Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Review - 5 Ups & 3 Downs

Ups...

5. The Story Is A Fantastic Addition To The Star Wars Canon

By far the most compelling element of a Star Wars game in this day and age has to be its story, and Fallen Order does not disappoint. Written by Aaron Contreras, Manny Hagopian, Matt Michnovetz and Megan Fausti, Respawn's Star Wars game brings players to the galaxy's lowest point - the transition between Episodes III and IV.

The Empire is an omnipresent force, and while the new Star Wars canon has already delved deep into this particular setting, Fallen Order finds itself in a unique position in that it elects to show the Empire's formative years. It's set only five years after the Jedi Purge, and the decision to open the game up on Bracca, a planet literally dedicated to scrapping those old cruisers and ships used in the Clone Wars, serves as a fantastic visual metaphor to showcase the transformation of Star Wars from the Prequels to the Original Trilogy.

Respawn have also assembled a compelling cast of characters. Cal Kestis (portrayed by Gotham's Cameron Monaghan) is a worthy enough protagonist, and he's far from the generic Star Wars archetype some predicted. Respawn's writers weave a harrowing past for Cal that lays bare the tragedy of the Jedi's downfall, while his mission - to effectively restart the Jedi Order - brings with it its own ethical quandaries that both Cal and the player will struggle to reckon with as the game nears its final stages.

Joining Cal is Eno Cordova's lovable robotic companion, BD-1, a contender for Star Wars' cutest droid and who is really the heart and soul of Respawn's game. They're brimming with personality, and the bond between Cal and his droid anchors the story right where it should be.

Star Wars also finds itself with an additional assortment of compelling characters, thanks to Respawn's efforts. Former Jedi Master Cere Junda (Debra Wilson) is a complex character and an intriguing one at that, while pilot Greez, though underdeveloped in places, also has his moments. Nightsister Merrin more than deserves a game of her own too, and it'll be a huge shame if we don't see more of these figures in further literature - particularly the Second Sister, who emerges from Fallen Order as the most intriguing of all the Inquisitors seen in the franchise yet.

There is a tedious mid-act lull to deal with, but the first and final thirds are truly breathtaking.