At EA Play 2019, a pre-E3 2019 event put on by game publisher EA, Respawn Entertainment took the stage to unveil our first look at Jedi: Fallen Order gameplay, while a new trailer premiered the day after (see above). I wasn’t initially sold on the game from the reveal trailer, but after nearly 15 minutes of gameplay (see below), I managed to more than fall in love with the game, while Game Informer’s cover story on the game blew the lid off some intriguing new details cementing my excitement for my game. But that wasn’t the only gaming news: LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, which covers the main 9 saga films, was announced!
UPDATE: My review of the game is in!
In its original reveal at Celebration Chicago 2019, Fallen Order was said to have ‘thoughtful combat’ and wouldn’t just be a button-masher. One thing is readily clear from the gameplay video: it’s thoughtful indeed, feeling more like a reserved, focused The Force Unleashed. While protagonist Cal Kestis (Cameron Monaghan), who was still a padawan when Order 66 struck, seems to be a little more powerful like Starkiller with some cool abilities, the combat really does seem to require focus and timing. And despite Cal’s abilities, get several troopers of varying units and he can be overwhelmed if the player rushes in and hopes to ignore ranged attacks while dealing with melee enemies. The purge troopers, first introduced in Darth Vader – Dark Lord of the Sith comic series, seem to be the best example of the layered combat, as the short but difficult battle in the video means the player needs think and plan before attacking. In a way, it reminded me a bit of God of War (2018), a game I fell absolutely head over heels for due its deep combat and expansive story, which is never a bad thing to be compared to, especially considering it won loads of Game of the Year awards. Knowing this looks less and less like TFU, even if it’s another white male lead, helps make me genuinely excited for Fallen Order.
Beyond the gameplay, the article from Game Informer details some rather surprising aspects to the game. Not only will the game visit multiple planets, with an even split of new and familiar ones, players can return to/explore them in a Metroidvania style, which means there will be new areas to reach as Cal grows stronger in the Force and learns new tricks. And travelling to the planets is handled in ‘real-time’ meaning players will spend the hyperspace jump exploring their ship, The Stinger Mantis (designed by Doug Chaing and customizable), and interacting with its crew, reminiscent of the Mass Effect series. Returning to the planets will allow you to interact with locals and glean more about the planet and the game’s overall story, and since enemies will respawn, it won’t be a walk in the park to return; though as this is a canon story, I’m curious what the explanation is for all the troopers replenishing. I always look forward to games that follow a Metroidvania style, adding to my flipped feelings for Fallen Order.
Unfortunately, I’m still a little worried about Cal himself, as while I have no doubts Monaghan can act, he did absolutely excellent on the little of Gotham I did watch, so far neither the trailer nor gameplay video have really given him much a personality. In fact, a hands-on with the game by PC World said as much after playing, so hopefully the full game will reveal more to him than has met the eyes, and ears, so far. Thankfully, BD-1, Cal’s droid companion similar to Iden Versio’s ID10 in Battlefront II’s campaign, seems to have plenty of spark and spunk and I look forward to seeing more interactions with him. Even more of a presence is the return of Saw Gerrera, once again played by Forest Whitaker like he did for Star Wars Rebels, and seeing how important he is to the story, and if we’re going to spot a little Jyn running around, is something I can’t wait to find out; I love how much Whitaker seems to enjoy being Saw! Shrouded in secrecy are two of the other big characters: former Jedi Knight Cere (played by Debra Wilson), who promises to train Cal if he helps her in her efforts to restore the Jedi Order, but don’t expect to fight alongside her, as I guess she stays on the ship (for the most part). The most intriguing tidbit about Cere is, “…whatever Cere knows becomes the game’s McGuffin to a degree.” Now we’re talking: mystery!; and lastly the Second Sister Inquisitor’s identity remains obtuse, and while all the hints are there that she’s Barriss Offee, GI’s article does say she was developed for the game before being introduced as an Easter egg in Dark Lord of the Sith comic so that would be the first thing that would suggest it’s not her. However, I’d put some nice money down on it being her.
Other quick notes: while the climb up the AT-AT in the swamp in the trailer looks fantastic, those Wookiees look like something from the PS2 era; female KX droid? And it’s a villain? Count me in! Lastly, the official site updated it’s Databank with a few characters/places from the game, while Game Informer also has the details on the special edition, which nets you a couple skins and some behind-the-scenes videos (which always seem to make their way online a few months anyways).
The Skywalker Saga was announced at Microsoft’s E3 conference on June 9, and like its name implies, it will cover all 9 saga films. While we already have games for 1-7, this won’t be a remastering of any of the previous releases, instead featuring all new gameplay. More details and few snazzy screenshots for the game were covered at the official site, like how this will have more minifigures to play with than ever before, while players can jump into any film in any order, though I’m sure I won’t be the only one who’ll play it 1-9. While I played way too many hours with previous 1-6 LEGO games and The Clone Wars one, I only played the demo for LEGO’s The Force Awakens game; it was my first experience with LEGO adding dialogue to the games and I found myself missing the silent era, but it looks like we might be returning to it as the trailer doesn’t feature any dialogue. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga won’t be releasing until 2020, so I wouldn’t expect more details for a while. I’m hoping Rogue One, Solo,Star Wars Rebels, and even the upcoming The Mandalorian get a chance to be LEGO-fied soon too, as honestly I’d be a bit more excited for one of those.
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website @MynockManor.
JEDI: FALLEN ORDER NEWS:
Jedi: Fallen Order First Trailer, Releases November 15 (SWCC 2019)
Star Wars Celebration Chicago 2019 Overload: Panel Schedules, Merchandise, Virtual Queuing, Guests, and More!
Jedi: Fallen Order Title of Respawn’s Star Wars Game, Coming Holiday 2019
EA Provides Minor Updates on Upcoming Star Wars Video Games from Visceral Games, Respawn Entertainment, and More
LEGO Game Expands The Force Awakens Lore, Respawn Entertainment Working on New Star Wars Game