I’ll start with a question. Do you love the story telling style of the Uncharted games? You know with the semi-linear levels, quicktime events, and integrated stories. When FromSoftware came out with Bloodbourne did you think it was a step in the perfect direction from the Dark Souls series? If you answered yes to both those questions then regardless of your Star Wars fandom, Fallen Order is probably a title for you.
And if you’re a Star Wars fan, don’t let the words Dark Souls scare you off. While this title has a similar playstyle to the Dark Souls series, it does not bring along with it the crushing difficulty. In fact there is a “Story Mode” difficulty so you can play the game and get the story with none of the headache. And if you are strictly a Star Wars Fan and not a gamer it is worth it.
The Basics
Parry timing. That is pretty much the basics right there. The difficulty in the menu is pretty much built around it so know it’s going to be important. What does parry timing mean exactly? Well, to put it simply it means this game is not a button masher. To get into it a little deeper, a parry is a way to deflect or block an incoming attack. So your timing with incoming attacks is what is key during fights in this game. Hit your button at the right time as an attack is coming in to deal with the attack and you get the advantage.
If you’re not into timing, turn your difficulty way down and enjoy the story. You can change the difficulty at any time. Two other things to do early on to have the best experience in my opinion are to get the dual bladed light saber and scomp link as soon as possible. The scomp link let you open all kinds of boxes and doors that would otherwise be unavailable and the dual bladed light saber helps you out immensely with large groups on enemies. I’ll leave links to videos on how to help you get these early in the game in the description.
Another thing to do to have a fantastic experience is explore! On your first planet you can score an 2 extra stimp packs, then if you poke around on the second you can get another. So within just 2 levels you can have a force power, the double edged light saber, the scomp link, and 3 extra stimp packs. That is the way to start your journey.
Exploring is easy to because the map system is actually good. Not only does it show you where you’ve been and have yet to go. It shows you where you can’t go. It also shows you items you can, and have yet to interact with. You will be returning to places as your character advances.
That advancement is done through a tree with three main branches that you earn points to spend in by gaining XP. Die and you lose that XP You can however get it back by confronting the enemy that defeated you and striking them. It’s a decent system, and although many will tell you to spend your points on health and force first because your bars are so low, I say if you are going to explore and find the upgrades hidden in the environment, then spend your hard earned early point on the much needed light saber skills.
On the Plus Side
- Great story
- Interesting exploration
- You feel like a Jedi
The Negatives
- Checkpoints can feel far apart (no fast travel)
- Control delays can be frustrating
- Some bosses can be frustrating on higher difficulties
In the end this game tells a great story that is full of platforming, puzzles, and Star Wars goodness