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General Category => Off the Record => Gaming HQ => Topic started by: viper37 on September 10, 2021, 03:40:22 PM

Title: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: viper37 on September 10, 2021, 03:40:22 PM
A full remake, apparently, with the voice-actors re-hired&all that.  Not just a simple remaster.
Story by IGN (https://www.ign.com/articles/kotor-aspyr-remaster-playstation-showcase-announcement-news)
Text on Kotaku (https://kotaku.com/three-reasons-the-ps5-star-wars-kotor-remake-is-such-a-1847647537)
The game is also coming on PC, not just PS5.  Sony is investing big in making all these remasters/remakes for its console.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Syt on September 11, 2021, 01:31:23 AM
Let the drama commence .... :D

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E--9laOWQAEi3PV?format=jpg&name=medium)

Screenshots courtesy of the Shitty Gamer Takes Twitter: https://twitter.com/GamerTakes/status/1436575261408088064?s=20
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: celedhring on September 11, 2021, 10:04:55 AM
Idiots notwithstanding, she doesn't have an easy job, that's for sure. I wonder how extensively it will be rewritten. Like, the whole "you're Revan" twist won't have the same punch now, for example.

Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: HVC on September 11, 2021, 10:50:43 AM
Rewrite? judging by how the last movies plot was written we will found out Bastila was Revan's twin sister :P
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: viper37 on September 11, 2021, 06:49:56 PM
Quote from: celedhring on September 11, 2021, 10:04:55 AM
Idiots notwithstanding, she doesn't have an easy job, that's for sure. I wonder how extensively it will be rewritten. Like, the whole "you're Revan" twist won't have the same punch now, for example.



I don't think they'll rewrite major parts, but they may add content that was cut and adjust things to make it fit.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on September 13, 2021, 07:21:14 PM
Oooheee! Crazed SJW v Crazyed Triggered gamer snowflakes.  Maybe I'll buy it just to take both sides.

Maybe they can combine it with the second game, which was half-finished when it cam eout.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Jacob on September 13, 2021, 07:22:52 PM
What is the substance behind the "she's a crazed SJW" sentiments?
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on September 14, 2021, 06:39:16 AM
Quote from: Jacob on September 13, 2021, 07:22:52 PM
What is the substance behind the "she's a crazed SJW" sentiments?
Because.  Probably?  It doesn't take much to be labeled a crazed fanatic these days.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Syt on September 14, 2021, 06:59:53 AM
Quote from: Jacob on September 13, 2021, 07:22:52 PM
What is the substance behind the "she's a crazed SJW" sentiments?

This article seems to have some examples.  Frankly I see nothing problematic with her professed opinions: https://www.google.com/amp/s/boundingintocomics.com/2021/09/10/former-the-mary-sue-writer-and-social-justice-activist-sam-maggs-working-on-star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-remake/amp/

A more gamerbro article: https://www.google.com/amp/s/cosmicbook.news/star-wars-woke-knights-republic-remake%3famp
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Syt on September 14, 2021, 07:02:15 AM
Personally, I think there's some content that could bear rewriting ... like basically all the dark side choice dialogue so it's maybe more, how to phrase this ... subtle? :P
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Jacob on September 14, 2021, 10:19:53 AM
So it's more of a she's-a-woman-and-gamberbro-outrage-generates-clicks type thing, it seems?
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Sheilbh on September 14, 2021, 11:36:40 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 14, 2021, 07:02:15 AM
Personally, I think there's some content that could bear rewriting ... like basically all the dark side choice dialogue so it's maybe more, how to phrase this ... subtle? :P
I mean this is a theme in Star Wars - there's no slow slide into the dark side ever :lol:
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: celedhring on September 14, 2021, 01:24:54 PM
Quote from: Syt on September 14, 2021, 07:02:15 AM
Personally, I think there's some content that could bear rewriting ... like basically all the dark side choice dialogue so it's maybe more, how to phrase this ... subtle? :P

You're talking about the universe where Anakin Skywalker is murdering children like 5 minutes into his dark side tour  :P
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Valmy on September 14, 2021, 01:34:36 PM
I like how things get pronounced woke before they are even made. Personally it can be woke so long as it is good.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on September 14, 2021, 02:43:07 PM
Quote from: Valmy on September 14, 2021, 01:34:36 PM
I like how things get pronounced woke before they are even made. Personally it can be woke so long as it is good.
It'd be harder to get the outrage high though. 
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Neil on September 14, 2021, 03:49:29 PM
I wonder how much they'll actually change.  Obviously they'll need to include more homosexuals, but are there elements of the game that wouldn't pass muster in this day and age?
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Barrister on September 14, 2021, 03:52:36 PM
Putting aside any complaints of SJW/wokeness, I'm confused a little by this.

There's been several cases of games being re-made - you take the basic concept but built a new game.  I'm familiar with games being re-mastered - you take the same plot and re-do the engine/graphics for newer hardware.

But sounds like they're trying to go somewhere inbetween on this one?
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Sheilbh on September 14, 2021, 04:15:19 PM
Isn't that a bit like FFVII? I think it's a re-master but also lots of new content.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: viper37 on September 15, 2021, 11:01:33 AM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on September 13, 2021, 07:21:14 PM
Oooheee! Crazed SJW v Crazyed Triggered gamer snowflakes.  Maybe I'll buy it just to take both sides.

Maybe they can combine it with the second game, which was half-finished when it cam eout.

There's a mod on Steam to restore the content.  The Sith Lod Restored content mod.  It is great, with improved graphics.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Syt on September 15, 2021, 11:03:39 AM
Even with the restoration mod I found KotOR2 disjointed and badly paced. It has great characters and cool ideas, but the execution is not very good (not least thanks to a very tight timeline for the devs).

Obsidian struggled with similar issues when they made Fallout: New Vegas, but I think it's the far better of the two.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: viper37 on September 15, 2021, 11:06:31 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 14, 2021, 11:36:40 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 14, 2021, 07:02:15 AM
Personally, I think there's some content that could bear rewriting ... like basically all the dark side choice dialogue so it's maybe more, how to phrase this ... subtle? :P
I mean this is a theme in Star Wars - there's no slow slide into the dark side ever :lol:
It exists in the books :P
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Syt on September 15, 2021, 11:07:56 AM
Actually, let me clarify my post: I think Obsidian's story telling ambition, with cinematic set pieces and what not ran into the harsh limitations of Bioware's KotOR game engine.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Valmy on September 15, 2021, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 14, 2021, 04:15:19 PM
Isn't that a bit like FFVII? I think it's a re-master but also lots of new content.

From what I understood the FFVII remake was dramatically different. But, to be fair, I never played either.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: garbon on September 15, 2021, 01:17:19 PM
Quote from: Valmy on September 15, 2021, 11:08:22 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on September 14, 2021, 04:15:19 PM
Isn't that a bit like FFVII? I think it's a re-master but also lots of new content.

From what I understood the FFVII remake was dramatically different. But, to be fair, I never played either.

Yeah the FVII remake that came out isn't even the full story of the original, just a section of it greatly expanded.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: viper37 on September 16, 2021, 11:32:50 AM
Quote from: Syt on September 15, 2021, 11:07:56 AM
Actually, let me clarify my post: I think Obsidian's story telling ambition, with cinematic set pieces and what not ran into the harsh limitations of Bioware's KotOR game engine.
it's possible, by the second game, the engine was a tad dated, I think.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: celedhring on September 16, 2021, 02:18:26 PM
Quote from: Syt on September 15, 2021, 11:03:39 AM
Even with the restoration mod I found KotOR2 disjointed and badly paced. It has great characters and cool ideas, but the execution is not very good (not least thanks to a very tight timeline for the devs).

Obsidian struggled with similar issues when they made Fallout: New Vegas, but I think it's the far better of the two.

I always thought that the ending was a big copout, they kept building Kreia as this super-interesting "gray Jedi" and then end up making her just another Sith that you have to slay.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Valmy on September 16, 2021, 02:24:39 PM
Yeah KOTOR2 has tons of failures and problems...yet still amazing. It certainly sticks with me more than KOTOR did.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: celedhring on September 16, 2021, 02:27:10 PM
Quote from: Valmy on September 16, 2021, 02:24:39 PM
Yeah KOTOR2 has tons of failures and problems...yet still amazing. It certainly sticks with me more than KOTOR did.

It's the one I have replayed the most, certainly. I guess a KOTOR2 remake is an option if KOTOR1 does well, but I'm not sure it makes sense without Obsidian involved.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Syt on July 27, 2022, 02:34:40 AM
Well, so much for that.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-26/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-game-paused-amid-studio-shakeup

QuoteStar Wars Knights of the Old Republic Game Paused Amid Studio Shakeup

A hotly anticipated new Star Wars game is in serious trouble, according to people familiar with the project.

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, a remake of a 2003 role-playing game, is delayed indefinitely as developers at Austin, Texas-based Aspyr Media try to figure out what comes next. Aspyr also abruptly fired the game's art director and design director this month. In a series of meetings throughout July, Aspyr's two studio heads told employees that the project is on pause and that the company will look for new contracts and development opportunities, said the people, who were not authorized to speak publicly about the situation.

Knights of the Old Republic was to be one of the first modern Star Wars console games released outside of Electronic Arts Inc., which had previously held the exclusive licensing rights. That deal expires in 2023, opening the door for new Star Wars games from outside companies like Aspyr, Ubisoft Entertainment SA and Quantic Dream SA.

The game was announced last September and has been in development for nearly three years at Aspyr, which was purchased by Sweden's Embracer Group AB last year. Aspyr, founded in 1996, was best known as a service shop that brought existing video games to other platforms, such as iOS, including the original Knights of the Old Republic games.

On June 30, Aspyr finalized a demo of the game, known as a vertical slice, to show to production partners Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC and Sony Group Corp. The developers were excited about it and felt like they were on track, according to a person familiar with the project, so they were shocked by what happened next.

The following week, the company fired design director Brad Prince and art director Jason Minor.
Neither responded to requests for comment, but Minor suggested on a social media page that his dismissal was unexpected.

Representatives for Aspyr and Embracer didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Aspyr's studio heads told staff that the vertical slice wasn't where they wanted it to be and that the project would be paused, according to two people who were in the meeting. One person familiar with the discussions suggested that a disproportionate amount of time and money had gone into the demo and that the project's current course wasn't sustainable. Another point of contention may be the timeline. At the outset of development, Aspyr told staff and partners it would release the game by the end of 2022, according to two people familiar with production. Developers said a more realistic target now would be 2025.

The fate of Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic remains unclear. In May, Embracer announced that Saber Interactive would also join the project. Some at Aspyr believe that Saber, which has mainly been doing outsourcing work for the project, may take it over completely.

Aspyr did the phone and Switch ports for KotOR 1 and 2, and from what I read online they didn't do exactly stellar jobs of it, with people reporting major bugs that never got fixed.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: celedhring on July 27, 2022, 02:49:05 AM
That's just the last in a long string of Star Wars games cancelled/delayed indefinitely in the past months. We can't have nice things.  :(
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Syt on July 27, 2022, 02:51:58 AM
I guess this may be a case of a studio, specialized on porting games, biting off more than they could chew.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Jacob on July 28, 2022, 10:56:19 AM
I know nothing about this specific game or this specific studio, but this kind of thing sits right in my professional wheelhouse. All I can say is that AAA development is hard, development expectations and processes are not always realistic, and that there currently is a very high demand for dev talent - there are more projects to be developed than competent, reputable teams.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on August 02, 2022, 04:19:13 PM
Quote from: Jacob on July 28, 2022, 10:56:19 AMI know nothing about this specific game or this specific studio, but this kind of thing sits right in my professional wheelhouse. All I can say is that AAA development is hard, development expectations and processes are not always realistic, and that there currently is a very high demand for dev talent - there are more projects to be developed than competent, reputable teams.
That's why reputable, competent teams aren't always used.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: crazy canuck on August 02, 2022, 09:27:11 PM
Time to change the name of this thread?
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: Valmy on August 04, 2022, 05:51:05 PM
It is kind of funny considering how popular and beloved the KOTOR series was that it has been pretty much completely ignored and abandoned by Disney while they pump out trash all over the place.

Probably a blessing. We didn't need a remake.
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: viper37 on August 27, 2022, 12:24:42 PM
Quote from: Valmy on August 04, 2022, 05:51:05 PMProbably a blessing. We didn't need a remake.

it wasn't much of a remake apparently, it was more of an upscaling to modern graphics.  A bit disappointed in that too, as I'd prefer an expanded story line that include the cut content (there was some too from Kotor 1, just much less than Kotor II) and an upgrade to some game mechanics.  More in the line of Age of Empires Definitive Editions series than Blizzard's remakes of Starcraft and Warcraft that included all the original bugs so as not to disturb competitive gameplay :rolleyes:
Title: Re: KOTOR is getting a remake
Post by: celedhring on August 27, 2022, 12:27:45 PM
Apparently it's not dead-dead, but they have moved it to another studio.

https://www.eurogamer.net/embracer-confirms-aaa-project-has-switched-studios-following-report-of-kotor-trouble