Star Wars Outlaws is Ubisoft’s ambitious attempt to bring the sprawling galaxy far, far away to life in a way we’ve never seen before. Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the game introduces players to the untamed underbelly of the Star Wars universe through the eyes of a new protagonist, Kay Vess. With a vast open world to explore, filled with heists, syndicates, and space travel, Star Wars Outlaws promises an experience that fans of the franchise have been yearning for. But does it deliver on that promise? Let’s dive in.
A Fresh Perspective in a Familiar Galaxy
One of the most refreshing aspects of Star Wars Outlaws is its departure from the traditional Jedi vs. Sith narrative that has dominated the franchise for decades. Instead, we follow Kay Vess, a scoundrel with a shady past and an eye for survival. Kay’s journey is not one of galactic heroism, but rather of personal survival and cunning, which makes for a welcome change. Ubisoft has successfully captured the gritty, morally ambiguous world of smugglers, bounty hunters, and crime syndicates, giving players a taste of what it means to live on the fringes of the galaxy.
Kay is not a hero in the traditional sense, and that’s what makes her so intriguing. Her motivations are simple—freedom and a better life—but the complexity of her character comes from how she navigates the galaxy’s treacherous underworld. The game does a commendable job of letting players decide how far Kay will go to achieve her goals, offering multiple moral choices that affect her standing with various factions. However, while Kay’s character is compelling, her development feels somewhat superficial, leaving players wanting more depth and backstory.
Immersive Open-World Experience
Ubisoft Massive has outdone themselves in crafting an open world that feels both expansive and lived-in. Each planet in Star Wars Outlaws is meticulously designed, from the bustling cantinas of Toshara to the desolate wastelands of outlying moons. The game invites players to lose themselves in its environment, whether it’s through engaging in mini-games, eavesdropping on conversations, or simply exploring the detailed landscapes.
The seamless space travel is a particular highlight. Taking off from a planet, flying through space, and landing on another world without a single loading screen is an exhilarating experience. It’s moments like these that make you feel truly immersed in the Star Wars universe, giving the game a sense of scale that few others can match.
Gameplay: Familiar Yet Satisfying
The core gameplay loop of Star Wars Outlaws revolves around heists, combat, and exploration. While the game borrows heavily from Ubisoft’s established formula, it manages to keep things fresh by adding new layers of strategy and choice. Kay’s companion, Nix, plays a crucial role in both stealth and combat, offering a range of abilities that can turn the tide of a mission. From distracting enemies to hacking terminals, Nix is more than just a sidekick; he’s an essential part of your toolkit.
Combat in Star Wars Outlaws is serviceable, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of innovation. Kay’s blaster has multiple firing modes, and she can pick up enemy weapons on the fly, but the lack of variety in armaments and combat mechanics may leave some players craving more. The game’s platforming and stealth sections are also competent, if not groundbreaking, offering just enough challenge to keep players engaged without becoming frustrating.
Narrative and Character Development: A Mixed Bag
While the overarching story of Star Wars Outlaws is compelling, it’s not without its flaws. The main narrative, centered around a galaxy-spanning heist, is full of twists and turns that keep the stakes high, but the pacing can feel uneven at times. The story’s climax is undoubtedly its strongest point, with a series of thrilling set-pieces that bring Kay’s journey to a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, conclusion.
Where the game stumbles is in its character development. Kay’s motivations, while clear, lack the nuance and depth needed to make her truly memorable. The supporting cast, including Kay’s droid companion ND-5, suffers from similar issues. ND-5 is a standout in terms of design and voice acting, but his relationship with Kay feels underdeveloped, with their bond progressing too quickly to feel earned. The game hints at deeper themes of loyalty, trust, and redemption, but it never fully explores them, leaving players with a sense of what could have been.
A Universe of Possibilities, Hampered by Familiar Pitfalls
Despite its many strengths, Star Wars Outlaws is not without its shortcomings. The game’s reputation system, which allows players to align with various criminal syndicates, offers a tantalizing glimpse of the choices and consequences that could shape Kay’s journey. However, the execution falls short, as players can easily shift their allegiances with minimal effort, reducing the impact of their decisions. Similarly, the game’s bounty system, while entertaining, can feel more like a nuisance than a meaningful gameplay mechanic.
Technical issues also mar the experience. From minor bugs to occasional crashes, Star Wars Outlaws is a reminder that even the most ambitious games can be brought down by technical shortcomings. While none of these issues are game-breaking, they do detract from the overall experience, especially during crucial moments.
Final Verdict
Star Wars Outlaws is a bold and ambitious entry in the Star Wars gaming franchise, offering players a fresh perspective on the galaxy’s criminal underworld. Its immersive open world, compelling gameplay, and seamless space travel make it a must-play for fans of the franchise. However, its narrative and character development fall short of the high bar set by other Star Wars stories, and technical issues can occasionally disrupt the experience.
Despite its flaws, Star Wars Outlaws is a game that captures the spirit of the Star Wars universe in a way that few others have. It’s not perfect, but it’s a journey worth taking for anyone who’s ever dreamed of living life on the edge in a galaxy far, far away.
