Ubisoft’s upcoming Star Wars Outlaws is generating significant buzz as the first open-world game set in the Star Wars universe, and it’s easy to see why. With an expansive narrative, intricate world-building, and a dynamic reputation system, Outlaws promises to be a game-changer for fans of both the franchise and open-world adventures. However, as the August 30, 2024, release date approaches, early access reviews and player feedback reveal a mixed bag of excitement and concern. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from Star Wars Outlaws.
An Ambitious Open-World Experience
Star Wars Outlaws is Ubisoft’s ambitious attempt to create an open-world game in the beloved galaxy far, far away. Players will explore a variety of iconic planets, including Tatooine, Akiva, and Kijimi. Each planet features unique environments, challenges, and opportunities for exploration on foot, via speeder, or aboard the player’s ship, the Trailblazer. The vastness of these worlds, combined with the freedom to navigate them at will, is one of the game’s most appealing aspects.
A Story Driven by Choice
The game’s narrative centers on Kay Vess, a young scoundrel trying to make her way in the dangerous underworld of the Outer Rim. Accompanied by her loyal companion Nix, Kay interacts with various criminal syndicates, such as the Hutt Cartel, Pyke Syndicate, Crimson Dawn, and the newly introduced Ashiga Clan. The storyline is heavily influenced by player choices, which affect Kay’s reputation with these factions. This dynamic reputation system not only alters the missions available to the player but also determines potential allies or enemies, making each playthrough unique.
Post-Launch Content
Ubisoft has also outlined an extensive post-launch content plan, which includes additional narrative expansions. The first expansion, titled Wild Card, will feature a high-stakes Sabacc tournament involving the charming rogue, Lando Calrissian. The second expansion, A Pirate’s Fortune, will introduce a storyline centered around the notorious pirate, Hondo Ohnaka. These expansions aim to keep the game fresh and engaging long after its initial release.
Gameplay: A Mixed Bag
While the open-world experience and narrative depth are clear strengths, early reviews have pointed out several concerns, particularly with gameplay mechanics and performance issues.
Performance Issues: Some players with early access have reported technical problems, especially on the PS5. A recent patch intended to enhance visual fidelity has instead caused issues like memory leaks and rendering problems. These technical glitches have impacted gameplay smoothness, particularly during high-action sequences, leading to frustration among some players .
Combat Mechanics: The game’s combat system has received mixed feedback. While stealth elements have been praised, the combat itself has been described as sluggish, with stiff aiming controls and simplistic enemy AI. This has made firefights feel less engaging, contrasting sharply with the more polished stealth mechanics .
Narrative Concerns: Although the game’s world-building has been praised, the narrative—particularly the ending—has faced criticism. Some players have found the ending underwhelming and inconsistent with the overall story’s potential, leaving them feeling that the game’s conclusion undermines the journey .
Comparison to Recent Star Wars Games
The mixed reception of Star Wars Outlaws parallels the broader trend of recent Star Wars games, which have also drawn criticism despite high expectations. Titles like Star Wars: Squadrons and Battlefront II have been criticized for their limited single-player content, an overemphasis on multiplayer modes, and gameplay mechanics that fail to fully capture the epic scale of the Star Wars universe.
Limited Single-Player Content: Games like Squadrons have often featured shallow single-player campaigns that serve more as extended tutorials for multiplayer rather than standalone narratives, disappointing fans hoping for deeper storytelling .
Overemphasis on Multiplayer: The heavy focus on multiplayer has alienated players looking for a rich solo experience, with Squadrons offering limited variety in multiplayer modes and gameplay that can feel repetitive .
Gameplay Mechanics: The hybrid gameplay approach of recent titles, blending simulation with arcade action, has been divisive. While immersive, the first-person cockpit view in Squadrons has also limited accessibility and enjoyment for some players .
Missed Opportunities: There’s a sense that recent Star Wars games have not fully capitalized on the rich narrative potential of the Star Wars universe. The limited scope of stories and lack of innovation in gameplay have left fans longing for more .
Conclusion
Star Wars Outlaws represents a bold step for Ubisoft and the Star Wars franchise, offering a rich, open-world experience that allows players to explore the galaxy like never before. However, early concerns about performance, combat mechanics, and narrative consistency suggest that the game may not be without its flaws. As with many recent Star Wars titles, Outlaws may be a game that excites some while disappointing others. For those eager to immerse themselves in this new adventure, it may be wise to keep an eye on post-launch patches and updates that could address some of these early issues.
