When Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order launched in 2019, it was heralded as a new era of Star Wars game. Large open areas to explore, graphics that were mind-boggling good, and immersion like never before. Brand new character Cal Kestis was an instant hit, prompting requests for a Disney+ television spin off detailing his story. With how well Fallen Order was received, there was no doubt that there was a lot of pressure on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor to exceed what the previous title already accomplished.
Early on it was apparent that Survivor was going to build off what worked in Fallen Order, adding new ways to play, new places to explore, and much more. After spending a considerable amount of time with the game, it was quickly apparent that, like the original, a lot was done here to make it feel new and fresh. Still, how fresh can an experience be when so much is built on what has come before it? Let’s take a look at Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Details
Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): Respawn Entertainment
Publisher(s): Electronic Arts
Genre: Action-adventure
Mode(s): Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Cal seeks out a safe haven from the Empire
When you first load up Star Wars Jedi: Survivor you will think one of two things. Either super excited to be dropping back into the shoes of Cal Kestis, or disappointed that at first sight, not much has changed. I was more of the former, relatively happy and excited to explore more of the Cal Kestis story, and see what new adventure he would be going on.
5 years after the events of Star Wars: Fallen Order, Cal is working as a resistance fighter under Saw Gerrera. After an unfortunate run-in with the Ninth Sister – an inquisitor under the command and tutelage of Lord Vadar – Cal reunites with the old squad and begins evading the Galactic Empire. Ultimately, being the mouse in a game of cat-and-mouse isn’t that interesting, but I’m also not about to spoil any plot points either. Safe to say, Cal is set on a brand new adventure with the sole goal of crippling the Galactic Empire, and freeing the galaxy from tyrannical rule.
Building on the past
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was one of the best games released in 2019, and the development team opted to build on what worked. Many of the features form the original return to Survivor, but with new (and often fan requested) changes.
It all begins with Cal’s move sets and abilities. Old abilities return, but a slew of new combat stances and skills change the way you might play the game. My favourite new stance, one where you wield both a lightsaber and a blaster – allows for simultaneous close combat and ranged combat. Other new stances really change up how the game plays, and with a wider variety of enemies to defeat, new strategies are paramount.
The design of the world has also seen massive improvements. All the areas you will explore have been vastly expanded from previous games, and the planets and settlements feel much more alive with more NPCs than ever before. Various fast travel points were also added throughout, allowing planet traversal to be much more convenient (and less frustrating). The game also provides reasons to return to previous places. In Fallen Order, this was primarily story driven, but in Survivor, players are encouraged to explore every nook and cranny of the places they discover. Hidden skills and more can be found by those who look for them, so going back to check a missed nook is usually rewarded.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has big shoes to fill
What I found most impressive was that after the success of Fallen Order, Respawn Entertainment was able to take Star Wars Jedi: Survivor to the next level. The worlds are better and more diverse. The systems – whether world traversal or combat – are better and more diverse. And while I wouldn’t say the story is necessarily better than that of Fallen Order, the fact that the writers were able to maintain such a high standard of storytelling is impressive all on its own.
Survivor is a game that all Star Wars fans want to play, and calls for a Disney+ show for Cal have already resurfaced. For now, however, I’m happy to have continued the story of this fascinating character through video game releases. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a must play in 2023, and one of this year’s greatest titles.
+ Building on what worked in new ways
+ Outstanding storytelling and character progression
+ Thoughtful new combat additions and improved gameplay
OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4/5
Overall Rating 4.2/5 (84%)
Purchase Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X
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I can’t wait for this sequel, I remember popping in the first game and it was like playing a film. Right from the beginning there was so much weight to the story.
I am super hyped for this game. I had a lot of fun with Fallen Order on Google Stadia. But I’ll be playing Jedi:Survivor on the xbox series s. I’m stoked.
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