The Soulslike genre has become a favorite for many players since FromSoftware's launch Soul of Demons in 2009. Over the years, the developer has introduced a popular list of other games in the Soulslike genre. Between Dark souls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twiceand BloodySoulslike games are defined by their challenging combat and rich worlds filled with mysterious lore. There have been many great additions to the genre over the years, but Elden Ring is considered by many to be the pinnacle. However, there is one Soulslike that surpasses it Elden Ring's gameplay, and it's not even from a developer that pioneered the genre.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor It may have gotten off to a rough start with its choppy launch state, but looking back, it's clear that the game excels in Soulslike combat mechanics. Respawn's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor brought to life the next chapter in Cal Kestis' story, and while the game isn't perfect, its combat is one of its main features that shines through.
The Elden Ring is cool and all, but Star Wars Jedi: Survivor doesn't lead to soulful combat
Don't get me wrong. i think Elden Ring is a top tier soulslike but Star Wars Jedi: SurvivorCombat is simply more polished and balanced. When An axe hit the scene, really showing how much more dynamic and diverse soul-like combat can be, and it's clear that Star Wars Jedi: Survivor he was taking notes from the game. That's not it Elden RingThe combat is bad because it certainly isn't, but it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of snappy and dynamic combat mechanics that Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has in spades.
To first understand why Star Wars Jedi: Battle of the Survivors is sweeping the Elden Ring, you must first understand Sekiro
From Star Wars Jedi: Survivor takes more notes An axe than any other Soulslike, it's important to distinguish between FromSoftware's game and its successor, Elden Ring. An axe it is much more attuned to parrying and mechanical mastery Elden RingCombat focuses primarily on building the player's character. As for enemies and bosses, An axe can feel rewarding because its one-weapon approach requires each opponent to be more attuned to fight with a katana. WITH Elden Ringthe customization players are allowed with their characters means bosses can't be as hyper-specific as An axe'with. While Elden Ring he boasts about the figure he builds An axe flaws, it also interferes with how tuned the bosses can be.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor takes An axetailored approach and it relaxes a bit. Its bounce system is reminiscent but simpler and the game is still focused on mastery while still being more forgiving than An axe. With more Cal customization options, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is ultimately a solid mix of both An axe and Elden Ringthough that wasn't Respawn's intention.
Between Sekiro and Elden Ring, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor offers the best of both worlds
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor hugs An axea more focused approach, but also offers the character customization that so many Soulslike fans appreciate Elden Ring. The main way the game does this is through Cal's stances. The options are less than Elden Ring's, but gives the game an extra dose of combat versatility.
Every stance for Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and what they do
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Single
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Double bladed
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Dual control
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Crossguard
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Blaster
|
Position |
Ability |
|
Single |
This is Cal's default stance. It's simple and straightforward, balancing speed, defense and power. The Unified Stance special attack can still deal heavy damage by hitting the target hard. |
|
Double bladed |
Two lightsaber blades coming from one central handle, like Darth Maul. This stance is fast and great for fighting larger groups of enemies, but it lacks a bit of power. |
|
Dual control |
With the Dual Wield stance, Cal can hold a lightsaber in each hand, allowing for incredibly fast combat. For those who prefer a more aggressive fighting style, Dual Wield is a good choice, but its defense is low. |
|
Crossguard |
As the name suggests, this stance adds a Kylo Ren-like crossguard to Cal's lightsaber. This basically works like a broadsword, making Cal's attacks incredibly powerful but slow. |
|
Blaster |
This stance adds a blaster to Cal's arsenal for longer range attacks and is one of the most versatile stances in the game. |
While Star Wars Jedi: SurvivorThe five stances do not represent such a variety as Elden Ring10 starting classes, less options actually makes combat more balanced. Elden RingWith multiple classes and customizable options, enemies feel less tweaked and Star Wars Jedi: SurvivorA smaller approach still allows the player freedom while remaining more focused. It's a blend that not only does Star Wars Jedi: Survivor's combat more varied, but even more fun.
Elden Ring may still be seen as the king of Soulslikes, but Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is an underrated contender
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor's launch issues have gotten an unfair reputation
When the game was first released, players were plagued with various performance issues, especially on PC. Star Wars Jedi: SurvivorThe PC's poor performance certainly deserves criticism, but it also took away from all of the game's many great features. There is reception among critics and many players Star Wars Jedi: SurvivorThe fight is incredibly positive now that the performance issues have been fixed.
When it comes to the Soulslike genre, it can be really hard to compare each of them as they all share a common core with their own unique twists. A lot of Soulslike fans have their own opinions on which game in the genre is the best, and it might even be controversial to suggest that it's not a FromSoftware offering. Taste is wildly subjective, but Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has a strong combination of combat mechanics that I find far more satisfying than Elden Ring.
- Released
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April 28, 2023
- ESRB
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T For Teens due to mild language, violence
- Publishers
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Electronic Arts
