Star Wars Outlaws Review: A Fresh Take on the Galaxy's Gritty Underbelly
Star Wars Outlaws swaggers into the gaming world like a rogue with a mission, offering a fresh and gritty take on the beloved galaxy far, far away. For those of us who've spent countless hours wielding lightsabers and mastering the Force, Outlaws presents a departure from the mystical and into the material—a galaxy where blasters, cunning, and a good dose of luck are your best allies. This game offers an open-world experience, or more accurately, open-worlds, that feels both familiar and fresh, delivering a story that weaves through the cracks of the well-trodden Star Wars narrative.
Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws takes us on a wild ride through the galaxy's criminal underworld, a space often hinted at but rarely explored in such depth. The game's protagonist, Kay Vass, is a character that steps into this lawless frontier with the kind of reckless abandon that fans of Han Solo will appreciate. However, unlike Solo, Kay is not a hero in the making. Instead, she's a thief, raised in the grimy back alleys of Canto Bight, a place where honor among thieves is a quaint notion, and survival often depends on being the one who shoots first.
A Gritty, Gun-Slinging Adventure
One of the standout aspects of Star Wars Outlaws is its dedication to a more grounded form of storytelling within the Star Wars universe. The lightsabers and Force powers are left behind for a more visceral experience. The gunfights in Outlaws are intense, drawing more from classic Westerns than from the space opera roots of Star Wars. It’s a game where your skill with a blaster can mean the difference between life and death, and where broken promises can lead to unexpected betrayals.
The game’s approach to combat is undeniably engaging, with blasters that feel punchy and impactful. The cover-based shooting mechanics are well-implemented, giving players the tools they need to survive in a galaxy that seems to be constantly gunning for them. However, this isn't a game that reinvents the wheel; it's more of a refined take on established mechanics. The addition of Kay's Adrenaline Rush ability, which slows time and allows for precision shots, adds a cinematic flair to the firefights, but it’s a trick we’ve seen before in games like Red Dead Redemption.
Kay Vass: A New Face in the Star Wars Universe
Kay Vass is a compelling protagonist, not because she breaks new ground, but because she fits so well into the archetype of the reluctant hero—or in this case, anti-hero. Raised in a world where the line between good and evil is blurred, Kay is not out to save the galaxy but to survive it. Her journey is one of self-interest, making her a fascinating character to follow as she navigates the dangerous waters of the Star Wars underworld.
Kay’s companion, Nix, a mischievous and capable pet with a penchant for pilfering, adds a layer of charm to the game. Nix isn't just a cute sidekick; he's integral to the gameplay, helping Kay in both combat and exploration. Whether he's distracting enemies or unlocking doors, Nix is a valuable asset, making the game feel like a true partnership.
A Galaxy of Open-Worlds
Star Wars Outlaws shines in its depiction of the galaxy. The game features several planets to explore, each with its own distinct environment and culture. From the arid deserts of Tatooine to the lush rainforests of Akiva, the diversity of the settings keeps the experience fresh as players traverse these vast open worlds. The planets aren’t just backdrops; they are teeming with life and opportunities, whether it’s taking on side missions, engaging in high-speed chases on speeder bikes, or simply exploring the rich lore that the game offers.
While Outlaws doesn’t allow for complete freedom to explore every inch of its planets like No Man’s Sky or Starfield, it does offer expansive sandboxes that are more than adequate for creating a sense of scale and adventure. Each location is packed with secrets and side quests that can significantly impact your journey, especially with the game's syndicate system. This system forces you to make alliances with different crime families, adding layers of strategy to your choices. Aligning with one syndicate might give you access to special resources, but it could also make you enemies with another, limiting your options later in the game.
The Story: A Space Western Saga
The narrative of Star Wars Outlaws is what truly sets it apart. It’s a space western that doesn’t try to mimic the epic tales of Jedi and Sith but instead carves out its own niche within the Star Wars universe. The story is straightforward—Kay and Nix are on the run, trying to clear their names and survive in a galaxy that’s out to get them. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, from mob bosses to mercenaries, each bringing their own flavor to the story.
The game’s plot might seem simple, but it’s layered with intrigue, betrayal, and unexpected twists that keep you engaged. The writing is sharp, with plenty of nods to Star Wars lore, yet it remains accessible to those who might not be steeped in the franchise’s history. The finale of Kay’s journey is particularly satisfying, as she evolves from a self-serving smuggler into a character with a deeper understanding of the world around her, even if her ultimate goals remain far more personal than galactic.
Visuals and Atmosphere
Visually, Star Wars Outlaws is a stunning game. The environments are richly detailed, with each planet offering a unique aesthetic that feels authentic to the Star Wars universe. The game’s use of lighting and weather effects adds to the immersion, making the galaxy feel alive. The character designs, especially Kay and Nix, are both memorable and true to the spirit of Star Wars, with just the right amount of grit and charm.
The sound design is another highlight, with the familiar hum of blasters, the roar of spaceships, and the ambient sounds of alien worlds pulling you deeper into the experience. The voice acting is top-notch, bringing the characters to life in a way that makes you care about their journey.
A Few Missteps
Star Wars Outlaws is not without its flaws. The game’s stealth mechanics can feel uneven at times, with moments where the AI seems either too easy to outsmart or frustratingly unpredictable. Additionally, while the space combat is a welcome diversion, it lacks the depth that might keep players engaged over long periods. The limited vehicle options also feel like a missed opportunity, especially in a universe where iconic ships and vehicles are such a big part of the experience.
Despite the many highs of Star Wars Outlaws, the game isn't without its flaws that may leave some fans wanting more. One of the most glaring issues is the uneven AI behavior; enemies can range from being frustratingly overpowered with their pinpoint accuracy to laughably oblivious, walking right past you without noticing. Additionally, while the game's environments are sprawling and beautifully rendered, they can sometimes feel lifeless and lacking in meaningful interactions, making exploration less rewarding over time. The dialogue, though often witty, occasionally falls into repetitive patterns, especially during side missions where characters might recycle the same lines, detracting from the otherwise immersive experience. Finally, while Kay’s evolution as a character is compelling, some players might find her progression feels rushed, with key moments of development glossed over in favor of plot momentum, missing opportunities to delve deeper into her personal journey. These criticisms, though not game-breaking, add up and prevent Star Wars Outlaws from reaching the full potential of its ambitious premise.
Conclusion: A Must-Play for Star Wars Fans
Despite its shortcomings, Star Wars Outlaws is a must-play for fans of the franchise. It offers a unique perspective on the Star Wars universe, one that’s grounded in the gritty reality of its criminal underworld. The game’s blend of compelling storytelling, engaging combat, and expansive worlds makes it a standout title, even if it doesn’t completely reinvent the genre. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just looking for a solid open-world game, Outlaws delivers a memorable adventure that’s well worth your time.
With its release date approaching, Star Wars Outlaws is poised to be one of the most talked-about games of the year, and for good reason. It’s a fresh, exciting take on a beloved franchise, offering something new while staying true to the essence of what makes Star Wars great.