Now, Star Wars games haven't exactly got the best reputation, to put it politely. Numerous time now we have waited with anticipation (could this finally be the best Star Wars game ever?) and now it has finally arrived. Bringing a fresh new direction to the Star Wars series is the genre-RPG. Instead of the action/adventure type games of the past, everything has been incorporated to bring us the ultimate Star Wars game. And I don't use the word 'ultimate' lightly, either.

Firstly, the game has been developed by Bioware corp., the genius's who brought us Neverwinter nights and the Baldur's gate series. High expectations, then. Well, they certainly don't disappoint. As the Star Wars logo flash up you can't help the feeling 'oh no, not another one.' It seems to be the only part of the game on previous Star Wars titles they have actually got right. Cut-scenes are implemented to drive the story along and are used to fantastic effect. They are also interactive when conversations arise, as a huge range of dialogue options are available. This is also one of the deciding factors in that you can choose to follow the light or fall to the dark. That's right, no pre-prepared character path or choices. This is all about you, the player.

One of the first things you must decide about your character is sex, class and portrait. There are three classes to choose from, all available in both male and female. First there is the scout, who is more apt with being in space and stealth. The scoundrel is your typical smuggler, except in a republic fleet and finally the soldier, but this needs no explaining. Once you have chosen your skills and name you're ready to begin.

The first thing that strikes is the magnificent visuals. Taking full advantage of the Xbox's power, even the tiniest, most insignificant part of the environment is amazing and so detailed. Bioware keeps this the same throughout; no planet, character or cut-scene looks awful. This is so effective in drawing you in to the game and keeping you there, in that galaxy far,far away...

This time round, you have a party of ten characters to build and meet throughout the major storyline. These will stay with you, helping you in battle and offering advice. But perhaps the most intriguing part to this is their own personal stories; each character has a personal side-mission which can be unlocked through conversation with them. Only two members of your party can join you outside you on the planet and the rest will stay at your base (whether this be an apartment or your ship, the Ebon Hawk). The story is interwoven with numerous others and flows logically and fluently, with everything fitting into place perfectly and as it should.

 Each planet is split into sections, with the biggest being Ahto City on Manaan and the smallest Dreshdae on Korriban. Now as this is set 4,000 years before the rise of the empire, you gain a valuable insight into the history of the Jedi Order which will please any Star Wars fan. The planets are absolutely stunning graphically with a huge range of bonus missions, shops leisure activities. By leisure activities I'm talking about swoop-racing and pazaak; incredibly fun as well as challenging. Pazzak is a card game which is incredibly easy to pick up so no description is needed while in swoop-racing you must beat a certain time by racing skillfully.

There are 6 main planets: the city world of Taris, The rural planet and home to the Jedi on Dantooine, the forest world of Kashyyyk, The water planet Manaan, the well known Tatooine and the sith homeworld of Korriban. Although only a single-player game KOTOR boasts at least 50 hours of play time and then you can always go back and complete the game on the opposing alignment.

Rich in originality, you can buy, sell, gamble and take part in whatever you want, leaving a wealth of options to be experienced. The combat system is unique and simple, with only a bar to fill with desired attacks. Force powers, health packs and attacks are easily selectable from a small menu in the bottom left hand corner of the screen. Weapons, stimulants, clothes and plenty other features are easily placed onto your character by pressing the start button and scrolling along to the inventory screen. The genius of the game is in its simplicity.

This is a must have for Star Wars and non Star Wars fan alike. Don't let the fact that it's Star Wars put you off; this is a fantastic, original and breathtaking game with a twist you would never in a million years see coming. A must have.

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