Exploring Star Wars Outlaws: A Unique Take on the Galaxy Far Far Away
When diving into games based on beloved intellectual property like Star Wars, there’s always a sense of anticipation and skepticism. Will the game be a masterpiece deserving of the Jedi Council’s approval, or will it fall short and find itself exiled from the gaming universe?
Star Wars Outlaws hails from the creative minds at Swedish developer Massive Entertainment, known for their work on The Division series, with Ubisoft taking on publishing duties (no surprise there, given their ownership of Massive Entertainment).
As a self-professed die-hard Star Wars enthusiast (seriously, my SWC collection is impressive), I was understandably excited about Star Wars Outlaws. Promising a single-player adventure set in the gritty underbelly of the Star Wars universe, free from the constraints of Jedi doctrine and Force manipulation, the game held the potential to carve out a special place in my heart among Star Wars gaming classics.
Star Wars Outlaws introduces us to our protagonist, Kay Vess (portrayed by Humberly González), and her charming companion Nyx (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker, known for his work as “The Gravemind”, now taking on a lovable role) on the planet Cantonica. Fans will recognize Cantonica from The Last Jedi, particularly the infamous Canto Bight, and Outlaws seamlessly weaves in themes from this cinematic setting.
At the outset of Outlaws, Kay’s criminal endeavors are modest, as she grapples with small-scale scams to make ends meet. While Kay initially appears affable, a pivotal moment arises when her actions veer into morally questionable territory, prompting a shift in my perception of her character. While I expect a rogue like Kay to engage in illicit activities, seeing her exploit vulnerable locals struck a discordant note.
This dilemma epitomizes my primary issue with Star Wars Outlaws—the sluggish character development pace. For a significant portion of the game, I found myself embodying a protagonist whom I struggled to empathize with. Additionally, the game’s pacing proves to be its Achilles’ heel. Despite marketing touting Outlaws as the first open-world Star Wars experience, early gameplay segments confine players to forced stealth missions infiltrating the Crimson Dawn base.
These stealth sections, compounded by disarmed combat mechanics and unforgiving enemy AI, add to the frustration. The lack of clear indicators for enemy awareness coupled with adversaries’ astonishing inability to discern unusual occurrences detracts from the immersive experience. While Nyx’s endearing antics offer brief reprieves, the overall stealth gameplay remains lackluster.
Once liberated from the confines of scripted stealth sequences, the open-world vistas of Outlaws unveil a promising landscape. Despite stealth retaining emphasis throughout most quests, the freedom to choose one’s approach imbues a sense of agency. The presence of four crime syndicates, particularly the Pykes, Crimson Dawn, and The Hutts on Cantonica, introduces a dynamic factional dynamic. Your interactions influence factional relations, with negative standings potentially unleashing deadly repercussions. Fortunately, opportunities exist to mend strained alliances, mitigating the threat of vengeful gangs.
Embarking on diverse activities in Star Wars Outlaws, such as accumulating wealth, upgrading equipment, and traversing the vibrant locales on a speeder bike, offers a varied gameplay experience. While the core loop often gravitates towards stealth, the game manages to keep engagement levels high. Journeying to off-world destinations like Tatooine introduces space combat elements, though the ponderous ship controls undermine the thrill. However, standout moments like engaging in intense Sabacc games, strategically leveraging Nyx’s talents, stand out amidst the gameplay.
The atmospheric immersion in the criminal underworld, manifested through intricate gang dynamics, rich visuals, and authentic language, elevates Star Wars Outlaws beyond mere mediocrity. Despite its flaws, the meticulous attention to detail and immersive world-building ensure that Outlaws retains its allure, warranting continued exploration through its seasonal content.
