Star Wars Outlaws: A Missed Opportunity in the Galaxy Far, Far Away
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Star Wars Outlaws attempts to show us a side of the galaxy we’ve rarely seen—one filled with street food and the daily grind of those far removed from the epic space battles. It’s a refreshing take, but sadly, the game stumbles in some crucial areas.
A New Perspective on Star Wars
You step into the shoes of Kay Vess, a mercenary who finds herself on the run after a job goes sideways. To clear her name, she bands together with a ragtag crew to pull off a heist against a menacing crime lord. By her side is Nix, a cute, axolotl-like companion who’s sure to win over players’ hearts. One of the game’s standout features is its focus on Star Wars street food—think Kay and Nix enjoying roasted street corn and other exotic treats. It’s a small but delightful detail that adds flavor to the world.
Where Outlaws Misses the Mark
But despite these strengths, Outlaws falters in several key areas:
Underwhelming Protagonist: Kay Vess doesn’t quite live up to her potential. Her character feels one-dimensional, with a story arc that doesn’t show much growth or depth. By the end, Kay’s journey feels stagnant, leaving players wanting more from her development.
Disappointing Narrative Choices: The game promises impactful decisions and alliances, but the reality falls short. Whether you side with the Crimson Dawn or the Ashiga Clan, your choices often lead to minimal consequences, making the story feel a bit hollow.
Gameplay Flaws: While the combat can be fun, the stealth mechanics leave much to be desired. Stealth sections feel repetitive and too easy, thanks to lackluster enemy AI. Even with recent updates, these moments don’t add much tension and are over too quickly.
Space Battles and Exploration: The space combat is perhaps the biggest letdown. Controlling Kay’s ship, the Trailblazer, is a chore, and space battles range from frustrating to downright dull. The game’s space environments, which should evoke the grandeur of the Star Wars universe, unfortunately, lack that iconic charm.
The Bright Spots
That said, Outlaws does have its moments. The sound design is top-notch, with music and effects that truly capture the Star Wars vibe, making space travel and blaster fights feel exciting. The side quests and exploration offer some satisfying experiences, though they sometimes clash with the urgency of the main storyline.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars Outlaws gives us a glimpse into a different side of the galaxy, with a few enjoyable moments and a unique perspective. However, it struggles with weak character development, shallow narrative choices, and inconsistent gameplay. If you’re a Star Wars fan, the game’s sound design and those little immersive touches might make it worth your time, but don’t expect it to redefine the franchise.