The galaxy far, far away has always been a playground of imagination, but Star Wars Outlaws takes it to the next level by dropping players into a vast, open world teeming with possibilities. Developed by Massive Entertainment, August’s 2024 release promises an expansive Star Wars experience like never before, where you’re not just another Jedi or soldier but an outlaw trying to make your mark. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down and find out.
A True Open-World Experience
From the moment you set foot on the dusty streets of Tatooine or the neon-lit alleys of Coruscant, it’s clear that Star Wars Outlaws has nailed the open-world aesthetic. Each planet feels alive, with NPCs going about their business, dynamic weather effects, and a day-night cycle that influences gameplay. Unlike some open-world games that feel empty despite their size, Outlaws populates its world with meaningful interactions, side quests, and random events that can drastically change the course of your journey.
You play as Kay Vess, a roguish smuggler who’s caught between the Empire and various criminal syndicates. The game encourages exploration and offers multiple ways to approach missions, whether through stealth, negotiation, or all-out combat. The freedom here is intoxicating, and it’s easy to lose hours simply getting lost in the world.
Combat and Mechanics
The combat in Star Wars Outlaws is a mixed bag. Something that always gets a gamer feeling good is the impact of their weapon; there’s a sense of weight to the blaster firefights, with each shot feeling heavy. The cover system works well, and the addition of companion characters like Nix, Kay’s loyal little droid, adds some strategic depth to battles. For example, you can send Nix to disable enemy shields or create distractions.
However, melee combat feels underdeveloped. While Kay has a range of close-quarters attacks, they often feel clunky and lack the fluidity that you’d expect from a game in 2024. The game’s AI can also be hit-or-miss—some enemies are sharp and adaptive, while others charge headfirst into your blaster fire.
Vehicles and space combat, on the other hand, shine brightly. The speeder bike chases are awesome, and dogfights in space feel like they were ripped straight from the movies, complete with duels while maneuvering through asteroid fields.
Story and Characters
Star Wars Outlaws does a great job of telling a compelling story within the established lore while introducing fresh elements. Kay Vess is an instantly likable protagonist, with a blend of Han Solo’s charm and Jyn Erso’s tenacity. The supporting cast is equally strong, with diverse characters who bring the galaxy to life. Fans will appreciate the nods to classic Star Wars lore, with appearances from familiar faces like Lando Calrissian and some surprising cameos that I won’t spoil here.
The game’s narrative is non-linear, with choices that significantly impact the story’s direction. Aligning yourself with different factions, deciding the fate of characters, and navigating the gray areas of the underworld all contribute to a personalized experience.
Visuals and Sound Design
Visually, Star Wars Outlaws is nothing short of stunning. The planets are beautifully rendered, from the lush forests of Kashyyyk to the barren plains of Jakku. The level of detail is remarkable, and the game’s performance remains solid even in the most chaotic battles.
The sound design is equally impressive, with the nostalgic hum of lightsabers, the scream of TIE fighters, and that familiar score by John Williams pulling you right into the Star Wars universe. The voice acting is top-tier, with Dee Bradley Baker returning as the Clone Troopers and giving a stellar performance from the voice behind Kay.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars Outlaws isn’t just another entry in the library of Star Wars games—it’s a step forward for the franchise. While it stumbles in some areas, particularly with melee combat and story pacing, the game’s open-world design, engaging characters, and immersive space battles make it a must-play for Star Wars fans. Whether you’re here to explore the universe or to carve out your legacy as a scoundrel, Outlaws offers an adventure worthy of the Star Wars name.
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