Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order delivers the kind of single-player Star Wars experience that fans had been craving for years. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, the game masterfully blends exploration, combat, and storytelling, creating an adventure that not only respects Star Wars lore but also stands on its own as a well-crafted action game.
One of the game’s greatest strengths is how it balances tight, responsive combat with deep exploration. The lightsaber combat is inspired by Dark Souls-style precision, requiring timing, dodging, and strategy rather than simple button mashing. Every enemy encounter, whether it’s against stormtroopers, deadly wildlife, or elite Inquisitors, feels intense and rewarding. The game doesn’t hand you an overpowered Jedi right from the start—you have to earn your skills, making every new ability feel meaningful. As I progressed, unlocking force powers like push, pull, and slow, the combat became even more dynamic, allowing for creative takedowns and thrilling duels.
Beyond combat, the level design takes heavy inspiration from Metroidvania-style games, meaning that every planet is filled with hidden paths, puzzles, and areas that can only be accessed after unlocking new abilities. Planets like Bogano, Zeffo, Kashyyyk, and Dathomir each have their own unique challenges, filled with lore, secrets, and platforming sections that make exploration genuinely rewarding. The wall-running, climbing, and force-assisted platforming make movement feel fluid, and backtracking never feels tedious because new upgrades allow for completely different ways to navigate previously explored areas.
The story is another highlight, offering a compelling look into the Star Wars universe between Episodes III and IV. Cal Kestis, a former Jedi Padawan who survived Order 66, is forced out of hiding and into a journey that sees him rediscover what it means to be a Jedi. His interactions with companions like Cere Junda, Greez Dritus, and the lovable BD-1 add heart to the adventure. BD-1, in particular, is one of the best droid companions in Star Wars history, not just because of his adorable personality but also because of how useful he is in gameplay, providing health stims, hacking terminals, and unlocking paths.
The villains in Fallen Order are equally compelling. The Second Sister, an elite Inquisitor trained by Darth Vader, serves as Cal’s primary antagonist, and her backstory adds depth to her motivations. The game also features cameos from major Star Wars figures, and while I won’t spoil them, they add weight to the story without feeling forced. The emotional beats hit hard, and the game’s climax delivers one of the most exhilarating sequences in recent Star Wars gaming history. Visually, Fallen Order is stunning. The environments feel alive, from the dense forests of Kashyyyk to the haunting landscapes of Dathomir. The lighting, weather effects, and attention to detail in the worlds make them feel like real places rather than just game levels. The sound design is equally top-tier, with lightsaber hums, blaster fire, and orchestral Star Wars music making every encounter feel cinematic.
That said, the game isn’t perfect. At launch, Fallen Order suffered from performance issues, including framerate drops and occasional glitches. While many of these were patched, some players still experience texture pop-ins and occasional AI inconsistencies. The lack of fast travel can also make backtracking frustrating, especially on large planets. However, these minor flaws don’t overshadow the overall experience. What makes Fallen Order stand out is how well it captures the feeling of being a Jedi. It’s not just about wielding a lightsaber—it’s about the journey of growth, facing fear, and embracing the teachings of the Force. The game respects Star Wars lore while adding something new, making it a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers. With the success of Fallen Order, it’s no surprise that Respawn continued the story in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, expanding on everything that made this game great.
