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Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is a classic first/third-person shooter action game developed by Raven Software and published by LucasArts. Initially released in 2003 for Windows and Macintosh computers, it received an Xbox port shortly after and was later brought to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in 2020. The game is the third installment in the Jedi Knight series, set two years after the events of its predecessor, Jedi Outcast.
The game follows Jaden Korr, a new student at Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy. Jaden must train and hone his skills as a Jedi in order to face off against a new threat to the galaxy. His training is interrupted when a group of rogue Jedi led by Tavion Axmis attack the academy. Axmis and her followers are seeking to revive the ancient Sith Lord, Marka Ragnos. Jaden must stop Axmis and her followers before they can succeed in their wretched plan, and the quest takes him to a variety of planets, including Yavin IV, Korriban, and Tatooine. Along the way, he meets a few familiar characters including Kyle Katarn, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia. As the story unfolds, Jaden also learns more about his own past and his connection to the Force. The game features a variety of lightsaber combat styles, as well as a wide range of Force powers to unleash. It also features a robust multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other in a variety of game modes.
Why it should be remastered…
I’ve got several reasons why Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy should be remastered or remade. First up is the game’s graphics, which have sadly aged quite poorly. Although the game looked impressive for its time, its visuals are now outdated. A remaster or remake would give the game a much-needed visual upgrade.
Secondly, Jedi Academy‘s gameplay could be smoothed out a bit. The game’s lightsaber combat system is still fun, but could certainly benefit from some polish and refinement. Additionally, a remaster or remake could add in new gameplay features, such as more multiplayer modes to liven things up. The lightsaber battles from the original were always the best, so more of those would be a a great addition.
Finally, Jedi Academy‘s story is still worth telling. The game’s plot is engaging and well-written, and it ties in well with the Star Wars universe as a whole. A remaster or remake could introduce this worthwhile story to a new generation of Star Wars fans.
But despite the game’s out-of-date graphics and mechanics, elements of Jedi Academy can still be found in today’s Star Wars games. Whether it’s the first-person shooter components seen in the Star Wars: Battlefront series or the third-person lightsaber wielding combat that was perfected in Star Wars: Fallen Order, a remastered Jedi Academy could seriously hang with today’s entries.
Let’s make it canon.
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is set in the Star Wars Legends continuity, which is no longer considered canon by Lucasfilm. However, the game’s story could still tie in well with the current Star Wars universe in a number of ways:
- The game takes place during the New Republic era, which is the same era, the same one as the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
- The game’s protagonist Jaden Korr is a Jedi, who trained at Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy. This is the same Luke Skywalker who appears in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
- The game’s antagonist, Tavion Axmis, is a former Jedi who turned to the dark side. This is similar to Kylo Ren, the antagonist of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
- The game explores themes such as the nature of the Force and the balance between the light and dark sides. Themes commonly explored in the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy ties into much more canon within the Star Wars universe.
- The game introduces the Disciples of Ragnos, a cult of dark Jedi who worship the ancient Sith Lord Marka Ragnos. This cult is later mentioned in the Star Wars Rebels animated series.
- The game also introduces the idea of a Sith Holocron, a device that can store the knowledge and teachings of the Sith. This concept is later used in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series.
In closing…
Back in the day this Star Wars game got 1000+ hours on my Xbox. It has all the ingredients to be an even more successful Star Wars game than it was back in 2003. I can only present my evidence and state my case, but I’ll end this with two questions for EA and Disney.
- Do you want to make easy money?
- Do I need to repeat the first question?
