Star Wars Jedi: Survivor: Awash in Positivity
Expressing a bit of gratitude for a game that truly deserves it and loves to give it back.
In the world of gaming, it’s rare to find a title that goes the extra mile to not only entertain but also uplift its players. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a game for those who seek words of affirmation, striving to create a positive environment for players to immerse themselves in when it isn’t delivering a slow but powerful story.
(Spoilers for allies and playable characters present in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor)
Neither slicing your way through local wildlife nor cringing as your frames per second drop to 14 can stop this game from trying its darnedest to warm you up and tug at those heartstrings. Make no mistake, on its higher difficulties, Jedi: Survivor is no cakewalk, but the game demonstrates care for its players through small, thoughtful details. For instance, Cal and Cere’s reminders to breathe at the aptly named meditation (save) points, companion droid BD-1’s playful beeps, and its all-too-helpful holomap that, as one reviewer put it, “feels like cheating to use.”
This attention to player well-being became especially clear while I was traipsing my way through Jedha for the fourth or fifth time. I was riding atop a (hilariously named) spamel, listening to its soulful vocalizations, absent-mindedly doing puzzles and picking up collectibles, when I heard the musings of Jedi Master Eno Cordova via an echo in the Force. He was one of Cal’s mentors in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. In a quote that exemplifies the essence of this article, he said:
“Fascinating. I spent a lifetime unearthing the mysteries of the Zeffo, and now an abundance of lost knowledge awaits me. A staggering proposition, this galaxy is too vast for one mind, for a single lifetime. But I find it exhilarating! What a joy, to know that when my footsteps disappear into the sands, others will take my place.”
I found the quote beautiful. As somebody who has been trying increasingly hard over the past couple of years to find the light in little things, this reflection felt like a precious gift. Master Cordova’s contemplation artfully reframes what has often been perceived as negative: the inevitable march of time and the sense of loss it can bring. Through the wise and seasoned lens of their teacher and guide, players are encouraged to view this concept in a new light. For a notion that is too often the root of dread, I found myself smiling as I thought of all the other players, before and after me, who would have the privilege of walking those sands and taking deep, grounding breaths. Remarkably, it was the desert level—often criticized for its monotony and lack of variation—that stirred such strong emotions within me.
Furthermore, Jedi: Survivor’s excellent accessibility features ensured that this heartwarming quote was recorded in a log for me to reread. This comes in handy, as NPCs consistently (and with Cal’s consent) offer therapeutic advice on heavy topics the game’s players may be struggling with and want to revisit. Jedi: Survivor’s desire to foster positivity, reflected in every sweet detail, stands as a testament to the transformative potential of games, reminding us that they can be more than mere entertainment—they can be a profound, affirming, and heartening journey.
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