Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order launched November 15, 2019 as EA’s redemption for Star Wars games. The single-player Soulslike sold 40+ million copies, proved story-driven Star Wars works, and launched Cal Kestis as new canon Jedi.
Critical & Commercial Triumph
- 79/100 Metacritic (PC)
- 40+ million copies sold (2024)
- EA’s fastest-selling Star Wars game
- No microtransactions (shocking for EA)
- Survivor sequel (2023)
Soulslike Star Wars
Fallen Order mechanics:
- Stamina-based combat (block, parry, dodge)
- Meditation spots (rest = enemy respawn)
- Metroidvania map structure
- Force abilities unlock areas
- Lightsaber customization (cosmetic)
The combat felt like Sekiro meets Star Wars.
Story & Characters
Cal Kestis’ journey:
- Order 66 survivor (Cameron Monaghan performance)
- BD-1 droid companion (adorable)
- Second Sister/Trilla (Inquisitor villain)
- Nightsister Merrin (witchcraft ally)
- Greez (pilot, comic relief)
- Fallen Jedi Order mysteries
The story fit seamlessly into Disney canon (between Episodes III-IV).
Planets & Exploration
Explorable worlds:
- Bogano (tutorial, vault)
- Zeffo (tombs, Jedi history)
- Kashyyyk (Wookiee liberation)
- Dathomir (Nightsisters, double-bladed saber)
- Ilum (crystal cave, Starkiller Base tease)
The backtracking with new abilities felt rewarding.
Boss Fights
Memorable encounters:
- Ninth Sister (Inquisitor)
- Taron Malicos (fallen Jedi)
- Second Sister (tragic finale)
- Oggdo Bogdo (frog boss, nightmare)
The Oggdo became a meme for destroying players.
Legacy
Fallen Order proved:
- EA could make good Star Wars games
- Single-player narrative > live-service
- Respawn’s versatility (Titanfall, Apex, Star Wars)
Jedi: Survivor (2023) expanded story, refined mechanics.
Sources: Respawn, EA, Metacritic, sales figures, gaming press 2019-2023