STACK #181 Nov 2019

GAMES FEATURE

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THE FORCE RESPAWNED Respawn Entertainment, the makers of Titanfall and Apex Legends , Force jump their cinematic-action skills to a galaxy far, far away. Words Nathan Lawrence

to ensure Order 66 has a 100 per cent dead-Jedi success rate. This notion of Cal’s isolation is one that’s helped to inform the gameplay. “It’s a really good setting for the kind of gameplay we wanted to do where you’re exploring on your own and being hunted,” says Magers. “It’s a dangerous time to be a Jedi, so it’s a good setting for us to have an inappropriate level of challenge to grow as a Jedi as you explore.” Cal, despite his Jedi-in-training badge, seemingly has a nasty case of amnesia when it comes to his Force 101s like Force push, which conveniently means you’ll be unlocking them over the course of the game. “You’re learning to explore your different abilities at the same time as Cal is gaining new abilities,” says Magers. “So as you start to get a handle on the abilities that you acquire, you gain this mastery that parallels Cal’s journey.” And mastery of these abilities is essential if you want to survive on higher difficulties. While there’s a

run by this crazy despot who’s in charge of everything. And the Jedi, who were the guardians of peace and justice across the galaxy, are now reviled as traitors and hunted down wherever they go. So you’re in a really bad, dark place.” It’s not really the time to be a Jedi, as on-the-run Jedi and protagonist Cal Kestis knows all too well. This Padawan-of-interest is being hunted by ruthless Inquisitors eager

S tar Wars: Battlefront II might’ve had a recent redemption for its online component, but the short and predictable campaign was mostly forgettable. Because Lucasfilm is, understandably, protective of its Star Wars IP, every story, no matter the medium, now must pass the canon test in collaboration with Lucasfilm. Thankfully, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is

on track to pass this canon test with a booming 21-turbolaser broadside. Part of the appeal is the setting, with Fallen Order crammed in the lightly explored space between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope . Speaking of hope, it appears it’s in short supply according to Respawn Entertainment’s Lead Level Designer Jeff Magers. “There’s no rebellion. There’s no hope. There’s no light. There’s this totalitarian empire

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NOVEMBER 2019

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