Combat in the title is as close as one can get to a cinematic experience in a video game. Turn-based RPGs have always suffered from the lack of realism inherent in taking turns. Who hasn't chuckled at least once when watching a cruel and evil overlord stand politely still while the hero slashes at him, waiting for his chance to do the same? In Knights of the Old Republic, however, turn-based combat instead yields a feeling of urgency and struggle. Upon sighting an enemy, the game automatically pauses to allow the player to give specific commands to his combatants. Then, once the orders have been issued, the game may be unpaused to allow the action to commence. During the battle, the player may continue to pause and assign commands, or give orders on the fly. The results of combat are than determined by the behind-the-scenes rolling of dice with which any player of any Dungeons and Dragons-based game should be familiar.​