Last week the highly anticipated game Star Wars: Outlaws was released from Massive Entertainment and LucasFilms Games. This open-world, action-adventure game follows Kay Vess, a novice thief looking to buy her freedom, and her little animal sidekick, Nix, as they travel across the Outer Rim looking to pull off the biggest score the Underworld has ever seen. In order to make it big in this galaxy, Kay must recruit all sorts of people to her crew, and maybe align herself with one of the major Crime Syndicates, such as the Hutt Cartel or the Pyke Syndicate. All of this comes together to create an unforgettable and truly special adventure in the Star Wars universe.
This game offers so much to Star Wars fans new and old with references to the Original Trilogy, the Aftermath trilogy of books by Chuck Wendig, the Clone Wars era, and even some surprising references to The High Republic era books. So no matter what kind of fan you are, there is something for everyone in this game.
Allying With Scum and Villainy
One of my favorite aspects of this game is the Syndicate Reputation system. While not a new concept to the video game scene, Outlaws allows you to interact with some of the most fearsome Crime Lords in the Star Wars canon. Players can ally themselves with Jabba the Hutt of the Hutt Cartel, Lady Qi’ra from Crimson Dawn, Gorak of the Pyke Syndicate, or the mysterious Queen of the Ashiga Clan. Each Syndicate offers you unique side quests and jobs to take on in the Underworld, such as stealing from rival Syndicates, smuggling operations, or taking on the Empire. Taking these jobs will up your reputation with the Syndicate, granting you access to higher paying jobs, access to their territories across planets, and even rewards such as new customization items for your blaster or outfits.
In my personal playthrough I decided to align myself with the terrifying Crimson Dawn, a crime syndicate once ruled by the Sith Assassin, Darth Maul. As a fan of Solo: A Star Wars Story, I wanted to see how Crimson Dawn had evolved since Lady Qi’ra had taken over the operation. This decision immediately put me in hot water with the Pyke Syndicate and the consequences were felt all over the galaxy. It felt that no matter where I turned, I was constantly being hunted by Gorak’s enforcers. This adds all sorts of tension and strategy needed to traverse the Underworld and I really enjoyed how these events would play out.
Hit the Hyperdrive and Explore the Galaxy
Outlaws boasts five massive planets to explore. There are familiar planets like Tatooine, Akiva and even Cantonica (the casino planet from The Last Jedi that everyone loved so much), and new planets like Kijimi and Toshara. Each planet is huge and bustling with activity and areas to explore. When running around these planets and their major cities, it truly felt that these planets had been lived in and real. Every street corner, every tree and sand dune felt like there was a story to tell which lent itself to the game’s ability to immerse you in the world of Star Wars.
My favorite planet to explore was Akiva, with it’s lush jungles, winding rivers, and simple villages and towns. Too bad the Hutt Cartel had a major stake in the planet which made navigating the cities quite difficult without being harassed. But that’s part of the beauty of this game! Every decision you make with the Syndicates and planet locals creates your own personalized adventure.
Immerse Yourself into the Life of a Scoundrel
This game’s ability to immerse the player into the world of Star Wars is incredible. Playing this game was the closest feeling I had to stepping into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. It truly feels like I am living the life of a smuggler on the run. When you’re not assembling a crew for your big heist in Canto Bight, you can travel the galaxy and participate in a Kessel Sabbac tournament. I was surprised to find how much I loved playing Sabbac in this game. Usually mini game side quests like this bore me but I found myself glued to the gambling halls on Toshara and Akiva just playing Sabbac with the high rollers of the galaxy.
When I finally would take a break from a few Sabbac hands, I could find local food stands and share a meal with Nix. It was really fun to see what local delicacies and treats could be found on each planet. Plus, each meal came with a cute interactive cutscene where you can share your food with Nix. It’s small details like this that make the game feel so immersive and will have you playing for hours on end.
My Final Thoughts
While the story at times can be oddly paced and a little under developed, the sheer amount of openness and immersion make up for it. I was never truly invested in the main story of helping Kay and Nix assemble a team of the galaxy’s best scoundrels to steal from a rising Crime Syndicate. However, the ending has some great reveals and twists. I think the one of the game’s biggest problems regarding the story was that it takes place in such a small period of time in the overall Skywalker Saga canon, that it can’t do anything to wild with characters like Jabba the Hutt or Lando Calrissian since their fates are already written. But like I said before, the immersion alone makes this game worth the price of admission. Also, did I mention you can pet just about every critter you come across in this game? If that doesn’t sell you I don’t know what will.
Star Wars: Outlaws is available now on PlayStation, Xbox and PC with Ubisoft Connect. Star Wars: Outlaws Season Pass featuring Lando Calrissian and Hondo Ohnaka missions available for preorder now.
Star Wars: Outlaws is the ultimate scoundrel experience. The Syndicate Reputation system, character interactions, stealth missions, the variety of special side quests, and the openness of the game make for an immersive Star Wars experience that will keep you hooked despite a spotty narrative and repetitive gameplay.
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Ever since I was young, I had always been fascinated in film and the work that goes into them. I love animation, blockbuster hits, indie films and everything in between. Some day I’ll have the privilege of being apart of the filmmaking process.
