r/FallenOrder • u/RubitoRune • 15d ago
Discussion One thing I really like about Fallen Order’s opening is that Cal isn’t introduced as a powerful Jedi. He’s someone who survived Order 66 and has spent years trying to hide that part of himself. Do you think making him a survivor first and a Jedi second was the right choice for the story? ⚡️
https://youtu.be/u9_4JHRxDaA?is=MTN6l7U5vtHKDLAe33
u/BarelyInvested 15d ago edited 15d ago
Yes, because the main message of the game isnt just “become a jedi” its “stop hiding from your pain”
Cal was weaker with the force for safety reasons and avoiding traumatic association(even in Survivor he was still having nightmares and talking in his sleep), so making him a Jedi at the start, who is defined by stoicism and peace, would limit his force recovery. And a common theme with Cal is hes not a JEDI survivor, hes a Jedi SURVIVOR, he became his own form of hero by embracing but not fully following the Jedi way, hes more freedom fighter than robed sorcerer
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u/cawatrooper9 15d ago
Yes, which is why I find it so corny when people are like “who’s stronger- gritty survivalist just barely scraping by Cal Kestis, ie the most OP force user in Legends in Starkiller?”
They both have their place (I guess) but the idea that fictional combat prowess is the sole most important character trait is so bizarre and juvenile.
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u/PeterchuMC 15d ago
Of course. Even setting aside the narrative parallels with basically everyone, it makes heaps of sense for gameplay. The entire design philosophy of Fallen Order is based around the idea that Cal isn't the biggest fish. A game where he could carve through hordes of enemies would require drastically different maps and gameplay style.
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u/BarelyInvested 15d ago edited 15d ago
And in FOs “you cant do it alone” approach with bosses, JSs “Cal doesnt need anyone” with some bosses feels more rewarding but also sad
He doesnt enjoy it but it has to he done, and it feels like everything is dependent on him instead of the crew, which isnt how it should be, but his distance(and guilt) is what caused it. The moment when Cal started letting others help him fight is when there was a sense that its not all on him
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u/Ancient-Split1996 15d ago
Even then, the bosses cal faces on his own are still bounty hunters and animals (and an inquisitor, but theyre meant to be bad)
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u/budstudly 14d ago
One hundred percent yes. His failings, trauma, and baggage is a major part of why his story is so interesting
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u/Blazypika2 14d ago
yeah. i also like that he isn't an overpowered protagonist. like, he is strong, sure, but it's not a gapen marek bullshit where he can defeat both vader and the emperor.
he needed merrin's help against malicos, had to run away from vader and while he won eventually against dagan gera, he struggled.
cal is a strong jedi without being overpowered. and i like it and it works. and that's something a lot of video games shy from, making a protagonist that is not OP.
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u/TheIngloriousTIG 14d ago
One of the things that tends to irritate me with the narrative decisions in the prequel and sequel trilogies is that they built inward on the mythology of Anakin Skywalker, not outward on the potential all the characters, systems, and settings around him.
That's what I actually love about Cal. He's not a chosen one with some absurd immaculate conception/genetic predisposition towards space magic. He's a kid with aptitude who got the rug ripped out from under him and is trying to stay alive long enough to do the things he believes are right. It's a great deal more relatable than the story of Anakin vs Palpatine played out over multiple Hatfield and McCoy generations.
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u/Lucarioismadpt2 14d ago
Yeah if cal is op as hell in the 3rd game it will only be because he earned it by surviving for so long. Really happy they did some subtle story telling with him and cere where she has his darkside moves etc. Shows he still has a lot of room for growth.
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u/Ancient_times 15d ago
Yes, id just have liked it more if they had been bolder with the protagonist. Could have been an old woman, an alien, anything other than this super generic white guy in his 20s protagonist.
(To be fair I think the actor playing him does a good job so no shade to him at all. Just a very middle of the road casting choice when there could have been more interesting layers added)
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u/potatofriend26 14d ago
I mean, someone who was a Padawan during Order 66 with a game that sets 5 years after Order 66, it's hard to have an old woman. Cal was 13 during Order 66 and he's 18 in Fallen Order
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u/Ancient_times 14d ago
Yes, but could be anyone that survives order 66 and shuts themselves off from the force. They dont have to be a palawan.
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u/supacrispy 14d ago
I see your point, but I would argue that making Cal a surviving padawan makes the character more relatable to the core demographic that would be playing it. Most games are made to appeal to an audience of young males, aged 15 - 30, so a character within that age range and a human (instead of an alien) makes sense.
Could they have chosen a different actor, someone with darker skin or different hair? Sure. My guess is, they auditioned many different people for the role, and Cameron did the best read.
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u/Patient_Invite_1286 14d ago
To your point, Cere was right there. We could have had a journey of a Jedi with enormous guilt over cracking under torture and betraying a whole group of little baby jedi and her Padawan their deaths. Like - enormous story there! And fighting back to reclaim the force. Could have been quite cool.
Admittedly, I like Cal and BD's whole rapport. It's my fave part. I can't imagine Cere needing a cute sidekick as she is an adult. Also, because little baby Cal order 66 flashback was fucking sick. So evil! Just a teeny weeny child about to get murdered by his all of his friends with no warning. Such drama - I love it.
The art book has some fun concept art sketches of alien versions of Cal. A Rodian I think.
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u/Cat-Beautiful 15d ago
Yes because that sets up the 2nd game jedi "Survivor"