In a majority of “Star Wars” games, players inevitably take on the role of a Jedi. It’s a role that has been done to death, and that’s a shame because George Lucas’ sci-fi universe has so much more to offer. Mandalorians have an intriguing mythology built behind them while “Andor” and “Rogue One” shows there’s more to the Rebel alliance than what went on behind the main films.
Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment takes note of this, and they’ve created a compelling take on the “Star Wars.” The developer best known for “Tom Clancy’s The Division” takes its talents and creates an engrossing open-world game with “Star Wars Outlaws.” I’ve spent more than a dozen hours with the game and came away with these three thoughts.
1. “Assassin’s Creed” influence — This Ubisoft project follows the exploits of Kay Vess, a small-time thief from Cantonica. She has an animal friend named Nix and together they take on jobs here and there until they steal from the wrong mob boss Sliro, who runs the criminal syndicate called Zerek Besh. She manages to escape but lands on a moon called Toshara. This is where the beginning of the game starts and where players learn the ropes.
Taking on the role of Kay, players have to readjust their thinking. As a scoundrel archetype, players won’t do flips and dispatch enemies with ease. In fact, it’s better to think like a character from “Assassin’s Creed” in “Star Wars Outlaws.” The gameplay relies heavily on stealth and avoiding conflict, but if players get into a gunfight, it’s better to be the one to shoot first.
With the heavy “Assassin’s Creed” influence, players have to do things like hide in the brush and whistle to lure enemies so they can be knocked out without alerting other enemies. Unfortunately, players can’t move bodies so it’s best to eliminate adversaries out of sight.
When stealth does fail and Kay enters combat, it feels slightly like the Division without a cover button. Players have to duck behind crates or walls and use Kay’s versatile blaster to take out adversaries. The ranged combat is something that “Assassin’s Creed” hasn’t touched and it gives “Outlaws” a distinct feel compared to other Ubisoft titles.
As Kay Vess, players will infiltrate Imperial bases and sometimes the visits don’t end peacefully. (Ubisoft)
2. But it’s a Han Solo simulator — While the initial impressions gave me feelings that I was controlling Ezio, as I spent more time with the campaign, more of the “Star Wars” identity shined through. A big part of this was the faction system. Kay has to balance her relationships among the different factions of the underworld, and doing jobs for one might anger the other.
It appears difficult for every one to love the protagonist, so players will have to pick and choose, which criminal enterprises appeal to them. They have distinct personalities, territories and merchants. If players piss off one, they can overcharge Kay at one of their stories. If they hate players, they’ll be killed on sight whenever they step into their territories.
One of the most exciting and fun moments is that the Hutts, Crimson Dawn and Pykes are so intertwined that the underworld almost feels incestuous. Each crime group knows the other and they have double agents or opportunities that will sell out their allies for a better payday. One of the best thrills of the game is encountering this situation straight out of Han Solo’s life and figuring out how Kay reacts.
They can play her a a straight-edge scoundrel who fulfills and sticks with the mission, or they can look for ways to get ahead with a faction they like. One of the fun parts is actually role-playing the scoundrel and coming up with their own code in this den of thieves.
Kay Vess has her own signature ship called the Trailblazer in “Star Wars Outlaws.” (Ubisoft)
3. This is going to be a long game — After my time with the game, I feel there’s so much more to explore. I’m still on Tashora and haven’t fixed my ship the Trailblazer to explore other parts of the Galaxy. I have ventured to areas around the moon, and the space flight is decent. It’s reminiscent of “Star Wars: Squadrons” albeit more arcadelike and shallow.
Players will engage in dog fights, but it doesn’t the have complexity of something like “Starfield.” Meanwhile, the Sppeder does the job of getting players through open worlds with plenty to explore. Players will discover all sorts of hidden treasures and dynamic missions as one would see in the “Division.”
“Outlaws” does a good job at rewarding players for their curiosity and exploration. They often get materials for better equipment, cosmetic looks or even perks added to Nix. Although Kay has three armor pieces and a blaster that never leaves her side, players will discover several ways they can customize the character with gear that compliments their play style.
They’ll also encounter gated obstacles on quests. That means some missions can’t be finished until later in the campaign when players pick up an ability or equipment that lets them access more areas. It’s annoying especially after clearing an area, players will discover they may have to do it again as part of new mission or to clear an area of all its treasure.
After a dozen hours, there’s so much to explore in this Han Solo simulator and the campaign has enough compelling gameplay and story beats to keep me powering through the end.
