What is the core reason that the player plays this game?

Competency- To step into the footsteps of a Jedi is a popular one, but combining the philosophy of Jedi teachings to improve the players competency is a rare feature among videogames even among Star Wars alumni games. Whether you play on easy or advanced, playing in a methodical and meditative way will get the player farther than button mashing.

Autonomy- The autonomy in most narrative games seem to be a struggle for most since the more freedom a player has the weaker the story ends up being. However in this game, there is multiple axises for player story determination. With every planet explored there is room to go back and explore every planet at any point in the game. The customisation of a character is nothing knew, but in one point of the story it becomes a crucial aspect for the narrative character development.

Relatedness- The cast is filled with diverse characters that interact in fun and impactful ways, and the main character breaks the mold of many videogame player characters as a wounded former Jedi Palawan who is empathetic, gracious and gentle. Too often male heroes in many forms of media are tough and stoic, but Cal Kestis is among the rare few who is reasonable and kind while still carrying the edge of someone who has suffered like any survivor of genocide would.

How does the designer encourage this?

The designers really put in the work combining the best of gaming worlds like metroidvania-like freedom, force-unleashed suspense, and the rich lore and swashbuckling fun of Uncharted games.

How does the game harness the power of modelling, focus, imagination, and empathy?

I believe the character that best illustrates modelling, focus, imagination and empathy is the companion droid BD-1. When in a dark place, BD-1’s light helps the focus, modelled after one of the designers own emotional support dogs. Throughout the story the relationship between a boy and his droid is classic story employed beautifully in a rarely before seen way.

Does the game have a definite flow zone, and if so how does the game designer move the player within it?

The flow zone is crucial to combat. The force and Jedi philosophy are the pillars that support improved skill. There are little to no leaps i logic for a laser sword facing off multiple enemies with both ranged and melee weapons. “Thoughtful combat” ought to be the standard for any action game.

What mechanics in the game increase the difficulty as the player gets better?

Having the enemies vary from multiple stormtroopers, non-sentient beasts, force-user enemies makes for a wide selection that when arranged in any order matches with the logic of an undertrained former padawan. The skill tree connects well to the flashback mechanic that goes back in time to narratively explain skills that he knows tying even more in the culture of the Jedi faith.

How does the designer integrate the 8 game pleasures into the game, are all pleasures present?

Sensation- Every planet is gorgeously rendered. The sound design maintains the Star Wars golden standard and the characters employ rarely seen and fully appreciated visuals.

Fantasy- The Star Wars world building not only revisits well-known planets to the average fan, but also planets so rarely visited for the more devout enthusiasts. The Galaxy building I. This canonical game knows how to use the broad palette of species and technology that only Star Wars can deliver on.

Narrative- There is a heartfelt core to healing trauma within the narrative as well as the strengths of virtue and empathy.

Challenge- From the combat to puzzle work the challenge is not only great but diverse.

Fellowship- While at its worse the Star Wars fan community can be very destructive, the kind of fan that plays this game is reminded of the best type of person isn’t just the most knowledgeable person but also the one who shows compassion and bravery.

Discovery- New planets never seen before stand shoulder to shoulder with well known planets. Familiarising with the maps adds a nearly meditative walkabout experience.

Expression- Character design is nothing new especially for Star Wars games, however the employment of narrative character growth through that player is beautifully involved.

Submission- The freedom offered by the metroidvania style planet access makes the immersion even deeper as if you were truly in the Galaxy far far away a long long time ago.

Jono Costa

Still lookin for some decent 'Za

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