While there are many new features and improvements that fans would like to see in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2, it could also take some very drastic new steps narratively. The game series is positioned in one of the least explored time periods in the Star Wars timeline, and the end of the first game left the sequel in a great position to continue to grow the game’s characters and narrative. One of the biggest narrative changes it should make, however, is leaving the iconic Darth Vader behind.
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Darth Vader’s Appearance in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Darth Vader is one of the most iconic characters in all of Star Wars. He makes an appearance in many Star Wars games, as well as representing the series in many other titles like Soul Calibur. In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Darth Vader is not seen until the end of the game, despite being in charge of the Imperial Inquisition.
After killing the Second Sister for failing him, Darth Vader then tries to kill Cal to take the Holocron, a list of Jedi scattered throughout the galaxy. Cal manages to run away from Darth Vader in a desperate sequence. It is not the only time a film character appears in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, but it definitely the one that had the biggest impact on players who made it far enough to see it.
However, the fight was disappointing for some players as Cal is unable to actually fight Darth Vader. The sequence instead sees players running away from him while completing quick time events to avoid being hit by any of the objects that Darth Vader is throwing at them. If players try to attack Darth Vader he simply deflects or blocks the attacks with ease. The sequence is great at highlighting just how powerful and terrifying of a villain Darth Vader truly is, it would have been great to battle him with Fallen Order’s combat system as well.
Darth Vader Would Take Tension Out of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2
One of the problems that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 faces is that Cal Kestis does not appear in any of the movies or media set after it. Cal or its other characters can not have any large impact on the stories that fans have already seen. Many think this means that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will have to kill Cal or have him stop being a Jedi in some way, otherwise his absence in later movies doesn’t make canonical sense. As for Darth Vader, it means that his appearance in the game would fail to have the tension that other bosses would be able to provide.
Even if Darth Vader appears as a boss again, or can be actually fought in the game, players would know when the fight started that they would not be able to fully defeat or stop him. This means that Darth Vader appearing in the sequel would require him to either be defeated by Cal and players running away, for Cal to run away a second time, or for him to kill Cal.
The first option would weaken the image of Darth Vader that has made him such an iconic villain, while Cal running away again would not be as entertaining as the ending of the first game, since players have already seen it. Darth Vader killing Cal also seems unlikely to happen, assuming the franchise is meant to persist beyond the first game. Either way, if Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 is in development, including Darth Vader would force the developers to make a very difficult decision with how to approach it that would likely negatively impact the game’s narrative.
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A Different Villain Could Fit Better in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2
Another reason the game should move beyond Darth Vader is that it could be much better served by introducing an entirely new villain. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 will likely go to some incredible new places, which will bring new factions, alien races, and story elements to the game and greater Star Wars universe. Introducing a new villain through one of these new locations would allow the antagonist of the game to more directly reflect Cal Kestis’ journey with the force as one of the last Jedi. Darth Vader’s story has been explored extremely thoroughly throughout the series, and Cal’s future involvement in it wouldn’t do the character the service he deserves.
Introducing a different antagonist could also lead to some interesting interactions with lesser-known Star Wars stories and characters as well. One great option would be for the rumored reboot of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed to tie into the game, with Starkiller playing the role of Cal’s direct opposite and foil. This would allow the game to flesh out both characters while creating some new interactions and relationships that fans have never seen before, without the risk of Cal walking in Luke Skywalker’s shoes. Hopefully, the sequel is in development like the rumors point to, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order fans will get some news on what to expect soon.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is rumored to be in development.
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