Summary
Since Disney acquired theStar Warsfranchise in 2012, the stories of its films and games have been a classic case of hit or miss withStar Warsfans, though many feel that the stories in the duology ofStar Wars JediinFallen OrderandSurvivorare some of the best since Disney’s ownership. Both games have received generally favorable reviews, as Cal has wooed players with his charm and developmental journey into a full-fledged Jedi. However, concerns are stirring about Cal’s story being stretched too thin if Respawn keeps making video games solely based on his journey without exploring other possibleOrder 66 survivorsin the expansiveStar Warsuniverse.
Cal Kestis' storyinFallen Ordersees him start as a young Jedi survivor and former Padawan, now working as a scrapper and hiding from the Empire. Still, after saving one of his co-workers with his Force powers, he attracts the attention of the Inquisitors. This catalyst sets him on an adventure alongside former Jedi Master Cere and pilot Greez to locate a Holocron holding the coordinates of Force-sensitive children. Throughout the game, fans see Cal re-embrace his Jedi role and reconcile with his troubled past, becoming a young Jedi and even making the tough decision to destroy the Holocron, keeping it from falling into the wrong hands.
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In the recently released sequel,Jedi Survivor, Cal plays the role of a full-fledged Jedi Knight, evident in all the new skills and stances gamers can now use. This game takes him on a journey of discovery and betrayal, with him not just finding a way to the hiddenworld of Tanalorrbut also reflecting his growth and acceptance that the fight against the Empire is daunting. BothFallen OrderandJedi Survivorexcel in storytelling, withJedi Survivorfeaturing a wider range of character development options and a more intricate plot. However, it would be beneficial for Respawn Entertainment to diversify the story in future installments.
Star Wars Jedi Has a Few Worthy Protagonists-in-Waiting
With Cal’s next move to possibly relocate Hidden Path to Tanalorr, the upcomingStar Wars Jedigame can build on this by exploring the stories of other possible Jedi survivors. The franchise also has a chance to expand on the lives of some of the antagonists in the previous games, seeing that their paths are comparable to Cal, only eventually succumbing to the dark side. For example, Trilla andTaron Malicos inFallen Orderfall to the dark side due to the hopelessness of fighting against the Empire, though Trilla is repentant in her final moments.
In the second game, although Bode Akuna is an obvious protagonist choice for his complex journey and parallels to Cal, playing asDagan Gerapresents a more entertaining character arc, from his renowned place in the Jedi Order to his betrayal of its ideals. After regaining his freedom with Cal’s help, his screen time in-game was limited, and Respawn might have missed an opportunity with him. Still, aStar Warsgame or even DLC that tells the story of his origins, journey to find Tanalorr alongside Khri, and his subsequent fall to the dark side would likely be appreciated by gamers.
There are many paths for theStar Wars Jedinarrative to explore, and sticking to a sole character in future editions could prove harmful to the franchise. The developer could takeThe Last of Us Part 2as an example of how surprising fans with a main character change can benefit a story’s narrative. Other games like Ubisoft’sStar Wars Outlawsfocus on non-Jedi protagonists, and while that change could allow players to explore theStar Warsuniverse through a different lens, more can be done with the lightsaber-wielding order of heroes. While another game wrapping up Cal’s story is likely, focusing on an entirely new Jedi each game could have been a more interesting approach than a trilogy that explores a single character.
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