Get ready for a wild ride in Star Wars Outlaws, an open-world adventure that will take you to the heart of the galaxy!
What You Need to Know About Star Wars Outlaws
So, what’s the scoop? Star Wars Outlaws, an upcoming open-world game from Ubisoft, is set to hit the shelves on August 30, 2024. Brace yourselves to dive into a universe ruled by blasters where lightsabers take a backseat. The anticipated price tag is $70 in the US and £60 in the UK. Developed by Ubisoft Massive, this game promises an imaginative adventure that blends crime and exploration in the Star Wars universe.
- Release Date: August 30, 2024
- Expected Price: $70/£60
- Developer: Ubisoft Massive
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Platform Specs: Reviewed on RTX 2080 Super, Intel Core i9 9900KS, 32GB RAM
- Multiplayer: No
- Steam Deck Availability: N/A
- Link: Ubisoft Connect
Ubisoft has become known for its open-world games, and while they often get criticized for sticking to formulaic designs, it’s the quirky and unexpected elements that make their games worth exploring. Think of the rich lore in Assassin’s Creed Mirage or the immersive destructibility of Rainbow Six Siege. These unique touches often get overshadowed, but they add texture to the gaming experience.
The Appeal of Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws embodies both the conventional and the unexpected. Yes, it may fall into familiar patterns at times, but it also gives players something fresh to sink their teeth into. Outlaws features a story-driven adventure where you’ll often find yourself crawling through vents, but it also boasts a reputation system that affects gameplay and beautifully crafted cities that are hard to leave.
Meet Kay Vess: Our Unlikely Hero
Enter Kay Vess, the game’s charming protagonist who could easily slip into any D&D party as the rogue archetype. Raised on the streets of Canto Bight (the infamous casino planet featured in The Last Jedi), Kay is street-smart and has a knack for navigating the treacherous world of scoundrels. She embodies a unique brand of charisma, striking a balance between confidence and cunning.
What I love about Kay is her down-to-earth nature; she’s not concerned with lightsabers or the Jedi Order. Instead, she’s just a small player in a massive galactic conflict, uninterested in the epic backstories that often accompany Star Wars characters. It’s refreshing to see a character who’s just trying to survive.
Living the Scoundrel Life
One of the standout features of Star Wars Outlaws is the freedom to engage in various side activities that deepen your connection to the game world. Wandering through vibrant cities, you can take on odd jobs, purchase rare blaster parts, and immerse yourself in arcade games or spice up your evenings by betting on races.
For me, Sabacc is the crown jewel of the minigames. Imagine a simpler version of poker where the goal is to form the least impressive pair with a twist of clever mechanics. Players can employ special cards and medals—each with unique effects that can shift the game in your favor. You’ll even need to collect these special items around the world, adding layers to the gameplay.
Food and Friendship: A Cozy Touch
In a world filled with chaos, Outlaws takes a moment to slow down and indulge in simple pleasures. Each of the four major cities features unique street food spots where Kay and her companion, Nix, can take a break. I found it oddly charming to engage in a mini-game of eating; watching Kay and Nix share a meal wasn’t just a break from action—it showcased their bond.
The interactive cutscene for eating Che Mosska was particularly delightful. I thought I’d just be clicking through a menu, but instead, I found myself captivated by the droid chef’s preparation of the dish and watching Kay and Nix enjoy a meal together. It was a heartwarming moment that added depth to their relationship, showing they truly care for one another.
The Heist Narrative
While exploring cities is a blast, the main storyline follows Kay as she assembles a crew for a major heist that could free her from a bounty on her head. It starts with a bang but eventually loses momentum. Much of the main quest revolves around gathering teammates who end up being little more than background characters.
The relationship between Kay and her sidekick droid, ND-5, is underdeveloped. Most interactions feel shallow, which detracts from the emotional stakes of their journey. The narrative, while promising, falters in delivering a satisfying experience with the ensemble cast.
Gameplay Mechanics: A Mixed Bag
When it comes to gameplay, Star Wars Outlaws presents a combination of thrilling moments and tedious sequences. Side quests feel like a thrilling scoundrel simulator where Kay is up to her neck in escapades. But the main quests often devolve into repetitive platforming and climbing sections that lack excitement.
Ubisoft has made attempts to improve the climbing mechanics with a feature called “Explorer Mode,” which removes the obnoxious hints indicating where to climb. Instead, it offers a more immersive experience by encouraging players to explore the environment for pathways. This is a welcome change, adding layers of challenge to the gameplay.
Emphasizing Stealth and Strategy
What surprised me about Outlaws is how it leans into stealth gameplay. Kay is primarily portrayed as a thief, and the mechanics reflect this focus. Rather than a typical shooter experience, the game encourages players to navigate through environments without leaving a trail of bodies behind.
Nix assists Kay by distracting guards or fetching weapons, creating a dynamic stealth system that feels fresh in an overcrowded genre. However, after repeated play, you might find the mechanics growing stale, as the variety in stealth tactics feels limited over time.
The Art of Progression
The progression system in Outlaws is intriguing, departing from the traditional leveling experience. Instead of grinding XP, players complete a series of challenges associated with various expert contacts throughout the galaxy. This adds a layer of excitement as you hunt for materials and skills, making the journey feel more grounded in the universe.
Navigating Faction Politics
As players delve deeper into the game, they’ll encounter various syndicate factions like the Pykes and Crimson Dawn. Navigating these factions offers opportunities for side quests that can pivot based on your choices. However, these decisions often feel superficial, lacking the weight one might expect from a game set in the vast lore of Star Wars.
Once factions turn against you, roaming the open world can become a hassle, as you’ll often find yourself in hostile territories. The lack of a minimap can make it easy to stumble into trouble, which can be frustrating during your adventures.
Final Thoughts on Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws is a beautifully crafted game that presents the thrills of being a scoundrel in the Star Wars universe. While it shines in its side activities and character interactions, its storytelling and main questlines leave something to be desired. Overall, the game captures the essence of living life on the edge in a galaxy far, far away.
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In conclusion, Star Wars Outlaws combines entertaining elements with occasional missteps. It encapsulates the fun and chaos of being a scoundrel, with rich side activities and charming characters. However, the main story could use more depth and engagement to keep players invested.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the release date for Star Wars Outlaws? The game is set to release on August 30, 2024.
- Can you play Star Wars Outlaws in multiplayer mode? No, the game does not feature any multiplayer options.
- Who is the main character in Star Wars Outlaws? The main character is Kay Vess, a street-smart rogue navigating the galaxy.
- What platforms will Star Wars Outlaws be available on? While specific platforms haven’t been announced, it will be available on Ubisoft Connect.
- What kind of gameplay can players expect? Players can expect a combination of stealth, exploration, and side activities, with a focus on scoundrel dynamics.
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