In a galaxy far, far away where the Force is strong, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor graced our PS5s in 2023, ready to zap our hearts with a new adventure. This follow-up to the already-acclaimed Jedi: Fallen Order brings an electrifying combination of lightsaber slashing, Force-pushing shenanigans, and probably too many collectible items that will keep the completionists among us busy longer than a Yoda training montage. Here’s a breakdown that goes deeper than a Wookiee’s love for Chewie.
The gameplay in Survivor takes the phenomenal mechanics from Fallen Order and cranks them up to eleven. We're no longer just swinging lightsabers like a kid at a piñata; combat feels fluid and much more tactical, almost like a dance with added lights and sound effects. Play as Cal Kestis, and you have an arsenal of five distinct lightsaber stances. Do you prefer the double-bladed for when you're feeling fancy with a group of baddies? Or perhaps the crossguard for when you need a slow but powerful attack that makes you feel like a total Jedi boss? There's a stance for that! The game also introduces five difficulty modes, allowing players to adjust the challenge level to suit their proclivity for getting absolutely slaughtered by stormtroopers or cruising through the galaxy like a Jedi diva. Add to that a rich tapestry of Force powers, and suddenly dodging an enemy becomes a real strategy rather than just a random frenzied button smash. And don't forget BD-1, your trusty sidekick who’s basically the best assistant you could ask for, healing you and hacking into droid systems while looking adorable.
Graphically, Jedi: Survivor is impressive, showcasing the PS5's capabilities with beautiful, immersive environments that make even the most jaded gamer stop and take a breath (preferably one without fumes from the Star Destroyer's engines). Each planet you visit comes with its unique aesthetic that feels instantly recognizable yet fresh. The textures are crisp, the lighting is immersive, and don’t even get me started on the animations—fight sequences flow with such grace that those real-life Jedi mash-up battles suddenly feel a little less...well, real. Although there have been reports of some performance hiccups on PC, on PS5, it runs smoother than a Jedi mind trick on a weak-minded individual.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is not just a game; it's an experience that captures the essence of the Star Wars saga, delivering both thrills and spills. With riveting gameplay, stunning visuals, and a story that resonates on a much deeper emotional level, Respawn has crafted a compelling follow-up that genuinely improves on its predecessor. While it might have a few technical snags, especially on platforms that rhyme with peeCee, it’s absolutely worth your time, even if it means putting down that pile of laundry. Gear up, grab your lightsaber, and prepare for a ride that even Han Solo would give a thumbs up!