Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is an action-adventure game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, with a good mix of exploration, platforming, puzzle, and action. This game also has several From Software's Dark Souls inspired mechanics, such as the death and experience loss system.
Story
This game takes place after the events of Star Wars Episode III and Star Wars Episode IV. Cal is a young Padawan who escaped the Jedi Purge, and managed to live in a planet while being hidden from the Empire. However, he is discovered by the Inquisitors (dark Force users) and needs to work together with an ex-Jedi named Cere in order to find a holocron which contains the list of Force sensitive Jedi children.
The story is decent. Nothing great or outright bad. I find that the characters such as Kal, Cere, Merrin and the Second Sister makes the story more memorable than it should be. There are some underused lore in the game such as the Zeffo people's connection to the Force and Jedi.
Gameplay
Exploration is non-linear, but you can check your next objective marker by checking your map. You must explore each planet and complete story objectives. More often than not, you will be tasked to complete some puzzles, fight against enemies, and complete platforming sections. As each area is vast, you can unlock some shortcuts to backtrack faster. You can also unlock save areas by meditating at meditation points. Meditate will restore Cal's health, but will also respawn all enemies in that planet.
As Cal, Cal can learn new abilities by progressing story sections as well as by spending Skill Points. Skill Points can be obtained by acquiring enough experience points, which is gotten by defeating enemies. Cal can learn either Force related abilities, lightsaber techniques, and etc. Some Skills may require more than one Skill Point, so plan accordingly. You may also customise Cal's outfit and lightsaber as well, if you manage to find the items scattered in each planet.
Combat is standard action game. Cal can use his lightsaber to attack enemies with a quick combo or a heavy attack, or even block enemy attacks with the lightsaber. With proper timing, you can parry enemy's attack for a counterattack. Force abilities can be used in combat as well, such as Force Push. There are several types of enemies, so you have to use your abilities wisely against them.
As mentioned, the death system is similar to Dark Souls' games' death system, where dying will cause you to lose all acquired experience points. It can be regained by attacking the last enemy who killed you or under different circumstances.
The gameplay is good, but I do not find it particularly unique compared to other games. Decent combat and good mix of gameplay sections are the highlights of the game. Unfortunately, the map is counter-intuitive that will make players confused, as well as having poor customisation options. Chests also have minuscule rewards other than rare chests that grant you health vials. The lack of fast travel option is disappointing as well.
Graphics
This game has amazing visuals. Good character designs and good environment. Some framerate issues while exploring, so it is recommended to get the latest update to minimise those issues.
Sound
The music is good. Really gives good Star Wars vibes, despite sparse music playing. The voice acting is pretty good too, with some good performances by all voice actors.
Replay Value
Not too much replay value. You can explore around the planets and unlock all chests, uncover each planet's map, grow all plants, and obtain all Trophies. You may also start a new game in harder difficulties if you want to.
Conclusion
This is a good game. Good story, likable characters, decent gameplay, and impressive visuals. It sets up a solid foundation for another Star Wars Jedi game, which I hope it will be better than this game. Solid game despite some issues.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 7/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Score: 7.75/10 or 31/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good story.
- Good lore.
- Likable characters.
- Good mix of different gameplay sections.
- Decent combat.
- Some good boss fights.
- Great graphics.
- Good voice acting.
- Good soundtrack.
Cons
- Story does not stand out.
- Terrible map system.
- Lack of fast-travel.
- Terrible chest rewards, except for the ones with health vials.
- Not enough combat options such as sub-weapons.
- Weak customisation options.
- Low replay value.
**Screenshots are from official Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order site.
This is an action-adventure game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, with a good mix of exploration, platforming, puzzle, and action. This game also has several From Software's Dark Souls inspired mechanics, such as the death and experience loss system.
Story
Cal is a Padawan who has been hiding from the Empire since the Jedi Purge.
The story is decent. Nothing great or outright bad. I find that the characters such as Kal, Cere, Merrin and the Second Sister makes the story more memorable than it should be. There are some underused lore in the game such as the Zeffo people's connection to the Force and Jedi.
Gameplay
Explore different planets.
Exploration is non-linear, but you can check your next objective marker by checking your map. You must explore each planet and complete story objectives. More often than not, you will be tasked to complete some puzzles, fight against enemies, and complete platforming sections. As each area is vast, you can unlock some shortcuts to backtrack faster. You can also unlock save areas by meditating at meditation points. Meditate will restore Cal's health, but will also respawn all enemies in that planet.
As Cal, Cal can learn new abilities by progressing story sections as well as by spending Skill Points. Skill Points can be obtained by acquiring enough experience points, which is gotten by defeating enemies. Cal can learn either Force related abilities, lightsaber techniques, and etc. Some Skills may require more than one Skill Point, so plan accordingly. You may also customise Cal's outfit and lightsaber as well, if you manage to find the items scattered in each planet.
Fight against a variety of enemies.
As mentioned, the death system is similar to Dark Souls' games' death system, where dying will cause you to lose all acquired experience points. It can be regained by attacking the last enemy who killed you or under different circumstances.
The gameplay is good, but I do not find it particularly unique compared to other games. Decent combat and good mix of gameplay sections are the highlights of the game. Unfortunately, the map is counter-intuitive that will make players confused, as well as having poor customisation options. Chests also have minuscule rewards other than rare chests that grant you health vials. The lack of fast travel option is disappointing as well.
Graphics
Great visuals.
Sound
Pretty good music and good voice acting.
Replay Value
Low replay value.
Conclusion
Good game and worth trying for Star Wars fans.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 7/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Score: 7.75/10 or 31/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good story.
- Good lore.
- Likable characters.
- Good mix of different gameplay sections.
- Decent combat.
- Some good boss fights.
- Great graphics.
- Good voice acting.
- Good soundtrack.
Cons
- Story does not stand out.
- Terrible map system.
- Lack of fast-travel.
- Terrible chest rewards, except for the ones with health vials.
- Not enough combat options such as sub-weapons.
- Weak customisation options.
- Low replay value.
**Screenshots are from official Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order site.
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