Highlights
Star Wars Eclipse has the potential to diverge from the established canon, granting players the ability to make choices that veer off from conventional events, thereby endowing the game with an immense level of freedom and replayability.
The inclusion of Quantic Dream's well-known branching narratives, which allow players to shape the story and events, could bring a fresh and exciting new perspective to the Star Wars franchise. Eclipse, as a game, has the potential to be a one-of-a-kind and dynamic addition to the Star Wars universe, providing a unique cinematic experience that explores various outcomes.
Not every gaming franchise adheres to a strict linear storyline, as many choose to alter or restart the lore with significant changes. God of War, for example, conveniently overlooks how Kratos survived and found himself in a different mythological realm after being seemingly defeated in God of War 3. On the other hand, Star Wars is known for its concrete continuity, which may be disrupted by Quantic Dream's Star Wars Eclipse.
With the prevalence of multiversal storylines in popular culture, distinguishing one continuity from another has become increasingly challenging. However, Star Wars has always maintained a clear canon, relegating anything outside of it to the Legends or Expanded Universe categories. The franchise has carefully crafted its timeline around specific events, making Star Wars Eclipse a potentially refreshing departure for the beloved brand whenever it is released.
Star Wars Eclipse is Sticking to What Makes Quantic Dream Unique
Quantic Dream's games may not be renowned for their mechanical innovation or impressiveness. However, what sets games like Detroit: Become Human, Beyond: Two Souls, or Heavy Rain apart is their unique approach to branching narrative paths, which are triggered by the player's actions and choices during QTEs (quick time events) and dialogue options.
The central concept revolves around the idea that the entire course of events can be shaped by a specific sequence of preceding actions, and split-second decisions can determine the life or death of a character. While players have the ability to steer the game towards their desired outcome, it's important to note that there is an extensive amount of cutscenes, events, and dialogue lines that players can potentially miss out on during a single playthrough. This aspect greatly enhances the replayability of Quantic Dream games.
Star Wars Eclipse Having Branching Narratives Upends Traditional Star Wars Canon
That’s why, if Eclipse is to incorporate Quantic Dream’s signature branching narratives, it would mark the first time in a considerable duration that the story and events of Star Wars will be shaped by the actions of the player, rather than adhering strictly to a predetermined script that aligns with the overarching lore of the franchise. Games like Star Wars Jedi and the upcoming Star Wars Eclipse have traditionally been constrained by narratives that must align harmoniously with the established canon of the Star Wars universe. However, there is hope that Eclipse will succeed in paying homage to Quantic Dream’s traditional emphasis on player choice with a profound impact.
If Eclipse were to have the liberty to take divergent paths that disregard the established Star Wars canon, it would be captivating to witness the demise of iconic characters like Yoda as a consequence of decisions made by the player. The knowledge that the game wouldn't strictly adhere to canon allows Eclipse to embrace a remarkable level of creative freedom. Restricting similar choices would squander this potential and diminish the impact of the player's actions on the vast Star Wars universe. However, it is important to note that these choices would not have any tangible effect on the official Star Wars lore beyond the confines of the Eclipse game.
Star Wars Eclipse is currently under development, promising to deliver a genuinely exciting experience by breaking away from the familiar classic iconography and nostalgic elements that the franchise has become too comfortable with. The game aims to offer replayability as a means to explore different outcomes, making it an exceptional tool for players to witness diverse possibilities. With an extended development time dedicated to expanding its gameplay mechanics, Eclipse has potential to revolutionize cinematic interaction in gaming and present a truly distinctive and dynamic Star Wars experience unlike any other.