Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Features Elements Inspired by Metroid, But is Not a "Metroidvania"

After an excellent 15-minute demoshown during EA Play at E3 2019, we now know more than ever what the upcomingStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderwill look and feel like in players' hands. While we saw elements of other games likeUnchartedandDark Soulsfrom its gameplay, one series in particular seems to be inspiring some of the design ofFallen Order, that being the exploration ofMetroid.

In a cover story on the game fromGame Informer, new details were shared on the upcomingStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, with the feature breaking down numerous aspects of the game’s design, storytelling, gameplay, and more.

One of the most interesting aspects shared in the cover story by Respawn Entertainment onFallen Orderwas thatMetroidseems to have played a big role in influencing the way that players traverse and explore theStar Warsuniverse as the main character, Cal Kestis, where players can come back to previous worlds and areas with the help of newly-acquired Jedi powers and abilities.

Specifically,Fallen Orderdirector Stig Asmussen said that the game’s development team “looked at the structure ofMetroid Primeclosely,” and especially when it came to the frequency and “cadence” of gaining new upgrades or abilities that would open up the world. Asmussen said that the approach to exploration and player upgrades will “feel fresh” inFallen Orderand that while it’s inspired byMetroida good deal, he added that “it’s not exactly like Metroidvania” style games.

Asmussen also highlighted games such asDark SoulsandBloodbornewhen it came to building out their world and level design, adding that the team studied those From Software-developed titles and that they “inspired us to find an experience that works well for our game.” In particular, one of the elements that the team wanted to focus on forFallen Orderwas giving players a balance between “a ton of freedom” when it came to exploring different areas, but also leaving room to deliver “really hand-crafted moments” in the storytelling and combat.

Given that Cal has been established as someone that isin between the stages of being a Padawan and Jedi, it seems to make sense that exploration and upgrades would play heavily into the experience ofFallen Orderas Cal gradually learns more Jedi skills and powers. While we saw many of those on display in the gameplay trailer, clearly it seems that the demo was only the tip of the iceberg for what new abilities he will gain across the full game.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderwill release for PS4, Xbox One, and PC on June 26, 2025, andyou can pre-order the game on Amazon now.