Star Wars Jedi: Survivor took inspiration from a range of sources within the legendary Star Wars universe, including the controversial film, The Last Jedi. Released in April, this installment by Respawn continued Cal Kestis' saga as he embarked on a quest to unearth a lost Jedi hideaway. Throughout the game, players of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor delve into new lightsaber forms, confront foes like bounty hunters and Imperial troops, and traverse renowned Star Wars locales.
Like many Star Wars games, the creators of Jedi: Survivor sought influence from the franchise's extensive and rich history. For instance, players can outfit Cal in alternate costumes resembling figures such as Kyle Katarn from the revered Jedi Knight series. Additionally, a nod to a divisive Star Wars entry is evident in the game's design.
During a speech at GDC 2024, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor art director Daanish Syed disclosed that the game's character customization screen drew direct inspiration from a sequence in Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi. Syed explained how a moment featuring Rey in a mysterious Ahch-To cave, encountering mirrored versions of herself, influenced the game's customization process. Players can select attire and hairstyles for Cal by navigating through mirrored reflections, symbolizing his introspection regarding his appearance.
Jedi: Survivor's Character Customization - A Tribute to The Last Jedi
Syed further elaborated that the pause menus in Star Wars: Jedi Survivor serve as visual representations of the Force, guiding Cal's decisions. For example, the skill trees, used to unlock new Force capabilities, are depicted as ancient tablets, echoing Star Wars' theme of self-discovery, akin to the paths trodden by characters like Luke Skywalker and Rey.
This thematic resonance is particularly pronounced in The Last Jedi, where Rey grapples with her burgeoning Force abilities and uncertain role amidst the conflict between the Resistance and First Order. While The Last Jedi continues to polarize Star Wars enthusiasts, it significantly influenced how Star Wars Jedi: Survivor approaches character customization, portraying Cal's introspective journey within the realms of the Force, akin to Rey's pivotal experience inside the Ahch-To cave.