Summary
While RPGs have evolved in many ways in the time since, the influence ofStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republichas rippled into the modern age. The rise of Soulslike games following the success of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne titles has created a major subgenre in recent years, but theStar WarsIP has yet to deliver a title truly in line with the style pioneered by releases likeDark Souls, at least in terms of how freely they let players experiment with action-RPG builds. Given the presence and dominating power of the Jedi and their signature lightsabers, aStar WarsSoulslike would have to address one imbalanced aspect of the galaxy that evenKOTORcouldn’t escape.
The unknownstatus of theKOTORremakehas persisted for years, but the hype surrounding the return of the series has never truly dissipated. With many now pondering the potential of Soulslike title set in theStar Warsgalaxy, there could be an opportunity for the desire for aKOTOR-style adventure to be satiated after all. There are some clear differences between the approach that BioWare and Obsidian took and what it would take to make a proper Soulslike experience, however, and there’s even one major problem that still existed back then: the sheer dominance of lightsaber builds.
The Issue of Lightsabers in KOTOR and Beyond
Lightsabers Left Blasters and Vibroblades Outclassed in KOTOR
As an RPG franchise,KOTORhas always emphasized player choice as a primary focus of its gameplay. Apart from the moral alignment and narrative decisions available to the player, customizing a unique build for the protagonist can greatly enhance replayability. Despite the availability of alternatives in both blasters and vibroblades, both of which are key to the early sections of bothKOTORtitles, lightsabers ultimately feature the best combat potential. Between the strength of various upgrade crystals and components and the different forms featured inThe Sith Lords, it’s tough to argue that even the best vibroblade can match up to the strength of a lightsaber.
Star Wars Game Releases Have Always Struggled with Weapon Balance
Even beforeKOTOR, titles such asJedi OutcastandJedi Knightfeatured lightsaber combat that stayed true to the lore of the films by allowing players to cut down enemies in a single strike. While perfect for a power fantasy if scenarios are well-balanced enough, this aspect of lightsabers has been toned down in recent years with releases like this year’sJedi: Survivor.
While immediate dismemberment would be the most accurate depiction in a modern release, playing as Cal Kestis generally involves striking foes down and reducing their health as if he was wielding traditional swords.
The Power of Lightsabers May Be an Inescapable Reality in a Star Wars Soulslike
Lightsabers Almost Always Invalidate Other Weapons
Whilepopular Soulslikessuch asElden Ringare lauded for the massive variety with which players can customize their builds, options outside the signature Jedi weapon could easily fall to the wayside in aStar Warsinterpretation of the formula. The ranged utility of blasters has the potential for approaching combat uniquely, but Jedi have also always been capable of throwing their lightsabers as well. The presence of alternatives like the vibroblades that appeared inKOTORwould fit the genre, but there’s no guarantee they would even be viable by comparison if lightsabers are faithfully adapted.
The Potential for a Soulslike to Utilize Lightsabers in a Challenging Way
It may be true that lightsabers could end up trivializing combat and customization in theory, but the weapon type’s association with parrying could have a unique synergy with a Soulslike game. Jedi are famous for deflecting blaster shots and even the strikes of other lightsaber-wielding opponents in a duel, allowing a place for the genre’s formula to truly shine. Considering thatthe Soulslike genreoften features imposing boss battles and rare equipment that can be rewarding to eventually acquire, a future title may still be a fitting place for the signature weapon ofStar Warsafter all.
