The anticipated remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) has faced considerable hurdles during its development. Originally slated for release by Aspyr, this version was ultimately canceled. Currently, Saber Interactive has taken over the project, but updates on progress remain sparse.
Cancelled Aspyr Version Details
Recently, new materials related to Aspyr’s KOTOR remake surfaced online. These materials, shared by a former artist, showcase a variety of props and weapons that were under development for the game’s initial iteration.
Props and Weapon Design
- The images feature a selection of props crafted for an introductory level of the game.
- Notably, the weapons implemented a modular system, allowing players to customize their gear by changing parts.
- One compelling image showcases a blaster rifle designed within this framework.
Early Playable Prototype
An intriguing element of the shared content is a screenshot demonstrating an early third-person prototype. In this image, the player character wields a Vibroblade in a basic testing environment.
Displayed at the top of the screenshot are debug menu options used for testing various animations and objects, including lightsabers. Additionally, there is a feature for testing companion functionality, highlighting a character familiar to KOTOR fans, Mission Vao.
Background on Development Timeline
While the precise timeline of these assets remains unclear, they likely originate from a period before the project’s cancellation. The artist contributed to Aspyr until 2022, coinciding with reports from Bloomberg regarding the halt in development efforts. This suggests that the showcased materials may represent some of the last work completed on the Aspyr version of KOTOR.
Looking Ahead: Saber Interactive’s Approach
As fans eagerly await updates, the focus now shifts to Saber Interactive and their vision for the remake. There is hope that this new team can successfully navigate the challenges faced by the previous developers and bring the cherished KOTOR franchise to a new generation of players.
