Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Review: A Heartfelt Journey Through Hit-and-Miss Action

At first, I was worried about how Respawn could follow up on the incredible Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. However, after diving into Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, I quickly discovered its strengths. With vastly expanded combat options, larger open worlds, a wealth of abilities, and enough collectibles to fill a freighter, Survivor stands as a notable evolution of its predecessor, akin to how Batman: Arkham City advanced the Arkham series. Just as the Arkham games redefined the superhero experience, this game delivers a unique and engaging portrayal of a Force user.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Survivor is how it picks up right where Fallen Order left off. Players start with most of Cal Kestis's powers intact, allowing for an immediate sense of familiarity without the need for tedious tutorials or contrived storylines that strip him of his abilities. The game begins with an exciting mission on Imperial Coruscant, reminiscent of iconic moments from A New Hope, quickly immersing you in thrilling Force battles against Stormtroopers. The introduction of a Spider-Man-style grapple system enhances exploration and movement, making traversal feel more fluid and dynamic.

As you progress, the game unveils a suite of new abilities, most notably the mid-air dash that pairs beautifully with the double jump. This mechanic allows for impressive aerial maneuvers and enables players to traverse large distances without ever touching the ground. The sense of freedom in movement is exhilarating, prompting a rethinking of what’s possible in the game world.

Combat in Survivor shines with five distinct lightsaber stances, elevating the melee experience to new heights. The dueling system has been significantly improved, resulting in some of the most visually stunning lightsaber battles ever seen in the franchise. Whether you’re wielding a single blade, a double-bladed saber, or experimenting with new stances like the Kylo Ren-inspired Crossguard or the Blaster stance, each fight feels unique and rewarding. The animations are fluid, and the new dismemberment effects add an extra layer of satisfaction to every encounter, making players feel truly powerful as they cut through waves of enemies.

While the game excels in many areas, it has faced some challenges, particularly with its launch on PC, where performance issues have been noted. Respawn has publicly acknowledged these problems and is actively working on patches to improve the experience for players. Before diving in, it’s advisable to keep an eye on performance reviews to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Overall, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor builds upon the foundation laid by Fallen Order, offering a more expansive and polished experience. Its combination of thrilling combat, innovative movement mechanics, and a rich, immersive world make it a must-play for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. If you're seeking a captivating adventure in the Star Wars universe, look no further than Survivor, where every moment is filled with excitement and exploration.