It’s easy to pick on theStar Warsprequels for their flaws. For starters, Anakin’s immature characterization is laughable considering he later becomes the most feared man in the galaxy. Additionally, the films don’t necessarily explore theClone Warsin any meaningful way.The Phantom Menaceintroduced Jar Jar Binks. However, that’s not to say that the trilogy didn’t contribute some great things to the series, too.
The prequels pioneered new special effects in film heading into the 21st century, and also introduced iconic characters like Mace Windu, General Grievous, and Jango Fett, each of whom have come to be defining characters for that era ofStar Wars.The films also have had a large impact onStar Warsvideo games: They give in-depth looks at the Jedi and how they fight, which as evidenced by theJedi Knightseries andStar WarsJedi: Fallen Order, can translate pretty well into a video game. However, the prequels' impact on games doesn’t stop at combat. The prequels were also responsible for an impactful narrative influence, courtesy ofRevenge of the Sith’sOrder 66.
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For the uninitiated,Order 66was a behavioral program present in every Clone Trooper fighting for the Republic. At the conclusion of the Clone Wars, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who had secretly been a Sith Lord hiding in plain sight, activated the program. Every Clone Trooper was forced to identify the Jedi, the long-time enemy of the Sith, as threats to be eliminated. Coupled with Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side, this resulted in the Jedi Purge — a galaxy-wide effort to extinguish the Jedi Order. This anti-Jedi sentiment became a core part of the Empire’s agenda, as Jedi in hiding were killed throughout the years betweenRevenge of the SithandA New Hope.
However, the ever-present danger and high stakes following its execution make a post-Order 66 galaxy a prime setting for video games starring Jedi.The Force Unleashedexplores this by casting players as the aggressor, at least at first. The protagonist, Starkiller, is tasked with hunting down Jedi at the bidding of his master Darth Vader. As the perpetrator, playing as Starkiller is a fun, destructive thrill where players can just mow down everything in their path. This domination-focused gameplay affords a power trip where each passing moment showcases justwhyStarkiller is worthy of being Darth Vader’s secret apprentice.
Inversely,Jedi: Fallen Ordermakes players the prey. Protagonist Cal Kestis, a former Padawan survivor of Order 66 who has since lost touch with the force, and the odds tend to be stacked against him. This is reinforced byJedi: Fallen Order’sSouls-style combat, which not only makes for engaging gameplay but also emulates the fear and sense of living on the edge that Cal and numerous other exiled Jedi feel as a consequence of the ongoing Jedi Purge. However, as is the case withSoulsgames, players get more skilled the more they play, and so does Cal, whose connection with the force is stronger than ever before by the end of the game.
What makes the Jedi Purge such a great setting forStar Warsgamesis that it presents a huge external conflict for those at the center of it. Everyone is hunting Jedi, who don’t have any backup to rely on, and since they wish to remain hidden, chances are they haven’t had ample opportunities to brush up on their skills. On the other hand, an approach likeThe Force Unleashedshows that being a Jedi hunter can be just as engaging as being the prey, albeit in a different way.
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A Hole In The Star Wars Canon
A strength of setting stories in the aftermath of Order 66is the event’s placement in the series' timeline. Nearly 20 years pass betweenRevenge of the SithandA New Hope— the second largest time jump in the series. Naturally, this large gap of time means that any number of stories can be told that don’t step on the toes of the movies but still incorporate elements that fans find familiar. Additionally, the galaxy-wide impact of Order 66 grouped withStar Wars’massive scale means that the sky is the limit when it comes towherethese stories take place, too.
From a creator’s standpoint, this is a blessing. It means that directors, developers, and the like don’t have to navigate the intricacies of theStar Warscanon while constructing stories. For example, ifJedi: Fallen Order 2were to follow Mace Windu surviving the Jedi Purge as a nomadic warrior, it could probably make for a great game. Unfortunately, it simply cannot exist, because Mace Windu died prior to Order 66. However, if that story is adjusted to make Cal Kestis, Cere Junda, or an entirely new character the lead, then it works just fine.
At the time of its release,Revenge of the Sithmarked the end of the mainlineStar Warsmovies, but its events have left a lasting impact on the franchise. Order 66 is a fascinating event in theStar Warscanon that games likeThe Force UnleashedandJedi: Fallen Orderdemonstrated as a rather compelling premise for a video game. Stories from after that time can also give rise to all sorts of memorable, original characters.
Should a sequel toJedi: Fallen Orderarrive anytime soon, it should hold the event close to its heart thanks to the flexibility it affords in storytelling, and the inherent challenge it offers players. Fortunately, based on how prevalent of a matter Order 66 is inJedi: Fallen Order,it’s safe to assume that its sequel probably will.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderis available now on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia, with PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrades being released in 2021.
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