The, like you say, "KotoR experience" is in no way only the big twist. I re-visited the franchise recently for the same reason(s) (despite being a good RPG series I enjoy). Before I write a novel about why it's so important for any "gaming historian", I'll give you some notes:
- it's one of the best examples of transmedia/how you incorporate a franchise from different media into video games
- if I'm not mistaken, it's still the most recent RPG using D&D rules to date and the first using that in a different setting
- it is the origin of the "Bioware RPG" template (not only gameplay-, also characterization-wise)
- it made a whole timeline of the SW universe accessible for a more mainstream audience
- KotoR 2 in particular is interesting to experience because you get basically the same game, but from a different developer who tried different things
- KotoR 2 is an example of a rushed game due to the publisher's intent to release it sooner, many content was cut but later on brought back by fans
- imo, KotoR 2 has one of the best written dialogue and characters I experienced in a RPG, the character of Kreia alone is just so interesting, she changed my perception of the whole light/darkside concept in the SW universe completely
- KotoR 2 has so many choices and endings, it's a very good example of the replay value of games/RPGs
- if you played some SWTOR, it's interesting to see where the franchise could have gone
- KotoR 2 has a more complex influence/companion system like modern Bioware RPGs
- storytelling in KotoR 2 is not only done through your character, people talk about you even when your avatar is not there - really interesting (this aspect is more emphasized when you play the cut content)
- if you played some SWTOR, you can see through KotoR 2 what could have been if we didn't get a meh MMORPG that takes some of the ideas for KotoR 3, but executes them 300 years later and very poorly
What I'm saying, it's not enough to play until the big twist. And KotoR 1 is not as important as KotoR 2 because the second installment has additional history behind it due to Lucas Arts retarded decision back then and the devotion of the fans who are still working on making more content playable. If you want to go further and play the sequel, I'd recommend you to play it without the cut content first, than with it. Even better would be two playthroughs for each dark and light side. You could do that with the first one, but it doesn't matter as much beside the ending.
Buuut since this takes many hours, I don't think you get through all that without being a little invested into the story/gameplay. If you want to play another game that is considered important for gaming's history, I think looking for any "best games of all time" list will help you out.
