As indicated in a report from Game Informer, it appears as though the method of progressing through Jedi: Fallen Order will borrow heavily from the classic Metroid franchise. That is, players will be able to explore the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order world with relative freedom, but they will encounter impediments to this exploration that will require specific abilities, which will be unlocked as players continue through the game, to overcome.
Jedi: Fallen Order director Stig Asmussen further emphasizes the impact that Metroid has had on the design of the game, indicating that Respawn Entertainment studied the rhythm at which abilities are earned in Metroid Prime when planning level progression for Jedi: Fallen Order. That said, Asmussen states that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is “not exactly like Metroidvania,” though it is clear that some of genre’s hallmarks will be seen in Respawn’s forthcoming title.
Jeff Magers, Jedi: Fallen Order lead level designer, offers additional elaboration on how “Metroid-style level design” functions in this new Star Wars game: “It’s somewhat a way to give the player guided exploration. A ton of freedom within the world, but at the same time we can deliver really hand-crafted moments.” It seems that this balance between open exploration and tightly scripted segments will be central to the Jedi: Fallen Order experience.
To note, Metroid is not the only influence referenced in this new report from Game Informer, as Asmussen points to Bloodborne and Dark Souls as points of inspiration as well. For many, this confluence will certainly be an exciting prospect, and more details are certain to emerge before the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order release date arrives later this year.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order releases on PC, PS4, and Xbox One on November 15.
Source: Game Informer
