Star Wars Outlaws Review
Release date: August 27, 2024
Developers: Massive Entertainment, Massive Entertainment AB
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
Mode: Single-player video game
Nominations: The Game Award for Most Anticipated Game
Composers: Kazuma Jinnouchi, Wilbert Roget, II, Jon Everist
“Review Copy Provided By Ubisoft”
Nostalgia can strike unexpectedly, much like a TIE fighter ambush, delivering a poignant blend of surprise and emotional impact. This was my experience an hour into Star Wars Outlaws, when a simple task—acquiring spare parts from Jawas—transported me back to my youth. As I maneuvered my speeder across the Dune Sea and glimpsed the Jawas’ dark, towering transport under the fading suns, memories of watching Star Wars on VHS, a bowl of Monster Munch in hand, flooded back. Such moments punctuate Ubisoft’s vast adventure, providing emotional depth that enlivens the gameplay at critical points.
Despite early indications that Star Wars Outlaws would diverge from Ubisoft’s typical open-world blueprint, it often mirrors the familiar structure. Players assume the role of Kay Vess, a street thief whose life takes a dramatic turn after a heist gone wrong leads to her commandeering a spaceship and crash-landing on Toshara. Survival means navigating the murky waters of the galaxy’s underworld, juggling jobs for criminal overlords, and gradually carving out a reputation as a formidable mercenary. This setup quickly introduces a routine of main quests and numerous optional tasks reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, or Watch Dogs, turning the game into Star Wars: The Busy Work Strikes Back.
Yet, Outlaws distinguishes itself in several ways. Kay’s adventures are enhanced by her beloved pet, Nix, who can distract guards, fetch items, or access difficult-to-reach places, adding layers of strategy and emotional connection. Furthermore, the game intricately weaves Star Wars lore into its fabric; players break into Imperial research stations, navigate dilapidated Republic ships, and infiltrate Hutt strongholds, each rich with details from the original films. These elements offer a treasure trove for fans, from recognizable droids and spacecraft to the Stormtroopers patrolling Mos Eisley on dewbacks.
The game’s planets, while not vast, are densely packed with engaging content. From hidden treasures in Tatooine’s valleys to pirate hideouts in Akiva’s swamps, exploration remains rewarding despite the frustratingly unwieldy speeder bike and a space flight mechanic that falls short of the iconic LucasArts combat simulations. However, these are minor detractions in an otherwise immersive experience.
The on-ground missions combine parkour and stealth—navigating painted pipes and sneaking past high-tech security—which, while basic, evolve in complexity as Kay acquires new abilities like stealthier movement and inventive gadgets such as smoke grenades. Her customizable laser gun, reminiscent of Han Solo’s blaster, adds a nostalgic yet functional touch to her arsenal.
Beneath the surface gameplay lies a narrative that expands from a simple tale of survival into a rich story of alliances and moral dilemmas. As Kay builds her crew, including the battle-hardened droid ND-5, she not only enhances her skills but also explores the ethical dimensions of her actions and those of the rebel forces. The game not only draws on Star Wars mythology but also pays homage to filmmakers like John Ford and Akira Kurosawa, whom George Lucas admired.
While the game may lack the Jedi-centric narrative of titles like EA’s Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor, it caters well to fans of the more rogue-like aspects of the Star Wars universe, introducing a charismatic new protagonist. It offers plenty for fans to enjoy, from spotting classic droids and vehicles to encountering exotic aliens like the Chadra-Fan in a cantina.
If Star Wars Outlaws were merely another open-world game, it would be passable—entertaining yet plagued by common genre clichés. However, the Star Wars theme transforms it, pulling each element into an engaging narrative that recaptures the magic of the franchise. Over the course of about 40 hours, I found myself revisiting the awe and excitement of my childhood, relishing each moment of familiar delight.
