The incredibly popular Star Wars experience to a whole new generation. To do so they may need to make a number of changes.
The game has been hugely successful in its current format, but for the remake, there might need to be a few small shifts in order to update the title. That isn't to say that fundamental moves should be made as that would ruin the charm of the original. But the graphics, mechanics, and perhaps even choices could all be renewed for modern consoles.
More Customizable Options
One of the really fun elements of the Old Republic franchise is that each title allows the player to customize their protagonist, whether it's the color of the lightsaber, the armor they wear, or perhaps the influences of their clothing; whether it be the Sith or the Jedi.
KOTOR went a long way in allowing for great customizable options but one of the exciting things about a new title is the fact that there should be even more options of attires, weapons, and gear to acquire that take advantage of modern design styles and the unlimited power of next-gen tech. What's more, the classes could also be updated, perhaps impacting the personality of the player's avatar.
Further Dialogue Choices
A highlight of Knights Of The Old Republic and a reason as to why it's considered one of the greatest Star Wars video games of all time is that the player had the ultimate control, making decisions that actually impacted the story and character development.
Each moment of dialogue gives the player a couple of choices that define their interactions. A remake could surely increase this aspect of the title, providing many more options to the player so that their responses can be more nuanced. Hopefully, this will allow for the game to feature more moments of consequence to experience based on the character's leaning towards each side of the Force.
Flying A Ship
It's a small change but one that could actually bring in a new gameplay option. Previously, audiences traveled from planet to planet in a ship on autopilot, meaning the player couldn't actually control their vehicle. Squadrons let players get into the cockpit.
Since the KOTOR remake can be experienced on next-gen consoles though, the technology is there to allow the player to fly their own ship to the next destination, opening up the possibility for further space combat, or just adding to the spectacle of exploring the galaxy far far away.
Updated & Modernized Graphics
Fans have long since been clamoring for an Old Republic TV show or film, but with the incredible tools in the developer's hands, the KOTOR remake could very well look so good it could be mistaken for a live-action project. One of the principal reasons for updating the classic title is so that its graphics can be improved.
The game definitely feels dated in its look, and considering some of the iconic designs of the Sith and Jedi alike, it seems appropriate that they get a small redesign to translate better in a higher resolution setting. Of course, the aesthetic and feel of the game shouldn't shift but it can definitely be polished up.
Faster Loading Speeds
No one could argue against the idea that KOTOR's loading speeds and other basic logistical elements could be improved for modern titles. It's a natural feature of any older game, but as the technology continues to become updated, so too do the options available to developers.
It would be quite remarkable to see a Star Wars title on this scale play without any loading screens whatsoever with the gameplay flowing seamlessly into the cutscenes. God Of War is perhaps the perfect example of how this could be achieved for the title.
New & Improved Animations
If the graphics and software are to be updated then the animations behind the characters will also need a re-tooling as well. The technology available when KOTOR was initially developed didn't allow for the more human and natural movements that players have come to expect from their games.
With motion capping technology likely coming into play, alongside brand new techniques for creating authentic positions, both the action and the dialogue sequences will likely be updated to boast brand new animation. KOTOR can feel wooden at times so this would be a welcome change.
Updating The Gameplay System
The gameplay system is perhaps going to be the area of most debate amongst fans. With previous rumors suggesting that the title would be overhauled to remove the turn-based system at play, there were a lot of concerns about what other changes could be made.
The RPG style might work best for KOTOR especially now that the medium isn't limited by the techniques available to developers. Does this change fundamentally shift what fans know KOTOR to be though? Perhaps, but an action RPG gameplay mechanic could still involve some crucial tactical elements to bring back those nostalgic feelings.
Links To Canon Stories
It's so difficult to know whether The Old Republic era is canon or not. There are certainly elements of the time period scattered across Star Wars media but there has never been a confirmation either way. The KOTOR remake might be the opportunity fans have awaited.
The remake might allow for further details to be brought into the canon, changing anything from the previous game that clashes with modern continuity while building the elements that mesh well with Disney's future plans. With shows like classic characters will officially be made canon as well.
More Planetary Details
While the designs of the incredible Sith Lords and Jedi masters brought the title to life, it was also the locations that helped this gameplay experience feel so immersive. The temples, lairs, and beautiful flora and fauna established so many new areas for fans to explore.
Looking back, some of these settings are not nearly as detailed as they could be nowadays. The remake of the game can't just copy and paste the elements with newer graphics therefore but should add to these planets, forming some of their details and thus world-building further.
Updating The Interface
The interface that players were accustomed to for KOTOR is far from the most intuitive piece of equipment. It was clunky, slow, and didn't look stylish either. The system really needs an overhaul so that the title is more accessible to newer players.
There's something nostalgic about the old menus of course, but players probably won't miss them 0nce they have been replaced with something a little more logical. This not only extends to character customization but also the way in which a player may level up through the campaign.
