With the confirmation that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was the start of a franchise, a sequel from Respawn Entertainment is likely on the books for some point. Presumably, Jedi: Fallen Order 2 would come to PS5 and Xbox Series X, making it one of the first (depending on its development cycle) Star Wars games on the next-gen consoles. The best thing to do when looking forward, however, is sometimes to look back.
As is the case that books are almost always better than the movies, video game sequels typically don’t capture the magic of the original. There are plenty of exclusions, for example, but games like Dragon Age 2 and Mass Effect 3 come to mind. Nonetheless, if Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 were to look at Knights of the Old Republic 2 (which was as well-received as the original), there’s plenty to see about a successful sequel. One thing that the new game should do, however, is take inspiration from Darth Sion, Darth Nihilus, and Darth Traya.
Star Wars: The Dark Side of the Force
Regardless of how Jedi: Fallen Order 2 approaches the Dark Side, its primary antagonist is likely to be adept user. Players have faced off with Darth Vader and the Inquisitors in the first game, so it stands to reason they may return in some shape (new Inquisitors) next game. However, other than hunting Jedi, there’s really not much that the antagonists have in terms of agenda. Even The Force, which is Star Wars’ most unique quality, grows bland without new elements.
That’s likely one reason the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy saw a Force Dyad bond grow between Kylo Ren and Rey, even if the other risks were less impressive. But that’s exactly what Jedi: Fallen Order 2 should do: show new facets of the Force and take risks. Looking at the sequel trilogy, however, is not as good as looking KOTOR 2.
In it, the triumvirate antagonists had unique uses and goals with the Force, making it a unique story within the Star Wars universe. Kreia, previously known as Darth Traya, seeks to destroy the Force as she is disgusted by both the Jedi and Sith philosophies. Her apprentices, Darth Nihilus and Darth Sion, were unique, capable of sustaining life through “Wounds in the Force.” For example, Darth Nihilus is known as the Lord of Hunger because he would consume the Force—by the time players face him, he was nothing but concentrated Dark Side energy maintaining his personality through a cloak and a mask.
Darth Sion, on the other hand, was known as the Lord of Pain because he managed to achieve a sort of immortality through the Dark Side. He is in constant pain as the Dark Side holds his decomposing body together, but these are applications for the Force that are not quite seen enough. While it need not be as gruesome, a similar approach should take place in Jedi: Fallen Order 2.
The Force is capable of the most inhuman elements, and that’s something something of the Dark Side that should be shown in Jedi: Fallen Order 2. On the other hand, abilities like Force healing and more are avenues that are less explored about the light side of the source, so the game could go bigger there as well. Either way, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 should look to apply the Force in unique ways to help set itself apart from other Star Wars games.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 has not been announced.
