Gaming

Jedi Fallen Order PS4 review: Get Rise of Skywalker ready with BEST Star Wars in years


With a new movie about to premiere, the recent launch of a binge-worthy TV show and the surprise re-release of a PS4, Xbox One and PC game, Star Wars season is well and truly upon us. And it all kicked off with the release of what is arguably the best Star Wars game since the glory days of Rogue Leader, Knights of the Old Republic and Jedi Academy.

Out now for PS4, Xbox One and PC, Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order is something of a rarity in the ranks of publisher Electronic Arts. 

Developed by Apex Legends studio Respawn, this is a single-player adventure game with a reasonably entertaining story set in the Star Wars universe. There are no tacked on multiplayer modes, and it doesn’t even try to sell you extra content.

The fact that this feels so refreshing is a sorry state of affairs, but that’s a different discussion for another time. Right now all you need to know is that Fallen Order is a lot of fun to play.

Borrowing liberally from games like Uncharted and Dark Souls, it strikes the perfect balance between making players feel like a powerful Jedi, while still providing a decent challenge.

Similar to the Souls games, combat relies on the ability to read and memorise enemy attacks, and knowing when to dodge, parry and counterstrike.

Careless players won’t last long in one-on-one duels against stronger foes, or against the plethora of plus-sized beasts that can kill you in just a few hits.

Even a group of weaker enemies will cause you problems if you don’t plan your route and prioritise encounters.

Swinging a lightsaber and using the Force is satisfying in most Star Wars games, but especially in one that requires a bit of skill and situational awareness. 

While there are other similarities to Dark Souls – the way enemies respawn when you rest, and how you lose XP at death – Jedi Fallen Order is much more forgiving and accessible than the From Software stuff.

Enemies telegraph unblockable attacks by flashing red, and you’ll regain XP back by striking an enemy instead of defeating it.

If you’ve always liked the look of those From Software games but have been put off by their brutal difficulty, then think of Jedi Fallen Order as Dark Souls Lite.

It’s also faster and flashier than the Souls games, featuring the same kind of tight platforming and parkour action you’d see in something like Uncharted or Assassin’s Creed.

Then there are the Force powers, which though lacking in numbers are awesome to use.

There’s something so immensely satisfying about flinging your lightsaber through the torso of a Stormtrooper, or in the simple act of Force pushing a fearsome foe off the side of a ledge.

It’s just a shame you can’t Force choke enemies off the same ledges, or soften up stronger foes with a little lightning damage before battle. 

As has been well documented, there are storyline reasons why these kind of Dark Side abilities haven’t been included in the campaign.

Fallen Order takes place between Episode III and Episode IV, a time when the Jedi were persona non grata. You play as former Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis, a survivor of the Great Purge who’s very much a ‘good guy’.

Cookie cutter lead character Cal is a likeable enough, although like the narrative as a whole, he is a little generic.

That’s not to say Jedi Fallen Order doesn’t have its moments, and there are a few twists and turns that Star Wars fans will enjoy – let’s just hope you missed the big Microsoft spoilers over Thanksgiving.

With a running time of about 18-20 hours, the game probably goes on just a little bit too long, but the action is strong enough to support the baggy middle.

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely the best Star Wars game since EA took over the license.

It may borrow heavily from games such as Dark Souls, but there’s nothing wrong with pinching good ideas when they’re so well implemented.

If you’re after something to make the wait for Rise of Skywalker that little more bearable, then Jedi Fallen Order is definitely the game you’re looking for.

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order is out now on PS4, Xbox One and PC.

VERDICT: 4/5



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