AsStar Wars Jedi: Survivorapproaches its late April launch date, new information suggests the sequel will have many exciting influences. Respawn Entertainment probably has its hands full implementing complex lightsaber stances and a cinematic single-player campaign, yet even more surprisingly, environmental design seems to be expanding with similarly ambitious aims. Players will be able to explore new narrative hubs inStar Wars Jedi: Survivorand the planet Koboh is reportedly a central play space in the adventure. Koboh won’t just support branching encounters, but it will also host NPCs – a feature that might match the narrative pacing of BioWare classics likeStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
WhileJedi: Survivoris said to reference the Metroidvania genre most, the wider scope of Koboh could echo RPGs by underlining the fiction in a new way. Some of thebest parts ofStar Wars: KOTORwere character-focused, creating opportunities to learn about the history and factions which drive its story forward. There are mysterious forces at work in the Jedi’s journey, so a greater degree of characterization would elevate the game’s narrative development.
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How KOTOR Can Inspire Jedi: Survivor’s Koboh
Those who enjoyStar WarsRPGs may rememberKOTOR’s impactful dialogue and choices, but it is unlikely that Respawn wants to integrate hardcore role-playing systems. Instead, protagonist Cal Kestis should suffice as a relatable stand-in while players unlock more optional areas on Koboh. As an action-adventuregame with Soulslike elements, side characters can shine if they are more or less disconnected from the linear narrative - the range of possibilities must be limited in order to maintain consistency between storytelling and gameplay. Keeping those caveats in mind,Jedi: Survivor’s safe zones could learn from BioWare’s worldbuilding alongside its diverse cast of personalities.
The town-like hubs on Koboh include Rambler’s Reach and a cantina that accommodates patrons far from the Core Worlds of the Galaxy.KOTORalso had discrete story locations, the Jedi Enclave being a prime example where players can learn information from NPCs before venturing off on their quests. Separating these concerns would be a smart design choice foropen-world exploration inJedi: Survivor, and it might curb any narrative dissonance as players progress.
Meeting New Star Wars Characters in Jedi: Survivor
If NPCs can deliver additional lore and interactivity in Respawn’s sequel, there’s a lot to be gained.Jedi: Survivordoes exist during a fragile point in theStar Warscanon since the Galactic Empire is still growing and crushes all resistance it encounters. However, NPC hubs might be secluded enough from those Imperial forces, which may allow Cal to blend in before making his next move. Another parallel withKOTORis that Cal will now have allies in his crusade, existing as part of an all-new buddy system.Bode Akuna is one originalStar Warscompanionwho probably holds secrets of his own, and fans are curious to see how these relationships will unfold.
Respawn has mentioned Cal’s allies can assist players in combat, but there is also a chance to reward players with interactions outside that context.KOTOR’s characters were often scripted to react to the player’s actions; it really was an organic system that contrasted all the game’s personalities. Realistically,Jedi: Survivorwon’t share that same complexity, though some players would appreciate the ability to increase their party’s combat effectiveness by investing more time into them. Still, the developer seems to be doing its best in polishing the project before launch, sothe delay ofJedi: Survivorcould prevent other features from being left on the cutting room floor.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivorreleases April 28 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
