In a bustling galaxy inhabited by Jedi and Sith, Star Wars Outlaws presents a fresh perspective by focusing on ordinary individuals. This expansive open-world game places players in the shoes of Kay Vess, a clever rogue making her way through the criminal underworld. Armed with a reliable blaster and a charming alien companion, you will engage in daring heists, negotiate risky alliances, and perhaps discover a sense of belonging in the vast expanse of space. Can Outlaws capture the charismatic essence that endeared characters like Han Solo and Lando Calrissian to fans? Similar to a smuggler's cargo, Outlaws promises exciting prospects along with potential challenges. Delve into the game's diverse planets, action-packed battles, and colorful characters to determine if it has what it takes to rank among the top-tier Star Wars games. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare to venture into the unknown to see if Star Wars Outlaws possesses enough endearing appeal to captivate even the most skeptical space pirate.The Star Wars twist adds a fresh angle to the storyline in "Outlaws." Kay traverses different planets, forming a diverse crew of outcasts and rogues. Memorable characters like ND-5, a witty reprogrammed battle droid, and Jaylen Barron, a charismatic fixer, enhance the narrative. Familiar faces such as Jabba the Hutt and Qi'ra from Crimson Dawn link the game to the broader Star Wars universe. The fast-paced plot features betrayals, daring escapes, and high-stakes gambles, capturing the thrill of the criminal underworld. Kay's personal growth as she learns to trust and rely on others, creating a makeshift family, adds emotional depth to the story. While the game has some flaws like underdeveloped character motivations and loose plot ends, it remains engaging throughout. "Outlaws" successfully immerses players in the Star Wars world with elements like blasters, speeders, and sabacc, offering a variety of gameplay experiences from gunfights to stealth missions. The combat mechanics are satisfying, featuring a flexible cover system and impactful gunplay. Kay's customizable blaster and the "Focus" ability for slowing time create cinematic moments reminiscent of iconic Star Wars scenes. Although the AI can be predictable at times, the game provides an enjoyable experience for players seeking to fulfill their Star Wars fantasies.For players who prefer a more subdued approach, Outlaws provides a robust stealth experience. Kay can navigate through tall grass, use distractions, and execute silent takedowns to remain undetected. Nix plays a crucial role here, with the ability to scout ahead, mark enemies, and sabotage security systems. Incorporating your furry companion into your strategy adds an enjoyable tactical element to sneaking around. While the stealth AI may not be the most advanced, it effectively facilitates a satisfying experience when ghosting through areas.
As you advance, Kay gains access to new gear and abilities to enhance her repertoire of skills. Instead of a conventional skill tree, you acquire new talents by completing challenges for "Expert" characters scattered across the galaxy. This unique system links progression to exploration and specific gameplay objectives. Progress may feel a bit slow initially, but by the end game, you will have a diverse array of tools at your disposal.
Outlaws encompasses both planetary and space exploration. On the ground, you swiftly move between objectives on Kay's speeder bike, which can be upgraded for improved performance. Space travel presents a mixed experience, as Kay's ship, the Trailblazer, may feel unwieldy in aerial combat. However, traversing through asteroid fields and weaving between capital ships still offers exciting moments. Space exploration is somewhat limited, mostly revolving around small orbital zones surrounding each planet.
The game features an open world that spans multiple planets, each with unique biomes and settlements to discover. From the iconic dunes of Tatooine to the vibrant streets of Kijimi, the environments capture the essence of the Star Wars universe while providing visual diversity. Each world is brimming with side activities and hidden collectibles waiting to be found. Engage in bounties, partake in Sabacc games at cantinas, wager on alien races, and more. While it may occasionally feel like ticking off checkboxes on a map, the assortment of diversions enriches the Star Wars universe.
The faction reputation system introduces repercussions for your actions within the open world.Completing missions for one group may upset other factions, excluding you from certain areas or leading to retaliation. While not overly complex, this system enhances replayability and highlights the importance of decision-making. The gameplay is solid overall, but there are some drawbacks. Mandatory stealth segments in story missions can be challenging if your character build doesn't align with that style of play. Despite an abundance of open world activities, they can become monotonous over time. Additionally, the space combat, while visually stunning, doesn't quite match the standards set by dedicated Star Wars flight simulators.
Visually, Outlaws is a delight for Star Wars enthusiasts. The environments are rich in detail that captures the franchise's iconic aesthetic. Character models are expressive during cutscenes, though facial animations can appear stiff in regular gameplay interactions. Special effects like blaster fire and explosions are vibrant and dynamic. The game excels in lighting, creating moody atmospheres in cantinas and neon-lit streets.
Performance on PC can vary depending on your hardware. With high-end specifications (RTX 3080, i7-10700K, 32GB RAM), a mostly stable 60 FPS at 1440p was achievable with maximum settings. However, performance drops may occur in busy environments or intense combat situations. Lower-end systems might struggle to maintain consistent framerates without significant visual sacrifices. Load times are generally swift, with smooth transitions between locations. Nonetheless, initial boot-up and planet-to-planet fast travel can be lengthy. Texture pop-in is a common issue, particularly upon entering new areas. Some technical problems like occasional crashes were encountered, but frequent saving can mitigate potential losses.
The sound design effectively captures the Star Wars atmosphere, from the iconic blaster sounds to the familiar speeder hum.In Star Wars Outlaws, the iconic themes by John Williams are creatively remixed to give a fresh yet undeniably Star Wars feel. The voice acting by the main cast is strong, with engaging performances that bring authenticity to the soundscape through alien languages and droid sounds. The game doesn't revolutionize the open-world formula, but it transports this familiar concept to a distant galaxy with mostly successful results. The main storyline presents an exciting heist caper with charismatic characters, and the gameplay blends action, stealth, and exploration to capture the essence of a charming rogue navigating a galaxy full of opportunities and dangers.
However, Outlaws falters in fully embracing its open-world design. Some of the side activities feel disconnected from the main narrative, and the faction system lacks the impact it could have had. The game seems torn between delivering a tightly woven cinematic experience and providing complete sandbox freedom. Technical issues and underdeveloped systems also hinder Outlaws from achieving greatness.
Despite its flaws, Outlaws, like the Millennium Falcon, may not seem perfect at first glance, but it possesses charm and spirit that make it a worthwhile experience. Offering a fresh take on the Star Wars universe, the game provides a unique perspective that appeals to fans eager to carve their own path as scoundrels in a galaxy far, far away. While not the definitive Star Wars experience, Outlaws lays a promising foundation for future adventures in this grittier side of the galaxy.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
