Released in 2019, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order arrived at a time when fans weren’t sure if the Force was still strong in Star Wars gaming. Then came Respawn Entertainment’s bold, story-rich vision—a single-player journey that blended cinematic storytelling with challenging, thoughtful gameplay. The result? A return to form that reminded players why the Star Wars universe still holds endless wonder.
A Jedi Survivor’s Journey
The story follows Cal Kestis, a young Padawan who escaped Order 66 and has been hiding on the fringes of the galaxy. When the Empire begins hunting him down, Cal is forced out of hiding and into a quest that mixes survival, discovery, and reclaiming his Jedi identity. Alongside new allies like Cere Junda and the lovable droid BD-1, Cal sets out to rebuild what was lost while staying one step ahead of the Inquisitors.
The narrative hits the right balance between personal and epic, giving fans both an intimate character journey and the sweeping galactic stakes expected of a Star Wars story.
Gameplay That Blends Familiar Inspirations
At its core, Fallen Order is an action-adventure game that takes cues from classics like Dark Souls, Uncharted, and Metroidvania exploration. Combat relies on precision, timing, and patience—light saber duels feel weighty and intense, with each strike carrying consequence.
Exploration is equally rewarding. From scaling walls and solving environmental puzzles to unlocking new powers that let you revisit earlier areas in true Metroidvania style, the game constantly pushes you to think and adapt. It’s a mix of challenging combat and satisfying discovery.
The Worlds of Star Wars Brought to Life
Few things match the thrill of stepping into Fallen Order’s environments. The game takes you across multiple planets—lush Kashyyyk, icy Ilum, swampy Bogano, and the sinister Fortress Inquisitorius. Each is packed with secrets, lore, and danger.
The level design often forces you to think like a Jedi—using Force powers and wall-running agility to traverse areas that feel both cinematic and tactile. It’s not just a backdrop; the galaxy itself becomes part of the challenge.
Music, Voice Acting & Atmosphere
The orchestral score captures the essence of Star Wars, evoking John Williams’ style while carving out new motifs. Cameron Monaghan’s performance as Cal brings depth and vulnerability to a character who could have easily been overshadowed by the galaxy around him.
Meanwhile, BD-1 deserves special mention—both as a companion and as one of the most charming droids in the Star Wars pantheon. His chirps and animations add heart to the journey.
The Rough Edges
Fallen Order isn’t without flaws. On release, technical bugs and performance issues plagued many players, though patches have smoothed much of this out. The difficulty curve can also be punishing for players unfamiliar with Soulslike mechanics, and backtracking through certain areas occasionally feels tedious.
Still, none of these issues outweighs the joy of the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a love letter to fans who craved a single-player Star Wars story filled with lightsabers, Force powers, and personal stakes. It’s challenging without being inaccessible, cinematic without losing interactivity, and heartfelt without being overly sentimental.
It reminds us why we love Star Wars—not just for the battles and the lore, but for the humanity at the heart of it all.
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the boots of a Jedi, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Platforms: Google Stadia, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Played on: PC
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
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