Star Wars Outlaws Review
Star Wars Outlaws is a groundbreaking title in the franchise, marking the first-ever open-world Star Wars game. Developed by Ubisoft Toronto, known for their work on Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs, and Far Cry, this game brings the studio's open-world expertise to the galaxy far, far away. As Ubisoft Toronto’s 13th shipped game, Star Wars Outlaws aims to deliver a cinematic experience that immerses players in the Star Wars universe.
Story and Characters
In Star Wars Outlaws, you step into the shoes of Kay Vess, a fearless but inexperienced scoundrel navigating the dangers of the galaxy. Kay is a relatable protagonist, trying to make a name for herself while dealing with the complexities of the galaxy's underworld. By her side is Nix, her loyal companion and makeshift family. Their bond is at the heart of the game, and along the way, you’ll meet various characters, but it's up to you whether to trust them or not.
The game introduces a reputation system where your actions impact your standing with different clans. Building a strong relationship with one clan can grant you access to unique areas and perks, but it comes at a price—siding with one group could mean alienating another. However, this system doesn’t impact the story as deeply as one might hope. The consequences of your choices are limited, and it feels like a missed opportunity not to have a more dynamic system where clans might hunt you down or place bounties on your head for betrayal.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Star Wars Outlaws offers a variety of gameplay mechanics that blend exploration, combat, and customization. Kay’s abilities can be enhanced through different outfits, with belts granting abilities like health restoration or additional healing item slots. The game also allows you to mix and match outfits, keeping the appearance you like while retaining the perks of another.
Nix, your trusty companion, plays a significant role in both combat and exploration. He can distract enemies, unlock doors, steal from foes, and even set off traps. His versatility adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, and his presence is a constant reminder of the close bond he shares with Kay.
Combat is straightforward but satisfying. Kay wields a blaster that can be upgraded, including an electrical bolt that stuns enemies or affects those vulnerable to it. Stealth plays a crucial role in certain areas, where you can perform takedowns to eliminate foes quietly. However, some missions are so heavily focused on stealth that getting caught results in an instant mission restart. This can be frustrating, as it would have been more engaging to find a way out of the situation instead of facing an abrupt failure.
Visuals and Cinematic Experience
Ubisoft Toronto has put significant effort into ensuring Star Wars Outlaws feels like a cinematic Star Wars story. Drawing inspiration from Rogue One, the developers meticulously researched the film’s art style and cinematography. They even hired a real movie crew to handle motion capture, resulting in over 120 realization scenes and 201 hours of motion capture work. The cutscenes are beautifully crafted and truly enhance the game’s narrative experience.
The environments are stunning, with vast planets to explore, each brimming with detail. On a high-end PC with a 4080 GPU, the lighting effects are remarkable, especially with ultra settings. However, there are some lighting issues and minor glitches, such as enemies getting stuck in walls or Kay becoming momentarily trapped in certain areas. These are small hiccups that, while not game-breaking, are noticeable. Hopefully, these will be patched out in future updates.
Sound Design and Voice Acting
The sound design is top-notch, capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe. From the hum of space flying to the iconic blaster sounds, everything feels authentic. The voice acting is excellent, with Humberly González delivering a standout performance as Kay Vess. Her portrayal of Kay is filled with emotion, particularly in her interactions with Nix and in moments of vulnerability. The music is also a highlight, with a mix of orchestral scores and more playful, arcade-style tracks that fit perfectly within the Star Wars universe.
Replayability and Mini-Games
Star Wars Outlaws offers a lot of replayability, with endless quests and mini-games scattered throughout the galaxy. Horse racing is a fun diversion, though it comes with a 40-minute cooldown if you play too often. There’s also a card game that’s surprisingly engaging—something that would be great to see in a real-life version. Additionally, a food-eating mini-game helps to deepen the bond between Kay and Nix, adding a personal touch to their relationship.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars Outlaws is a strong step forward for Ubisoft and Massive. While it has its flaws, such as the underdeveloped reputation system and occasional AI issues, the game successfully captures the spirit of Star Wars. The cinematic quality, compelling characters, and immersive world make it a must-play for fans of the franchise. With the upcoming DLC story expansion, there’s potential for Ubisoft to build on this foundation and deliver an even more polished and engaging experience.
Overall, Star Wars Outlaws is an exciting addition to the Star Wars gaming universe. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great start, and I’m eager to see where Ubisoft takes Kay Vess’s story next. I’m giving Star Wars Outlaws a 7/10.