars lore (60 mentions) - The story and Star Wars lore are consistently praised, offering memorable twists and immersive world-building that many reviewers rank among the best RPGs. Reviewers describe the tale as lasting and impactful, with world-building that makes the Star Wars galaxy feel alive. The narrative is often cited as a core reason to play, even for players who are new to the series. The story’s strong writing is highlighted as a defining feature that elevates the game above many peers.
• Memorable companions and character-driven writing (45 mentions) - Companions and their dialogue are frequently praised as major strengths, with well-written arcs that enrich the plot. Players recount engaging interactions with teammates and how their choices affect relationships. The companion dynamics add depth to the Star Wars setting and the overall experience. This writing quality is repeatedly cited as a standout aspect of the game.
• High replayability from light/dark choices (35 mentions) - The light/dark side system and branching paths allow players to explore multiple playthroughs with different outcomes. Reviewers note that decisions influence dialogue, companions, and endgame consequences. This structure encourages revisiting the game to experience alternate storylines. The replay potential is described as a defining feature of the experience.
• Legacy and influence as a classic (30 mentions) - KOTOR is described as a timeless and influential RPG that shaped later Bioware titles and Star Wars games. Reviewers credit its role in popularizing narrative-driven RPGs and its lasting impact on the franchise. Despite its age, many consider it essential for Star Wars fans and RPG enthusiasts. The game’s legacy is repeatedly cited as a reason to play or revisit it.
• Modding community improves visuals and compatibility (25 mentions) - A large modding scene provides widescreen fixes and visual upgrades that help modern players. Patches and community tools are frequently mentioned as necessary to stabilize and improve the experience on current hardware. This support network is viewed as crucial to enjoying the game today. Modding is often framed as an enabling factor for the game’s continued relevance.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Frequent crashes and bugs on PC (70 mentions) - Technical issues, crashes, and bugs are a major recurring theme that can disrupt gameplay. Reviews report crashes after battles, during load screens, and other stability problems that dampen the experience. These issues are often cited as reasons to delay purchasing or to expect workarounds. Overall, stability is a significant hurdle for many players.
• PC port issues and modern hardware compatibility (60 mentions) - The PC version requires patches and community fixes to run well on modern systems. Reviewers mention widescreen fixes, compatibility patches, and modified executables as prerequisites for a smooth experience. Some players report persistent problems even after applying fixes. The port is frequently described as fragile without external tools.
• Combat feels dated or clunky (50 mentions) - The real-time-with-pause combat is often described as aging and not as engaging by modern standards. Some players find the mechanics dull or gimmicky, particularly at the start of the game. Even with later powers, the feel of combat is commonly cited as a drawback. Despite this, many still enjoy the strategic layer once equipped with proper feats and abilities.
• Slow start and backtracking; pacing concerns (40 mentions) - Several reviewers point to a slow opening, long early quests, and backtracking across planets as pacing issues. The first planet, in particular, is noted for dragging on before the story properly accelerates. While others praise the later sections, the early game is a common hurdle. This contributes to a perception of inconsistent pacing across the adventure.
• Graphics age and UI/texture issues (30 mentions) - Reviewers frequently mention aged visuals, texture quality, and user interface problems as dated aspects. Some note that the game does not scale well to modern displays without mods. The overall aesthetic is described as charming but clearly dated, impacting first impressions for new players.

Compared Games

• Mass Effect (12 mentions) - Reviewers note KOTOR as an influence on Mass Effect and compare Bioware’s RPG lineage, sometimes praising or contrasting combat and pacing. The title is frequently placed in the larger Bioware RPG tradition, with Mass Effect serving as a contemporary reference point for improvements and design choices.
• Dragon Age (10 mentions) - KOTOR’s influence on Dragon Age is acknowledged, with reviewers noting Bioware’s evolution from KOTOR-era design toward later franchises. Dragon Age is referenced as part of Bioware’s RPG lineage that followed KOTOR’s legacy.
• Baldur's Gate 1 & 2 (8 mentions) - Some reviews compare KOTOR’s RPG structure and old-school design to Baldur's Gate titles, noting similar depth but older mechanics. The comparison highlights differences in complexity and pacing relative to BG1/2.
• Neverwinter Nights (5 mentions) - Neverwinter Nights is used as a point of reference for classic CRPG structure and party-based play. Comparisons discuss different design approaches within Bioware’s catalog.
• Star Wars: The Old Republic (4 mentions) - A subset of reviews suggest SWTOR as an alternative due to KOTOR’s PC issues, framing SWTOR as a more modern Star Wars RPG option despite differences in scope and style.