The success of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was largely built on the various inspirations it took for gameplay. Its exploration mechanics were reminiscent of Metroid, its traversal took notes from Uncharted, and lightsaber combat relied heavily on the same challenging formula that the Souls-like genre pioneered years ago. While it was certainly a Star Wars game in the thematic sense, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order stood on the back of gaming giants, and it turned out to be a massive success for EA and Respawn Entertainment. Now, with a sequel on the way, fans and critics alike are wondering what new surprises Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 might have in store.
While the existence of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 has been largely rumored for some time, a recent EA earnings call basically confirmed that Jedi Fallen Order 2 is happening. Although it will still take some time, fans will be able to jump back into the action Respawn Entertainment provided with Fallen Order, and the sequel introduces an opportunity to bring that action to the next level. While there are many things Respawn could tinker with, Fallen Order 2 could usher in a whole new era for Star Wars gaming by taking its impressive lightsaber combat and uplifting it like a true Jedi Master.
Giving Players More Lightsaber Options In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order made an excellent decision when it allowed players to expand their lightsaber beyond one blade. While a good chunk of the game is spent with Cal Kestis only having a normal, single-bladed lightsaber, as players mastered the game's combat they eventually got access to a dual-bladed lightsaber, made iconic by Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace. This is an option that few Star Wars games have given players before, and it proved to be one of the most popular things about Fallen Order's lightsaber combat.
If Jedi: Fallen Order 2 is going to lift its lightsaber combat to the next level, it should double down on the freedom it provided with the dual-bladed lightsaber. Star Wars has featured dozens of different lightsaber variations over the years, each of them adding a new layer of excitement to the franchise. From lightsaber whips to Ahsoka Tano's Shoto blade approach, Fallen Order 2 could dive even deeper into RPG territory if it gave players the option to customize their combat approach by way of these lightsaber types.
Introducing Lightsaber Forms In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2
Star Wars lore covers just about every single corner of the galaxy far, far away, especially when it comes to the Jedi. One of the biggest pieces of lore around the Jedi is their specific lightsaber forms, which are essentially unique fighting styles. There are seven in total that range from more offensive, defensive, or both, and they can serve as an indication of the personality of any particular Jedi. In Cal Kestis' case, many fans have identified that he appears to mostly use the Niman form, which is regarded as the most universal to the Jedi and balanced from all of the others.
Cal's lightsaber prowess doesn't have to stop there, however. In addition to introducing new lightsaber types, Fallen Order 2 could give players the opportunity to change their lightsaber forms in-game to make combat more dynamic. If players want to take a more defensive approach, they could switch to Soresu form, or if they want to be acrobatic and aggressive they could go with Ataru. Not only would this help diversify gameplay between players, but it would also be a great way to make it feel like Cal is progressing toward becoming a stronger Jedi.
How Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 Can Take Cues From The Force Unleashed
While Fallen Order was an exciting game for those that have wanted to feel the power of the Force, it certainly wasn't the first to give players that opportunity. There have been a handful of other Star Wars games that have given gamers a lightsaber and Force powers and let them have their fun, but few have done it quite like Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. As the name would imply, The Force Unleashed gave players an unprecedented amount of power as they ran through the game hurling stormtroopers every which way. It was certainly over the top, but that was part of the fun.
Jedi: Fallen Order didn't shy away from giving players a suite of different Force powers and lightsaber abilities, but it would do well to expand its current assortment for the sequel. Fallen Order 2 doesn't necessarily have to throw all seriousness out the window, but allowing Cal to use more sensational Force powers or do unique things with his lightsaber would help combat from feeling too similar to the first game. If Respawn really wants to make Fallen Order 2 stand out, The Force Unleashed would be a great game to look for guidance.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 has some pretty big expectations to meet whenever it does finally come out. The game has the gargantuan task of following up one of the most successful Star Wars games in the last ten years, and it will be a crucial release to ensure EA stays in the good graces of Star Wars fans. There is still very little that is known about Fallen Order 2 at this point, so fans will just have to remain patient until EA is ready to put out some solid information about the anticipated sequel.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 is in development.