In Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, players can expect a fresh and immersive experience, thanks to the game’s revamped level design. Building upon the foundations set by its predecessor, Jedi Fallen Order, this latest installment offers larger, more expansive maps populated with a greater number of non-player characters, breathing life into the galaxy far, far away. Let’s delve into the exciting changes and enhancements that await players in the realm of level design.
Expanding Horizons: Open and Expansive Maps
The level design of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor introduces a departure from its predecessor, Jedi Fallen Order, by featuring larger and more open maps. One prime example of this shift is the planet Koboh, which has been meticulously crafted to offer a sense of grandeur and exploration. Lead level designer Martin Badowsky explains that Respawn Entertainment aimed to create a dense central area within Koboh, surrounded by expansive outskirts that beckon players to venture further. This design choice encourages players to embark on thrilling expeditions, discovering hidden secrets and encountering diverse challenges as they navigate the planet’s vast landscapes. By embracing a more expansive design philosophy, Jedi: Survivor invites players to immerse themselves in the richness of the Star Wars universe like never before.
Revisiting Koboh: A Home Away from Home
Koboh, in particular, holds a special place within Star Wars Jedi: Survivor as a planet that players will revisit throughout their journey. With each return, new pathways and areas will open up, offering fresh opportunities for exploration and discovery. Design director Jeff Magers highlights the significance of these revisits, explaining that they allow players to make Cal Kestis, the game’s protagonist, truly their own through customization. Optional areas within Koboh and other planets house valuable skills, upgrades, and perks that empower Cal, making him more formidable and prepared to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Unlike the primarily plot-driven revisits in Jedi Fallen Order, Survivor places a strong emphasis on encouraging exploration, giving players a greater sense of agency and rewarding them for their curiosity.
Streamlined Exploration: The Addition of Fast Travel
In response to player feedback, Respawn Entertainment has introduced a highly anticipated feature in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor—fast travel. Meditation points, where players can reflect and save their progress, now serve as hubs for quick transportation across the planets they have already explored. This addition streamlines the exploration process, allowing players to traverse vast distances efficiently and focus on uncovering hidden secrets and engaging in epic battles. However, the developers were mindful to ensure that fast travel remains an optional convenience, rather than a necessity. They wanted to preserve the joy of traversing the environment organically and experiencing the world firsthand. By striking this balance, Survivor provides players with the freedom to navigate at their own pace while also granting them the convenience of swift travel when desired.
Embrace the Boundless Frontiers of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor ushers in a new era of level design, offering players an expansive and immersive experience unlike anything seen in Jedi Fallen Order. With larger maps teeming with non-player characters, the game invites players to embark on grand adventures, fostering a sense of exploration and discovery. Revisiting planets like Koboh becomes a dynamic and rewarding journey, allowing players to shape Cal Kestis to their liking and uncover valuable enhancements along the way. The introduction of fast travel at meditation points further enhances the exploration process, providing convenience without sacrificing the joy of organic traversal. Prepare to embrace the boundless frontiers of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor as you uncover the secrets of the galaxy and become a legendary Jedi warrior. May the Force guide your path.
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