Star Wars: Outlaws – A Dream Come True for Star Wars Fans
For as long as Star Wars has existed as a franchise, and for as long as gaming adaptations have been a thing, fans have been dreaming of an open world game set in a galaxy far, far away. After years of waiting, Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment have finally delivered with Star Wars: Outlaws, set in the period between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
The story follows Kay Vess, a down-on-her-luck scoundrel from Canto Bight, who finds herself with a Death Mark bounty after a score gone wrong. Forced to go on the run with her alien pet companion Nix, Kay must gather a team of scoundrels to help her evade bounty hunters and crime syndicates while seeking one final score that could offer her freedom. The story, while simple, captures the spirit of the original trilogy and introduces likable characters like ND-5, a robot companion.
One of the highlights of Star Wars: Outlaws is the seamless open world experience it offers. Players can explore planets like Toshara, Kijimi, and Tatooine, with stunning environments that capture the essence of the Star Wars universe. The game excels in environmental design, with detailed landscapes and iconic locations from the movies.
In terms of gameplay, Star Wars: Outlaws combines third-person shooting, climbing, and stealth elements. While the main missions provide a curated experience, the open world gameplay can feel limited at times. The game’s emphasis on stealth can be inconsistent, with enemy placement and vision cones posing challenges for players. However, as players progress and unlock upgrades, the gameplay becomes more varied and engaging.
The Reputation system adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to align themselves with different crime syndicates and make choices that impact the world around them. While the system can be exploited through contract missions, sticking to your choices can enhance the overall experience.
Visually, Star Wars: Outlaws is a stunning game, with beautiful skyboxes and detailed environments that capture the essence of the Star Wars universe. The technical performance on the PlayStation 5 version is solid, with minor issues like jittery animations and occasional crashes.
Overall, Star Wars: Outlaws is a dream come true for Star Wars fans, offering a mix of thrilling gameplay, immersive environments, and engaging storytelling. While it has its flaws, the game ultimately delivers on the long-awaited promise of an open world Star Wars experience. With Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment at the helm, the future of Star Wars gaming looks promising. May the Force be with you as you embark on this epic adventure in a galaxy far, far away.