Jedi: Survivor is an outstanding ode to the Star Wars universe, seamlessly intertwining a captivating narrative, immersive atmosphere, and top-notch lightsaber combat to deliver a truly unforgettable gaming experience.
One of the most striking elements of Survivor is the depth and development of its returning characters. In contrast to its predecessor, Fallen Order, this game goes above and beyond to flesh out these beloved individuals. A prime example is Cere, a character I previously dismissed as forgettable. However, in Survivor, she transforms into a formidable and compelling presence on screen, leaving a lasting impression that caught me off guard. Cal Kestis, the already compelling protagonist, also experiences significant growth, further cementing his status as one of my favorite Star Wars leads. His constant internal struggle is masterfully portrayed by Cameron Monaghan's powerful voice acting and delivery. Every emotion he conveys resonates with the player, making his character even more relatable. In fact, there's not a single character in the game that I didn't thoroughly enjoy seeing in action.
Another noteworthy aspect of Survivor is its gameplay, which features significant improvements to the skill tree system and the introduction of new lightsaber stances. I found myself constantly switching between stances, unable to choose a clear favorite, as each one offers unique and highly useful abilities that make combat both challenging and addictive. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the dual-wielding stance, which evokes the exhilarating combat of Force Unleashed. The attention to detail and thought put into these stances ensures that there's something for every type of player.
Without delving into spoilers, the game's main antagonist is exceptionally well-written, leaving me awestruck by the level of storytelling on display. Star Wars has struggled to create compelling villains in recent years, especially with the somewhat disappointing arc of Kylo Ren. However, Respawn has clearly taken the time to understand the rich Star Wars lore and incorporate it into their villain's character, while also recapturing the essence of classic Star Wars storytelling.
The music in Survivor also deserves special mention. Many Disney-era Star Wars adaptations have had a mixed record when it comes to their musical score, with some pieces being exceptional and others feeling generic or mediocre. However, the music in Survivor consistently shines. Boss fights, in particular, feature mind-blowing tracks, especially during the later game encounters. The soundtrack's consistency and quality contribute significantly to the game's immersive experience.
Technically, Jedi: Survivor impresses, even with a few minor bugs. Running on my PS5 in fidelity mode, the game excels in maximizing resolution and displaying vibrant colors that pop on the screen. The visual quality and smooth performance make for a visually stunning and satisfying gaming experience.
Overall, Jedi: Survivor is an exceptional game that exceeds expectations, despite its minor flaws. It sets the bar high for future entries in the series, and I eagerly await what Respawn has in store for the next installment in this captivating Star Wars saga.
One of the most striking elements of Survivor is the depth and development of its returning characters. In contrast to its predecessor, Fallen Order, this game goes above and beyond to flesh out these beloved individuals. A prime example is Cere, a character I previously dismissed as forgettable. However, in Survivor, she transforms into a formidable and compelling presence on screen, leaving a lasting impression that caught me off guard. Cal Kestis, the already compelling protagonist, also experiences significant growth, further cementing his status as one of my favorite Star Wars leads. His constant internal struggle is masterfully portrayed by Cameron Monaghan's powerful voice acting and delivery. Every emotion he conveys resonates with the player, making his character even more relatable. In fact, there's not a single character in the game that I didn't thoroughly enjoy seeing in action.
Another noteworthy aspect of Survivor is its gameplay, which features significant improvements to the skill tree system and the introduction of new lightsaber stances. I found myself constantly switching between stances, unable to choose a clear favorite, as each one offers unique and highly useful abilities that make combat both challenging and addictive. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the dual-wielding stance, which evokes the exhilarating combat of Force Unleashed. The attention to detail and thought put into these stances ensures that there's something for every type of player.
Without delving into spoilers, the game's main antagonist is exceptionally well-written, leaving me awestruck by the level of storytelling on display. Star Wars has struggled to create compelling villains in recent years, especially with the somewhat disappointing arc of Kylo Ren. However, Respawn has clearly taken the time to understand the rich Star Wars lore and incorporate it into their villain's character, while also recapturing the essence of classic Star Wars storytelling.
The music in Survivor also deserves special mention. Many Disney-era Star Wars adaptations have had a mixed record when it comes to their musical score, with some pieces being exceptional and others feeling generic or mediocre. However, the music in Survivor consistently shines. Boss fights, in particular, feature mind-blowing tracks, especially during the later game encounters. The soundtrack's consistency and quality contribute significantly to the game's immersive experience.
Technically, Jedi: Survivor impresses, even with a few minor bugs. Running on my PS5 in fidelity mode, the game excels in maximizing resolution and displaying vibrant colors that pop on the screen. The visual quality and smooth performance make for a visually stunning and satisfying gaming experience.
Overall, Jedi: Survivor is an exceptional game that exceeds expectations, despite its minor flaws. It sets the bar high for future entries in the series, and I eagerly await what Respawn has in store for the next installment in this captivating Star Wars saga.