Fans are eagerly awaiting any news about the likely, yet unconfirmedStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2. The single-player, narrative-driven experience of the original proved to be one of the most popular games for the franchise in recent memory. After years of multiplayer-focused entries,Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderfelt like a breath of fresh air for manyStar Warsfans, but it left a big question mark behind: what’s next for Cal? There is a lot of new content thatStar Wars Jedi:Fallen Order 2could explore, but it might be a good move to take a look back at the classics as well.
The original,and presumably its sequel, take place during what’s becoming a more and moreinteresting place in theStar Warstimeline. Cal Kestis was a Padawan when the dreadful Order 66 came dowe, but thanks to his master’s sacrifice, Cal was able to escape execution by the newly formed Galactic Empire. This time period of the early Empire is being explored more and more with shows likeThe Bad Batchand some of the flashback sequences duringThe Mandalorian. But in building a sequel to a pivotalStar Warsgame, it could be interesting to see the firstStar Warssequel’s themes have an influence,Empire Strikes Back.
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Empire Strikes Back Could Influence Jedi: Fallen Order 2
Ironically given its elevated status among fans now,Empire Strikes Backwas fairly divisive when it first released. The lens of history has helped the movie grow to be recognized for its merits, in much the way the younger generation has embraced the prequel films in general. The movie sees Luke encounter his second Jedi Master after the death of Kenobi, the other members of the crew engage in adventures aside from him that helped cement their characters, and tempted Luke towards the Dark Side.Fallen Order 2has a huge amount of contentto draw influence from, butEmpire Strikes Backcould prove its greatest influence.
Cal’s journey already draws certain parallels with Luke, as do many of the Jedi throughoutStar Wars' history. Although he was aware of his Jedi abilities, Cal’s adventure begins in isolation away from prying eyes until he is inevitably thrust into his destiny. But while it’s important forFallen Order 2to distinguish Calfrom the pack, many of the pitfalls Luke narrowly avoided could create unique experiences for Cal Kestis. Players have already seen the Dark Side of the Force influence Cal when at his most vulnerable, with Talion serving a similar role to Vader in trying to pull Cal deeper.
If that theme is explored further inFallen Order 2then Merrin’s presencewill make Cal’s experience unique. As a Nightsister, Merrin is accutely attuned to the Dark Side and all of its capabilities. Her coven practiced dark magic (fueled by the Force inStar Warsfashion) that had already done much harm in the galaxy like the creation of Darth Maul and Savage Opress during theClone Warsseries. She has come to join Cal’s crew and learned important lessons about doing what’s right, but her connection to darker aspects of the force could come into play well. AnEmpire Strikes Back-style tempting of Cal Kestis would play out very differently depending on how Merrin reacts to it.
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Fallen Order 2 Should Learn From Star Wars' Past and Present
Cal has already established himself as a very powerful Jedi, but his journey to mastery isn’t over. A key part ofEmpire Strikes Backwas the introduction of Yoda as a new mentor for Luke. The eccentric creature was almost a direct foil to Obi-Wan Kenobi, but his teachings became very valuable to Luke going forward.Fallen Order 2could have a problem finding a masterfor Cal to study under though. After Order 66, most of the Jedi are dead and the survivors largely live in exile.
There are still options for Cal, however. In what could be a good fusion ofEmpire Strikes Backinfluences with the newer content,maybe Ahsoka Tano could appear inFallen Order 2. The headstrong former Jedi would be more experienced than herClone Wars' iteration but not quite as jaded as she seemed inThe Mandalorian. While Ahsoka didn’t complete her training either, she hadn’t severed her connection to the Force like Cal or Cere Junda. With Jedi like Kenobi pretty much an impossibility, Ahsoka or a new Jedi created specifically forFallen Order 2seem the most likely choice.
Another thing aboutEmpire Strikes Backthat would do well in aFallen Ordersequel would be giving the supporting cast a moment to shine. This could be as simple as a playableMerrin inFallen Order 2on some of her own missions, although a more grandiose way would be to have Cal Kestis get separated from the crew of the Mantis. This could simultaneously be a good way to focus Cal on his training and allowing the other members to shine in some exploits of their own.
Much likeEmpire Strikes Back,the sequel toFallen Orderhas the opportunity to build on its own lore.Fallen Ordergot a lot rightwith its first outing, and learning from what it got right while examining the first sequel inStar Wars’history for inspiration could go a long way. Fans will be looking atFallen Order 2under a microscope, but blending the iconic themes inEmpire Strikes Backwhile embracing its place in a very interesting place in the overall narrative could push the sequel into classic territory.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2isn’t confirmed to be in development.
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