STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™: Ambition versus Execution
A Deep Dive into the Latest Star Wars Saga's Highs and Lows
last updated Nov 26, 2023
When the stars align and the game runs smoothly, STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™ delivers a richly engaging combat experience worthy of the Star Wars legacy.
A Jedi's Path of Bugs and Glory
Embarking on Cal Kestis' latest adventure promises a potent concoction of narrative depth and gameplay evolution, a tempting offer for any Star Wars aficionado. Navigating this galaxy-spanning odyssey, players discover a treasure trove of original mechanics, allowing one to wield the Force and a lightsaber with more finesse than ever before. Yet, as exciting as delving into Cal's journey can be, its potential remains dogged by the Sith-like shadows of performance issues, with frame drops sharper than a lightsaber's edge that can turn thrilling encounters into sluggish duels. However, when the stars align and the game runs smoothly, STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™ delivers a richly engaging combat experience worthy of the Star Wars legacy.
Audio Escapades in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Audio integrity in gaming is no small potatoes, and STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™ doesn't shy away from a full-blown orchestral affair. The soundtrack, worthy of John Williams' subtle nod of approval, elevates the already surreal Star Wars atmosphere. Whether it's the hum of your lightsaber or the witty banter of NPCs, the sound design is on point, providing an immersive soundscape that pulls you deeper into the folds of the galaxy. However, sometimes it feels like the audio engineers went for a lunch break and forgot to come back, as the occasional jarring silence takes you right out of the moment.
Through the Lens of a Starfighter's Holo-Projector
Visually, STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™ is akin to a work of art, with gorgeous environments that make you want to frame your monitor on the wall. The awe-inspiring landscapes and meticulously detailed character models boast a fidelity that could have only been the result of a thousand Bothan spies' hard labor. Nonetheless, beauty has its price, and 'optimization' seems to be the forgotten word among the developers, echoing more as an ancient Jedi mantra rather than a practical consideration. This visual banquet often comes at the cost of performance instability, leading players with less-than-supreme hardware on a haphazard journey across the performance spectrum.
When Exploration Feels Like Chore-sant
On the whimsical side of the galaxy, players are often treated to the promise of exploration, a notion that leaps out invitingly from the holocron-like menu screens. Alas, the reality is more akin to an overenthusiastic droid narrating a tour of the most nondescript parts of the Death Star. The thrill of discovery is hindered by occasional crashes, like a rebellious X-wing with an astromech suggestive of cutbacks. Despite this, mirrored in reviews and repeated crashes, the foundations for an epic sequel are undermined by formidable technical gremlins that would even test the patience of a Jedi.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Respawn
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release Date
April 27, 2023
Verdict - A Forceful Struggle
STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™ stands at the crossroads of greatness and mechanical failure. Bathed in the authentic ambience of the Star Wars universe, it triumphs in capturing our hearts with sharp narrative hooks and impressively robust combat systems. The dark side, however, is strong with this one, as it succumbs to the potentially destructive forces of spotty performance and technical trouble. Only those with high-end hardware or the patience of Yoda may experience the true potential of this saga. Nevertheless, may the Force be with those brave enough to navigate its turmoils - it's a journey that teeters between aggravation and pure galactic majesty.
