“Star Wars Outlaws” Isn’t Perfect, But It’s Still Pretty Damn Fun

Aug 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Uncharted Worlds: A Smuggler's Tale in the Star Wars GalaxyWhen you think of Star Wars, the iconic imagery of Jedi, lightsabers, and the mystical Force immediately comes to mind. But beyond the well-trodden paths of Skywalker lore, there lies a sprawling galaxy teeming with the gritty realities of smugglers, bounty hunters, and criminal syndicates – a world that has long been yearning for its own story to be told. Enter Ubisoft's Star Wars: Outlaws, a game that promises to immerse players in the seedy underbelly of the Star Wars universe during the waning days of the Galactic Empire.

Traversing the Lawless Fringes of the Galaxy

- Establishing a Foothold on Canto Bight- Navigating the Faction-Driven Underworld- Unlocking Legendary Outlaw Expertise- Exploring the Visual Diversity of Star Wars Planets- Engaging in Space Exploration and Dogfighting

Establishing a Foothold on Canto Bight

The game's protagonist, Kay Vess, is a down-on-her-luck smuggler who hails from the notorious casino planet of Canto Bight – a setting that was only briefly touched upon in the films but is ripe with untold potential. Outlaws offers players the chance to delve deeper into this intriguing locale, providing a fascinating glimpse into the backstory and culture of a location that has long been overshadowed by the more prominent Star Wars locales. As players navigate the glitzy streets and seedy underbellies of Canto Bight, they'll quickly discover that this is just the beginning of a much larger, more complex journey.

Navigating the Faction-Driven Underworld

At the heart of Outlaws' gameplay loop is an intricate faction system that allows players to forge alliances and betrayals with the various criminal syndicates that hold sway over the galaxy. From the notorious Pykes and Hutts to the enigmatic Crimson Dawn, each faction presents its own unique objectives and rewards, challenging players to carefully balance their reputation and loyalties as they navigate the treacherous web of interstellar crime. This faction-driven approach, inspired by the likes of Fallout: New Vegas and Cyberpunk 2077, adds a level of depth and consequence to the player's actions, ensuring that every decision carries weight and shapes the trajectory of their smuggler's tale.

Unlocking Legendary Outlaw Expertise

Outlaws' progression system moves away from the traditional skill trees and perk systems, instead focusing on a more streamlined approach that emphasizes exploration and discovery. By seeking out the various "Experts" scattered across the galaxy, players can unlock powerful new abilities and skills that enhance their smuggler's arsenal. From specialized combat techniques to traversal upgrades, these legendary outlaws serve as both allies and mentors, providing a unique avenue for character growth that is firmly rooted in the game's overall narrative and setting.

Exploring the Visual Diversity of Star Wars Planets

One of the standout features of Outlaws is the visual splendor of its environments, each planet offering a distinct and immersive setting that captures the essence of the Star Wars galaxy. From the towering spires and neon-soaked cityscapes of Canto Bight to the harsh, windswept deserts of Tatooine and the icy wastelands of Kijimi, the game's art direction effortlessly blends nostalgia with innovation, creating a sense of familiarity while still offering players a fresh perspective on the beloved Star Wars universe.

Engaging in Space Exploration and Dogfighting

While Outlaws may not offer the sprawling, open-ended space exploration of titles like Starfield or No Man's Sky, its approach to galactic travel and combat still manages to be a satisfying and engaging experience. Players can navigate through asteroid fields, discover hidden pirate caches, and engage in thrilling starfighter battles – all serving as a natural extension of the game's core ground-based gameplay. Though not the primary focus, these interstellar excursions provide a welcome break from the action on the planet's surface, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the expansive Star Wars universe.Ultimately, Star Wars: Outlaws represents a bold and refreshing take on the beloved franchise, one that dares to venture beyond the well-trodden paths of Jedi and Sith to explore the gritty, morally ambiguous world of smugglers, bounty hunters, and criminal syndicates. With its unique faction-driven narrative, expertly crafted environments, and a commitment to delivering an authentic Star Wars experience, Outlaws promises to offer a captivating adventure for both longtime fans and newcomers to the galaxy far, far away.