A long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away…), classic single-player stories set a precedent of making campaigns fairly linear – no bad morale choices that hijack the original path you were on, no diverse sidequests that were sometimes way better than the main story – just a line to follow along.
Then a little single-player game called God of War was unleashed onto the world in 2018, boasting a map you could explore at your leisure, jumping in and out of the thrill-ride of a story. That niche mash-up of open world and single-player adventure had gamers hooked. Enter Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, surprisingly expanding upon that idea and melding the best parts of other iconic titles – lightsaber-style.
Not to say developer Respawn Entertainment’s core Star Wars story isn’t it’s own beast, but there are clear signs it’s taking queues from the elites. And we’re glad of it. From first glance, Fallen Order seems like your run-of-the-mill addition to the saga (akin to The Force Unleashed) it takes place five years after Revenge of the Sith following Padawan Cal Kestis as he escapes the Galactic Empire’s purge of all Jedi after the horrid Order 66. A Padawan? Perfect setup for some force-filled levelling up.
Speaking of which, Cal’s main ability is all about time manipulation (sweet), giving him the ability to either dodge a laser from enemy storm troopers, or to fling it right back at them. Skywalker would be proud. But, in true Metroidvania fashion, he’ll also use the force to pull vines closer, blow doors open and even hear the last words of fallen troopers to give him clues on secret side missions and where to go. Platforming, check.
Action? It’s tough as nails, and we’re talking clear callbacks to the infamously (and hilariously) difficult Dark Souls – bonfire checkpoints and all.
So, not so run-of-the-mill anymore, is it? Fallen Order is deeper than it seems, and we hope the force sticks with it throughout.
Available November 15 on PS4, Xbox One, PC.
