The Star Wars universe is no stranger to video games, with countless titles spanning various genres over the decades. Yet, despite the vastness of this iconic galaxy, the series has never fully embraced the open-world format—until now. Star Wars Outlaws, developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, is set to change that with the first-ever open-world Star Wars game. Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Outlaws promises to deliver an experience where the galaxy is yours to explore, and every decision could determine your fate.
In Star Wars Outlaws, players step into the boots of Kay Vess, a scoundrel with a checkered past and a thirst for freedom. Accompanied by her loyal companion, Nix, Kay embarks on a journey across familiar and new locations within the Star Wars galaxy. But this is no ordinary adventure. The game immerses players in the darker side of the Star Wars universe, where crime syndicates hold power, and the law is more of a suggestion than a rule. As Kay, you’ll need to fight, steal, and outwit your way through a web of intrigue and danger, all while carving out a path to a new life.
The open-world nature of Star Wars Outlaws means that the galaxy is your playground. Iconic locations such as Tatooine, Bespin, and Hoth are ripe for exploration, while brand-new planets and environments add fresh layers to the Star Wars lore. But this isn’t just a game about sightseeing; it’s about making choices that will shape your journey and determine your place in the galaxy. Whether you align yourself with powerful crime syndicates or forge your path as an independent outlaw, your decisions will have consequences that ripple across the galaxy.
This review will delve into what makes Star Wars Outlaws a groundbreaking entry in the Star Wars gaming universe. From its richly detailed setting and narrative to its innovative gameplay mechanics and sprawling open world, we’ll explore how this game brings the galaxy far, far away to life in ways we’ve never seen before. So buckle up and prepare for a hyperspace jump into a galaxy full of danger, opportunity, and endless possibilities.
Setting and Story
Star Wars Outlaws transports players to a galaxy in turmoil, set between the pivotal events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. This period in the Star Wars timeline is one of the most intense and uncertain, with the Rebel Alliance reeling from devastating losses and the Galactic Empire tightening its iron grip on countless star systems. However, it’s also a time ripe with opportunity for those willing to operate in the galaxy’s shadowy underworld—a perfect backdrop for the adventures of Kay Vess, the game’s protagonist.
Kay Vess is not your typical Star Wars hero. She’s a scoundrel, a survivor who has learned to navigate the treacherous waters of the galaxy’s criminal underbelly. Kay is driven by a desire for freedom and the hope of starting a new life far away from the lawless chaos that has defined her existence. Her journey is self-discovery, as she grapples with her past while forging a future in a galaxy where loyalty is fleeting and danger is ever-present.
The game’s story unfolds as Kay and her loyal companion, Nix, traverse the galaxy, taking on missions that range from daring heists to high-stakes infiltrations. The narrative is richly woven with intrigue, betrayal, and survival elements as Kay crosses paths with some of the galaxy’s most notorious crime syndicates. Each mission pushes her further into the heart of the galactic underworld, where every choice she makes has far-reaching consequences.
One of the most compelling aspects of Star Wars Outlaws is its setting. The game allows players to explore iconic locations from the Star Wars universe and entirely new worlds crafted specifically for this adventure. From the bustling streets of Coruscant’s lower levels to the remote deserts of Tatooine, the game captures the essence of the Star Wars galaxy in stunning detail. But it’s not just about revisiting familiar places; it’s about discovering new ones, each with its unique culture, inhabitants, and challenges.
The story is also heavily influenced by player choice. Kay will face decisions that test her morals, loyalty, and survival instincts as she navigates through the galaxy. Whether to align with a powerful crime syndicate for protection or strike out independently, risking everything for a better life is just one of the many dilemmas players will encounter. These choices affect the immediate storyline and shape the broader narrative, leading to multiple possible outcomes.
Kay’s companion, Nix, adds a layer to the story. More than just a sidekick, Nix plays a crucial role in both the narrative and gameplay. The bond between Kay and Nix is central to the story, providing moments of fun and emotional depth amidst the galaxy’s harsh realities. Nix also serves as a valuable ally during missions, assisting Kay with tasks that range from stealth to combat, further solidifying their partnership as they navigate the dangers of the criminal underworld.
Star Wars Outlaws offers a narrative experience that is both expansive and deeply personal. It’s a story of survival, choice, and the pursuit of freedom, set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic universes in pop culture. The setting and story create a compelling adventure that invites players to explore, engage, and ultimately decide their place in the galaxy.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Star Wars Outlaws brings the galaxy far, far away to life through a combination of open-world exploration, dynamic combat, and rich interactive systems that make every moment of gameplay feel significant. Massive Entertainment has crafted a game that captures the spirit of the Star Wars universe and introduces innovative mechanics that keep players engaged and invested in Kay Vess’s journey.
Open-World Exploration:
Its open-world design is at the heart of Star Wars Outlaws, a first for the Star Wars franchise. The game allows players to seamlessly travel between planets and space stations, each with unique environments, cultures, and challenges. The freedom to explore these locations at your own pace is one of the game’s most appealing aspects. Whether you’re navigating the dense jungles of a new planet, exploring the bustling markets of a galactic hub, or venturing into the depths of a space station, the game offers a wealth of opportunities for discovery.
Exploration is not just about sightseeing; it’s integral to the gameplay. As Kay, you’ll uncover hidden secrets, take on side quests, and interact with diverse characters, each offering new missions, items, or information. The open-world structure encourages players to venture off the beaten path, rewarding curiosity with valuable resources, upgrades, and story insights. The planets and locations are richly detailed, making each discovery feel like a meaningful part of your journey.
Dynamic Combat:
Combat in Star Wars Outlaws is fluid and dynamic and offers a variety of playstyles to suit different players. Kay has various weapons and gadgets that allow her to engage enemies in multiple ways, whether through confrontation or stealthy approaches. The game’s combat system is designed to be both accessible and profound, giving players the tools to handle encounters creatively.
One of the key mechanics in combat is the ability to switch between ranged and melee attacks, allowing for a flexible approach depending on the situation. The game also incorporates cover-based shooting, where players can use the environment to their advantage, taking cover behind objects and using them to outmaneuver enemies. Kay’s agility is another critical factor in combat. Her ability to dodge, roll, and climb makes her a nimble and difficult target for her foes.
Nix, Kay’s companion, plays an essential role in combat. Players can issue commands to Nix during battles, using him to distract enemies, retrieve items, or even launch surprise attacks. The synergy between Kay and Nix adds a tactical layer to combat, encouraging players to think strategically about how to approach each encounter.
Stealth and Strategy:
While direct combat is an option, Star Wars Outlaws emphasizes stealth and strategy. Many missions offer the choice to avoid detection and complete objectives without alerting enemies. The game’s stealth mechanics are well-integrated, with tools such as distraction devices, silencers, and environmental manipulation allowing Kay to sneak past or silently eliminate threats. The choice between stealth and combat often depends on the player’s preference, and the game rewards both approaches equally.
Interactive Systems and Choices:
The game’s interactive systems go beyond combat and exploration. Star Wars Outlaws strongly emphasizes player choice, with decisions that can impact both the immediate mission and the broader narrative. These choices often involve moral dilemmas, such as deciding whether to help or betray a character, how to handle negotiations with crime syndicates, or which alliances to form. The outcomes of these decisions are not always predictable, leading to a branching narrative that can significantly alter the story’s direction.
Resource management and upgrades are also integral to the gameplay. Players can collect and trade resources to improve Kay’s weapons, ships, and gadgets, making her more formidable in combat and exploration. The game offers a robust crafting system, allowing players to customize their loadout and adapt to their challenges.
Overall, Star Wars Outlaws offers a gameplay experience as diverse and dynamic as the galaxy. Whether engaging in high-stakes combat, sneaking through enemy lines, or making choices that shape your destiny, the game ensures that every moment is packed with tension, excitement, and the thrill of exploration.
Multiplayer and Replayability
Star Wars Outlaws primarily focuses on delivering a rich single-player experience, but its design and structure ensure that it offers significant replayability. While the game does not feature a traditional multiplayer mode, the depth of its open-world gameplay, combined with its branching narrative and player-driven choices, provides plenty of reasons for players to return to the galaxy and explore different paths.
Branching Narrative and Player Choices:
One key aspect contributing to Star Wars Outlaws‘ replayability is its branching narrative, which is heavily influenced by players’ choices throughout the game. These choices can lead to different outcomes in missions, alter relationships with key characters, and even change the trajectory of Kay Vess’s journey. Whether aligning with a particular crime syndicate or betraying an ally for personal gain, these decisions create a web of possibilities that encourage multiple playthroughs.
Players are likely to revisit the game to explore different choices and their consequences, uncovering new storylines, dialogue options, and character interactions that were not available in their initial playthrough. This branching narrative system ensures that each playthrough can offer a fresh and unique experience, keeping the game engaging even after the main story has been completed.
Exploration and Side Quests:
The game’s vast open world is filled with side quests, hidden treasures, and optional missions that add layers of depth to the core narrative. These side activities are not just filler content; they often tie into the larger story and provide additional context, background information, or valuable resources that can influence the main campaign. Players who enjoy fully exploring the galaxy will find plenty of content to keep them engaged, from helping a stranded smuggler on a distant planet to uncovering ancient secrets in forgotten ruins.
The game’s open-world design also means players can approach objectives differently by taking a direct route, using stealth, or exploring alternative paths. This freedom to choose how to tackle challenges further enhances replayability, as players may discover new strategies or shortcuts in subsequent playthroughs.
New Game Plus and Difficulty Modes:
To further extend the game’s longevity, Star Wars Outlaws may include features such as New Game Plus, where players can start a new playthrough with all their previously acquired upgrades and abilities. This mode would allow players to experience the story again with a more powerful Kay, taking on tougher challenges and potentially accessing new content not available in the initial playthrough.
Additionally, the game might offer multiple difficulty modes, catering to casual players and those seeking a more intense experience. Higher difficulty settings could introduce more challenging enemies, stricter resource management, and additional layers of strategy, providing a rewarding challenge for seasoned players.
Potential for DLC and Expansions:
Given the scope of the Star Wars universe, there is significant potential for post-launch content, such as downloadable expansions or additional story chapters. These expansions could introduce new planets, characters, and missions, further enriching the game world and offering players even more content to explore. This ongoing support would keep the game fresh and engaging, encouraging players to return to the galaxy long after the initial release.
Community Engagement and Shared Experiences:
While Star Wars Outlaws does not feature traditional multiplayer, the shared experience of exploring the galaxy and making impactful choices can foster a strong community among players. Online discussions, fan theories, and shared strategies can create a vibrant community where players exchange tips, discuss different narrative outcomes, and compare their unique playthroughs.
The game’s depth and complexity ensure that it will remain a topic of conversation and analysis within the gaming community, further enhancing its replayability as players return to uncover every secret and explore every possibility.
Graphics and Sound
Star Wars Outlaws sets a new standard for visual and auditory immersion in the Star Wars gaming universe, leveraging the latest technology to create a galaxy that feels both familiar and breathtakingly new. Massive Entertainment has poured meticulous detail into every aspect of the game’s presentation, ensuring that each planet, character, and sound feels authentic to the iconic franchise while pushing the boundaries of what players can expect from a next-generation title.
Graphics:
Visually, Star Wars Outlaws is a masterpiece. The game uses advanced rendering techniques to bring the Star Wars galaxy to life with stunning realism and vibrant detail. Each planet and location is meticulously crafted, from the dusty, sun-baked deserts of Tatooine to the neon-lit, bustling markets of Coruscant. The environments are visually distinct and filled with intricate details that make each location feel lived-in and part of a larger, interconnected world.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the game’s visual storytelling. Dynamic lighting systems react to environmental conditions, creating dramatic shadows and highlights that enhance the mood of each scene. Whether it’s the soft glow of a distant star casting long shadows across a barren landscape or the harsh, flickering lights inside a dilapidated space station, the lighting in Star Wars Outlaws adds depth and atmosphere to the already immersive environments.
Character models are rendered with exceptional detail, capturing the subtleties of facial expressions, clothing textures, and even the wear and tear on equipment. Kay Vess, in particular, is animated with a precision that makes her movements feel fluid and natural, whether navigating treacherous terrain, engaging in combat, or interacting with NPCs. The same level of care is evident in the design of the various alien species, droids, and creatures that populate the galaxy, each brought to life with a distinct personality and visual style.
The game’s cinematics are seamlessly integrated with the gameplay, utilizing real-time rendering to maintain a consistent visual fidelity. This approach ensures that transitions between gameplay and story moments are smooth and immersive, keeping players fully engaged in the narrative without any jarring changes in visual quality.
Sound:
The sound design in Star Wars Outlaws is equally impressive. It captures the iconic audio elements of the Star Wars universe while introducing new soundscapes that enhance the game’s unique atmosphere. The soundtrack, composed by talented musicians, features a blend of original compositions and familiar Star Wars themes. The music swells and recedes in response to the action, perfectly complementing the on-screen events and heightening the emotional impact of key moments.
The sound effects are painstakingly crafted to ensure authenticity, with every blaster shot, lightsaber hum, and engine roar sounding precisely as it should. The game also makes excellent use of spatial audio, allowing players to hear the direction and distance of sounds within the environment. This feature is particularly effective in creating tension during stealth sequences, as the sounds of distant footsteps or nearby conversations can provide crucial information about enemy positions.
Voice acting is another standout feature, with a cast of talented actors bringing the characters of Star Wars Outlaws to life. Kay Vess’s voice is filled with nuance, capturing the complexity of her character as she navigates the challenges of the galaxy. The supporting cast, including familiar Star Wars characters and new faces, are equally well-performed, adding depth and personality to the interactions and dialogue throughout the game.
Ambient sounds further enhance the immersive experience, featuring each location’s unique soundscape. From the buzzing of alien insects in a jungle to the chatter of market vendors in a busy city, the ambient audio creates a rich auditory backdrop that makes the world of Star Wars Outlaws feel alive and dynamic.
Visual Effects and Performance:
The game’s visual effects are a feast for the eyes, with stunning particle effects, explosions, and weather systems that add to the cinematic quality of the gameplay. Whether it’s the sparks flying from a damaged droid, the dust kicked up by a landspeeder racing across the desert, or the rain lashing down in a thunderstorm, the visual effects in Star Wars Outlaws are meticulously crafted to enhance the sense of immersion.
Performance is another area where the game excels, with the developers optimizing the game to run smoothly across various platforms. On next-gen consoles and high-end PCs, Star Wars Outlaws takes full advantage of advanced hardware to deliver high frame rates, fast loading times, and ultra-high-definition resolutions, ensuring the experience is as seamless as visually spectacular.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars Outlaws represents a bold and ambitious leap forward for the Star Wars gaming franchise, offering players the first open-world experience set in this beloved universe. The game’s compelling narrative, rich character development, and dynamic gameplay mechanics make it a standout title that honours the legacy of Star Wars and introduces new possibilities for storytelling and exploration within the galaxy.
The attention to detail in graphics and sound design creates an immersive experience that transports players to a galaxy far away, making every moment feel like a cinematic adventure. The branching narrative and open-world design ensure that Star Wars Outlaws offer substantial replayability, inviting players to explore different paths and discover new stories with each playthrough.
For fans of the Star Wars universe and open-world games alike, Star Wars Outlaws is a must-play title that promises to offer a vast, living galaxy to explore, filled with danger, opportunity, and the thrill of the unknown. It’s a game that will keep players returning, eager to see where the next chapter in Kay Vess’s journey will take them.
We prepared this review with a digital copy of Star Wars Outlaws for the PS5 version provided by Ubisoft.
