Star Wars Outlaws is like Watch Dogs 2, and that’s a good thing

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for Star Wars and stealth games, I must say that Star Wars Outlaws has left me rather smitten! The game’s focus on stealth tactics and cunning maneuvers resonates deeply with my gaming preferences, and it’s clear the developers have put thought into creating an immersive experience.

It’s clear that Star Wars stands among the most expansive franchises in existence. Over time, its richly detailed universe and mythos have grown exponentially, offering an immense and largely unexplored playground for creators.

In this open-world game, you’ll find yourself assuming the role of a cosmic outlaw, evading Imperial nobility, manipulating criminal bosses against each other, and battling through intense firefights in cramped quarters – a fantasy that any enthusiast of the Star Wars universe would relish.

After pouring numerous hours into playing it, I must admit that although it’s not flawless, “Star Wars Outlaws” stands out as one of the most captivating open-world games I’ve encountered recently.

This game skillfully zeroes in on the everyday, less grand aspects of its cosmos, creating a captivating blend of stealth and exploration reminiscent of “Watch Dogs 2.” I believe it has the potential to garner the same level of fervent admiration among fans in due time.

Star Wars Outlaws, created by Ubisoft Massive – known for The Division series – seems like a perfect synthesis of the vast open-world knowledge that Ubisoft as a whole has amassed. Unlike some titles, it avoids the humorous or tedious elements often associated with Ubisoft (specifically, no towers to worry about here).

Glancing over the map, from the towns on every planet to the expansive wilderness, it certainly gives off an authentic feel.

It’s been quite some time since I’ve encountered a game that sparked such an urge to delve deeper and savor the ambiance. Traversing Akira’s lively bazaars to meandering through Toshara’s Tranquil Fields under the cover of night – with shooting stars illuminating the sky and celestial bodies mirrored in the water – it all seems incredibly authentic, as if plucked straight from the Star Wars galaxy.

The adventure in “Star Wars Outlaws” commences with a more tailored, intimate narrative – one that seems to have drawn some influence from the “Solo” film – where you assume the role of Kay Vess, a quick-witted outlaw striving to stay alive until an encounter compels her to flee her home planet, carrying a massive bounty on her head.

Following her actions that significantly complicated matters, Kay finds herself unwillingly involved in an enormous heist – the largest one she’s encountered thus far – as a means to settle her outstanding obligations and eliminate her warrant, propelling her on a journey across the cosmos in pursuit of a capable crew.

Instead of focusing on formidable, apocalypse-causing antagonists – no Darth Vaders in sight – this tale seems to be less dramatic at its outset, similar to shows like Andor. However, as we’ve seen with these series, everyday people’s narratives can offer more captivating adventures than one might initially anticipate.

In your journey through the cosmos and dealing with criminal syndicates, it’s essential to acquire tasks to survive and gather crucial details. Each task often presents the chance to betray one gang for a larger profit, superior benefits, or even to mend ties with a rival faction.

In your quest for alliances, focus particularly on Crimson Dawn, the Pykes, and the Hutts. Maintaining a positive relationship with these groups will grant you access to exclusive vendors and intriguing plot developments within their strongholds. However, provoke them excessively and be prepared to face their retaliation, as they won’t hesitate to open fire on you.

The situation isn’t overly complex, and your standing with the group can change frequently, making it relatively easy to regain their favor. However, you might be astonished by how complex the choices become, as it’s uncertain if antagonizing someone today could make future crucial missions significantly harder to execute successfully.

Previously, I noted that the vibe of “Star Wars Outlaws” seems to share a likeness with “Watch Dogs 2,” if it were set in outer space. It’s lively, spirited, and leaves us yearning to eavesdrop on the conversations going on around us.

In contrast to similar games in the same universe such as “Jedi: Survivor,” it doesn’t have that grand, spectacular feel. You won’t find yourself wielding the power of a Jedi, manipulating the Force to execute impressive actions during combat.

Each confrontation, whether it’s with just two imperial soldiers or an entire base swarming with Stormtroopers, carries a life-or-death intensity and can suddenly change course. This sense of bluffing your way through scenarios and skirmishes while outmaneuvering your adversaries in a witty manner is true to the spirit of action-comedy. The essence of Han Solo’s charisma resonates throughout.

From the galaxy’s edge, I must admit that Star Wars Outlaws has left quite an impression on me, especially its stealth-oriented gameplay. While it’s tempting to storm in blazing guns ablaze and grab enemy weapons for a momentary advantage, you’re not indestructible. A couple of well-placed shots can bring you down faster than you can say “May the Force be with you,” along with a sizable chunk of your hard-earned credits.

If you’re considering a direct confrontation with the imperial fleet, remember that they have more ships than you, which means you could easily find yourself outmaneuvered or surrounded. Furthermore, if an alarm is triggered and your status becomes wanted, expect a rapid influx of reinforcements arriving on their speeders, intensifying the odds against you.

In most situations, stealth is the more advantageous choice. Luckily for Kay, she’s got her trusted companion Nix by her side – a merqaal who proves to be an exceptional tool for a thief. Nix can divert and assault guards, creating opportunities for Kay to execute skillful takedowns. Furthermore, he can lay traps and snatch items. If there’s something she requires, Nix often has a suitable solution on hand.

As a stealthy gamer, I’ve found myself hooked on this gameplay mechanic: infiltrating an imperial compound, choosing the perfect moments to dart from concealment to cover, keeping guards preoccupied, triggering explosions to divert their attention, and making off with the treasure without raising an alarm.

In addition to the main gameplay, interacting with Nix, who’s Kay’s companion, offers an enjoyable and strategically designed aspect. You can customize Nix’s appearance by choosing different gear, and there are engaging mini-games that serve as adorable bonding moments between you and Nix. After spending a few hours playing Star Wars Outlaws, it becomes evident that you’d be willing to destroy an entire space station to protect your furry ally.

Beyond the boundaries of adversary fortresses and fortified cities, the remaining parts of each map are open for exploration via speeder, an agile hover bike that gives a sense of heft. Yet, nothing beats the thrill of activating the boost and soaring off a ramp to evade bandits and Stormtroopers, making you feel like a true badass.

Unfortunately, you can’t just take any vehicle you come across. However, the opportunity to enhance Kay’s speeder is quite rewarding since you can boost its capabilities and adorn it with various accessories to display your achievements. A Stormtrooper helmet hanging from the side serves as a subtle warning to others, I must say.

Currently, the game isn’t flawless. It has a raw, unpolished feel in various aspects, which was evident during my gaming session. I came across numerous glitches, such as an issue where Kay would fall through the floor of an imperial base every time I attempted to use my goggles. The AI of some NPCs also results in amusing situations, like a sequence where a group of Stormtroopers kept falling off a cliff one after another while I looked on.

To sum it up, these problems didn’t significantly hinder my gaming experience, and I found myself eagerly anticipating diving back in for further exploration.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express that immersing myself in the narrative of “Outlaws” feels like stepping into a captivating chapter of the Star Wars universe. It offers an entertaining plot, intriguing world-building, and stealth exploration elements that are genuinely engaging. If Ubisoft Massive gets another shot at expanding this story, I eagerly hope they’ll have the opportunity to delve even deeper.

Platform reviewed on: PlayStation 5

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2024-09-02 19:49