It’s clearly a matter of when, not if, Respawn expands itsStar Wars Jedifranchise into a trilogy, asStar Wars Jedi: Survivor’s ending makes it clear the story is not over. A trilogy, however, would be the best way to wrap up Cal Kestis' story or at least save it for another medium. In theory, the game franchise could explore his entire life, but it’s best to keep to a trilogy. After all, thecolon placement inStar Wars Jedi: Survivorleaves it open to explore other characters or have interesting parallels, like a “Star Wars Sith” game.
Wrapping up Kestis' story in a threequel means it needs a strong title. Looking at Kestis' growth across the past two games, the best possible title for the next game seems obvious.Star Wars Jedi: Survivoris but one step on Kestis' journey to becoming a master, and “Star Wars Jedi: Master” just seems perfect.
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How Fallen Order and Survivor Reflect Cal Kestis' Growth as a Jedi
Part of being a Jedi Master is master over one’s self, not just the combat expertise or strength in the Force, but the ability to control one’s emotions, trust in the Force, and so forth. Obviously, during the Jedi Purge and the rise of the Galactic Empire, that mastery is much more difficult. Kestis was just a Padawan when Order 66 occurred, and he spent many of his early formative years hiding from the empire on Bracca. However, because of his decisions, Cere officially deems him aJedi Knight at the end ofStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
But in the years that follow, the Mantis Crew will split apart and Kestis will throw himself into the war against the Empire. He’d perhaps end up losing himself as part of Saw Gerrera’s rebellion, but what else is there for a Jedi to do, until Tanalorr restores some hope to the young Jedi. His journey throughthe end ofStar Wars Jedi: Survivorsees Kestis tackle many emotions: his anger against the empire and, to some degree, against Greez, Cere, and Merrin for abandoning him. He feels hate when Bode’s betrayal takes place, but he challenges the suffering that such hate creates because it is the same suffering he and Merrin experience.
Kestis' Jedi Journey is one tied to the Dark Sideand a rejection of it. As Yoda said, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Kestis knows all of these emotions and he knows he’s not ready for the next step when Cere’s words echo that he must guide Kata through the darkness. But in guiding Cal, Cere found her redemption in the Force, and Cal knowing he is not ready is a major step toward mastery of self.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s Sequel Reflects the End of a Journey
If Cal Kestis fell to the Dark Side, it would undermine all ofhis development inStar Wars Jedi: Fallen OrderandJedi: Survivor,but he knows his biggest test is ahead of him. He can sense it in the Force, through himself, and through his attachment to Merrin, Kata, and the remnants of his crew. He can feel it in Tanalorr, in learning Bode’s past and Bode’s fall, and the same for Dagan Gera. One could argue the same happened to Anakin Skywalker, who sought counsel from Yoda, Obi-Wan, and even Mace Windu (in ways), but when push come to shove, he stepped into the darkness because he had no mastery of his own self and his own emotions.
Cal Kestis must attain that same level of mastery, as Cere did. The Jedi Order is gone, and the franchise challenges a lot of notions of if the Jedi Order was just, what happens to those who don’t follow the Jedi Code, and what it means to be aJedi during the Dark Times. Cal Kestis may not become a Jedi Master through his wisdom and training like those of the Order, but he’ll become one through the binding force of the thread: mastery of self. And, with these themes clearly set up and the idea of a game called Jedi Master being about a Knight becoming a Master unconventionally, it just fits perfectly. Of course, what Respawn goes with remains to be seen, but “Star Wars Jedi: Master” sounds like the perfect follow-up.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivoris available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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