Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order: Gameplay And Review

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the galaxy far, far away with Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order. This game brought a fresh take to the Star Wars universe, focusing on action-adventure gameplay with a compelling story. If you're a Star Wars fan or just love a good single-player experience, you're in for a treat. Let’s explore what makes this game stand out.

What is Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order?

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order is an action-adventure game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. Released in 2019, it bridges the gap between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope, a dark time for the Jedi Order after the execution of Order 66. You play as Cal Kestis, a young Padawan who survived the Jedi Purge and is now on a quest to rebuild the Jedi Order while evading the relentless pursuit of the Galactic Empire's Inquisitors. This sets the stage for a thrilling journey filled with lightsaber battles, exploration, and uncovering ancient mysteries. The game is known for its challenging combat, Metroidvania-style level design, and a rich, immersive Star Wars narrative that resonates with both hardcore fans and newcomers to the franchise.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay in Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order is where the game truly shines. It blends elements from various popular games, creating a unique and engaging experience. Here’s a closer look:

Combat System

The combat system is often compared to the Dark Souls series due to its strategic and deliberate nature. It’s not just about button-mashing; you need to time your attacks, parry enemy blows, and dodge effectively. Cal’s lightsaber skills are crucial, and you’ll learn new moves and abilities as you progress. The enemies, ranging from Imperial troopers to fearsome creatures, require different tactics to defeat. Mastering the lightsaber combat is incredibly satisfying, making each victory feel earned. Force powers also play a significant role, allowing you to push, pull, and slow down enemies, adding another layer of depth to the battles. The combination of lightsaber combat and Force abilities makes for a dynamic and thrilling experience that keeps you on your toes.

Exploration and World Design

The game features a Metroidvania-style world design, meaning areas are interconnected, and you’ll often need to revisit them as you gain new abilities. Exploration is rewarded with hidden items, upgrades, and lore. The planets you visit are diverse and beautifully designed, each with its unique atmosphere and challenges. From the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk to the ancient ruins of Zeffo, each location feels distinct and immersive. Navigating these environments involves platforming, puzzle-solving, and using Cal’s Force powers to overcome obstacles. The sense of discovery is a major draw, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny. The detailed environments and intricate level design add a lot to the overall experience, making the world feel alive and interconnected.

Skill Tree and Progression

As you progress, you earn experience points that can be used to unlock new skills in the skill tree. These skills enhance Cal’s combat abilities, Force powers, and survival skills. The skill tree is divided into three main branches: Survival, Lightsaber, and Force. The Survival branch focuses on improving Cal’s health and healing abilities. The Lightsaber branch unlocks new combat moves and techniques. The Force branch enhances Cal’s Force powers, such as Force Push and Force Pull. Experimenting with different skills and finding the right build for your play style is part of the fun. The progression system is well-balanced, providing a steady stream of upgrades that make you feel more powerful as you advance through the game. This constant sense of improvement keeps you engaged and motivated to keep playing.

Story and Characters

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order isn’t just about gameplay; it also boasts a compelling story and memorable characters that enhance the overall experience. The narrative is a crucial element that binds the action and exploration together, providing context and motivation for Cal's journey.

Narrative

The game’s story takes place five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. The Jedi Order has been decimated, and the Galactic Empire reigns supreme. Cal Kestis, a former Padawan, is in hiding, working as a scrapper on the planet Bracca. When he uses the Force to save a friend, he is discovered by the Empire and forced to flee. He is rescued by Cere Junda, a former Jedi Knight, and Greez Dritus, a Latero pilot. Together, they embark on a mission to rebuild the Jedi Order by finding a list of Force-sensitive children hidden away by a former Jedi Master. The story explores themes of survival, hope, and redemption as Cal confronts his past and embraces his destiny as a Jedi. The narrative is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you invested. The stakes are high, and the emotional moments resonate, making the story a standout aspect of the game.

Characters

• Cal Kestis: The protagonist of the game. He is a young, resilient Jedi Padawan haunted by the trauma of Order 66. Cal’s journey is one of self-discovery as he learns to trust in himself and embrace his connection to the Force. His character development is well-handled, making him a relatable and sympathetic hero. Cal's evolution from a scared survivor to a confident Jedi Knight is one of the most compelling aspects of the game. His interactions with the other characters help to shape his growth, making him a dynamic and engaging protagonist. Voiced and motion-captured by Cameron Monaghan, Cal feels like a real person, adding depth and authenticity to his character. This allows players to connect with him on a deeper level, making his struggles and triumphs all the more impactful. Cal is a character who embodies the spirit of the Jedi, making him a worthy addition to the Star Wars canon. His journey is one of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the Force. This helps make him a memorable character in the Star Wars universe.
• Cere Junda: A former Jedi Knight who cut herself off from the Force after a traumatic experience. Cere acts as Cal’s mentor, guiding him on his journey and helping him reconnect with the Force. Her past is shrouded in mystery, and her redemption arc is one of the most compelling aspects of the game. Cere’s wisdom and experience are invaluable to Cal, and her own struggles with the dark side add depth to her character. Her relationship with Cal is complex, filled with both warmth and tension, making their interactions all the more engaging. Cere is a strong and capable character who has made mistakes but is determined to make amends. Her guidance is essential to Cal's development, helping him to overcome his fears and embrace his destiny. Her character highlights the idea that even those who have stumbled can find redemption and become a beacon of hope.
• Greez Dritus: The pilot of the Mantis, the ship that Cal and Cere use to travel the galaxy. Greez provides comic relief and serves as the heart of the crew. Despite his gruff exterior, he cares deeply for Cal and Cere, offering support and friendship. Greez's humor helps lighten the mood during tense moments, providing a welcome contrast to the serious nature of their mission. His loyalty is unwavering, and he always has their backs, no matter what the odds. Greez is not just a pilot but also a friend and confidant, making him an integral part of the team. His presence brings warmth and levity to the game, creating a sense of camaraderie that resonates with players. Without Greez, the journey would be much lonelier.

Visuals and Sound

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order is a visually stunning game with detailed environments, realistic character models, and impressive special effects. The planets you visit are beautifully realized, each with its unique atmosphere and design. The lightsaber combat is particularly impressive, with realistic sparks and clashes. The sound design is also top-notch, with iconic Star Wars sound effects and a memorable musical score. The combination of visuals and sound creates a truly immersive experience that will transport you to a galaxy far, far away. From the hum of a lightsaber to the roar of a TIE fighter, every sound effect is perfectly crafted to enhance the experience. The musical score, composed by Gordy Haab and Stephen Barton, captures the epic scope and emotional depth of the Star Wars universe, adding another layer of immersion. The attention to detail in both the visuals and sound design is truly remarkable, making Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order a feast for the senses. This creates an unforgettable gaming experience.

Performance and Issues

At launch, Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order had some performance issues, particularly on PC. However, most of these issues have been resolved with patches. The game generally runs well on consoles, although there may be occasional frame rate drops. Some players have also reported minor bugs and glitches, but these are relatively rare. Overall, the game is stable and enjoyable to play, but it’s always a good idea to check the latest reviews and forums for any potential issues before diving in. Performance can vary depending on your hardware, so it's a good idea to ensure your system meets the recommended specifications. Despite any initial hiccups, Respawn Entertainment has been diligent in addressing issues and improving the overall experience.

Final Verdict

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order is a must-play for Star Wars fans and anyone who enjoys action-adventure games. Its engaging combat, Metroidvania-style world design, and compelling story make it a standout title in the Star Wars canon. While it had some initial performance issues, these have largely been resolved, making it a polished and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the Star Wars universe, you’ll find something to love in this game. The blend of action, exploration, and storytelling is masterfully executed, creating a truly memorable gaming experience. So grab your lightsaber and get ready to embark on an epic adventure in a galaxy far, far away!