The Star Wars universe is filled with iconic characters, each bringing their own unique perspective and abilities to the expansive galaxy. Among them, Kyle Katarn from Star Wars: Dark Forces and Cal Kestis from the more recent Star Wars Jedi series stand out as two prominent figures in Star Wars gaming history. Both heroes, while battling their way through the galaxy in vastly different time periods, share several similarities but also stark contrasts in their journeys, personalities, and motivations. In this article, we’ll compare these two fan-favorite characters and explore how their stories and gameplay experiences shape them as individuals within the Star Wars universe.
The Origins: From Mercenary to Jedi vs. Padawan in Hiding
Kyle Katarn: The Mercenary-Turned-Jedi
Kyle Katarn made his debut in the 1995 game Star Wars: Dark Forces. Initially introduced as a former Imperial officer who turned mercenary, Kyle’s backstory sets him apart from the traditional hero’s journey we’ve seen in other Star Wars media. Raised in a family sympathetic to the Rebel Alliance, Kyle’s early years were marked by betrayal and personal tragedy, leading him to become disillusioned with the Empire. His unique arc in the early games involves him being a man of action—no Force powers, just blasters, and grit—before eventually embracing the Jedi path in later games like Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II.
Kyle’s mercenary beginnings and rough-around-the-edges personality make him an interesting character. He didn’t start out as a Jedi or someone destined for greatness, but his journey from a rugged, self-reliant mercenary to a full-fledged Jedi Knight allows players to see a character grow and evolve in ways we don’t often see in the Star Wars universe.
Cal Kestis: The Jedi Padawan in Hiding
On the other hand, Cal Kestis, introduced in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019), begins his journey as a former Jedi Padawan hiding after Order 66, the Emperor’s decree to exterminate the Jedi. At the start of Fallen Order, Cal has already been in hiding for years, working as a scrapper on the planet Bracca. Unlike Kyle, who becomes a Jedi after being a mercenary, Cal was already on the path to becoming a Jedi but was interrupted by the rise of the Empire. His arc is about rediscovering his connection to the Force, overcoming trauma, and eventually accepting his role in the fight against the Empire.
Cal’s story, while filled with personal loss and hardship, is deeply tied to the Jedi’s struggle for survival. His cautious and contemplative personality reflects the emotional burden of being one of the last remaining Jedi, constantly hunted by the Empire’s Inquisitors. Where Kyle’s story is about personal growth and choosing the Jedi path, Cal’s is about survival, rediscovery, and reclaiming the Jedi identity he once had.
Gameplay Style: Blasters and Lightsabers vs. Force Mastery
Kyle Katarn: A Jack-of-All-Trades
Kyle Katarn’s gameplay reflects his mercenary roots. In Star Wars: Dark Forces, Kyle relies heavily on a wide array of weapons, from blasters and thermal detonators to more experimental gadgets. His combat style is direct, and for much of his early adventures, Kyle doesn’t rely on the Force. The focus is on fast-paced, first-person shooting mechanics, which were groundbreaking for the time. As Kyle’s story progresses into the Jedi Knight series, he eventually gains access to lightsabers and Force powers, adding a layer of complexity to his gameplay.
Even with Force abilities, Kyle remains a versatile character who switches between blasters and lightsabers, giving players more flexibility in combat. His proficiency with both weaponry and the Force makes him a formidable foe in the later games, offering a blend of traditional shooting mechanics with the added depth of Force powers.
Cal Kestis: A More Focused Jedi Combat Experience
Cal Kestis’ gameplay in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor offers a more refined and streamlined Jedi combat experience. From the start, Cal wields a lightsaber and uses the Force, but players must master these tools through the course of the game. The gameplay emphasizes strategic lightsaber combat and Force abilities, blending the fluidity of lightsaber duels with puzzle-solving mechanics that make use of Force powers.
Where Kyle’s gameplay shifts from blasters to lightsabers as he evolves, Cal’s combat revolves almost entirely around Jedi abilities. The Soulslike combat mechanics in Fallen Order—which include dodging, parrying, and precise attacks—force players to think tactically, making every battle feel more intense. Cal’s connection to the Force is also central to the gameplay, offering a wide range of abilities, such as slowing time, Force pushing, and pulling enemies or objects, and using these powers both in combat and to solve environmental puzzles.
While both Kyle and Cal eventually use the Force and a lightsaber, Cal’s journey feels more grounded in Jedi traditions, emphasizing mastering Force powers in a way that Kyle’s early, more mercenary-focused gameplay didn’t require.
Personality and Character Growth: Gritty Realism vs. Hopeful Optimism
Kyle Katarn: A Cynical, World-Weary Hero
Kyle Katarn’s personality stands out because he wasn’t born into heroism. His early cynicism, distrust of authority, and rough demeanor make him a more complex character than the traditional Star Wars Jedi archetype. Kyle often questions the Jedi Order, and his journey is filled with moments of doubt and personal struggle, particularly in later games where he grapples with the temptation of the dark side. His gritty approach to problem-solving—where violence is often the answer—adds a layer of moral ambiguity to his character. He’s less idealistic than many other Star Wars heroes and more prone to bending the rules to achieve his goals.
Over time, Kyle does grow to accept the responsibilities of being a Jedi Knight, but his path is marked by a continuous struggle with his past as a mercenary and his internal conflict regarding the light and dark sides of the Force.
Cal Kestis: The Hopeful Jedi
In contrast, Cal Kestis represents a more traditional Star Wars hero, driven by hope and a desire to preserve the Jedi way. His journey is one of healing from the trauma of Order 66 and rediscovering his connection to the Force. Unlike Kyle, who is often skeptical of the Jedi, Cal sees the Jedi as a force for good and believes in their teachings. This optimism drives his character and is central to the theme of Fallen Order—the importance of keeping hope alive even in the darkest times.
Cal’s growth isn’t about mastering combat or questioning the Jedi philosophy but rather about reclaiming his identity as a Jedi and embracing his role as a leader. Throughout Fallen Order and Survivor, Cal’s journey is about forging a path forward for the Jedi, a stark contrast to Kyle’s more solitary and cynical approach.
Conclusion: Two Paths in the Star Wars Universe
Both Kyle Katarn and Cal Kestis are remarkable characters in their own right, offering fans of Star Wars unique perspectives on what it means to be a Jedi. Kyle’s journey from mercenary to Jedi Knight provides a gritty, realistic take on personal growth and redemption, while Cal’s hopeful optimism and determination to restore the Jedi Order offer a more traditional hero’s journey.
In terms of gameplay, Kyle’s versatility with both blasters and lightsabers allows for more flexibility, while Cal’s combat is tightly focused on Jedi abilities and precise lightsaber mechanics. While the characters’ paths differ, both are celebrated for their deep connection to the Force and their importance to the Star Wars universe, ensuring their legacies endure in the hearts of fans.
