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CRITIK

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Item: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Drama, Single Player

AvailableNov 15, 2019

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperRespawn Entertainment

Overview

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a narratively driven, single-player game puts you in the role of a Jedi Padawan who narrowly escaped the purge of Order 66 following the events of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. On a quest to rebuild the Jedi Order, you must pick up the pieces of your shattered past to complete your training, develop new powerful Force abilities and master the art of the iconic lightsaber - all while staying one step ahead of the Empire and its deadly Inquisitors.

Elsewhere

8.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its engaging narrative, exploring familiar Star Wars themes and lore. The story is often described as exciting, taut, and thrilling, with a sense of wonder and exploration within the Star Wars universe (Critical Hit, CGMagazine, TheGamer). Critics appreciate the game's focus on character development and personal growth, particularly in the journey of the protagonist from Jedi Padawan to a true Jedi (Gamers Heroes). The story delves into the consequences of living through the Jedi Purge and explores themes of loss, survivor's guilt, and redemption (Slant Magazine). The narrative is seen as a strong suit of the game, with great reveals, well-defined threats, and excellent flashbacks (We Got This Covered, Game Informer). However, there are some critics who express mixed or negative opinions about the story. Some critics find the storyline to be formulaic and not staying true to its roots (Video Chums, GameGrin). The story is criticized for starting off slow and only picking up near the end with exposition and character growth (Destructoid). The forgettable nature of the story and unremarkable main character are also mentioned as drawbacks (VGC). Some critics feel that the story is not new or radical, following a familiar Star Wars storyline with a protagonist on a journey to rebuild the Jedi Order (Guardian, Telegraph). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order delivers an engaging and enjoyable story within the Star Wars universe. The narrative is praised for its exploration of familiar themes, character development, and well-defined threats. While there are some criticisms regarding formulaic elements and a slow start, the majority of critics find the story to be a strong suit of the game. The game's story is considered one of the better narratives in the series, with a focus on personal growth, character dynamics, and motivations (RPG Site). The emotional depth and cinematic quality of the voice acting and motion capture are also highlighted (GameSpace). Despite some mixed opinions, the overall sentiment towards the story of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is positive.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics generally praise Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for its engaging narrative exploring familiar themes and character growth. The story is described as exciting and thrilling, delving into Jedi Purge consequences and themes of redemption. While some find it formulaic and slow to start, most agree it offers an enjoyable experience with strong character development and well-defined threats. Overall, the game's story is seen as a standout in the Star Wars universe, blending emotional depth and cinematic quality.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order received predominantly positive reviews from the critics. Many praised the combat mechanics, particularly the lightsaber combat, which was described as tactical, intricate, and rewarding. Critics such as Daily Star, Destructoid, and The Daily Dot commended the combat system for its puzzle-like nature, requiring fast reaction times, precise timing, and strategic thinking. The parry system was also highlighted as working well and providing a satisfying gameplay experience. The combat was compared to other successful games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro, which further emphasized its quality. The deliberate and skillful combat, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis, added to the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay. However, there were some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the gameplay. Several critics, including Push Square, CGMagazine, and Telegraph, expressed concerns about the jumping and sliding puzzles, describing them as lacking and sometimes even buggy. The platforming sections were deemed imprecise and occasionally frustrating. Additionally, Critical Hit and VGC mentioned that exploration in the game lacked rewards and the 3D map implementation was janky. The combat against larger foes was also mentioned as having shortcomings by VGC. Some critics, such as TheGamer and The Sydney Morning Herald, felt that the combat lacked depth compared to similar games and that there were janky animations and collision issues. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is very good. The majority of the critics praised the combat mechanics, particularly the lightsaber combat, for its tactical depth, rewarding nature, and challenging yet satisfying experience. The influences from successful games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro were seen as positive aspects, adding weight and complexity to the combat. The exploration and platforming elements, while receiving some criticism for their execution, were still appreciated by many critics for their contribution to the overall experience. The game's level design, Metroidvania-like exploration, and puzzle-solving elements were also mentioned positively by critics such as The Daily Dot and Gamers Heroes. Despite some minor flaws, the gameplay of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was generally well-received by the critics, making it a highly recommended experience for fans of action-adventure games and the Star Wars universe.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order's gameplay earned high praise for its tactical lightsaber combat reminiscent of Dark Souls and Sekiro. Critics lauded the combat's depth and challenge, though some criticized the platforming puzzles and lack of exploration rewards. Overall, the game offers a satisfying experience with minor flaws, making it a must-play for Star Wars and action-adventure fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order are largely positive. Many critics praised the game for its stunning visuals, cinematic presentation, and attention to detail. CGMagazine even compared the visuals to EA's Battlefront titles, highlighting the impressive visuals that push the limits of current-gen hardware. The environments were particularly praised, with The Guardian describing them as visually stunning and capturing the Star Wars aesthetic. GameGrin commended the game for dripping with Star Wars lore and executing the balance between futuristic technology and ancient architecture well. Impulsegamer also highlighted the detailed and colorful 4K graphics, top-notch level design, and realistic character models. However, there were some criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Several critics mentioned technical issues and glitches, such as frame hitches, graphical glitches, texture issues, and occasional slowdowns and lag. TheXboxHub and Telegraph specifically mentioned minor graphical glitches, disappearing character models, and texture pop-in. The Daily Dot and Digital Chumps also noted frequent glitches and long loading times. Softpedia mentioned that while the graphics were decent, textures and animations could use more polish. RPG Site pointed out that while the game looked stunning overall, the Wookie texturing was poor. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order features impressive Graphics and Visual Design that capture the Star Wars atmosphere and provide a cinematic experience. The game is praised for its stunning environments, attention to detail, and the ability to travel back to these environments as the main character and his companion grow. The visuals are described as breathtaking, immersive, and authentic to the Star Wars films. While there were some technical issues and glitches mentioned by several critics, they were not considered game-breaking and did not significantly detract from the overall visual experience. The majority of critics were impressed with the game's graphics and visual design, making it one of the best-looking games to date and a worthy addition to the Star Wars universe.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics mostly love the stunning graphics and visual design of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, praising its cinematic presentation and attention to detail. The game's environments are particularly lauded for capturing the Star Wars aesthetic. Some critics did mention technical issues like glitches and texture problems, but overall, the consensus is that the game offers an impressive visual experience that immerses players in the Star Wars universe.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its great voice acting and sound design, with CGMagazine and TheXboxHub specifically highlighting these aspects. The game successfully captures the authentic Star Wars experience through its use of familiar sound effects and a John Williams-styled orchestra, as mentioned by Guardian and Digital Chumps. The sound design and music contribute to the Star Wars atmosphere, according to We Got This Covered and The Daily Dot. RPG Site also commends the game for its quintessential Star Wars soundtrack and the impressive lack of reliance on pre-existing Star Wars themes. Overall, the majority of critics agree that the sound design and music of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order are very good. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few minor criticisms regarding the music of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Game Informer notes that there are instances of non-typical Star Wars music, which may not resonate with some fans. However, this critique seems to be outweighed by the overall positive reception of the game's music. In conclusion, the Sound Design and Music of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order received high praise from the critics. The game successfully captures the authentic Star Wars experience through its great voice acting, sound design, and use of familiar sound effects. The music, composed in a John Williams-styled orchestra, creates an epic cinematic experience that evokes the familiar flair of Star Wars. While there were some minor criticisms about non-typical Star Wars music, the overwhelming consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order are very good.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the sound design and music in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, praising its authentic Star Wars experience with great voice acting, familiar sound effects, and a John Williams-styled orchestra. Despite some minor critiques of non-traditional music, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making it a must-play for Star Wars fans.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. CGMagazine describes it as "great," while We Got This Covered notes that the relationship between Cal and BD-1 resonates well. Slant Magazine praises the strong performances of Cameron Monaghan and Debra Wilson as Cal Kestis and Cere Junda respectively. Game Informer also highlights the wonderful voice acting, with likable and well-brought-to-life characters. Impulsegamer adds that the voice acting is professional and helps bring the characters to life. These positive opinions highlight the strength of the voice acting in the game. However, amidst the positive reception, there are a few critics who express some reservations. TheGamer criticizes the protagonist's lack of agency and confusingly flat response to situations, suggesting that the voice acting for the main character may not have been as strong as the supporting cast. While this is a valid point, it is important to note that this criticism is in the minority, and the overall sentiment towards the voice acting remains positive. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is very good. Digital Chumps describes it as "mostly solid," while Softpedia mentions that the game puts effort into a proper voiceover. Gamers' Temple praises the well-acted voice acting that contributes to the engrossing story. RPG Site goes as far as to say that the voice acting performances for Cal, Cere, and Greez are fantastic and great additions to the Star Wars mythos. GameSpace's review particularly emphasizes the positive impact of the voice acting, noting that it delivers a layer of humanity to the main character and brings charm and human-like qualities to the companion character, BD-1. With the majority of critics praising the voice acting and only a few expressing minor concerns, it is evident that the voice acting in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praise the voice acting in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, highlighting great performances by the cast. While some critics have reservations about the protagonist's voice acting, the overall sentiment remains positive. The majority agrees that the voice acting adds depth and charm to the game's characters, making it a standout feature.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, there were some positive aspects mentioned by the critics for each gaming platform. The PlayStation 5 version was praised by Push Square, who noted that the load times were massively improved in the next-gen version. PlayStation Universe also commended the technical performance on PlayStation 5, mentioning that the game runs at a locked 60 frames per second and feels much more fluid and responsive compared to the last-gen versions. The Xbox One X version, as played by Telegraph, was also mentioned positively, with no major issues reported. However, there were several negative aspects highlighted by the critics regarding the technical performance on various gaming platforms. On PlayStation 4, multiple critics such as Daily Star, Destructoid, Guardian, We Got This Covered, TheGamer, Telegraph, Digital Chumps, Game Rant, Easy Allies, and RPG Site reported technical issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, long loading times, crashes, texture pop-in, and slow texture loading. The Xbox One version, as experienced by Post Arcade, The Daily Dot, Game Informer, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ZTGD, also suffered from consistent performance issues, including glitches, long loading times, texture pop-in, and enemies quickly dropping into place. GameSpace, who played the PC version, mentioned experiencing performance stuttering and graphics glitches during the review, although it was noted that these issues may have been resolved with NVIDIA's GameReady drivers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order had technical issues on consoles, particularly on PlayStation 4, with stuttering, frame rate drops, long loading times, crashes, texture pop-in, and slow texture loading being commonly reported. However, there were positive remarks for the PlayStation 5 version, which showcased improved load times and a more fluid experience. The Xbox One X version also had some graphical glitches and occasional crashes, but they were not deemed too distracting. It is worth noting that some critics mentioned the potential for patches or hardware improvements to address these technical issues, such as Digital Chumps suggesting that the performance might be better on PS4 Pro or PC with patches being worked on to improve the issues.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised PlayStation 5 for improved load times and smooth gameplay, while Xbox One X had no major issues. However, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions faced technical problems like stuttering, frame rate drops, and long loading times. PC version also had performance issues, but could be fixed with updates. Overall, consoles struggled with technical issues, but potential for patches to improve performance mentioned by critics.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's exploration and the satisfaction of backtracking to previously visited areas with new skills or abilities. Destructoid praises the game's secret items and lightsaber customization collectibles, while The Daily Dot mentions thorough exploration, hidden secrets, collectible items, and challenging boss fights as factors that provide replayability. The game's substantial playtime and plenty of extras to hunt down are also mentioned by Digital Chumps and Game Rant as enjoyable aspects for replaying. These positive aspects contribute to the game's overall replay value. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the replay value of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The lack of character progression and meaningful exploration is criticized by TheGamer, who finds the customization system weak and underdeveloped, offering no perks to the protagonist. The lack of fast-travel between meditation points and excessive collectibles are mentioned by RPG Site as potential drawbacks to the replayability of the game. The lack of compelling rewards for exploration unless one is a completionist or interested in customization options is also noted by TheSixthAxis. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order offers a decent level of replay value. The game's exploration, secrets, new force powers, and environmental puzzles are mentioned as positive factors that make backtracking rewarding and encourage revisiting each planet. The game's variety of collectibles, challenging boss fights, and the ability to unlock new areas are also highlighted as elements that contribute to the game's replayability. While there are some criticisms regarding the lack of character progression and meaningful exploration, the overall sentiment is that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order provides a satisfying level of replay value for players.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for its replay value, citing enjoyable exploration, backtracking with new skills, secret items, and collectibles. Positive aspects like substantial playtime and challenging boss fights enhance replayability. However, some critics criticize the lack of character progression and meaningful exploration, as well as issues with fast travel and excessive collectibles. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus is that the game offers a decent level of replay value with rewarding backtracking and engaging gameplay elements.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics, who consider it to be a great addition to the Star Wars franchise. The game has been praised for capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe and delivering an authentic Star Wars experience. Critics such as Daily Star, CGMagazine, GameGrin, and The Daily Dot have commended the game for staying true to the lore of the universe and providing fans with a thrilling adventure filled with fan service. The game's combat mechanics, level design, and exploration have been highlighted as standout features by critics like TheXboxHub, TheSixthAxis, and Easy Allies. The strong story and skillful combat have been particularly appreciated by Slant Magazine, which states that the game explores themes of forgiveness and recovery in a powerful way that Star Wars hasn't seen in video game form for over a decade. While the overall sentiment towards Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is largely positive, there are some critics who have pointed out certain flaws and shortcomings. The game has been criticized for lacking original ideas and feeling half-baked or sloppily implemented at times, as mentioned by VGC and Telegraph. The performance issues, lack of character progression, and weak customization system have been identified as drawbacks by TheGamer. Additionally, Critical Hit acknowledges the game's flaws but still considers it a fantastic experience that lives up to the promise of being the Star Wars game fans have been waiting for. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a must-play game and a great addition to the Star Wars franchise. It is seen as a game that meets expectations for a Star Wars experience, delivering on the pressure to do something great with the Star Wars license, as stated by TheSixthAxis. The game's solid gameplay mechanics, captivating characters, and interesting story have been highly praised by Softpedia, Gamers' Temple, and Impulsegamer. The majority of critics agree that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a worthy and enjoyable adventure in the Star Wars universe, with RPG Site describing it as an extremely strong and confident Star Wars adventure. The positive reception and high ratings from critics like Game Informer, GameSpace, and Gamers Heroes further solidify the game's status as a standout title in the Star Wars franchise. In conclusion, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, with the majority considering it a great addition to the Star Wars franchise. The game successfully captures the essence of the Star Wars universe, delivering an authentic and thrilling experience for fans. While there are some flaws and criticisms, such as lacking original ideas and experiencing performance issues, the overall consensus is that the game is a must-play and stands as one of the best Star Wars games yet. The positive aspects, including the solid gameplay mechanics, strong story, and captivating characters, outweigh the negatives, making Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order a highly recommended title for both Star Wars enthusiasts and fans of action-adventure games.

TL;DR

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order hailed as a stellar addition to the franchise by critics for its authentic Star Wars experience, engaging combat, and captivating story. While some flaws noted, the majority agree it's a must-play with solid gameplay mechanics and memorable characters. A standout title that lives up to the hype and delivers a thrilling adventure in the Star Wars universe.

CRITIK

Reviews

230 reviews found

100

Gamers Heroes

Nov 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order sets a new standard for Star Wars titles and is the best game of the year.

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Gamers' Temple

Xbox One

Nov 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The overall experience of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is enjoyable, with a close kinship to Tomb Raider. It is considered the best single-player Star Wars game in a while. The final rating is 90%.

GameSpace

Nov 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly praises Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, describing it as a single-player epic with no microtransactions or live service. It commends the character development, emotional moments, and the magic of growing as a Jedi. It also expresses confidence in Respawn's delivery and states that the future of the Star Wars franchise is in incredible hands.

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ZTGD

Xbox One

Dec 5, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Jedi Fallen Order is one of the best games in the Star Wars franchise and one of the best games of 2019. It has some sore spots, but the story, characters, worlds, and combat more than make up for its shortcomings. Fans of Star Wars will love it. Fans of action/adventure games will have a fantastic time.

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Game Rant

PlayStation 4

Nov 18, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a must-play Star Wars experience and a game of the year contender for anyone who loves a unique and challenging action-adventure title.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Jun 13, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a perfect fit for PlayStation 5 and one of the best games of 2019 and the last decade. It praises the visual design and recommends playing it on PlayStation 5.

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The Sydney Morning Herald

Xbox One

Nov 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a remarkable game that restores the balance after a decade of disappointing Star Wars video games.

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Easy Allies

PlayStation 4

Nov 14, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has combat that feels tight and impactful, and exploring each of its imaginative worlds gives a great sense of discovery. It’s a fantastic title that stands as one of the best Star Wars games yet.

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The Daily Dot

Xbox One

Nov 19, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Jedi: Fallen Order is a fantastic game on its own merits, but it also stands as a towering achievement in Star Wars storytelling. It surpasses the standard for Star Wars games and is a must-play for fans.

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Softpedia

Nov 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a worthy addition to the Star Wars game lineup, with an interesting story, solid gameplay mechanics, and captivating characters.

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