IGN reviews KOTR2

[El Gallo]

Do I get a hot Jedi lovemomma and a homicidal droid again?  'Cuz that's what I want.

[CmdrSlack]

Yes to both, although I was too daft to get the super cool HK droid because I missed a very obvious thing in a bunch of very obvious places.

[El Gallo]

Praise the risen Lord!  February can't come fast enough.

[Roac]

But then you run the risk of getting viruses, and have to defrag!

I have never gotten a virus, and will never get one.  Nor do I own virus software.  It's easy to avoid viruses if you do a couple of things.  One, stay patched.  Two, don't execute files you get on the net, inc. email.

One is a bit of a downside.  On the other hand however, I get to patch.  I find that a bonus, not a hinderance.

[stray]

BTW, I had to restart because the game erases all your save games when you start a new game. Without telling you. RAGE.

Unless you're talking about some other bug, you didn't lose your character. It's just a weird interface.

When you go to the load screen, press X to scroll through to the character you want to load. I thought I had the same problem at first, but it uses different load screens for different characters.

It just looks like it deletes the old ones because it defaults to the last character played.

[Bunk]

But then you run the risk of getting viruses, and have to defrag!

I have never gotten a virus, and will never get one.  Nor do I own virus software.  It's easy to avoid viruses if you do a couple of things.  One, stay patched.  Two, don't execute files you get on the net, inc. email.

Ah thanks Roac, I needed a good chuckle this morning.  Thats kind of like the guy who doesn't wear his seatbelt because he knows he's a good driver and he services his car regularly.

Just on a lark, why don't you hit trendmicro.com and run their free virus scan. See what pops up.

Two, don't execute files you get on the net, inc. email.

So, I take it you never download anything then.

[Evander]

But then you run the risk of getting viruses, and have to defrag!

I have never gotten a virus, and will never get one.  Nor do I own virus software.  It's easy to avoid viruses if you do a couple of things.  One, stay patched.  Two, don't execute files you get on the net, inc. email.

One is a bit of a downside.  On the other hand however, I get to patch.  I find that a bonus, not a hinderance.

Another method is to not have a computer, you know.

I'm trying topicture the kind of person who would give your sort of response, and just can't do it.  I mean, with viruses being such a big issue in the world, do you really think they are so easily avoidable just by patches alone?  If you take Bunk up on going to that site, I'd like to see what you come back with.

[stray]

[MILD SPOILER] I won't go into any details, so not really.

k...I finally ran into something worth bitching about. Whoever designed the puzzles in this game needs to be kicked in the nuts. Codebreaking does not belong in this game imo. I don't mind a few Myst-like puzzles, or ones based on using specific teammates, or teamwork, but I fucking hate this scrambling/codebreaking shit.

The least they could do is provide some graphics associated with them...maybe add more "action" to it...something. Don't just show me a string of jumbled numbers and letters and tell me I have to decrypt. Being forced to sit back and stare at numbers and letters, trying to figure out some algorithm just spoils all the fun. I just want to be a Jedi you assholes.

The fact it's the only way to advance through the storyline (not optional) pisses me off even more. That's just contrary to spirit of the game. Bioware didn't put crap like this in the first KoToR, and I don't think they would have if they had made this one.

P.S. I'm not stupid, I'm just lazy.

[Fabricated]

Note: I haven't read anything else in this thread for fear of spoilers.

So far I'm pretty impressed. The dialog is better than KOTOR's, the voice acting is at least as good, the graphics are better (framerate nonwithstanding), and the balances made to the gameplay no longer render the rogue-ish characters totally fucking worthless, or make one or two force powers the only ones you need.

Not a bad sequel by any means. Too bad the PC version won't come with the modified NWN toolset they used to build it.

[Fabricated]

[MILD SPOILER] I won't go into any details, so not really.

k...I finally ran into something worth bitching about. Whoever designed the puzzles in this game needs to be kicked in the nuts. Codebreaking does not belong in this game imo. I don't mind a few Myst-like puzzles, or ones based on using specific teammates, or teamwork, but I fucking hate this scrambling/codebreaking shit.

The least they could do is provide some graphics associated with them...maybe add more "action" to it...something. Don't just show me a string of jumbled numbers and letters and tell me I have to decrypt. Being forced to sit back and stare at numbers and letters, trying to figure out some algorithm just spoils all the fun. I just want to be a Jedi you assholes.

The fact it's the only way to advance through the storyline (not optional) pisses me off even more. That's just contrary to spirit of the game. Bioware didn't put crap like this in the first KoToR, and I don't think they would have if they had made this one.

P.S. I'm not stupid, I'm just lazy.

Actually, there were a couple online MENSA test style puzzles in the original.

If you have a character with high intelligence the game will hold your hand through the puzzles.

[sidereal]

Woohoo. . cryptoquizzes.  Can't wait until the PC version comes out.  You could have an entire game consisting of nothing but word puzzles set in the Old Republic setting and I'd be stoked.

"Your command of the Force is impressive Darth Foobar, but you cannot hope to defeat my Death Rebus"

[stray]

Hmm, I don't remember them, but I guess it's been awhile.

[Another Mild Spoiler]

Anyways, the quest I'm talking about has to be played by a droid in solo mode. He has the highest intelligence out of my whole team, but it isn't making any difference. So it's up to me really. I'm sure it isn't anything, but I hate doing it. Especially after coming off the ride where I kicked an entire legion of....

Uh nevermind :)

EDIT: Silly me. Needless to say, but it's more openended than I thought. Pointless bitching on my part, sorry. Oh well, back to *mindless* button mashing for me.

[Lum]

Unless you're talking about some other bug, you didn't lose your character. It's just a weird interface.

THANK YOU.

[Roac]

Thats kind of like the guy who doesn't wear his seatbelt because he knows he's a good driver and he services his car regularly.

No, I always wear it.  What a shitty analogy.  You don't know much about how viruses are transmitted, do you?

Just on a lark, why don't you hit trendmicro.com and run their free virus scan. See what pops up.

Yeah, have known about that site for years.  Have never gotten a virus.  My workplace has, but not my PC.  Go figure, eh?

So, I take it you never download anything then.

If I don't know exactly what it is, and where it's comming from - no.  If I ever have a shred of doubt, trend is my first stop.

[Roac]

I mean, with viruses being such a big issue in the world, do you really think they are so easily avoidable just by patches alone?

There are two main ways viruses spread.  One, a user stupidly runs one sent to him, usually through email.  Two, they exploit vulnerabilities in the computer.  Such vulnerabilities, when discovered, are issued a patch almost instantly from MS.  Almost every recent large virus outbreak has, in fact, resulted in the virus author looking at what the patch fixes, and then writing a virus to exploit it; thus, if you remain patched, you're fine.

[Rodent]

[MILD SPOILER] I won't go into any details, so not really.

k...I finally ran into something worth bitching about. Whoever designed the puzzles in this game needs to be kicked in the nuts. Codebreaking does not belong in this game imo. I don't mind a few Myst-like puzzles, or ones based on using specific teammates, or teamwork, but I fucking hate this scrambling/codebreaking shit.

The least they could do is provide some graphics associated with them...maybe add more "action" to it...something. Don't just show me a string of jumbled numbers and letters and tell me I have to decrypt. Being forced to sit back and stare at numbers and letters, trying to figure out some algorithm just spoils all the fun. I just want to be a Jedi you assholes.

The fact it's the only way to advance through the storyline (not optional) pisses me off even more. That's just contrary to spirit of the game. Bioware didn't put crap like this in the first KoToR, and I don't think they would have if they had made this one.

P.S. I'm not stupid, I'm just lazy.

I'm about 35 hours into the game and I haven't encountered a single puzzle that you were forced to do. There were a few that gave you some nifty stuff and some xp, but for thoose required ones there's always been the option to bash open the lock or blow up the terminal etc.

[stray]

Yeah, I made a mistake. Maybe I am stupid after all.

[eldaec]

I won't be playing this until a PC version arrives (solely because I refuse to pay for an out-of-date PC in a black and green box just to play games with terrible input devices on an ultra low resolution monitor).

However, the test for whether it's worthy, has to be, would the story make a better star wars film than the actual star wars films other than ESB?

[HaemishM]

However, the test for whether it's worthy, has to be, would the story make a better star wars film than the actual star wars films other than ESB?

I've had bowel movements that would make for better Star Wars films than Ep1 and Ep2.

[eldaec]

Naturally, but bowel movements rarely outdo RotJ or SW itself.

[HaemishM]

RotJ before the Ewoks appear or after?

[Paelos]

Naturally, but bowel movements rarely outdo RotJ or SW itself.

All RotJ had was a bunch of muppets.

[Ironwood]

Naturally, but bowel movements rarely outdo RotJ or SW itself.

All RotJ had was a bunch of muppets.

In fairness, so did The Muppet Show and I loved that.

Indeed, everything Muppet related rules.  Especially the queen of trash.

[Righ]

I haven't played this yet, but I did look at the pages and pages of credits at the back of the booklet. How did Obsidian manage to credit so many designers? From the pictures and descriptions, most of the interface and game mechanics are entirely those produced by Bioware (they get a thank you).  I'm up for designing the third KoToR if you are listening, Lucasarts.

[stray]

EDIT: So, anyone else finish it yet? I just clocked in about 75 hours as a Jedi Guardian/Weapon Master (Otherwise known as "ridiculously easy" mode. Or so it was to me). Almost a week of binge gaming -- I'm kind of glad MMOG's have never really given me a good story, a purpose and something to play for, like a good single player game can. I'd probably catass my life away.

Hmm...I've still got time to spare too (What can I say? Work is slow..Scratch that...Almost non-existent this month). So what next? Go back to WoW, get Bloodlines, or play again, this time as Dark Side?

One thing's for sure: If I do play again, it'll be as a Consular. Supposedly it's more challenging. And as much as I enjoyed the experience, I highly recommend not to play as a Guardian. KoToR1 had the same problem with strong lightsaber users. Combat is just too easy that way. By the end there, I could take out 10 or so Dark Jedi's and Siths without one hit point loss, all in a matter of seconds, using Stasis and Flurry. Bosses? Pathetic. It was kind of sad to see the story prop up some of these adversaries, and then watch my character strike them down in an instant.

Anyways, besides all that, the story still holds up until the end. It also addresses some issues that have never been told before in a Star Wars setting...So it's unique in it's own right. *If* this was a $100 million movie, I think it'd be just as good, if not better than ESB. But even as a simple game, with far less production value, I'm still just as entertained.

Also, as much as I wanted to hate her at first, I'd have to say that Kreia is one of the most deep and well written characters I've seen in a video game. But it wasn't just the writing. Like the first, they hired some talented people who could capture these characters perfectly. It helped that they added several recognizable actors in this one though -- Kelly Hu, Nicky Katt, Roger G. Smith, Ed Asner -- but even the unknowns were good. Roger Smith (of Spike Lee fame) stands out to me though. He plays Bao-Dur, and although the character doesn't have a whole lot to say, he makes do with it. It's subtle, but very spot on. The guy made me uncomfortable every time I heard his voice.

On a side note: There's a Republic Commando demo on the disc. This game looks and feels great, even on the X-Box. I rarely give a shit about First Person Shooters these days, let alone Star Wars (except KoToR, of course) but I'm really impressed. The "fishbowl" effect is cool too. This sounds stupid, but it's feels even more "first person" than other first person shooters.

[Rodent]

Beat it with my Lightside Sentinel/Weaponmaster. replaying it as a darkside Consular, aiming for Sith Lord ( Mainly to get my greedy little hands on Force Crush. ).

The game just screams replay value, lot's of things I know I missed the first time, and a few things I didn't even know where there.

[Jacob0883]

Am I stupid or is there no ending scene?  I just beat the game lightside and saw ....************ MILD SPOILER***************









the Ebon Hawk fly into a goldish looking black hole.  Do you have to wait for the credits to end, or is that it?

[stray]

Am I stupid or is there no ending scene?  I just beat the game lightside and saw ....************ MILD SPOILER***************









the Ebon Hawk fly into a goldish looking black hole.  Do you have to wait for the credits to end, or is that it?

No that's it. Yeah, that part was kind of cheap. I guess the "real" ending and setup for the next sequel is the conversation with Kreia before that.

[Fabricated]

Fun glitch I noticed:

At a point relatively early in the game you get to speak with a "last handmaiden".  Be nice in conversation with her, and end dialogue with her as soon as possible and you'll get light side points. Do this over and over again until you have rainbows shooting out of your ass.

Also, there's an infinite money glitch that involves this handmaiden later on I've been told. I'm not at that point yet, so I dunno if it works.

[Arnold]

[MILD SPOILER]
The fact it's the only way to advance through the storyline (not optional) pisses me off even more. That's just contrary to spirit of the game. Bioware didn't put crap like this in the first KoToR, and I don't think they would have if they had made this one.

I think there was decryption, or mathematics involved in the scenario on Tatooine, where some guy's wife had him surrounded with droids that were rigged to explode.  Of course, that had nothing to do with advancing the storyline.

[Arnold]

RotJ before the Ewoks appear or after?

When I watch ROTJ, I just edit those scenes out.  Rescuing Han Solo - FUCKING COOL!  Battle for Vader's soul on the Death Star - FUCKING COOL!

Ewoks?  Eh, no thakns, I'll just fast forward through that crap.

[Arnold]

On a side note: There's a Republic Commando demo on the disc. This game looks and feels great, even on the X-Box. I rarely give a shit about First Person Shooters these days, let alone Star Wars (except KoToR, of course) but I'm really impressed. The "fishbowl" effect is cool too. This sounds stupid, but it's feels even more "first person" than other first person shooters.

Did you even see those "Clone Wars" shorts on Cartoon Network?  I want to play a badass clone commando now!

[Lionhunter]

i havent read any other post from this thread,but all i can say is that i liked the first one,and i wanna buy the second after i finish HL2.

So.......uhm...yeah

[Fabricated]

Okay, I confirmed it, the unlimited money trick actually works. HOO-RAY

Here's how you do it:

As soon as the "handmaiden" joins you and you're on the Ebon Hawk:

1. Spar with her and win/lose.
2. Put your armor back on.
3. Ask the handmaiden to put some clothes back on.
4. Tell her you disagree when she responds.
5. End the conversation after she puts on her robes.
6. Open the equipment menu and hit the black button until her equipment comes up.
7. Remove the robe.

Repeat 3-7 over and over and over again until you have as many as you need. The robes sell for about 2200 creds apiece.

[Rasix]

Got this over the Christmas break.  This game is good, very good.  I don't know what it is, but Bioware just makes games that are damn near perfect for me.   If this wasn't a rehash, it'd get my Game of the Year vote for '04.  As is, it surpasses Halo 2 for best Xbox game.

Combat is good, if a tad too easy once you've got a couple Jedi swinging around lightsabers.  I never really tried out the Master Speed/Master Flurry combo in the last one.  It's like Jedi turbo ginsu.   They did a good job challenging you early on, but I just think it gets to a point where you're just too goddamn powerful to be countered by much.  At least they upped the resistance rate on stasis field.  It's only really a game over spell on dumb beasts.

The dialog is just excellent. I love it when games actually feature excellent voice acting and well/cleverly written dialog. There's a lot of it too.  Kreia is just an amazing character.  

I really love the light/dark play and the decisions you have to make.  Going dark in my next game is really going to be a big mind trip for me.  Fuck, being this good has been difficult in itself.  Trying to gain influence with some characters can be difficult as well.   Mira is proving especially difficult.  

If not for the glitches, this game would be damn near perfect. It's the first game to ever lock up my xbox.  I've also come across a lot of quest glitches, and one that's prevented me from even finishing a certain quest.

*spoilerish*

Apathy is death.  Apathy is death.  Apathy is death.  Wow, A game that fucks me over for being a big wuss.  That temple was a nice mind trip.  

Kreia is starting to creep me out too.  She goes from passive good, to indifferent, to selfish, to downright manipulative evil. I can't wait to see how this all turns out.  Just got to palace assault on Onderon, I figure I'm a little over than half in.  

I think I missed a piece of HK.  I can't find the damn whatever cluster he needs.  Pitty, but I don't think he'd fit in well with my goodie, goodie party.

*spoilerish*