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Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind the Titanfall series and Apex Legends, took a bold step into a new genre with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. This action-adventure game, heavily inspired by the Dark Souls series, raised questions about whether Respawn could deliver a compelling experience outside their established FPS domain. The answer, resoundingly, is yes.

Cal Kestis ignites his lightsaber

A Breathtaking Introduction to a Familiar Galaxy

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order grabs your attention from the very beginning. The opening 30 minutes are a masterclass in visual storytelling, immersing players in a rich and detailed Star Wars universe. The cinematic presentation, combined with stunning visuals and environments, evokes the same awe-inspiring feeling as leaving the theater after a blockbuster film. This captivating introduction seamlessly blends breathtaking scenery with an engaging gameplay loop that borrows heavily from the Dark Souls series. From strategically placed save points to the intricate level design, the Souls-like influence is palpable.

The Souls-like Formula, Perfected with a Star Wars Twist

The gameplay is reminiscent of Dark Souls, with challenging combat encounters that demand precise timing and strategic thinking. The inclusion of a posture meter, similar to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, adds another layer of depth to the combat. Successfully parrying attacks results in cinematic slow-motion sequences, rewarding players for their mastery of the mechanics. The “Jedi Grand Master” difficulty provides a truly demanding experience, pushing players’ skills to the limit. However, Jedi: Fallen Order isn’t simply a Dark Souls clone. Respawn expertly blends the challenging combat with engaging puzzle-solving and exploration elements, reminiscent of games like Prince of Persia and Darksiders.

Combat in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

A Compelling Narrative with Memorable Characters

Beyond its engaging gameplay, Jedi: Fallen Order boasts a compelling narrative that expands the Star Wars lore. Players take on the role of Cal Kestis, a Jedi Padawan who survived Order 66. Cal’s journey to rebuild the Jedi Order is filled with unexpected twists and turns, introducing players to a cast of memorable characters. Each character, from the intimidating Second Sister to the endearingly naive Merrin, is brought to life with nuanced writing and strong performances. Even BD-1, Cal’s trusty droid companion, possesses a distinct personality reminiscent of Wall-E, adding charm and levity to the adventure.

Exploring an ancient temple

Minor Technical Hiccups in a Visually Stunning World

Despite its overall polish, Jedi: Fallen Order suffers from some minor technical issues. Texture pop-in, a common problem with Unreal Engine, occasionally occurs, particularly on less powerful hardware. While the game runs smoothly even on modest systems, the inconsistent graphical fidelity can be jarring. The character models and environments are generally stunning, but the hair and vegetation sometimes appear less detailed, creating a visual disparity.

Cal Kestis uses the Force

A Must-Play for Star Wars and Souls-like Fans

Jedi: Fallen Order successfully blends the challenging combat of Dark Souls with the engaging exploration and puzzle-solving of other action-adventure titles. The compelling narrative, memorable characters, and stunning visuals create an unforgettable Star Wars experience. While minor technical issues detract slightly from the overall presentation, they don’t diminish the game’s impressive achievements. The limited Force powers available to Cal Kestis might leave some players wanting more, but perhaps this is a hint at what’s to come in a potential sequel.

Cal Kestis confronts a formidable foe

Cal Kestis meditates at a save point

Cal Kestis surveys a vast landscape