Star Wars Outlaws Review: Is It Worth Playing?
Star Wars Outlaws is the first open-world game in the Star Wars franchise's nearly 50-year history offering a unique experience. But does it live up to the hype? Let us dive into this Star Wars Outlaws Review and find out.
A New Perspective in the Star Wars Universe
The first topic to discuss in our Star Wars Outlaws Review is to introduce Kay Vess, a young scoundrel navigating a galaxy far, far away. She is one of the most wanted people in the galaxy and was forced to take on what was set to be one of the greatest heists in the history of the Outer Rim Territories. This story diverges from traditional Jedi and Sith narratives, focusing on a more grounded adventure. The game delivers a refreshing take on the Star Wars universe, but it misses some opportunities to expand the lore in meaningful ways.
Star Wars Outlaws: Immersive Worlds, But Lackluster Execution
The environments in Star Wars Outlaws are rich with lore and atmosphere. From the bustling streets of Canto to the diverse Cantinas, the game captures the essence of Star Wars. Eavesdropping on conversations and exploring familiar planets provide a sense of immersion. However, despite these vibrant settings, the open world feels empty. The vastness of the galaxy is underutilized, making exploration less rewarding than expected.
Character Dynamics: A Mixed Experience
Kay Vess stands out with her relatable personality and sharp wit. However, the supporting cast steals the show. ND-5, a repurposed battle droid, and Ank, a Chadra-Fan explosives enthusiast, bring depth to the story. Yet, the game falls into familiar territory with Kay's origin story, echoing themes seen in past Star Wars narratives. This repetition detracts from the overall experience.
Gameplay: Familiar, Yet Flawed Mechanics
Now to the next topic in our Star Wars Outlaws Review, we must address the gameplay, which borrows heavily from other popular titles. While the game markets itself as the first open-world Star Wars experience, the execution feels forced. The deserts of Tattooine and the jungles of Akiva, though visually impressive, offer little in terms of engaging content. The game falls into the trap of including an open world for the sake of it, rather than because it enhances the experience.
Traversal, combat, and stealth mechanics are another point of contention. Players might find the controls clunky and inconsistent. The stealth mechanics, in particular, disappoint, given the developer's expertise in this area from previous titles.
Final Verdict: Is Star Wars Outlaws Worth Playing?
The game offers moments of fun and immersion, especially for die-hard Star Wars fans like myself. However, it falls short of being a standout title in the franchise. The open-world concept, while ambitious, doesn't add much to the overall experience. If you're a Star Wars fan, you'll likely enjoy parts of the game, but it may not be the must-play experience you were hoping for.