After Disney purchased LucasFilm back in 2013, they licensed the Star Wars franchise to EA. This gave the publisher exclusive rights to create video games based on the hugely popular science fiction series. Yet, halfway through that highly coveted licensing deal, EA has achieved very little with it.
EA’s stewardship of the Star Wars property in the video game world has been nothing short of disastrous. Star Wars Battlefront underwhelmed, while its follow-up Battlefront 2 was mired in controversy over microtransactions and loot boxes. Furthermore, EA has canceled several titles from the likes of former Uncharted director Amy Hennig.
Obviously, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order had a lot to do to regain the faith of fans. It finally looks like EA, with the help of Repsawn Entertainment, has been able to release a successful Star Wars game. So what exactly did they do right with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order? Here’s a rundown of the six biggest things they got right.
It Tells a Compelling Story
Star Wars often shifts between a joyous colorful world to a bleak and dark existence. Jedi: Fallen Order is certainly more about the trauma suffered by the galaxy at the hands of the Empire. It allows for a mature story that is written superbly because of this. While it does explore many of the same themes as previous Star Wars media, it also tries to go further. Ultimately, it has an interesting and powerful plot that players will want to finish.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order also has a cast of compelling characters. Whether it is your droid companion or Jedi Master Cere Junda, almost every major role is brimming with personality and depth. Impressively, the game manages to introduce individuals who are likely to become established in future Star Wars canon.
Proper Lightsaber Duels
If there is one thing that every Star Wars fan wants, it is to take part in lightsaber duels. Yet, very few games have ever managed to have lightsaber combat that feels right. For example, the lightsaber duels in both Battlefront I and Battlefront II were clunky. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is different as it more or less nails this element of gameplay. Even more impressive is that it does so in a way unlike any other previous Star Wars game.
Utilizing a system that might feel familiar to those who enjoy the Arkham series, combat is very intuitive. Rather than making controlling a lightsaber complex, there are only two buttons to focus on. This allows you to perform elegant moves as you counter and parry attacks. After all, lightsabers have always seemed like a weapon of finesse rather than brute force, so this approach fits.
It Has a Complete Single-Player Experience
Players have been eagerly awaiting a proper single-player Star Wars game for almost a decade. In fact, the last story-driven title was Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II back in 2010. EA’s first game after acquiring the license in 2013 was the multiplayer-only Star Wars Battlefront. While they included a token campaign in the sequel, it was not the kind of experience most fans wanted.
All of that has changed with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. This title is fully focused on single-player. Without any multiplayer aspects to worry about, the developer has been able to put all their efforts into crafting an excellent action-adventure game. Thankfully, there are also no distracting microtransactions or loot boxes. The main advantage of this is it allows the player to become immersed in the story and gameplay.
It Has an Interesting New Setting
Most of the best Star Wars games have not followed the events of one of the films. Instead, they have their own unique settings that give players a chance to experience characters and places not previously shown. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is one obvious example of this.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order follows this formula. It takes place between Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV – A New Hope. This gives the developers far more creative freedom to create their own characters and explore new worlds. It sparks curiosity in the player rather than just relying on nostalgia by going back to well-known locations.
BD-1 Is a Great Companion
Droids are an integral part of the Star Wars universe. They often take on important roles, helping the heroes with all kinds of jobs on their adventures. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order introduces a brand new droid in the form of BD-1.
This little robot is a great companion because of how well it integrates into the game. The cute droid has a big part to play in the story but also proves its worth as a trusted ally. Players come to rely heavily on BD-1 as it can help solve puzzles, give important information, and assist in combat. By the end of the game, the character is an indispensable friend that you genuinely care for.
There Are Lots of Customization Options
The customization options in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order were not a big talking point before the game was released. However, there are extensive means to make various elements of the game your own. Most notably, it is possible to customize your lightsaber. The color of the blade, hilt, and even switches or buttons can be swapped. You can even get your hands on a dual lightsaber like Darth Maul wielded.
Meanwhile, alternative skins exist for both your droid companion and the ship that marks your home base. It all adds up to allow customize the game in a way not possible in other Star Wars games from EA.
What do you think of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order? Let us know in the comments below!
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