Star Wars expands far beyond the screen, with compelling characters and stories unfolding in various mediums. One such narrative follows Cal Kestis, a Jedi Knight striving to combat the Empire and restore the Jedi Order. While a Kestis film or series remains a hopeful prospect, his journey unfolds within the Star Wars Jedi video game series. Though Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order initiates the saga, its sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, elevates the stakes and delivers amplified action. Set five years after Fallen Order, Survivor portrays Kestis as a seasoned Jedi Knight, seeking refuge for a burgeoning Jedi Order amidst the Empire’s looming threat. Now’s the perfect time to delve into this rich narrative, especially with a significant price drop: secure your copy for just $20 at Best Buy this Cyber Monday.
Gaming Staff Writer Tomas Franzese, in his 4 out of 5 star review, noted, “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor doesn’t reinvent Fallen Order‘s formula and retains some pacing and technical issues. Nevertheless, it stands as one of the best single-player Star Wars experiences I’ve encountered. The Empire may not fall by Survivor‘s conclusion, but the journey through this stunning galaxy and witnessing Cal’s growth is truly captivating.”
A cautionary note for those transitioning from Fallen Order: Survivor embraces a darker tone. This pervasive sense of dread resonates with Star Wars sequel tradition, particularly within trilogy second chapters. The Empire Strikes Back established this precedent with its chilling Hoth opening, a landmark moment where heroes faced a devastating defeat. Similarly, The Last Jedi escalates tension, depicting the First Order and the Dark Side as seemingly insurmountable adversaries, leaving Rey and the Resistance facing overwhelming odds.
Actor Cameron Monaghan, who embodies Kestis, openly addressed this tonal shift pre-launch. “Cal possessed a certain naivete and wide-eyed wonder in the first game, qualities I deeply appreciate,” Monaghan shared with MaagX. “However, enduring such desperate circumstances, constant fighting, and serving as a tool for the resistance for years inevitably alters one’s worldview.”
In Survivor, players witness Kestis grappling with the weight of his responsibilities and the toll of prolonged conflict. This darker narrative, while challenging, adds depth and complexity to his character arc, aligning with the thematic resonance found in other Star Wars sequels. For fans seeking a compelling single-player experience and a deeper exploration of the Star Wars universe, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, especially at its current discounted price, offers an immersive and rewarding adventure.
