Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is bringing back one of the franchise’s most controversial lightsaber designs - the crossguard lightsaber most famously wielded by Kylo Ren. The crossguard lightsaber - which made its debut in The Force Awakens - is set to make an appearance in the upcoming game despite the mixed reaction to its introduction to Star Wars in the sequel trilogy. However, the lightsaber may not be so pointless this time around, as Jedi: Survivor has the potential to give the blade a better-defined function and more meaning.
The crossguard lightsaber was subject to much debate following its introduction in The Force Awakens - a film that was expanded upon in Jedi: Fallen Order, which revealed Ilum as Starkiller Base). On standard crossguard-style swords, the protruding parts of the hilt, known as quillons, are intended to protect the user’s hands from harm. However, having quillons on a lightsaber doesn’t make much sense, as they would only put the user’s hand closer to the beams. The only depicted benefit of the crossguard lightsaber’s function is when Kylo Ren uses it to burn Finn when their blades are locked together.
Jedi: Survivor Will Fix Star Wars’ Most Pointless Lightsaber Design
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor may just come up with a better reason for wielding the crossguard lightsaber in addition to Cal’s new blaster pistol. The most recent trailer shared by EA Star Wars shows Cal Kestis igniting the crossguard lightsaber for the first time, followed by a clip of him using it in combat. His stance here differs significantly from the clips of him wielding other lightsaber variants. The attacks are heavier and slower, suggesting that Cal will adopt a more methodical combat approach when this variant is equipped. While this brief look at the lightsaber doesn’t entirely quell the doubts about its design, it’s a great start to making more sense of its existence beyond the Star Wars sequels.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s Crossguard Lightsaber Will Be Important To The Story
In addition to giving more practical logic to Star Wars' crossguard lightsaber design, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will almost certainly find a way to tie Cal’s use of it to the game’s story. One of the best parts of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was the effective use of symbolism. Cal’s lightsaber was one of the game’s most potent symbols, illustrating his embodiment of his Jedi masters’ teachings and the acceptance of his Jedi identity. It stands to reason that Cal’s personal growth in Jedi: Survivor's main story will be tied to modifications he makes to his lightsaber. It’s also possible that the crossguard lightsaber will help connect the game to the expanding High Republic era of Star Wars.
Other than Kylo Ren, the crossguard lightsaber has been wielded by a few others in Star Wars canon, including Jedi Master Stellan Gios, a prominent character in The High Republic novel series. This era has seen plenty of expansion, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s reveal trailer includes some hints suggesting its mysterious villain may originate from this period. With that in mind, perhaps Cal will have to adopt methods and tools linked to the High Republic Era in order to defeat this new foe.
Source: EA Star Wars/YouTube
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Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Released:
- 2023-04-28
- Developer:
- Respawn Entertainment
- Franchise:
- Star Wars Jedi
- Genre:
- Adventure, Sci-Fi, Action
- Platform:
- PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5
- Publisher:
- Electronic Arts
- ESRB:
- T
- Summary:
- Following up after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor continues the journey of Cal Kestis after surviving the aftermath of Order 66 and the mass execution of the Jedi. Five years after barely escaping the clutches of Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire, Cal continues to live on the run with his robot companion, BD-1. Players will now assume the role of Cal Kestis as no longer a Padawan but a Jedi Master. Spanning several planets and further refining and evolving the lightsaber/force-powered Jedi combat in Fallen Order, Survivor will once again put players back into the ever-expanding Star Wars Universe.
- Prequel:
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
- How Long To Beat:
- 14 hours
