Star Wars Outlaws Review
OUR RATING: 8/10
Star Wars Outlaws, the brainchild of Massive Entertainment in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, is an open-world escapade that promises to immerse you in the scintillating world of scoundrels, syndicates, and high-stakes galactic exploits. After EA being the sole franchise holder for Star Wars games, the first blockbuster Star Wars title comes from Ubisoft, and we couldn’t be more excited to check it out.
The narrative tapestry of Star Wars Outlaws weaves an intricate tale around Kay Vess, a charismatic and cunning bounty hunter navigating the seedy underbelly of the galaxy. Set in the tumultuous era between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the game thrusts you into a world where loyalty is a commodity, betrayal lurks around every corner, and the allure of power is an ever-present temptation.
In a daring move that sets the wheels of destiny in motion, Kay finds herself embroiled in a high-stakes heist, breaking into the vault of Sliro, a formidable figure in the Zerek Besh syndicate. Little does she know that this audacious act will propel her into the heart of the Rebel Alliance’s struggle against the oppressive Galactic Empire.
As Kay’s journey unfolds, players are introduced to a tapestry of syndicates vying for control and influence across the galaxy. The Pykes, Crimson Dawn, the Hutts, and the Ashiga Clan are but a few of the factions that beckon you to choose sides, each offering unique opportunities and challenges.
Your choices will shape the course of the story, forging alliances or sowing the seeds of enmity with these powerful organizations. Gain favor with one syndicate, and you may find yourself at odds with another, leading to a delicate balancing act that tests your cunning and strategic prowess.
Star Wars Outlaws is a visual masterpiece, capturing the iconic aesthetics of the Star Wars universe with breathtaking fidelity. From the opulent casino city of Canto Bight to the arid dunes of Tatooine and the enigmatic moon of Toshara, each world is a meticulously crafted canvas that invites exploration and discovery.
As you traverse these realms, you’ll encounter a vibrant tapestry of characters, each with their own stories to tell and secrets to unravel. Droids and beings of all shapes and sizes go about their daily routines, lending an air of authenticity to the world around you. Eavesdrop on conversations, uncover hidden treasures, or simply bask in the ambiance of a cantina, where the sounds of laughter and the clink of glasses transport you to the heart of the Star Wars experience.
Stealth plays a pivotal role in Star Wars Outlaws, allowing you to infiltrate Imperial bases, steal from opposing factions, and execute covert operations with precision and finesse. Whether you choose to embrace the shadows or blaze a trail of destruction, the game offers a multitude of approaches to suit your playstyle.
In some missions, you’ll find yourself forced to rely on stealth, disabling your weapons and relying on your wits and Nix, your trusty axolotl companion, to navigate treacherous environments. Nix’s abilities prove invaluable, enabling you to distract enemies, loot inaccessible areas, and even fetch weapons to aid your cause.
No scoundrel’s odyssey would be complete without the thrill of high-stakes gambling, and Star Wars Outlaws delivers an immersive experience with its representation of the iconic Kessel Sabacc. Prepare to dive into the intricacies of this beloved card game, facing off against formidable opponents and utilizing shift cards to gain the upper hand.
As you progress, you’ll gain access to underground Sabacc tables, where the stakes are higher, and the rewards are greater. Explore every nook and cranny of the galaxy, for hidden treasures and elusive shift cards await those daring enough to seek them out.
For those who yearn for the thrill of space exploration and combat, Star Wars Outlaws offers an exhilarating experience. Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, and engage in intense dogfights with TIE Fighters, Interceptors, and Imperial Cruisers, all while the iconic sounds of blasters and engines reverberate through the void.
Scan the area for points of interest and lootable items, upgrade your ship’s capabilities, and master the art of evasive maneuvers as you weave through a tapestry of laser fire and celestial debris. The vastness of space beckons, and with each successful mission, you’ll unlock new horizons to explore.
In Star Wars Outlaws, your journey is uniquely yours, and the game offers a wealth of customization options to ensure that your character, Kay Vess, reflects your playstyle and preferences. From her clothing and accessories to her blaster and even her trusty speeder, every aspect can be tailored to your liking.
But customization extends far beyond mere aesthetics. Upgrade your gear with performance-enhancing parts, unlocking new abilities and bonuses that will aid you in your quest for dominance. Whether you favor the stealthy approach of an assassin or the brazen tactics of a gunslinger, the game provides ample opportunities to hone your skills and forge your own path.
As you delve deeper into the world of Star Wars Outlaws, you’ll soon realize that loyalty is a fragile commodity, and betrayal lurks around every corner. The narrative is a masterful tapestry of intrigue, where characters you once trusted may turn against you, and alliances shift like the sands of Tatooine.
Brace yourself for twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you navigate the delicate balance of power between the various syndicates. Decisions made in the heat of the moment may have far-reaching consequences, testing your resolve and forcing you to confront the harsh realities of the outlaw’s life.
Star Wars Outlaws is a true feast for the senses, with an exceptional soundtrack that seamlessly blends orchestral and electronic elements, capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe. From the iconic fanfares to the haunting melodies that accompany your exploits, the game’s audio design is a masterclass in world-building.
Complementing the auditory experience is a stellar cast of voice actors, breathing life into the diverse array of characters you’ll encounter. Kay Vess, portrayed by Humberly González, exudes a charisma that rivals even the most iconic scoundrels of the Star Wars saga, while the supporting cast delivers performances that resonate with authenticity and depth.
While Star Wars Outlaws may not be a visual tour de force on par with the latest graphical marvels, it delivers a solid and consistent performance across various platforms. Whether you’re playing on a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or a high-end PC, the game maintains a smooth and stable frame rate, ensuring an immersive and uninterrupted experience.
Massive Entertainment has also implemented a range of accessibility features, catering to players with diverse needs and preferences. From audio and visual enhancements to customizable difficulty settings, the game strives to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone can embark on this galactic adventure without barriers.
Star Wars Outlaws is a testament to the enduring allure of the Star Wars universe and the boundless potential for storytelling within its vast expanse. While it may not redefine the open-world genre or push the boundaries of technical innovation, it succeeds in capturing the essence of what it means to be a scoundrel in a galaxy far, far away.
With its intricate narrative, immersive worlds, and a plethora of gameplay options, Star Wars Outlaws offers an experience that will resonate with both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Embrace the role of Kay Vess, forge your own path through the treacherous landscape of syndicates and Imperial oppression, and etch your name into the annals of galactic outlaws.
For those seeking an adventure that transcends the boundaries of the silver screen, Star Wars Outlaws is a odyssey worth embarking upon, a journey that will transport you to the heart of the Star Wars universe and leave you yearning for more tales of scoundrels and scum.
