Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Review

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on PlayStation 5 is a worthy continuation of Cal Kestis’s journey and a solid step forward from Fallen Order. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, the game takes place five years after the events of its predecessor, with Cal growing into his role as a Jedi while continuing to evade the Empire. The combat system shines as one of the game’s strongest elements. Lightsaber battles feel weighty and rewarding, with multiple stances to master and Force abilities that make encounters dynamic without falling into button-mashing simplicity. Pair that with cinematic presentation and well-designed boss fights, and the experience captures the fantasy of being a Jedi in a way few games have before.

The story is another highlight, delving deeper into Cal’s internal struggles and moral conflicts while introducing a fresh cast of characters alongside familiar allies. Strong voice acting and writing help bring emotional weight to the narrative, and the cinematic tone often feels like it belongs alongside the best of modern Star Wars media. The worlds themselves are expansive, beautifully detailed, and filled with opportunities for exploration. Returning to previous planets with new abilities opens up hidden paths and secrets, giving a satisfying sense of progression. Customization options for lightsabers, outfits, and even your trusty droid BD-1 add personality to the adventure, while Respawn’s attention to sound design ensures that every hum of a saber or swell of the score feels authentically Star Wars.

However, the game does stumble in a few areas. Technical performance on PS5, while improved since launch, still has its hiccups. Framerate drops, visual glitches, and occasional bugs — from texture pop-ins to progression issues — can pull players out of the immersion. Performance mode aims for smoother gameplay, but it doesn’t always hit its 60 fps target, and while load times are quick, the technical rough edges remain noticeable. The game’s pacing can also be uneven. While the scale of the worlds is impressive, the backtracking and optional side missions sometimes feel like padding, slowing down the otherwise engaging narrative. Some side characters lack depth, and not every subplot lands as effectively as the main story.

On the PlayStation 5, though, Jedi: Survivor mostly delivers a strong, immersive experience. Its visuals are richly cinematic, the combat is challenging yet satisfying, and the story offers meaningful growth for Cal while expanding the Star Wars universe in exciting ways. For players who value engaging melee combat, atmospheric exploration, and a narrative with both weight and spectacle, the game is an easy recommendation. That said, those sensitive to technical performance or weary of backtracking may find the experience less polished than hoped.

Overall, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is not flawless, but it successfully balances spectacle, storytelling, and gameplay to create a memorable adventure. It’s bigger, bolder, and more refined than Fallen Order, even if its ambition occasionally outpaces its polish. On PS5, it earns a solid 9 out of 10, a must-play for fans of Star Wars and a strong recommendation for action-adventure players looking for an experience that feels both cinematic and rewarding.