Jedi: Fallen Order Xbox Series X Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey guys! So, you're wondering if Jedi: Fallen Order is worth it on the Xbox Series X, huh? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the experience, breaking down the graphics, performance, and overall gameplay to see if this Star Wars adventure holds up on next-gen hardware. Let's get this party started!

Visuals and Performance: A Galaxy of Improvement

First things first, let's talk about the eye candy. The Xbox Series X version of Jedi: Fallen Order offers a significant visual upgrade compared to its last-gen counterpart. We're talking crisper textures, enhanced resolution, and a smoother overall experience. The game now runs at a buttery-smooth 60 frames per second (fps) in performance mode, which is a game-changer. Believe me, the difference is night and day, especially during those intense lightsaber battles and cinematic moments. The higher frame rate makes everything feel more responsive and immersive. In graphics mode, you get the benefit of ray tracing, which adds even more depth and realism to the game. Reflections on surfaces, better lighting, and more detailed shadows make the environments look absolutely stunning. Exploring the different planets, from the lush jungles of Kashyyyk to the desolate wastes of Dathomir, is a treat for the eyes. The visual improvements alone are a major reason to revisit the game on the Series X or play it for the first time. The game's engine has been optimized to take advantage of the Series X's powerful hardware, resulting in faster loading times and reduced screen tearing. The result is an incredibly polished and enjoyable visual experience, which truly pulls you in. The environments are incredibly detailed, with stunning visuals that transport you to a galaxy far, far away. You will be very much impressed by the level of detail in character models, the realistic lighting effects, and the immersive sound design. The visual upgrades on the Xbox Series X make Jedi: Fallen Order a truly beautiful game.

Now, let's talk about the technical performance. As mentioned, the game offers a performance mode that targets a consistent 60fps. This is the preferred mode for many players, as it provides a fluid and responsive gameplay experience. The Series X's powerful hardware ensures that this frame rate is consistently maintained, even during intense battles and exploration. You will be amazed that even when there's a lot going on on screen, the game maintains its smooth performance, which is a testament to the optimization work done by the developers. The graphics mode, with its ray tracing, is also available for players who prioritize visual fidelity. While the frame rate is capped at 30fps in this mode, the visual enhancements are significant. The ray tracing adds realistic reflections, shadows, and lighting effects, making the game look even more visually stunning. If you have a display that supports it, you should definitely consider playing in graphics mode. The loading times have also been significantly improved on the Series X. Gone are the days of long loading screens, which can interrupt the flow of the game. Now, you can quickly jump between planets and areas, which is a major convenience. The game loads quickly, which is a major improvement over the original release. This allows you to spend more time playing and less time waiting. Overall, the visual and performance upgrades on the Xbox Series X are a massive improvement over the original release. The game looks and plays better than ever before, making it a must-play for fans of the Star Wars franchise.

Gameplay and Combat: The Force is Strong with This One

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of gameplay. Jedi: Fallen Order is a third-person action-adventure game that blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. You play as Cal Kestis, a young Jedi Padawan who survived the execution of Order 66. The story is compelling, with well-developed characters and an engaging narrative that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The combat system is one of the highlights of the game. It's challenging but rewarding, requiring you to master lightsaber combat, Force abilities, and enemy patterns. You'll need to use a combination of blocking, parrying, and dodging to survive against waves of enemies, including Stormtroopers, Purge Troopers, and fearsome creatures. The lightsaber combat feels incredibly satisfying. Swinging the lightsaber, deflecting blaster fire, and executing special moves feels responsive and impactful. As you progress, you'll unlock new lightsaber abilities and Force powers, allowing you to customize your combat style. One of the best parts of the gameplay is its exploration aspect. You will be able to explore diverse planets, each with its own unique environments, secrets, and challenges. The map design is well-crafted, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny. You'll discover hidden areas, collect collectibles, and solve puzzles to progress. Jedi: Fallen Order also features a skill tree that allows you to upgrade Cal's abilities and skills. You can invest skill points in various areas, such as lightsaber combat, Force powers, and survival skills. The skill tree adds depth and customization to the gameplay, allowing you to tailor Cal's abilities to your play style. The combat is both challenging and rewarding, demanding precision and strategic thinking. You'll need to learn the enemy's attack patterns, time your blocks and parries, and use the Force to your advantage. The game's use of the Force is also a key element of the gameplay. You can use Force abilities such as Force Push, Force Pull, and Force Slow to manipulate the environment, solve puzzles, and gain an advantage in combat.

The game balances its combat, exploration, and story elements to create a really engaging experience. The sense of progression, as you level up Cal's abilities and explore new planets, is incredibly satisfying. Overall, the gameplay in Jedi: Fallen Order is a well-crafted and enjoyable experience. The combat is challenging but rewarding, the exploration is engaging, and the story is compelling. Whether you are a fan of Star Wars or action-adventure games, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this game. The combat system is well-designed and offers a variety of ways to engage enemies. The exploration aspect is engaging, and the story is compelling.

Story and Immersion: Feel the Force

Jedi: Fallen Order's narrative is a big win. The story is set between Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, and it follows Cal Kestis as he evades the Empire and hones his Jedi skills. The story is deep, involving, and introduces a bunch of cool characters that you'll quickly become invested in. Cal's journey of self-discovery, grappling with the trauma of Order 66, is very well-written and relatable. The game does a great job of expanding the Star Wars universe, adding new lore and exploring the galaxy in exciting ways. You'll meet various characters, like Cere Junda, your gruff but loving mentor, and BD-1, the adorable droid companion who's always there to help. These characters are well-developed and add depth to the story. The writing is excellent, and the voice acting is top-notch. The cutscenes are beautifully directed, and they seamlessly blend with gameplay. The atmosphere in Jedi: Fallen Order is incredible. The sound design is immersive, with the familiar hum of lightsabers, the crackle of blaster fire, and the iconic Star Wars score. The environments are detailed and bring you right into the galaxy far, far away. The game has a strong focus on exploration and discovery. As you travel through various planets, you'll find hidden areas, solve puzzles, and unlock new abilities. The sense of wonder and excitement is palpable, whether you're exploring ancient temples or navigating treacherous landscapes. One of the best parts is its story. The story is engaging, well-written, and full of memorable characters. The characters are well-developed and add depth to the story. The characters are well-developed and add depth to the story.

The immersion factor is strong with this one. The game does a fantastic job of making you feel like you're part of the Star Wars universe. The attention to detail in the environments, the sound design, and the overall presentation all contribute to the immersive experience. The game's story is full of twists and turns that keep you engaged and invested in Cal's journey. You'll be rooting for him as he faces challenges and confronts his past. The Star Wars universe is vast, and the game does a great job of exploring it. The game's story is engaging, well-written, and full of memorable characters. The characters are well-developed and add depth to the story. The immersive sound design and detailed environments transport you into the heart of the galaxy, creating a truly unforgettable gaming experience. Jedi: Fallen Order does an excellent job of delivering a narrative that complements the main Star Wars saga, which enriches the player's connection to the game's setting. The combination of storytelling, visuals, and audio immerses you deeply in the galaxy.

Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

So, is Jedi: Fallen Order on the Xbox Series X worth it? Absolutely, yes! The visual and performance upgrades alone make it worth revisiting the game. The 60fps performance mode makes the action feel incredibly smooth and responsive, which is a massive upgrade over the original release. The story is fantastic, the combat is engaging, and the exploration is rewarding. If you haven't played it before, this is the definitive way to experience Cal Kestis's journey. If you're a Star Wars fan, you owe it to yourself to play this game, regardless of which console you own. It's a must-play for fans of the franchise and action-adventure games alike. Jedi: Fallen Order on the Xbox Series X delivers an experience that is both visually stunning and incredibly fun to play. It's a great example of how next-gen hardware can breathe new life into an already excellent game. The enhanced visuals, smooth performance, and fast loading times make it a must-play for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. So go out there, grab your lightsaber, and start your journey! You won't regret it.

Pros:

• Significant visual and performance upgrades: 60fps performance mode is a game-changer.
• Engaging story: Compelling narrative and well-developed characters.
• Satisfying combat: Challenging and rewarding lightsaber combat.
• Immersive atmosphere: Excellent sound design and detailed environments.
• Fast loading times: Improved loading times enhance the overall experience.

Cons:

• Some minor technical issues may still occur.
• Can feel slightly repetitive at times.

Overall, Jedi: Fallen Order on the Xbox Series X is a must-play experience for fans and newcomers alike. It's a testament to how next-gen hardware can enhance an already great game.