What We Want To See From Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2

Electronic Arts, which has been able to launch Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Star Wars: Squadrons successfully, is now a force in a faraway galaxy. Respawn Entertainment is the developer behind Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars: Squadrons. They are currently overseeing the production of three Star Wars titles, including a strategy title as well as a first-person shooter and sequel.

While I’m not sure what I can expect from these games, I think Jedi will be a direct sequel. It will reunite fans with Cal Kestis who is still struggling to find his way in an uncertain time. Here’s my hope for Respawn if it goes this way:

Light and Dark Sides of the Force
Cal made his lightsaber, and was able to use the Force more effectively in the story’s first installment. But not enough for him to be a threat against Darth Vader. The sequel will likely continue that story line: Cal needs to be more powerful in order to save the Jedi. His journey to the Sith will probably take him to other Force wielders, ancient Jedi artifacts, and Sith priests. He could be experimenting with dangerous and dark powers. One of those powers would be force lightning. Upgrades could allow multiple targets to be linked together and an electric web created by his fingertips. For creatures that have easily detached limbs, Force rage might also be a powerful tool to create frenzied excitement. Let’s not forget Force choke. It’s an old classic and it always produces a cringe-worthy pop!

Force Turmoil
Cal might become a slave to the dark arts. This would make the story a crucial part. I also hope there are choices that allow the player to choose between the light and dark sides of the Force. This could look a lot like Mass Effect’s Paragon or Renegade implementation, where the player is sometimes forced to make quick decisions. Cal would make what sacrifices for the greater good. What would his strategy be for coping with this transformation? Can he keep the evil power from consuming him? Cal might be able to pull off the brooding Sith look by wearing a tunic.

Unfortunate Death of the Poncho
I understand why Respawn gave Cal a poncho – it’s a different look. Cal’s unique appearance was created by the art team. In the sequel, the poncho will be the first to go. Respawn does not seem to have addressed Cal’s poncho problem and immediately shows him wearing a more stylish outfit. This is smart. The bad part is that he may have started the game with one of his ponchos. But a Mandalorian burns it minutes later. As the twin sun setting behind Tatooine, we watch as the poncho flies off to flames. It would have been a wonderful moment. Respawn the Poncho. It must be killed.

You can play as BD-1
Respawn has done a fantastic job with BD-1 implementation in their first game. Cal is able to interact with him in meaningful and helpful ways. He’s also a fun character to meet. Taking a cue from the Ratchet & Clank game series, where Clank is often playable, some fun could come from controlling BD-1 in specific sequences. This companion character is often a puzzle solver. Respawn could play BD-1 if he is able to. You should also give the flamethrower to him.

Larger environments
When a developer mentions that the Metroid series has inspired navigation, I nod in approval. These influences were a great help to Respawn’s first game. It would be nice to have the same kind of navigation used in environments that are twice as big, and with more strategically placed secrets. I’d like to see a mixture of new and iconic planets, with no slides or bouncey pads. Platforming should not be concerned with the terrain, but the Force power.

The Lightsaber, Fighting and the Lightsaber are more of the same
Cal is more protective of fighters, which I love. Respawn should lean into this as well to give us more counter moves and retaliatory strike in the sequel. Cal could become more aggressive if he has dark powers. Respawn has already seen most styles of lightsabers, so there won’t be any surprises. These same blades can be used to combat a larger variety of foes, including those from the Empire as well as planet-specific wildlife.

An intimate connection to the Mandalorian
Disney is home to many amazing comedic moments MandalorianStar Wars Jedi, Fallen Order had one. Star Wars fans believe BD-1 appeared in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which means he’s been with us for well over 20 years. It would be amazing to have BD-1 back in that spot and remind us of why he was there.

Now, I want to know what Respawn wants to do with the next Jedi game. Would you like Cal to return? What would you choose to do? Who, if anyone? If he returns, what do you think of his story?