I really like some of hte new force powers in newer Star Wars media.

>\[The Force\] surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together.

Often when a new force power is introduced, it is met with fierce skepticism. Particularly the new powers introduced in the sequel trilogy.

But I do love some of the abilities we see.

For example Luke's astral projection in The Last Jedi. It is cleverly shot fight scene, with details like Luke not leaving footprints in the salt, and hilariously pretending he casually blocked a full bombardment in a way that would be absurd even for a Master. The ability is also is not that big of a departure from Obi-Wan being able to speak with Luke from the grave.

This is followed up on with the connection between Rey and Kylo, where they have visions and can physically touch each other and send matter through the force. The relationship between Rey and Kylo is too poorly handled for me to enjoy it in execution.

It is a very exciting concept that time and space briefly become irrelevant for two force-sensitive people who are in-tune with each other. If there was actual good sexual chemistry, and one of them wasn't being a war criminal the whole time, it would make for a fantastic scene.

Then you've got Cal Kestis in the Jedi Survivor games. One of his unique powers is Psychometry. He experience an echo of an event or an emotion from being in the place where it happened. I really like this ability, since its well-established by now that The Force can give visions of the future. Narrative its also a useful way to remind us of the person Cal is, a refugee haunted by his own experiences in the Jedi purge. A frightened kid caught between fear and grief from Order 66, and the courage to do good.

What's interesting in these three examples is that they also show different levels of mastery. Rey and Kylo's connection is a thing that is happening to them. They are both talented, potent force users, but don't have the experience with this kind of connection. They have both led solitary existences, and their connection gives them a common ground that is both enticing, and disturbing to Rey.

Cal can't use psychometry unless he's in the right place, and he only gets flashes of emotion. This shows that he has some jedi training, but is not yet a knight, let alone a master. Cal is struggling to come to terms with his own emotions. In contrast Luke uses the power of astral protection very deliberately and Ren can't pick up on it, demonstrating that Luke is a true master, while Kylo Ren is unwise to the true nature of The Force.

I feel like astral projection, sending physical objects, and psychometry are all a natural extension of The Force as the power to *connect*. To let a person experience the past and future, or to make light-years of separation irrelevant.

They are not powers that are inherently weapons. I like the idea that the Force is not meant to be used for violence, its only the impurities of people that cause it to become that. Jedi and Sith choose sides, not the force itself. Non-combat force powers really appeal to me.

Lets face it, they are more thematically appropriate than The Emperor being able to shoot lighting out of his hands out of nowhere.