Star Wars Outlaws review: A fun if limited trip to a galaxy far, far away

4.0 out of 5 star rating

In a distant galaxy, the game Star Wars Outlaws has proven to be an enjoyable play due to its effective marketing efforts. Regrettably, some players’ satisfaction may have been undermined by unrealistic assumptions that could have been moderated, leading to certain disappointment – yet this is the unfortunate reality we find ourselves in.

Prior to its release, the game has frequently been referred to as “Grand Theft Auto set in space,” which isn’t entirely accurate. While neither Massive Entertainment nor Ubisoft explicitly claimed this comparison, they also didn’t fully debunk the idea that it might be similar.

As a passionate movie-lover speaking, I must admit that the concept of a ‘wanted’ system and the deduction of credits upon one’s demise does intrigue me. However, the game seems to have an excess of limitations and safety measures, which unfortunately strips it of the freedom and immersion found in games like GTA.

1. It’s not feasible to stroll into a tavern, pull out your weapon, and start firing (as Han did first), because the characters inside seem more like props than living beings. They hardly react or acknowledge your presence at all.

Initially, let me clarify: Arriving at Mirogana for the first time is truly amazing with numerous individuals bustling around. The ambiance is intense and undeniably the most authentic Star Wars setting in a game. However, the experience doesn’t endure long as you soon grasp that there are stringent rules with limited opportunities to be creative.

If it’s not Grand Theft Auto, then what game could be similar? Perhaps a blend of Assassin’s Creed, Uncharted, and a more simplified version of Mass Effect might come close.

The vast world presents an array of limitless adventures, hidden nooks to discover, and activities to engage in. Yet upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that there are rather stringent boundaries confining your exploration.

You have the option to proceed directly with the narrative, creating a more streamlined and concentrated reading experience. This setup allows for a more stationary setting, yet offers you the liberty to explore various alternative paths in the story – details about these options will be discussed further on.

As the game reaches its peak action, a delightful rhythm emerges that you can savor. While you could certainly charge ahead guns blazing, you’ll find yourself quickly defeated if you’re not taking advantage of the most obvious weaknesses. It seems that Massive Entertainment intended for the game to be approached stealthily, and they’ve provided sufficient tools to make this possible.

It’s no Metal Gear Solid, mind you, but you gain more and more abilities along the way, such as trying to talk yourself out of situations to buy time and throwing smoke bombs for a quick escape.

The same can be said for the shooting. It is competent enough to begin with, but comes more into its own as you upgrade Kay’s abilities.

As a movie critic, I must confess, the ship-to-ship battles are passable, yet they seem more like stepping stones rather than the main event. The controls, while intricate, are mercifully forgiving in their response. Enhancing the Trailblazer undeniably offers an edge, but it’s clear that this vessel serves not just as a tool for traversal, but also as a narrative propeller, guiding us through the story and unlocking fresh vistas.

Kay’s companion Merqaal, similar to Disney’s lovable alien Stitch in Star Wars, is utterly charming and indispensable in the game. They are not just adorable but also incredibly useful, contributing significantly to the gameplay. Nix, the companion, can pilfer from enemies, activate buttons and switches that would otherwise be out of reach, and perform other tasks that enhance the gaming experience.

You might also consider dressing him up, too. In our case, the review unit arrived with the debatable Ultimate Edition cosmetics, and once I had the chance, I equipped Nix with protective eyeglasses, or safety goggles to be precise. If given the opportunity, you would do the same.

Without a doubt, what captivates me the most about this game is its reputation system. It’s a delicate dance, but it effectively conveys that your choices truly have an impact on the game world.

The primary goal isn’t merely satisfying everyone, but rather ensuring they remain satisfied enough so as not to pose a threat. As a rogue character dealing with other rogues, Kay often faces the dilemma of betraying others, which we found provided the most engaging gameplay.

The graphics, of course, are stunning, and go a long way towards distracting you from some gameplay’s shortcomings. Oftentimes, I would get off my speeder to pause and admire the sun setting across Toshara. It was at these moments when it truly felt like everything Massive Entertainment had worked towards came together.

Each planet and station you explore provides awe-inspiring instances reminiscent of classic movie shots.

This all comes at the price of performance, however. If you are playing on PC, the ray-tracing features are quite heavy, but are well worth it if you have the horsepower.

Despite some graphical glitches that made the gaming experience somewhat intense, it seems a pre-launch update addressed many of them. However, a few problems remain unresolved.

Enhancing the stunning graphics is excellent audio design and music that perfectly captures the essence of Star Wars. Frankly, satisfying Star Wars enthusiasts like us isn’t difficult at all – just throw in a few screeching TIE fighters, some gunfire from blasters, and we’re content.

Beyond what’s been mentioned, Massive Entertainment has also created grand orchestral pieces and crisp, fulfilling sci-fi sound effects that beautifully complete the experience.

Regrettably, a significant shortcoming in Star Wars Outlaws lies with the main character, Kay Vess. It’s important to clarify that this doesn’t mean she’s poorly crafted overall, but rather that her backstory isn’t developed enough at the start, leaving us struggling to empathize or become invested in her journey early on.

The game seems to presume a significant investment in its pre-release promotions and publicity, almost like assuming you’ve already immersed yourself in it beforehand.

The ‘charmingly awkward’ character archetype can lose its appeal quite rapidly, and that seems to be the case here. Kay Vess is a fugitive who has stolen a highly valued vessel from a ruthless criminal organization, with no qualms about slaughtering anyone who crosses her path. After plundering an Imperial Advance Operating Base and eliminating 40 stormtroopers, it’s somewhat jarring when Kay returns to her employer with playful gestures and nonchalant responses instead of the expected seriousness.

As I delved deeper into this captivating narrative, Kay’s character evolves from lighthearted to more somber, lending a sense of gravity that only adds to the game’s immersive experience. The introduction of an array of intriguing characters (revealing their identities would be a disservice to new players) creates a rich tapestry of relationships that propels Kay forward on this cosmic journey. By the end, you can’t help but feel as if you’re part of an eclectic band of survivors, struggling to etch out a living amidst the vast and unforgiving expanse of the galaxy.

In its entirety, Star Wars Outlaws is a game that generally delivers well, but it might not match the expectations raised by pre-release buzz. If you’re looking for an enjoyable galactic adventure with engaging set-pieces and a coherent storyline, chances are you’ll find it satisfying.

“If you’re on the hunt for an open-world game akin to Grand Theft Auto, overflowing with limitless opportunities, maybe you should check out another title instead.” (Movie Buff)

The Star Wars Outlaws game will be released on Thursday, August 29th at 11 PM British Summer Time. Early access to the game begins on Monday, August 26th at 11 PM BST.

We reviewed the game on PC. You can order your copy from Amazon, GAME and all the other usual places.

2024-08-26 15:34

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