Typically when I tackle a game of this kind, I’ll do a fair chunk of the side quests between main missions - perhaps completing 60 to 70%. I’ll then mop up the remainder once I’ve finished the main story. That wasn’t the case inStar WarsJedi: Survivorand this is where the problem first arose. The game’s story is strangely paced. You don’t particularly unlock rumours until you’re past the first act of the story, at which point, the main missions then seriously pick up the pace - and it’s full steam ahead until the credits roll. As such, there didn’t feel like an appropriate gap for me to actually tackle side quests.
Take a look atStar Wars Jedi: Survivorin action below.
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This is the total opposite to a game likeGod of War Ragnarökwhich, in my opinion, boastssome of the best side quests out there. One of the key reasons behind the success of those quests is that time was carved out in the story to allow you to complete them. Mimir would say something along the lines of, ‘We could take time to explore while we wait for X to do Y.’ Taking a break from the narrative was almost crucial as you awaited the next main mission prompt.
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Side quests should teach you something new about the world. Sure, they’ll use the same mechanics you utilise in the main missions, but there has to be an advantage to completing them. You should feel a deeper understanding of a particular planet, or a particular character. I didn’t get that at all. I’d slash and blaster my way through pointless hordes of droids or Bedlam Raiders, for no real purpose. ‘Rumour complete’ the game would say as I sat there thinking, ‘That was it?’
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One, located on Koboh, told me of an incredible lookout spot, adding that explorers would be rewarded for seeking it out. I ended up in a location that looked much like the rest of Koboh, receiving a new lightsaber set for my efforts. The most impressive rumour I came across regarded the exploration of the Phon’Qi Caverns. I’m calling it impressive simply because it offered me the chance to investigate a location that looked totally different to anything I’d explored thus far. Otherwise it was full of the same kind of repetitive battles and platforming puzzles.
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I’m going to bring it up again:God of War Ragnarök. I remember stumbling across Lyngbakr Island - an incredible new section of the map hidden right under my nose. Not only was it a delight to discover and explore, but Mimir was also on hand to explain the lore associated. I also had a purpose to everything I did. As Kratos, I wouldn’t clear out Raider camps for the sake of it. Post story, you’re actually tasked with clearing up the Nine Realms.
Jedi: Survivoris undoubtedly a great game, but outside of its strong core story, I fear that it’s a little too rough around the edges to be a real game of the year contender. Side quests shouldn’t exist simply so you can grind through mini battles to collect unimportant collectibles. They offer you the opportunity to spend longer in that particular game world, and it’s a shame thatJedi: Survivor’s actually ended up leading me to decide to wrap up my time there. The very best side quests teach you something new and I’m sad to say,Jedi: Survivor’s failed to.
Topics:Star Wars,Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order,EA,Opinion,Respawn Entertainment
