For some time, it's been rumored that a new Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic project is in the works. These rumors have been circulating for some time, and they've gathered steam with recent gossip. It's been reported that a remake of the original Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic game is being made. While this remains unverified, fans have been hoping for a new KOTOR game for years. If a remake does happen, the lightsaber mechanics in the game could stand to gain some major improvements. With modern tech and inspiration from other games, using a lightsaber in KOTOR could be better than ever.
The original KOTOR is considered one of the greatest RPGs of all time. The Star Wars RPG was lauded for its storytelling, characters, and use of a different time period from the movies. The combat in the game was considered to be innovative, especially for consoles, at the time. The game used a D20 system, like Dungeons and Dragons' third edition, and the action took place in round intervals. The lightsaber action, in particular, was very well received, but not considered to be one of the biggest strengths of the game. With a remake of the game possibly looming, there are several ways in which the lightsaber mechanics could be improved further.
A Significant Visual Upgrade
Considering that Knights of the Old Republic was originally released in 2003, the game is due for an overall visual upgrade. One particular area in which the visuals are ought to be improved is with lightsabers. The original game lacked the detail that would be possible on modern machines. With modern tech, the lightsabers in KOTOR could look better and more detailed than ever, with more vivid colors and detailed lightsaber hilts. If KOTOR is being remade, gamers can safely expect to see significant improvements to lightsaber graphics.
Beyond just sheer graphical fidelity, lightsaber-related animations should be enhanced too. With modern games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order depicting smooth lightsaber combat, it stands to reason that a remake of KOTOR could match the same quality. Modern tech would ideally enable the developer to create more complex animations for lightsaber maneuvers while the weapons themselves look detailed. Modern lightsabers, in and out of combat in KOTOR, could look better, use more detailed animation, and generally be a visual treat for gamers to look at.
A Possible Change to the Combat System
A recent rumor has suggested that the alleged KOTOR remake will significantly change combat. The purported change would shift the combat from the ground-based style of the original to an action RPG approach, where the player would directly control the actions of the protagonist in combat. Such a change could prove to be divisive among certain fans of Knights of the Old Republic, but it could also present an opportunity to make the lightsaber combat even more impressive.
If the combat is shifting to a more action-orientated approach, the developer doesn't need to look further than the combat in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The lightsaber combat in Fallen Order is widely recognized to be one of the best parts of the game. The action RPG approach in Fallen Order isn't unlike Dark Souls and captures the power of the lightsaber, as well as its versatility. If the developer of the KOTOR remake takes inspiration from Fallen Order, players could be looking at more immersive lightsaber combat than ever.
While a complete overhaul of KOTOR's combat would take a lot of work, it could be a great way to showcase improved visuals and animations, while creating more immediate lightsaber action. Players would have direct control over the protagonist's actions and it could create room for a wider array of lightsaber combat moves. A more direct approach to combat could necessitate the need for a dedicated jump button and increased mobility. This could mean players might be able to execute more athletic moves, as seen in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and even in Jedi: Fallen Order.
Improved and More Detailed Customization
The original Knights of the Old Republic had a good level of lightsaber customization. Players were able to use different styles, such as the double-bladed lightsaber, and change its crystals. Changing crystals allowed players to do more damage to certain enemies, and naturally, change the color of the lightsaber. With a remake, the new version of the game could incorporate more depth to its customization. There are several more commonly seen lightsaber models in Star Wars now, such as Kylo Ren's crossguard design and the split saber. Giving players more options to customize lightsabers would allow players to feel as though their weapon is truly unique.
Considering that a remake would be using modern tech, it would make sense for lightsabers to be more detailed in appearance and for players to be able to customize specific parts of them. Fallen Order allowed for a good level of aesthetic customization. Players can adjust the sleeve, emitter, and switch used on their lightsaber to make it feel more like their own. This level of visual customization, coupled with the mechanical adjustments possible in the original KOTOR, could be very popular in a potential remake. Gamers often enjoy customization in gaming, and this would be no exception.
While nothing has been confirmed, gamers have been excited over the possibility of a KOTOR remake for some time. Recent rumors have added fuel to the speculation, and fans are hoping for an official announcement soon. The lightsaber mechanics in the original game were generally never considered to be bad, but with modern conveniences and tech, they could be improved. The KOTOR remake could look at Fallen Order for inspiration, especially if the combat winds up being overhauled. If a remake does come to fruition, fans could expect deeper customization, better-looking weapons and animations, and possibly different-yet-involving lightsaber combat.
A Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake is rumored to be in development.