An open-world Star Wars game where you play as a smuggling gunslinger is on paper a dream come true to me. Star Wars Outlaws manages to nail this roleplaying dream at times, and at other times, it misses the mark of an excellent game being pretty bland. The Ubisoft formula is well known by now and has been tried in a lot of different contexts and worlds, but never with Star Wars before.
Characters you want to hang out with.
At the heart of Star Wars Outlaws is a compelling narrative centered around Kay Vess, a cleverly crafted protagonist who embodies the spirit of a scrappy outlaw. Set between the events of “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” the game plunges players into the chaotic world of bounty hunters, smugglers, and the Galactic Empire. The interactions with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motives and backstories, create an immersive and engaging narrative depth. While Kay Vess might not be the most interesting main character with way too little backstory for us to care much for her, the side characters are almost all very interesting and fun to hang out with.
Limited but free
The open-world design allows for seamless exploration of iconic locations, from bustling spaceports to the treacherous deserts of Tatooine. Players are given the freedom to choose their approach to missions, whether through stealth, combat, or negotiation. The blend of action and strategy keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
The addition of the hairy companion, featuring Kay’s trusty sidekick—a mischievous creature with its own set of skills—adds another layer of depth to the gameplay. In combat situations, players can strategize on-the-fly, making use of the unique abilities of both characters, which enhances the cooperative aspect of the experience.
An audiovisual rollercoster
Visually, Star Wars Outlaws is a feast for the eyes most of the time. The graphics leverage the latest technology to create stunning environments that feel authentic to the Star Wars aesthetic. From the rich colors of alien worlds to the intricate designs of ships leaving me fully immersed in a galaxy far, far away. But when it comes to characters and animation, the game leaves a lot to wish for, especially with Kay as she looks turbid and blurry more often then not.
Sound design also plays a significant role in the game’s atmosphere. The iconic score, reminiscent of John Williams’ masterpieces, compliments the sound effects and voice acting, which are top-notch. Familiar sounds of blasters, and starships enhance the authenticity of the experience, making it feel like you’re truly part of the saga.
Sabbacc is the new Gwent
An open-world adventure is nothing without is mini-games and Star Wars Outlaws comes packed with them. Hacking doors feels like it looks from the movies in a short rhythm-based game, which might be repetitive, but still fun. Hacking computers is lika playing The secret code boardgame, which I love, making it a joy to play even here.
The star of the mini-games and one deserving its own game is the cardgame Sabbacc. The game is okayed with two cards on hand and three chances to draw a new crad, with goal of getting two cards with the same value and as low value as possible. Ontop of this there are cheats, special cards and bricks which gives you advantages. I spent hours with Sabbacc and still want more, so heres hoping for a standalone game of Sabbacc!
On the repetitive side
While Star Wars Outlaws excels in many areas, it does have a few shortcomings. Some players might find that the open-world design can lead to moments of repetition in side quests. At times the game feels like a great open-world adventure where I am fully immersed and at times it feels like a classic Ubisoft-chore. Additionally, the AI for enemy NPCs can occasionally feel lackluster, detracting from the otherwise engaging combat experience. However, these issues are relatively minor and do not significantly hinder the overall enjoyment of the game.
Conclusion
My time with Star Wars Outlaws has been a experience I have waited for since the first movie and I had a really hard time letting o of the controller with way to late nights spent hacking, slicing and stealing stuff while acting all cool about it.
Star Wars Outlaws is a thrilling journey through the darker corners of the Star Wars universe, filled with unforgettable characters, diverse gameplay options, and a rich story that invites player choice. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the franchise or a newcomer, the game offers something for everyone. With its breathtaking visuals and compelling narrative, Star Wars Outlaws stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the galaxy far, far away—making it a must-play for any Star Wars enthusiast.
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