Jedi: Fallen Order Xbox Series X Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey guys! So, you're wondering about Jedi: Fallen Order on the Xbox Series X, huh? Awesome choice! As a massive Star Wars fan, I was beyond hyped to dive back into this game on the newer console. I'm going to break down my experience – the good, the bad, and everything in between – so you can decide if it's worth your time and your hard-earned cash. We're talking performance, graphics, and, of course, the all-important gameplay. Let's get into this detailed Jedi: Fallen Order Xbox Series X Review!

Visuals and Performance: A Galaxy Far, Far Better

Alright, let's start with the eye candy, because, let's be honest, we all want to see a gorgeous galaxy, right? On the Xbox Series X, Jedi: Fallen Order gets a significant boost. The game looks absolutely stunning. The developers at Respawn Entertainment have really upped their game here. The difference between playing on the original Xbox One (or even the One X) and the Series X is night and day. Textures are sharper, the lighting is vastly improved, and the overall visual fidelity is just fantastic. It really immerses you in the environments and makes the whole experience feel that much more cinematic.

First off, the resolution bump is immediately noticeable. We're talking a rock-solid 4K at a consistent 60 frames per second. Yes, you read that right – 60 FPS! This makes the combat feel incredibly responsive and smooth. No more dropped frames during those intense lightsaber duels or platforming sections. It's a game-changer, folks! This is especially crucial for a game like Fallen Order, where precision is key. And trust me, the difference is huge! Those fast-paced battles against stormtroopers, the tougher inquisitors, and the various creatures scattered throughout the galaxy feel far more fluid and enjoyable thanks to the consistent frame rate. You'll feel like a true Jedi Master as you deflect blaster bolts with ease.

Speaking of the environments, the game's planets have never looked better. Each location, from the lush forests of Kashyyyk to the desolate wastes of Dathomir, is filled with intricate details. The textures on the trees, the rocks, and the alien creatures are incredibly detailed. This adds a level of realism that really pulls you into the Star Wars universe. Also, the improved lighting is simply breathtaking. The way the light filters through the foliage, or how the shadows dance across the walls of ancient temples, creates a beautiful and immersive atmosphere. It's truly a visual feast. Honestly, it's a huge upgrade over the previous generation versions. The difference is so dramatic that it almost feels like playing a completely different game. It just goes to show how powerful the Xbox Series X is!

Overall, the visuals and performance on the Xbox Series X are a major selling point. The game looks fantastic, runs smoothly, and provides an incredibly immersive experience. If you're a fan of Star Wars or action-adventure games, the Series X version of Jedi: Fallen Order is absolutely worth checking out just for the visual upgrades alone. It's a true showcase of what the next-gen console can do.

Gameplay: Force-fully Fun

Let's move onto the gameplay, shall we? Jedi: Fallen Order is a third-person action-adventure game that blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving into a really solid experience. You play as Cal Kestis, a young Jedi Padawan who survived the execution of Order 66. The game takes place between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, so you already know it is going to be epic!

The combat is undoubtedly one of the game's strongest aspects. It's challenging but rewarding. It's a mix of Dark Souls-inspired combat with a Star Wars twist. You'll need to master the art of parrying, dodging, and timing your attacks to overcome your enemies. It's not just about button mashing; you need to think strategically about how you approach each encounter. The lightsaber feels fantastic, and there's a satisfying weight to each swing. It's a true Jedi experience!

The exploration aspect is also really well done. The game's levels are beautifully designed and filled with secrets to discover. As you progress, you'll unlock new abilities, such as Force Push and Force Pull, which allow you to access new areas and solve puzzles. The exploration element feels like a Metroidvania-lite, with various planets to explore. This encourages you to revisit previous areas. There are plenty of collectibles to find, too, which is great for completionists. These collectibles range from cosmetics to lore entries that expand upon the Star Wars universe, so there's always a reason to go back. I found myself wanting to explore every nook and cranny.

The puzzles are also really clever. They aren't overly complicated, but they're challenging enough to keep you engaged. They often require you to use your Force abilities in creative ways. For example, you might need to use Force Pull to bring an object closer so that you can solve a puzzle. Or you may need to freeze a moving object with the Force to get across it. This adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay and keeps things interesting.

Overall, the gameplay in Jedi: Fallen Order is a blast. It offers a great mix of challenging combat, engaging exploration, and clever puzzles. If you enjoy action-adventure games with a focus on skill-based combat, then you're going to love it. It's a game that keeps you engaged from start to finish. If you liked the gameplay in Sekiro or the Souls series, then you'll definitely like the combat mechanics in Fallen Order. If you didn't play the game originally, then you are definitely missing out!

Story and Characters: A Star Wars Tale Worth Telling

Alright, let's talk about the story and characters because, hey, it's Star Wars, and a great story is everything, right? Jedi: Fallen Order delivers a compelling narrative that fits perfectly within the Star Wars universe. The game tells the story of Cal Kestis, a young Jedi Padawan who is on the run from the Empire. The game explores his journey to rebuild the Jedi Order. It's a tale of survival, redemption, and the fight against oppression. And it's really well done. You will love it!

Cal Kestis is a relatable and likeable protagonist. You follow his journey as he grows and matures, all while trying to survive in a galaxy that has turned against him. You see him go from a scared Padawan to a capable Jedi. Cal's companions, like Cere Junda and Greez Dritus, are also incredibly well-developed. Cere is a former Jedi Knight who serves as Cal's mentor and helps him on his journey. Greez is the pilot of the ship, and he brings a lot of humor to the game. Their relationship is the heart and soul of the game.

The story explores familiar Star Wars themes such as hope, friendship, and the fight against evil. The narrative delves into Cal's past, exploring the trauma and scars left by Order 66. It highlights the importance of believing in yourself and others. This makes the game more than just a fun action-adventure. It gives it a real emotional core. The characters face tough decisions, and their choices have a real impact on the story. You will actually care what happens to them.

The game does an excellent job of expanding the Star Wars lore. You will learn more about the Jedi Order, the Empire, and the various planets in the galaxy. The game features memorable villains, such as the Second Sister, who really makes you hate her, and it all adds to the overall experience. The story weaves in familiar faces and locations, while still managing to forge its own path. There are also plenty of moments that will make you cheer out loud. The plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a Star Wars story that is worth telling.

Verdict: Is the Xbox Series X Upgrade Worth It?

So, after all that, is Jedi: Fallen Order worth playing on the Xbox Series X? Absolutely! If you're a fan of Star Wars, action-adventure games, or just enjoy a visually stunning and well-made game, then you owe it to yourself to experience Jedi: Fallen Order on the Series X. The visual upgrades alone are worth the price of admission. The game runs and looks amazing, and the gameplay is as fun and challenging as ever. It's a testament to the power of the Series X, and it's a game that will keep you entertained for hours.

Here's a quick recap of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Stunning visuals with 4K resolution and 60 FPS.
• Fluid and responsive combat.
• Engaging exploration with plenty of secrets to discover.
• Compelling story with memorable characters.
• Excellent use of the Star Wars universe.

Cons:

• The game is not new. If you played it before, you will still enjoy the game again.
• The gameplay style may not appeal to everyone. If you do not like the Dark Souls game, you may not like this game.

Final Verdict: Go get it! You will not regret it.