Rethinking Jedi: Survivor’s Sequel to Defy Traditional Star Wars Tropes

Expectations for the third Star Wars Jedi installment might not align with what fans anticipate, urging Respawn to break free from conventional storytelling norms.
Rethinking Jedi: Survivor’s Sequel to Defy Traditional Star Wars Tropes

Highlights

  • The next Star Wars Jedi: Survivor sequel could shake up the trilogy format, offering a fresh take on the typical three-part narrative structure found in Star Wars films.
  • Cal Kestis challenges established Jedi conventions, paving the way for a more complex character arc with unique plotlines and interpersonal dynamics.
  • While it's crucial for Respawn to deliver meaningful narratives in future installments, prematurely concluding the series as a trilogy could overlook unresolved plot points and the potential for engaging gameplay.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor holds the potential to steer its sequel in uncharted directions. Whether it embraces a time leap akin to its predecessor remains uncertain, but the upcoming installment carries significant fan expectations. Balancing gameplay intricacies and narrative closure will be pivotal, possibly marking the culmination of this gaming saga. Typically, trilogies tend to serve as the final chapter in a protagonist's journey, a pattern observed in franchises like God of War and classic Star Wars films. Aligning with this tradition, Star Wars Jedi may opt for a three-part series structure, positioning Star Wars Jedi: Survivor as a middle act. However, the prospect of limiting Cal Kestis' evolution and the innovative Soulslike gameplay to just three games could be disheartening.

The Case for Concluding Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s Saga

The Star Wars franchise has long thrived on the trilogy format, showcasing a time-tested storytelling approach that resonates with diverse fan segments. While recent trilogies faced narrative inconsistencies, the enduring popularity of the original saga underscores the enduring appeal of a well-structured three-part narrative. Given Cal Kestis' arduous journey across two installments, a trilogy finale seems fitting to encapsulate his character arc.

Unlike The Force Unleashed, a potential third entry could provide closure to unresolved plotlines, maintaining a coherent narrative thread. Expanding beyond a trilogy necessitates a compelling overarching narrative, a challenge that Jedi: Survivor's sequel could tackle by subverting traditional tropes prevalent in the Star Wars universe.

Redefining Tradition: Star Wars Jedi's Unconventional Path

Cal Kestis emerges as a nonconformist Jedi figure, thrust into his role by unforeseen circumstances. Unlike his predecessors, Cal's journey unfolds against the backdrop of a fractured Jedi Order, defying conventional training and beliefs. While striving to restore Jedi ideals, Cal's identity transcends traditional Jedi norms, a thematic departure explored in Fallen Order and Survivor.

His unconventional romance with Merrin exemplifies Cal's multidimensional nature, diverging from the stereotypical Jedi portrayal. Concluding the series prematurely to mirror the trilogy format risks leaving pivotal storylines unexplored. The game's innovative Soulslike gameplay adds a unique dimension to the Star Wars universe, making a compelling case for extending the series beyond traditional constraints.