Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order took the world by storm when it was released in 2019. With about a year and a half since its launch, rumors have begun to circulate about a Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order sequel. The first game did so many things right that it feels natural for EA to build on it, but if a sequel is in the works, it has yet to be officially confirmed.
With all that the original Jedi: Fallen Order brought to the table, there is a lot to choose from when working on the franchise’s future installments. Some things will need to be left behind as games evolve and change with time. But, there are some key components from the first game that shouldn’t be abandoned if fans do ever get to play a Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2.
The Mantis Crew
Jedi: Fallen Order introduced players to a fantastic cast of characters. Much like the ragtag group in the original movie trilogy, Jedi: Fallen Order’s main protagonists find themselves drawn to one another. A sequel to the original game should focus on these characters and their respective backstories. Cal Kestis was the focus of the first game and is a great example of how the Jedi can evolve and survive. As a Padawan that lived through Order 66, his life after the Jedi Purge is one of survival. He works and lives in the shadow of the Empire much like Ben Kenobi did.
Narrative wise, it feels like Cere Junda may have fulfilled much of her role in the first game. A promotion of Cere to Jedi Master may lead to problems for the group of heroes, but that does not mean she should be cast aside in a sequel. There is still a lot of room for Cere to grow, and it is not uncommon for even the most advanced Jedi to constantly further their education. Obi-Wan’s time throughout the franchise shows his advancement in the Jedi Order, yet he continues to learn new ways to interact with and use the Force.
Greez might be the least notable of the Mantis four-person crew, but that does provide an opportunity to build on who he is as a character. Where Merrin could easily have her role in a sequel developed due to her affiliation with Magick and the Dark side, Greez seems to lack real direction. This makes him a possible cut in the sequel, but both characters could be key to the group's survival and story so long as the Empire exists. Greez's association with less than reputable factions in the galaxy’s underworld and Merrin’s skills could lead the group down dark and turbulent paths. This does not mean that fans will have to see the Mantis crew perish or succumb to the Dark side, but it could provide a way to explore Star Wars gritty depths and establish two iconic characters in the canon.
Star Wars Lore and Vast Levels
The gameplay in Jedi: Fallen Order rewards players for their curiosity. With Metroidvania-inspired levels, each world is full of different areas accessible by a player’s will to follow the twists and turns of the environment. This world-building is a part of what makes Star Wars so enticing for fans and should be used for future titles in the series.
When fans are shown what they can learn about the galaxy and its inhabitants is when Star Wars excels. The Star Wars TV shows have shown that characters who live outside of the immediate reach of the Republic, Jedi, Sith, or Empire still lead lives and pursue their own goals. Jedi: Fallen Order may have focused on a culture and species that was no longer prominent in the galaxy, but their influence was still felt in a similar way.
This type of lore discovery and game experience draws fans in and makes stories feel worthwhile. Regardless of how fans felt about the most recent Star Wars trilogy, most can agree that there were sections that could have felt deeper. Jedi: Fallen Order largely avoided similar mistakes and did it through exciting gameplay and intricate levels, something that should be capitalized on in future Star Wars games.
Yes, there are characters like Greez and Merrin who can be expanded on in a sequel, but leaving their doors open in the first game is exactly why an in-depth approach in Jedi: Fallen Order 2 should be used. How characters interact with their environments is just as important as making those environments look good to players. Jedi: Fallen Order found a balance that created a well-rounded experience, and to put it simply if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Jedi: Fallen Order Cosmetics
Cosmetics are not a necessity, but they do provide a way for players to express themselves in-game. Many fans of the Star Wars franchise often think about what lightsaber they would have. Droids in the canon come in many shapes, colors, and sizes, while ships can be customized to a pilot’s preference.
The first Jedi: Fallen Order game provided a lot of customization options for lightsaber colors, but the materials and design of those sabers could benefit from a more unique approach. Many of the designs and materials were pulled from previous lightsabers seen in the series. This let players recreate the weapons that some of their favorite Jedi used but it stifled the expression they had. A rework of the lightsaber customization system could make it so materials could be found throughout the game's levels and make them feel more personal to players.
On the other hand, BD-1 and the Mantis aren’t as customizable as lightsabers but didn’t need to be. The colors that players could unlock for the companion droid and ship did provide some cool aesthetics but nothing more. A future installment could expand on these and open more colorful options up to players. If the Mantis crew were to find a more permanent home base to operate out of complete customization options for the ship should not be out of the question either. It might not feel as important as lightsaber customization, but sometimes the little stuff helps.
Jedi: Fallen Order Sequel Should Be Built to Last
A Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order sequel has a lot that can be built on from the original. The game doesn’t need to copy and paste every little detail that fans liked, but it wouldn’t hurt to be conscious of what players enjoyed. With how open the future of the Star Wars franchise is right now, from new characters to Sith-controlled planets, there is a great opportunity to develop this series into a fan favorite that has an impact for years to come. One can only hope that as the story of Jedi: Fallen Order continues, its impact on the galaxy will grow.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is available on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.