Star Wars is a much-loved franchise. Accordingly, whenever a new book, film, or game is released, its fan base goes ballistic. Therefore, when Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was announced, people were giddy with excitement. Sadly, though, teething problems impacted what should have been a perfect release. Consequently, I waited until the first major patch before I tackled this mammoth title.
Developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by EA, this is a single-player action-adventure title. What’s more, it has a semi-open world to explore, an incredible story to devour, and some of the best visuals and combat moments I’ve experienced. It also has many of your favourite characters from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. As such, there is an incredible sense of continuity as you continue the battle against the Dark Side.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is oddly touching.
The Star Wars games are not renowned for emotive plots or touching stories. Yet, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor delivers this in spades. The wonderful acting, deep lore, and excellent environments combine to create a breathtaking and compelling plot that’ll have you hooked. Furthermore, it’s easy to empathise with the burly hero as his world is turned upside down. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy some of the best parkour and combat elements I’ve experienced. On top of this, there are some excellent custom options and satisfying exploration elements that put its predecessor to shame.
You control Cal Kestis, he is one of the last Jedi Knights to stand up to the Empire. His heart is true, and he is loyal to a fault. Moreover, he carries the guilt of everyone he’s lost. These key character traits are essential tools that are used to portray a genuinely interesting character. His burden weighs heavily on his soul and his dejected mannerisms are telling. However, he is also a proud man that wants nothing more than to find a home. Subsequently, when he learns of a mysterious world called Tanalorr, he dreams of settling down. Yet, he can’t rest until his work is done!
These incredible elements help to drive a plot that’ll hook you from the off. With interesting characters and a cast of weird extras, you’ll adore everyone you come across. Additionally, the juxtaposition between all-out action and sombre and melancholy moments helps to generate drama in the unlikeliest of places.
It’s a standalone affair.
If you’ve never played the Star Wars Jedi franchise, then worry not. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor can be enjoyed as a standalone affair. What’s more, many of the favourite characters from Fallen Order make an appearance and this was fantastic. Additionally, the developers have done a great job of introducing each player without overloading their audience. Consequently, whether you are a veteran or a newbie, you’ll like the amount of information and the pace at which each interaction unfolds.
The game follows a reassuring pattern of exploration, puzzles, quests, and mountains of combat. What’s more, the issues from its predecessor appear to be ironed out. No longer is there a Metroidvania approach. Instead, excellent shortcuts and climbable fauna help you on your way. Alongside this, there are tameable creatures to traverse chasms, waterfalls, and large rocks.
Meditation is good for the soul.
A Jedi must remain calm and balanced. Therefore, to restore health, alter perks, and unlock skills, you must meditate at predestined altars. These special areas blend the action and adventure genre with a Souls-like world. Each time you rest at an altar, your foes are reborn. What’s more, if you die, your XP will remain with your corpse. Therefore, if you wish to regain your hard-earned experience points, you must slay whatever creature took your life.
This cruel approach was excellent, as it added a layer of difficulty to the absorbing gameplay. Furthermore, the array of skills and perks alters your playthrough considerably. Accordingly, you can choose to go balls to the wall and smash everything in sight. Alternatively, you can be tentative and methodical as you block each attack.
Each different style is highlighted in which Lightsaber you handle. Will you master the single-blade, or the double-blade, or go for a dual-wield style? Thankfully, you are free to stick with whichever matches your play style or change your approach at any altar.
Excellent level design.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor creates a massive world that begs to be explored. Thanks to familiar platforming mechanics, you’ll leap gaps, climb vines, and wall run like a champion. These exploration elements are enhanced by incredible-level design. With stunning shortcuts, brilliantly incorporated puzzles, and masses of collectables, you’ll search every nook and cranny to find every secret on offer.
Though I adored the vast spaces and occasionally claustrophobic areas, it wasn’t always easy to find the right path. With tiny cracks to crawl through, pipes to climb over, and vines to clamber on, you can become lost far too easily. As such, you’ll use your map more often than you’d like, or rely on hints to get you through.
Amazing combat.
If you loved Fallen Order’s incredible combat mechanics, then you’ll adore what’s on offer. The precise but challenging battles are slick, aggressive, and often OTT. Moreover, you can use new Jedi mind tricks to control your foes or large animals. Once you’ve taken out another wave of Raiders, Stormtroopers, or aliens, you’ll have to face gargantuan creatures or an array of Dark Side tyrants.
The blend of minions and tougher opponents offer a balanced experience that never gets old. Thanks to the 5 difficulty options, newcomers and veterans will be tested equally. As such, you’ll enjoy the excellent storytelling and the wonderful and strange landscapes.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor looks great, but it has some performance issues.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a mind-blowingly beautiful game. The cinematic is phenomenal, the landscapes are varied and interesting, and the character models are brilliantly detailed. Moreover, combat animation is slick and aggressive. However, it isn’t perfect as I noticed frame rate drops and there were glitches and screen tears. Disappointingly, this took the edge off an otherwise polished title.
Visually, there may have been some faults. Yet, the audio was perfect. With incredible acting, amazing sound effects, and a brilliant soundtrack, it sets the scene. Furthermore, the use of upbeat and daunting songs enhances each brutal combat moment. Additionally, the sombre and emotional elements are captured in slow and melancholy tracks. Therefore, it is atmospheric, captivating, and an audiophile’s dream.
Lots to learn, but easy to play.
The volume of Jedi skills and abilities can be overwhelming. However, thanks to an excellent tutorial, you never feel out of your depth. Alongside this, the responsive controls and excellent layout make this an intuitive and fun title to play.
Though Star Wars Jedi: Survivor isn’t an open-world experience, it is still full of surprises. There are plenty of worlds to explore, loads of secrets to uncover, and a central hub colony to expand. On top of this, you can customise Cal’s outfit, his hair, beard, and every element of his Lightsaber. Consequently, this oozes replay value and longevity thanks to its 30+ hours of gameplay.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor didn’t disappoint.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor didn’t have the smoothest of releases. However, thanks to some hasty work from the developers, it looks and feels amazing. With plenty of Easter Eggs, loads of lore, stylish combat, and an incredible story, it didn’t disappoint. Yes, there were some issues visually, but these rarely tainted my experience. Accordingly, I adored it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you battle your demons and find a new home? Team up with old friends, use the Force and fulfil your destiny.
