Why Star Wars’ KOTOR Remake Needs FF7 Remake’s Action Combat

Lucasfilm Games’ Knights of the Old Republic – Remake has already cemented itself as one of the most anticipated upcoming releases for the PlayStation 5, with Aspyr’s current-gen take on BioWare’s title likely to captivate Star Wars fans old and new. KOTOR is often considered not just one of the greatest Star Wars games ever released, but one of the greatest role-playing games in general. However, while it’s likely Aspyr will make few, if any, alterations to the game’s narrative (indications from Lucasfilm seem to be that the KOTOR remake will stay in Legends and not be introduced into the Disney canon) players can expect big changes to both the title’s gameplay and presentation – just like Square Enix did when it came to developing a remake of the equally beloved Final Fantasy 7.

While KOTOR and Final Fantasy might seem like they are worlds apart gameplay-wise, they did have one thing in common: turn-based combat. Whereas most action RPGs involve the player taking direct control of their character or party and commanding their movements in real-time, turn-based systems emphasize a slower turn of pace, prioritizing strategy and ensuring only the player or enemy may make a move at a given moment. While turn-based combat systems have served titles well in the past, they have declined in popularity over the last few console generations, meaning newer players are less familiar with their mechanics.

The decision to ditch the original Final Fantasy 7’s turn-based system divided fans, but the game was a critical and commercial hit, becoming one of the fastest-selling PlayStation exclusives. The decision to lean further into the action genre undoubtedly helped broaden the game’s appeal, and while an IP as large as Star Wars wouldn’t really have to worry about that, retaining KOTOR’s turn-based combat for the remake could prove off-putting to certain players – especially when most Star Wars games fit firmly into the action genre.

Star Wars Action Needs Faster Combat Than KOTOR Has

Regardless of the perceived pros and cons of a turn-based system, there is something to be said about how it slows down the action. Star Wars has always spotlighted fast and frenetic action sequences, whether in the films themselves or in the many video game adaptations that followed, and seeing heroes and villains line up while they occasionally bat at each other with lightsabers and blasters doesn’t make for the most cinematic experience. Besides, most players likely remember KOTOR for its sprawling narrative and memorable characters more than its battle scenes. While it will no doubt have its fans, the game’s turn-based combat wasn’t a fundamental pillar behind its success.

Ultimately, there’s just a lot more to be gained from switching to a more action oriented approach with the Knights of the Old Republic remake. Final Fantasy 7 not only broadened its reach by making the change, many would argue it made for a more compelling combat experience. There’s no reason why Aspyr couldn’t follow suit with their own remake, and make playing the role of Revan even more empowering than it was the first time.

About The Author

Ewan Paterson
(75 Articles Published)

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Ewan is a Gaming Features Editor for Screen Rant and may in fact have way too many interests. His love for comic books, video games and Dad Movies also instilled in him a love for writing, which he’s been doing since he was about 16. Originally from Liverpool, Ewan made the move to Newcastle in 2014 to study History at Northumbria University (which he loved), and has stayed there ever since. You may have heard/seen him on YouTube a bunch as well.

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