Unleashing the Force: The Golden Opportunity of New Protagonists in Every Star Wars Jedi Game
A fresh approach could have revitalized the Star Wars Jedi games by introducing new protagonists for each installment, bringing forth a diverse range of captivating characters to deepen the franchise's impact and keep players engaged
Highlights
Cal Kestis' journey in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor is well-received by fans, with the games excelling in storytelling and character development.
The focus solely on Cal's story is causing concerns about it being stretched too thin, prompting a desire for the games to delve into other survivors of Order 66 within the vast Star Wars universe.
To benefit future Star Wars Jedi installments, it would be advantageous to diversify the story by exploring the experiences of other Jedi survivors and delving into the lives of previous game antagonists. Looking to The Last of Us Part 2's diverse main character could provide inspiration and elevate the narrative.
Disney's acquisition of the Star Wars franchise in 2012 has brought mixed reviews from Star Wars fans regarding the stories depicted in its films and games. However, many believe that the duology of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor presents some of the best storytelling since Disney took ownership. These games have garnered positive reviews, especially due to the protagonist, Cal, who captivates players with his charm and his journey to becoming a full-fledged Jedi. Nonetheless, there are concerns about Cal's story becoming too stretched if Respawn continues to solely focus on his journey, without exploring other potential survivors of Order 66 within the vast Star Wars universe.
In Fallen Order, Cal Kestis begins as a young Jedi survivor and former Padawan who now works as a scrapper, hiding from the Empire. However, his life takes a turn when he uses his Force powers to save one of his co-workers, attracting the attention of the Inquisitors. This event sets him off on an adventure with former Jedi Master Cere and pilot Greez, as they embark on a mission to locate a Holocron containing the coordinates of Force-sensitive children. Throughout the game, fans witness Cal rediscover his Jedi identity and come to terms with his troubled past. He ultimately transforms into a young Jedi and makes the difficult decision to destroy the Holocron, ensuring it does not fall into the wrong hands.
In the recently released sequel, Jedi Survivor, Cal assumes the role of a fully-fledged Jedi Knight, evident in the array of fresh abilities and postures available to gamers. This game takes him on an expedition of exploration and deceit, where he not only uncovers the path to the concealed world of Tanalorr but also undergoes personal growth and acceptance of the daunting struggle against the Empire. Both Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor excel in storytelling prowess, with Jedi Survivor showcasing a wider range of character development options and a more intricate plot. However, it would be advantageous for Respawn Entertainment to introduce greater diversity in the storyline in future installments.
Star Wars Jedi Has a Few Worthy Protagonists-in-Waiting
By potentially relocating Hidden Path to Tanalorr, Cal's next move offers an opportunity for the upcoming Star Wars Jedi game to explore the narratives of other surviving Jedi. Additionally, the franchise can delve into the stories of the previous game's antagonists, who, like Cal, eventually succumbed to the dark side. Notably, Fallen Order portrays Trilla and Taron Malicos falling to the dark side as a result of the despair in their fight against the Empire, with Trilla displaying remorse in her final moments.
In the second game, choosing Bode Akuna as the protagonist seems like an obvious choice due to his complex journey and similarities to Cal. However, playing as Dagan Gera offers a more entertaining character arc. From his esteemed position in the Jedi Order to his eventual betrayal of its principles, Dagan's story possesses great potential. Although his screen time in the game is limited after gaining his freedom with Cal's assistance, there is an opportunity that Respawn may have missed. It would likely be appreciated by gamers if there were a Star Wars game or DLC that delves into Dagan's origins, his quest to find Tanalorr alongside Khri, and his subsequent descent into the dark side.
The Star Wars Jedi narrative has many potential paths to explore, and exclusively focusing on a single character in future editions may be detrimental to the franchise. Taking inspiration from The Last of Us Part 2, surprising fans with a change in the main character can greatly benefit the story's narrative. Other games, such as Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws, feature non-Jedi protagonists, which allows players to experience the Star Wars universe from a different perspective. However, there is still untapped potential in exploring the order of lightsaber-wielding heroes. While it is likely that there will be another game that concludes Cal's story, it could have been more engaging to focus on a completely new Jedi in each game instead of a trilogy centered around a single character.
