Spoilers for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor AheadStar Wars Jedi: Survivorhas improved upon practically every aspect of its predecessor and has brought a few new mechanics along with it. Not only has Respawn completely redefinedStar Wars Jedi: Survivor’scombat and customization, but it also gave players a bit more choice throughout the narrative. While none of the choices were particularly game changing, it was a fantastic addition to the formula, and the eventual sequel needs to take the concept even further.
Over the years, players have been given far more choice in how some games play out. These canrange from relationship building featuresto unique endings based on what choices the player made. It helps make no two playthroughs alike, and makes players feel like they have control over what they are seeing. The concept is one of the most exciting mechanics in gaming, andStar Warscould benefit greatly from letting players control their fate.
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It is Time for Respawn to Give Players a Choice
At the start ofStar Wars Jedi: Survivor, players reunite with Cal Kestis as he is being taken to Senator Sejan on Coruscant in handcuffs. At first, it seems like Cal has finally been caught by the Empire, but players quickly learn that it was part of an elaborate plan to retrieve some military Intel from the senator’s yacht. After players disable the yacht and fight off the Empire, they confront Senator Sejan and are given a choice over how they want to proceed.
Cal Kestis will use the Jedi Mind Trick toinfluence Senator Sejan’s actions, and players can choose to either trust or reward him. While it may seem like this choice will have major ramifications, it simply affects what dialogue players hear. The outcome is the same, and the story is not altered in any way. It is just a fun little addition toStar Wars Jedi: Survivor’snarrative, but it could be so much more.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’sopening sequence is not the only time that players will be given a choice like this. Throughout the game, they can use the Jedi Mind Trick on many different foes. They are always offered two choices, but these choices only change the dialogue. The only other choice players are given is onStar Wars Jedi: Survivor’sJedhawhen they get to decide if they want to move quickly or quietly, but the story still remains unaffected.
Respawn played around with the concept of choice, but it only scratched the surface of its potential. SinceCal Kestis is teetering on the dark sidenear the end ofStar Wars Jedi: Survivor, it feels like the eventual sequel needs to give players more control over the flow of the narrative. They should be able to choose how Cal evolves over the story, how the people around him are affected, and ultimately what the final outcome is for the crew of the Mantis.
The biggest problem with player choice inStar Wars Jedi: Survivor’ssequel is that this series is canon to theStar Warsfranchise. This means that Respawn must play within the confines of the pre-established lore, and the story needs to be the same for everyone. However, that did not stopgames likeStar Wars: The Force Unleashedfrom giving players a choice. That game used to be canon toStar Wars, but players were still able to choose how it ended, with only one of the endings being the true ending.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s choices are a fun addition to the game, but hopefully Respawn has plans to give players even more control. If players cannot have control over the story, then the studio should at least ensure that these Jedi Mind Trick choices affect the person’s actions. The different dialogue can be funny, but it could be so much more if given the chance.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivoris available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S
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