Since its announcement, excitement for Star Wars Outlaws has been growing and, let me tell you, it was worth the wait! Star Wars Outlaws is a brand-new game developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft. It is the first open-world game set in the legendary Star Wars galaxy. In this game, you step into the shoes of Kay Vess, a clever thief who is accompanied by her cute sidekick, Nix.
Outlaws offers an immersive experience, filled with breathtaking environments and gameplay that draws you into its lively world. Let’s jump into this review and take a look at what makes Star Wars Outlaws a must play for fans this year.
Navigating the criminal underbelly: A story worth telling
Star Wars Outlaws has a unique and original story that is set between Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. You play as Kay Vess, a talented thief making her way through the galaxy’s criminal underbelly. Outlaws immerses you in a lively world filled with excitement and danger, featuring iconic Star Wars locations. The game’s story is centered around Kay’s desire to break free from her life of crime.
Her “partner in crime” is a cute and cuddly alien friend named Nix. The conversations and interactions among Kay, Nix and other characters are at times entertaining and humorous, allowing you to connect with them and build a stronger bond. While the game’s overall story is interesting and adds value to the Star Wars universe, there are some places where it could use some further fleshing out.
There are certain character arcs in the game that feel rushed. Often, secondary characters who play vital roles in Outlaws’ storyline only show up in specific missions and then “disappear”. The pacing of Star Wars Outlaws’ story sometimes stumbles during mission transitions, which can interrupt the flow of the story and pull you out of the experience. These sudden changes can create a sense of disconnection from the story and what is going on, making it harder for you to stay emotionally invested in what’s happening.
Overall, while Star Wars Outlaws’ storyline has many strengths, the pacing issues during mission transitions is definitely an area that could use improvement.
A living and breathing galaxy
Outlaws gameplay is a mix of action and exploration in a breathing and living open world. There are five distinct planets, each offering unique environments and challenges, from lively cities to barren landscapes. This diversity keeps the gameplay interesting as you navigate various biomes and tackle missions, encouraging interactions with numerous NPCs and the discovery of hidden treasures across the galaxy. The immersive atmosphere and meticulous attention to detail on each planet add to the sense of adventure, making every journey feel rewarding.
Without question, one of the game’s gameplay highlights is the dynamic partnership between Kay and Nix, her sidekick. Nix can distract foes, disable alarms, and swipe small items, showcasing his value in gameplay. This not only enhances the gameplay mechanics of Outlaws but also strengthens the relationship between Kay and Nix. The game features a reputation system that influences how factions view you based on your choices. This adds weight to your decisions, making them feel impactful.
On the other hand, I do have a few gameplay related criticisms that I need to talk about. First, the stealth mechanics can feel a bit awkward and repetitive at times. Early on in the game, the gunplay is somewhat lackluster. Second, some enemy AI behaviours are unpredictable, resulting in moments that felt less challenging than anticipated. Despite these criticisms, I think that these all could be fixed with some adjustments to the gameplay mechanics and enemy AI.
A visual and auditory feast for the senses
Star Wars Outlaws uses the Snowdrop Engine to bring the game and its worlds to life. Massive Entertainment has carefully crafted each planet using unique environments that feel lively and immersive. The game is filled with busy cities and landscapes with details that capture the spirit of the Star Wars universe to a tee.
The sound design in Outlaws goes hand in hand with the game’s visuals. The game offers a diverse soundtrack that closely resembles the iconic scores from the original Star Wars films. From the roar of spaceship engines to the subtle sounds of alien landscapes, every element adds to the immersion. It goes a long way into sparking feelings of nostalgia and excitement as Kay and Nix journey through the galaxy.
Voice acting is essential in bringing the characters of Outlaws to life. Kay is voiced by actress Humberly Gonzalez, who delivers an outstanding performance. Humberly infuses Kay with depth, making her both relatable and interesting. Kay’s interactions with Nix are filled with humour and charm, adding personality to the game and making their adventure feel authentic. Overall, Massive Entertainment has done an outstanding job in bringing Outlaws players into the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars Outlaws is a strong addition to the Star Wars universe that fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy
Star Wars Outlaws is an exciting journey that fans of the series will really enjoy. The game effectively captures the spirit of Star Wars, showcasing its vibrant settings and captivating narrative. Outlaws features a beautifully designed universe filled with iconic sites and unforgettable characters. The lively partnership between Kay and her sidekick Nix brings charm and humour to the experience.
However, certain gameplay elements, such as the stealth missions, can become repetitive and annoying. The AI behaviour can also be unpredictable, leading to frustrating moments. Additionally, while the graphics are superb, some animations and character movements seem rigid and stiff at times.
Despite these drawbacks, Outlaws’ open-world structure encourages exploration and freedom, which I found very enjoyable. You can visit different planets, each offering its own unique vibe and challenges. The reputation system adds to the gameplay, making your decisions feel significant within the game’s universe.
I believe Star Wars Outlaws is a strong addition to the franchise and a welcomed addition. It offers up a great blend of action, exploration, and storytelling. While it isn’t perfect, it does provide an engaging experience that appeals to Star Wars enthusiasts. If you want a game that combines adventure with the Star Wars universe, Star Wars Outlaws is definitely worth checking out. You won’t be disappointed.
Star Wars Outlaws
Summary
Star Wars Outlaws is an engaging game that captures the essence of the franchise with its vibrant settings and compelling narrative. The partnership between Kay and her sidekick Nix adds charm and humour, adding to the overall experience. While some gameplay elements, like stealth missions, can feel repetitive and the AI may be inconsistent, the open-world design encourages exploration and meaningful choices through a reputation system. Overall, it’s a strong addition to the franchise, offering a mix of action, exploration, and storytelling that will resonate with fans.
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