Why Can’t You Customize the Mantis in Jedi Survivor?
The absence of Mantis customization in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has been a point of contention for some players, especially given the wealth of cosmetic options available for Cal, BD-1, and Cal’s lightsaber. The core reason for this lies in a deliberate design choice by Respawn Entertainment, prioritizing narrative consistency and technical constraints over extensive customization options for the ship itself. The Mantis, in Survivor, is more than just a means of transport; it’s an established character with its own history, and significantly altering its appearance could potentially clash with established lore and the game’s overall aesthetic. Furthermore, adding detailed customization would involve substantial development resources, including creating new models, textures, and animations, which were likely allocated to other areas deemed more crucial to the core gameplay experience, such as expanding the planets, combat system, and character development.
Narrative Importance and Lore Consistency
The Mantis isn’t just a spaceship; it’s a home, a sanctuary, and a character in its own right. Throughout Jedi: Fallen Order, players formed an attachment to the ship and its crew. Its pre-defined aesthetic contributed to the overall tone and atmosphere of the game. Altering the Mantis’s appearance significantly in Survivor could disrupt this established connection and introduce inconsistencies within the Star Wars universe. Imagine drastically changing the Millennium Falcon – it would feel jarring to many fans. Respawn likely wanted to avoid a similar situation with the Mantis.
The decision to maintain the Mantis’s appearance also reflects Cal Kestis’s limited resources. He’s a Jedi on the run, scraping by to survive and fight the Empire. He’s not swimming in credits to afford extensive cosmetic upgrades for his ship. This scarcity is central to the narrative and the struggle against the Empire. Allowing for deep customization would potentially undermine this sense of desperation and resourcefulness.
Technical Considerations and Development Priorities
Developing and implementing robust customization options for the Mantis would have been a significant undertaking. It would have required creating numerous new ship models, textures, paint schemes, and potentially even interior layouts. Each customization option would need to be meticulously designed and tested to ensure it fit seamlessly with the existing game world and didn’t introduce any visual glitches or performance issues.
Given the complexity of game development, resources are always limited. Respawn likely had to make difficult choices about where to allocate their time and resources. They may have decided that focusing on other areas of the game, such as expanding the planets, improving the combat system, and deepening the narrative, would provide a greater overall return for players. These areas represent core gameplay experiences, whereas Mantis customization would largely be a cosmetic feature.
Moreover, consider the scope of Jedi: Survivor. The game features larger, more explorable planets and a wider range of enemy types than its predecessor. The team likely prioritized ensuring these core elements were polished and optimized, potentially leading to the decision to forego extensive Mantis customization.
Alternatives and Existing Cosmetic Options
While the Mantis itself isn’t customizable in the traditional sense, Jedi: Survivor does offer alternative ways to personalize Cal’s experience. Players can customize Cal’s outfit, hairstyle, and beard. BD-1 has numerous cosmetic skins to unlock, and the lightsaber customization is significantly expanded compared to Fallen Order. These options allow players to express their individuality and create a unique look for their character without altering the core identity of the Mantis.
Respawn may have also felt that these existing customization options were sufficient to satisfy players’ desire for personalization. By focusing on these areas, they could provide a meaningful level of customization without the technical challenges and narrative implications of altering the Mantis.
Is Mantis Customization Possible in Future Updates or Sequels?
While unlikely for Jedi: Survivor at this stage, the possibility of Mantis customization in future installments is not entirely out of the question. If Respawn determines that there is significant player demand and they can find a way to implement it without compromising the narrative or technical integrity of the game, they might consider adding it in a future update or sequel. However, it’s important to remember that any such decision would depend on a variety of factors, including player feedback, development resources, and the overall direction of the Star Wars Jedi franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the Mantis and customization in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor:
1. Why can’t I change the paint job of the Mantis?
As discussed above, the inability to change the Mantis’s paint job stems from narrative consistency and development resource allocation. The Mantis’s appearance is tied to its story and Cal’s circumstances.
2. Are there any plans to add Mantis customization in a future update?
There are currently no official plans from Respawn Entertainment to add Mantis customization in a future update.
3. Will Mantis customization be available in a potential Jedi: Survivor sequel?
While not confirmed, it’s possible Mantis customization could be considered for a sequel if there is sufficient player demand and technical feasibility.
4. Is the Mantis considered a character in the game?
Yes, the Mantis can be considered a character due to its integral role in the story and the emotional connection players develop with it and its crew.
5. Does the Mantis interior change at all throughout the game?
While not radically customizable, the Mantis’s interior does change subtly as the story progresses, with the addition of new elements and modifications tied to specific quests and characters.
6. Is there a lore reason preventing the Mantis from being customized?
The lack of resources and Cal’s status as a fugitive Jedi contributes to the lore reason, making extensive cosmetic upgrades for the ship unlikely.
7. How does the lack of Mantis customization affect the overall game experience?
For some players, the lack of customization is disappointing, but most find it doesn’t significantly detract from the core gameplay experience.
8. What other aspects of the game can I customize?
Players can customize Cal’s outfits, hairstyles, beards, BD-1’s skins, and Cal’s lightsaber components and colors.
9. Was Mantis customization considered during the development of Jedi: Survivor?
It is likely that Mantis customization was considered, but ultimately deemed a lower priority compared to other features.
10. How does the Mantis’s pre-set design contribute to the game’s atmosphere?
The Mantis’s appearance evokes a sense of resourcefulness and wear and tear, fitting the game’s themes of survival and rebellion.
11. What is the significance of the Mantis’s crew?
The Mantis crew (Cere, Greez, and Merrin) are essential to Cal’s journey and provide support, guidance, and companionship.
12. Is it possible to mod the game to add Mantis customization?
While potentially possible on PC, modding can be risky and may violate the game’s terms of service. It’s not officially supported.
13. Why did Respawn focus on lightsaber customization instead of Mantis customization?
Lightsaber customization is a more iconic and central element of the Star Wars experience, making it a higher priority for development.
14. Does the Mantis have any hidden features or secrets?
The Mantis itself doesn’t have any major hidden features beyond what’s explicitly revealed in the story, but it serves as a hub for exploration and narrative progression.
15. How does the Mantis serve as a central hub in Jedi: Survivor?
The Mantis acts as a safe haven and travel hub, allowing Cal to plan his next moves and interact with his crew between missions. It provides a familiar and comforting space in a dangerous galaxy.