For many, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was seen as a step in the right direction for future Star Wars games. It was single player, told a powerful story set in the Dark Times, and introduced fans to another hodgepodge crew of allies fighting to protect the future of the Jedi. With solid reviews and decent popularity, it seems that a sequel will likely be coming out in the next few years, but in that time, it'll likely be landing on the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
With a new console generation comes a new chance for publisher Electronic Arts to get Star Wars right. The corrections made to Battlefront 2 and the information out prior to Star Wars: Squadron's launch make it seem like it's on the right track, but it could very well be Jedi: Fallen Order 2 that makes the splash on PS5 and Xbox Series X. This means going all out, and there's was one decision made in the first game that should be reversed to supplement that.
Light Side Vs. Dark Side
Prior to the release of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Respawn Entertainment confirmed players would not have any type of light or dark side morality choices, as this game was about a definitive up-and-coming Jedi. It put story before player choice, and that was a good decision here. Based on the way the story goes, it wouldn't make sense if players wanted to align with the Sith and would undercut the story for the sake of a choice that doesn't make sense.
However, moving forward, it's uncertain if that will be the case for the next game. There's no telling who from the first game would return and in what capacity, what the story of the next game entails, or even if Cal returns as the protagonist in Fallen Order 2. He could be another NPC, the story could choose to highlight another character like Merrin instead, or it could bring in characters from other Star Wars properties. The possibilities are genuinely endless, and including a light vs. dark side morality system in the next game would make Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 feel like a brand new Star Wars game on next-gen consoles.
Not all Star Wars games need them, sure, but arguably, the biggest games do have them. Knights of the Old Republic and/or the Force Unleashed come to mind when speaking about Star Wars video games, and both focused on the internal struggle of light vs. dark side when it comes to the Force. Jedi: Fallen Order 2's ambitions shouldn't pale in comparison.
The obvious answer is that Cal returns as a protagonist, having recently been become a Jedi Knight, but begins struggling with the fate of the Jedi, his own anger, and more. Something tragic could happen that sets Cal down a path that players either pursue to the extent of the Dark Side or redeem themselves in with the Light Side. Seeing Cal go through the same struggle as Cere would be a nice twist of fate. Perhaps the ghosts of Merrin's past come back to haunt her, as while she may not be a Jedi, she is attuned to the Force is other ways. Perhaps a brand new, or at least another Star Wars character, could instead find themselves drawn to the dark, not in a manner altogether different from how Cal slowly had to reconnect to the force.
There's a lot of variables when it comes to the next Jedi Fallen Order game, "when" and "if" not being minor factors. And if so, it may choose to once again focus on the Jedi, ignoring the impact of the Dark Side. If the story justifies it, then it makes sense. But if it can be a mechanic that doesn't trivialize the story, that's just one more step into greatness for Star Wars games.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 is reported to be in development.