Release Date: April 9, 2019
128 pages
ISBN 13: 978-1-940535-21-0

Set an even longer time ago in a galaxy far, far away, BioWare's 2003 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic wowed players with its compelling characters, lightsaber customization, complex morality choices, and one of the greatest plot twists in both video game and Star Wars history. But even for veteran studios like LucasArts and BioWare, the responsibility of making both a great game and a lasting contribution to the Star Wars canon was no easy task.

Featuring extensive new interviews with a host of KotOR's producers, writers, designers, and actors, journalist Alex Kane weaves together an epic oral history of this classic game, from its roots in tabletop role-playing and comic books, to its continued influence on big-screen Star Wars films. Whether you align with the light or the dark side, you're invited to dive into this in-depth journey through one of the most beloved Star Wars titles of all time.

Google Play

Alex Kane is a journalist based in west-central Illinois. He has written for Polygon, the website of Rolling Stone, StarWars.com, Variety, and other publications. This is his first book.

*

“Alex Kane has written a fine book about how one the best video games ever made was created. Darth Revan, HK-47, the lost planet of Sleheyron, a charming story about Ed Asner—it’s everything you’ve always wanted to know about a truly fascinating game.” - Tom Bissell, author of The Disaster Artist

“Vigorously researched, accessibly written, and—most importantly—total fun from start to finish.” - Blake J. Harris, author of Console Wars

“Alex Kane’s book reveals the amazing story behind one of the greatest Star Wars games of all time, and how its creation was an adventure all its own, just like the films by which they were inspired.” - Walt Williams, writer of Star Wars Battlefront II

“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is one of the most significant Star Wars games ever made—one whose reach continues to influence both fans and Star Wars creators to this day. Through his interviews with many of the key creators behind the game, Alex weaves together the compelling tale of its creation. The stories told are frequently as fascinating as the game’s own narrative.” - Michael Dailey, Lucasfilm Games

“Bloody excellent.” - Josh West

"Boss Fight’s new book by Alex Kane dives into this story with gusto, touching on deep reveals series fans will love, while keeping it digestible to more casual readers. Even if you don’t know the difference between a wamprat and a gizka, there’s a touchingly human tale inside." - Unwinnable

"If you enjoy the nitty gritty details of game development, this is the perfect book for you. [...] Books like this give me a true appreciation for the entire process of video game creation. I think I’m going to have to find more Boss Fight Books to read." - Logan Noble

"Kane’s writing style is crisp and professional, letting his interview subjects (including key designers, directors, producers, artists, and voice actors) speak for themselves. [...] If you are at all interested in how games are made, the stories here will fascinate you." - RPGFan

"Star Wars aside, this book gives an eye-opening account of the game industry and the developmental decisions behind one of the most well-loved games ever. The book is easy to pick up and read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading each page. The only criticism I have is that I was finding it so interesting that I was disappointed when I finished reading the final page. I wanted more!" - Ancient Gamer

"I could listen to these guys talk all day long about their time in the sun; they are still that passionate about it. It dawned on me, someone who has been playing the game since its release, that these creators are just as fascinating as the game itself. And in many ways, Alex treats both the game AND the creators with an equal amount of reverence, tactfully stopping short of hero-worship in both cases." - TheForce.net

"Kane provides an awesome in-depth coverage of the developmental process, and also shares some great Easter Eggs about Star Wars. [...] I’d definitely recommend this book if you’re interested in Star Wars or video games in general." - Superman on Film

"There’s a little bit of something for everyone within these pages whether you’re more of a Star Wars person or more of a BioWare person. [...] Come for the game’s history, stay for the HK-47 tidbits, meatbags." - Tosche Station

Caleb J Ross video review

Excerpt: Polygon

Coverage: Den of Geek

Interview: Port Haven, MAHO! Studio, Old Republic Podcast, 365 Star Wars

More Reviews: Goodreads