Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Released 5 Years Ago Today! Here’s Why It Still Rocks the Galaxy

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order crash-landed onto our screens. And by “crash-landed,” I mean Cal Kestis (aka our favorite ex-Jedi-in-training) surviving Order 66, fighting Purge Troopers, and doing parkour off cliffs like it’s all in a day’s work. This milestone deserves some good old-fashioned reflection—preferably in a cantina where stormtroopers can’t aim and Wookiees don’t know the meaning of “quiet conversation.”

So, what makes Jedi: Fallen Order such a timeless gem in the Star Wars universe? Let’s pop open the cargo hold of nostalgia and dive in.

A Narrative Worthy of the Jedi Archives

The Plot That Made Sense (For Once)

Jedi: Fallen Order follows Cal Kestis, a Padawan who survived the dreaded Order 66. By the way, let’s take a moment to acknowledge that “Order 66” should’ve come with a “Warning: Side Effects Include Galactic Downfall” label. But Cal’s story isn’t just about survival; it’s a hero’s journey filled with redemption, allies, ancient tombs, and lots of lightsaber ignitions that would make any Sith quiver (probably with jealousy).

The pacing is a blend of deep Star Wars lore and fresh storytelling, which was much-needed after a string of movies that had… let’s just say, “mixed” receptions. The game makes you feel like you’re really part of the Jedi legacy—minus the existential dread of constantly losing a hand.

Characters We’d Go to Tatooine and Back For

Cal Kestis himself is a relatable protagonist—not your typical superhero, but a guy struggling with trauma, self-doubt, and an unhealthy amount of running away from Inquisitors. Respawn Entertainment nailed his character, turning a young, disillusioned Jedi into a symbol of hope. His droid buddy, BD-1, deserves an entire article of its own. This tiny, adorable robot makes Baby Yoda look like yesterday’s news. Sorry, Grogu.

Then there’s Cere Junda, a former Jedi trying to put the pieces back together, and Greez, the snarky, four-armed pilot who puts the “cranky” in “cranky space uncle.” Let’s not forget the terrifyingly awesome Second Sister, an Inquisitor who delivers some of the best “Oh no, not again” moments in gaming.

Gameplay That Did More Than Button-Mash

Platforming, Puzzles, and Panic Attacks

Respawn took the “Jedi” part seriously in this game. Players get to climb, leap, and solve puzzles that occasionally make you question if you’ve got what it takes to be a Jedi. Spoiler: Most of us do not. Platforming challenges and environmental puzzles were integrated in a way that made you feel smart, even if you occasionally fell off a cliff and respawned. (Hey, it’s tradition in Star Wars to fall from great heights!)

Exploration is rewarded with lore bits, lightsaber customizations, and mysterious echoes of the past, which add depth to Cal’s journey without making it feel like a lore-dump. Remember those force-sensitive plants? Yeah, gardening has never been so intense.

Combat That Made Us Feel Like Jedi Masters… Sometimes

Combat in Fallen Order hits the sweet spot between “I am invincible” and “Oops, I’m dead.” The game offers multiple difficulty levels, but even on normal mode, you quickly learn that button-mashing isn’t an option. You’ll dodge, parry, and strategize every move, especially against the merciless Inquisitors, purge troopers, and rabid creatures that would rather have you as a snack.

From using Force Push to slamming stormtroopers like bowling pins to slicing through battle droids, combat delivers satisfaction in a way that makes you want to hum the Star Wars theme every time you ignite your saber.

The Planet-Hopping Experience: A Tour Across the Galaxy

Let’s Talk Kashyyyk, Zeffo, and More

Fallen Order lets you explore a variety of planets, each with its own charm, perils, and occasionally disturbing fauna (looking at you, giant spiders). Zeffo, a place no one had heard of before, quickly became infamous thanks to its labyrinthine tombs and brain-melting puzzles. Kashyyyk is a lush green paradise… if you ignore the imperial occupation, giant spiders (again), and occasional killer slugs.

Dathomir? Well, it’s a nice spot for a vacation if your idea of “nice” involves angry Nightsisters and an infinite supply of red flags. Regardless, every planet is brimming with detailed environments and lore, providing a sense of scale and adventure reminiscent of classic Star Wars.

BD-1’s Role in Exploration (Not Just for Looking Cute)

BD-1 isn’t just a cute tagalong; it’s also your Swiss Army Droid. This little guy can scan for hidden lore, overcharge electrical panels, and even inject a much-needed stim when you’re down for the count. Admit it—you’d trust BD-1 with your life. Or at least with your difficult platforming decisions.

Graphics, Sound Design, and All the Little Details

Graphics That Aged Like Fine Blue Milk

For a game released five years ago, Fallen Order’s visuals hold up remarkably well. The lighting effects, lush environments, and cinematic moments capture the magic of the movies. Seeing your lightsaber glow against dark tomb walls? Pure nostalgia fuel.

The art direction is superb, evoking a Star Wars aesthetic that strikes a balance between the familiar and the new. Oh, and those customizable lightsabers? Don’t lie—you spent hours crafting your perfect blade. Did you go for blue, green, or something a little more “dark side chic”?

Music to Rival the Mos Eisley Cantina Band

The soundtrack, composed by Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab, doesn’t just serve as background noise; it elevates the experience. The music swells during tense battles, quiets during moments of reflection, and brings an epic, cinematic flair to exploration. Combine that with authentic Star Wars sound effects (TIE fighters, blaster fire, saber clashes), and you’re left feeling like you’re in the middle of a blockbuster.

Why Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Deserves Its Place Among the Stars

A Universe-Building Legacy

Fallen Order is more than just a video game; it’s a crucial piece of Star Wars storytelling. The events of the game connect to broader lore, deepening our understanding of the Empire’s oppression and the fragile hope of the surviving Jedi. By the time the credits rolled, we weren’t just cheering for Cal—we were cheering for a new era of Star Wars games.

Influencing Future Titles

The success of Jedi: Fallen Order paved the way for its sequel, Jedi: Survivor, and signaled that single-player Star Wars experiences were still highly sought after. Respawn proved that fans didn’t need constant multiplayer action to be engaged; they craved rich narratives, interesting characters, and combat mechanics that made every fight feel important.

Five Years Later and Still Worthy of a Replay

So here we are, five years later, reminiscing about when we first ignited our lightsabers as Cal Kestis. Jedi: Fallen Order reminded us why we love Star Wars: hope against all odds, the thrill of discovery, and lightsaber fights that make us feel like Jedi masters (even when we’re not). It remains a shining example of what makes the galaxy far, far away so captivating.

Whether you’re picking it up for the first time or returning for a nostalgic replay, Jedi: Fallen Order remains one of the brightest stars in the Star Wars gaming galaxy. As Yoda might say, “Play again, you must.”

There you have it—a five-year-old treasure that’s still making waves. What was your most memorable moment from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order? Did you make peace with those tomb puzzles, or did you rage-quit and blame it on lag? Share your stories because, like Star Wars itself, every journey is uniquely yours.