Variety have had the chance to play three hours of ‘Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order’ at a recently event held by the makers EA. They have posted a detailed assessment of the game, and what follows is a selection of their comments:
A Wide-Open World
Cal’s Force powers come in handy not just in combat, but in getting around the world. They can be used, for example, to slow a large spinning fan, allowing Cal to get through, or to push a pile of rocks to unlock a new path. He’s also able to use the Force more passively to sprint along the sides of walls briefly, because who doesn’t want to show off some Jedi parkour? Players can also double back to previous worlds and paths as their Force powers develop — new Force abilities may be able to unlock previously inaccessible areas in sections of the map the player has already passed. If a puzzle seems particularly pesky, try coming back after some more exploration; it may be a lot easier to pass through after Cal has grown as a Jedi.
‘Becoming a Jedi’
At the press event, game director Stig Asmussen stressed that “Fallen Order” is all about “becoming a Jedi.” As Cal cuts down enemies and explores new worlds, he gains XP and levels up, getting skill points to invest into three different branches: Force, lightsaber and survival. The trees are pretty straightforward. The Force tree beefs up Cal’s abilities in that respect — for example, one of the early perks is allowing him to use the Force’s “slow” ability to affect enemies for a longer period of time. The lightsaber tree unlocks new combat options and buffs, and survival helps with Cal’s health and stamina, in particular.
Adding to the ‘Star Wars’ Universe
Then, of course, there’s Saw Gerrera, as played by Forest Whitaker in “Rogue One,” who helps guide Cal through the galaxy. As for Cal himself (voiced by Cameron Monaghan of “Shameless” and “Gotham” fame), he’s on the run from the Empire after his identity as one of the last Jedi was revealed. The Second Sister, an inquisitor trained by Darth Vader, stands as the most intimidating threat.
While too much of the plot can’t be revealed (or uncovered in only three hours), “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” already stands out among “Star Wars” games. By rewarding exploration and thoughtfulness in combat, “Fallen Order” seems challenging without being inapproachable.
