In the galaxy of video games, Star Wars Outlaws had the potential to be a stellar addition to the Star Wars franchise, but it ultimately stumbles through the cosmos. This ambitious title from Ubisoft, set against the backdrop of the Outer Rim, tries to blend high-stakes heists, stealth mechanics, and space exploration. While it excels in certain aspects, such as sound design and world-building, it falters in key areas that make the journey feel more like a rocky asteroid field than a thrilling star system.
One of the standout features of Outlaws is its dedication to exploring aspects of the Star Wars universe that fans rarely get to see. The game immerses players in a vibrant street food scene that’s delightfully alien, from fruit bursting with flies to roasted street corn on Toshara. These moments of cultural immersion are highlights, offering a refreshing contrast to the usual galactic battles and Jedi sagas. They hint at the rich tapestry of life in the Star Wars universe, showcasing a level of detail that fans of the franchise will appreciate.
However, the game’s world-building is a double-edged lightsaber. While the settings are diverse and visually appealing—ranging from the lush jungles of Akiva to the snowy expanses of Kijimi—the environments are often underutilized. The open-world planets, though varied, eventually feel like they exist more as backdrops than as integral parts of the gameplay. The narrative tension pushes players forward, often disregarding the potential for deeper exploration and interaction with these worlds.
If there’s one area where Outlaws truly shines, it’s in its sound design. The game’s auditory experience is nothing short of exceptional, capturing the essence of Star Wars with a stirring orchestral score and authentic sound effects. The blasters’ distinct hum, the exhilarating whoosh of speeders, and the immersive ambient sounds all contribute to a sensory experience that draws players into the Star Wars universe like never before.
The sound design is not just a background feature but a key element that enhances gameplay. Whether you’re thrilling at the orchestral swell of a space takeoff or feeling the pulse of combat through a blaster’s rapid fire, the audio work in Outlaws elevates moments of action and exploration, making them memorable despite the game’s other shortcomings.
The central narrative of Outlaws revolves around Kay Vess, an up-and-coming mercenary who becomes an outlaw after a job goes south. With a death mark on her head, Kay must assemble a crew to pull off a heist and escape her pursuers. On paper, this setup promises a gripping tale of danger and intrigue. In practice, however, Kay’s character lacks depth and growth. Her aimlessness and lack of clear motivation make her a difficult protagonist to connect with. Despite the game’s attempts to show her evolving through the story, the lack of a meaningful character arc makes her journey feel hollow.
The supporting cast doesn’t fare much better. Characters like ND-5, the droid commando with a promising horror-like arc, end up feeling rushed and underdeveloped. The interactions and relationships that are supposed to be central to the story often come across as superficial, leaving players with little emotional investment in the game’s events.
Outlaws attempts to balance stealth and combat, but the execution is uneven. Stealth encounters, while initially promising, quickly become repetitive. The enemy AI is often predictable, making it easy to exploit their weaknesses rather than engage in genuinely challenging tactical gameplay. This predictability undermines the satisfaction of stealth mechanics, reducing them to a series of routine tasks rather than engaging puzzles.
Combat, on the other hand, offers more excitement. Kay’s versatile blaster and the dynamic use of Nix for tactical advantages provide a fun, if somewhat conventional, shooting experience. The adrenaline-fueled special moves and varied weaponry keep combat engaging, though the lack of meaningful difficulty on standard settings means that encounters can become monotonous.
Space combat, a major component of the game, disappoints with its lackluster design. The Trailblazer, Kay’s ship, handles poorly, and space battles are either frustrating or tedious. The visual appeal of space is also underwhelming compared to the game’s more detailed planets, making space travel feel like a missed opportunity rather than an exciting feature.
One of Outlaws‘ significant selling points is its focus on player choices and allegiances with various criminal syndicates. However, the impact of these choices is largely superficial. Despite the game’s promises, decisions regarding alliances with the Pyke Syndicate, Crimson Dawn, the Hutt Cartel, and the Ashiga Clan rarely affect the story in meaningful ways. Major decisions often lead to inconsequential outcomes, undermining the sense of agency and impact that such choices should provide.
The relationship tracker, which tracks Kay’s standing with the various factions, ends up feeling more like a checklist than a dynamic element of the game. The few moments where choices should matter—such as deciding which faction to support in a conflict—fail to deliver on their potential, leaving players with a sense of frustration over missed opportunities for narrative depth.
Star Wars Outlaws is a game of contrasts. It succeeds in creating an immersive Star Wars experience through its sound design and unique world-building moments. Yet, it struggles with character development, meaningful narrative choices, and gameplay that fails to fully capitalize on its potential. The result is a game that feels like it has the ingredients for greatness but never quite achieves it.
Fans of the Star Wars universe might find enjoyment in the game’s cultural details and audio achievements, but those seeking a compelling story and innovative gameplay will likely find Outlaws a disappointing foray into a galaxy far, far away. It’s a valiant attempt, but in the vast expanse of the Star Wars franchise, it’s a star that fails to shine as brightly as it could have.
Developers: Massive Entertainment, Massive Entertainment AB
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
Played on: Microsoft Windows
