Star Wars Outlaws Review
Image Credit: Ubisoft
Release Date: July 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Publisher: Ubisoft
When Massive Entertainment revealed Star Wars Outlaws, the gaming world was instantly captivated by the idea of exploring an open-world Star Wars game centered around scoundrels, crime syndicates, and the dark underbelly of the galaxy (because who wouldn’t be?). Now that it has been released, the question remains: does Star Wars Outlaws meet the expectations set by fans and critics alike, or does it fail to meet the hype? Let’s walk through it below!
Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws focuses on the time when the Empire is at the height of its power, but cracks are beginning to show. The rebellion is intensifying, but this game actually shifts the focus away from the well-trodden battlefield of Jedi and Sith to a lesser-known corner of the galaxy—the lawless and dangerous world of outlaws, smugglers, and criminal syndicates.
You play as Kay Vess, a cunning, resourceful thief trying to make a name for herself in this treacherous environment. Accompanied by her adorable but incredibly useful alien sidekick, Nix, Kay’s adventure revolves around pulling off one big high-stakes heist to secure her freedom.
Beautiful World-Building
The visual fidelity of Star Wars Outlaws is outstanding. Each planet feels like a living, breathing environment, with weather effects, day-night cycles, and bustling NPCs that add depth to the world. Kay and other main characters are intricately detailed, with facial animations that capture their emotions during pivotal movements, and whether it’s the deserts of Tatooine or the underworld of Nar Shaddaa, the environments are true to the Star Wars universe and filled with details that fans will appreciate.
One of the most captivating aspects of the setting in my opinion is the exploration of well-known Star Wars locales—like previously mentioned Tatooine and Coruscant—alongside completely new environments like the desert planet Toshara. Each location is crafted in painstaking detail, with unique aesthetics and hidden secrets that reward exploration which is something I am a huge fan of. Exploration, which I find absolutely essential in open-world games, is definitely done well in this game.
In an early mission, Kay finds herself negotiating a deal in a bustling cantina on Toshara. The environment is alive with shady characters, blaring music, and tense negotiations happening in every corner. This mission lets you choose how to handle the situation: play nice with the local crime boss or double-cross them for extra credits. These kinds of choices, woven throughout the game, give players a sense of agency and keep you on your toes, reminding me of my time playing Knights of the Old Republic I and II; absolute classics.
Image Credit: Ubisoft
Kay Vess is not a Jedi, nor is she some imperial soldier. She’s a morally grey character who feels like she could have walked right out of a Solo: A Star Wars Story film. Her goal is simple—survive in a world ruled by crime syndicates and the oppressive Galactic Empire. While she’s definitely out for herself, the game’s story is surprisingly deep, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and loyalty in a world where there are no clear-cut heroes.
Her relationship with her alien companion, Nix, adds a refreshing atmosphere throughout the game. Nix is not just there for comic relief; he plays a pivotal role in both the story and gameplay. He can help with distractions, fetch hard-to-reach items, and even assist in solving puzzles. This relationship is reminiscent of partnerships like Cal Kestis and BD-1 in Jedi: Fallen Order, but with even more interactivity and even more depth.
Additionally, the game doesn’t shy away from familiar faces. You encounter well-known factions like the Hutt Cartel (a personal favorite), Black Sun, and even the Pyke Syndicate, each adding layers of intrigue and complexity to the plot of the game. These factions will sometimes offer assistance, and other times, they’ll stand in your way, depending on your decisions throughout the game.
At one point in the story, you’re tasked with infiltrating an Imperial Star Destroyer to steal sensitive information. This mission stands out for its sheer intensity. You can either stealthily sneak your way past stormtroopers or blast through corridors in chaotic firefights. How you handle this mission directly impacts your relationship with the rebellion and several criminal factions.
Image Credit: Ubisoft
Star Wars Outlaws marries familiar open-world tropes with a uniquely Star Wars flavor. It combines third-person shooter mechanics with role-playing elements and space combat, creating an experience that is both accessible and layered.
Ubisoft’s pedigree in creating open-world games shines in Outlaws. The game offers a seamless transition between planetary exploration and space travel. You can hop between planets via hyperspace travel, explore bustling cities, barren deserts, and lush forests, all without loading screens. Planets are packed with activities ranging from main story missions to side quests, mini-games like Sabacc, and hidden collectibles.
One of the most immersive aspects is the attention to detail on each planet. Tatooine feels as gritty and harsh as you’d expect, with the iconic twin suns casting long shadows over the Dune Sea. Nar Shaddaa, on the other hand, is a smuggler’s paradise, with its neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and countless criminals lurking in the dark.
How’s the Combat?
The combat in Star Wars Outlaws is a mix of third-person shooting and stealth mechanics. Kay is equipped with a blaster that can be upgraded with various attachments, including scopes, silencers, and explosive rounds. However, given that Kay is not a super-powered Jedi, there’s a greater emphasis on strategy and planning rather than brute force.
You can choose how to approach each encounter. Do you want to take down enemies quietly, using Nix to create distractions, or engage them in full-blown firefights? The choice is yours, and the game rewards creativity. You can also utilize gadgets, such as EMP grenades to disable droids or decoys to divert enemy attention.
Space combat is another standout feature. Kay’s starship, the Trailblazer, is fully customizable and can be outfitted with new weapons and armor. Engaging in high-speed dogfights with TIE fighters, pirates, and bounty hunters feels exhilarating. You’ll also encounter random space events, such as Imperial patrols or distress signals from stranded ships, making space travel feel dynamic and unpredictable.
Side Activities: Worth the Time?
Star Wars Outlaws is not short on content. Beyond the main story, there are plenty of side quests, bounty missions, and smuggling contracts. These side activities allow you to build your reputation with different factions and unlock exclusive upgrades or cosmetic items for Kay and her ship.
However, not all side quests are created equal. Some, like tracking down notorious criminals, feel well-developed and offer unique narrative elements, while others unfortunately fall into the “fetch quest” category, padding the game’s length without much meaningful engagement. Still, even with that said, the game does a good job of making even the mundane tasks feel part of the larger Star Wars universe.
One of the more memorable side mission involved smuggling contraband through an Imperial blockade. You had to outmaneuver TIE Fighters while simultaneously avoiding detection by scanning ships. The tension of trying to deliver the goods without getting caught had me on edge and immersed the entire time.
Image Credit: Ubisoft
From the unmistakable hum of lightsabers (though Kay doesn’t wield one) to the roar of blaster fire and the subtle background sounds of a bustling spaceport, the sound design is impeccable. John Williams’ classic score is interwoven with new compositions that complement the game’s mood, creating a perfect backdrop to the gameplay.
However, Star Wars Outlaws, while ambitious, does not come without technical hiccups. On next-gen consoles, the game runs at a smooth 60 FPS, but players have reported occasional frame drops in more densely populated areas. On the PC version, performance can vary depending on hardware, with some users experiencing crashes or bugs during space combat sequences.
Despite these issues, Ubisoft has been quick to roll out patches, and the overall performance is stable, especially after the Day One patch.
While Star Wars Outlaws excels in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. Some side quests, as mentioned earlier, feel repetitive, which can slow down the momentum of the main story and feel a little bit pointless. Additionally, while the companion mechanics with Nix are fun, they can feel underutilized at times. There are also moments where the game’s AI can be inconsistent—enemy soldiers will sometimes behave intelligently, only to turn around and completely ignore a loud distraction. The inconsistencies were a little annoying and immersion-breaking at times.
Final Verdict: A Smuggler's Dream Come True
Star Wars Outlaws is a refreshing take on the beloved Star Wars universe. By focusing on the criminal underworld and offering an open-world experience, it sets itself apart from previous Star Wars games. The combination of compelling characters, intricate storylines, and varied gameplay makes it a must-play for fans of the franchise and open-world games alike.
Score: 8.5/10
