Review by Jon Donnis
Star Wars Outlaws emerges as an exhilarating addition to the Star Wars video game universe, a testament to Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft's ambition to expand upon the rich lore and landscape of this beloved galaxy far, far away. Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the game focuses on Kay Vess, a roguish scoundrel with aspirations of escaping her troubled past. The narrative kicks off with a heist gone awry, setting Kay on a path of betrayal, survival, and redemption.
From the outset, Star Wars Outlaws embraces a third-person perspective that immerses players in its expansive open-world setting. Traversing various planets and the vastness of space, players guide Kay as she engages in a spectrum of activities, from strategic combat to intricate exploration. The gameplay expertly blends melee attacks with blaster combat, featuring several firing modes including an electromagnetic pulse that adds a tactical edge. The ability to use environmental objects like explosive barrels enhances the combat experience, while the Adrenaline feature, which slows time for rapid firing, provides a dynamic combat option.
Kay's arsenal is augmented by a grappling hook and an electronic hacking device, tools that broaden the gameplay mechanics and encourage creative problem-solving. Her companion, Nix, a small yet resourceful creature, adds an extra layer of strategy with its scanning abilities, environmental interactions, and combat support. This companionship is a notable highlight, enriching the gameplay with a sense of camaraderie and providing useful tactical advantages.
The open-world design is complemented by the freedom to explore planetary surfaces on a speeder bike and engage in space combat using the Trailblazer. Space travel and combat, while engaging, are perhaps less refined compared to other aspects of the game, and this slight roughness can detract from the overall experience. Nevertheless, the inclusion of space stations as hubs for trade and missions adds depth to the exploration elements, allowing players to immerse themselves further into the Star Wars universe.
The game's narrative is a strong suit, weaving a tale of betrayal and survival through a series of well-crafted missions. Kay's journey from a desperate criminal to a key player in a galaxy-spanning heist provides ample intrigue and emotional investment. The plot's twists and turns, from discovering the true nature of Zerek Besh and the role of Sliro, to the dramatic reveal of Jaylen Vrax's true intentions, keep players engaged and invested in the story's outcome.
While the game excels in creating a compelling Star Wars experience, it does grapple with a few notable shortcomings. The sense of originality is sometimes overshadowed by familiar tropes, and certain technical issues, such as occasional glitches, may impact immersion. Additionally, while the stealth and combat systems are robust, they can occasionally feel rigid and repetitive, which might detract from the overall fluidity of gameplay.
Despite these issues, Star Wars Outlaws stands as a commendable addition to the franchise. It offers an engaging narrative, a richly detailed world, and a variety of gameplay options that cater to fans of both the Star Wars universe and action-adventure games. While it may not be without its flaws, its ability to capture the essence of the original trilogy and deliver a vivid and immersive experience ensures that it holds significant appeal. For those invested in the Star Wars saga, this game is an enjoyable, if imperfect, adventure that offers enough thrills and heart to merit a solid 7.5 out of 10.
