When “Star Wars Outlaws” was announced, it was as if a million voices suddenly cried out—not in terror, but in overwhelming excitement. For fans of the galaxy far, far away, the promise of an open-world game set in the criminal underbelly of the Empire’s reign was like the lure of the Force itself—irresistible. Ubisoft’s ambitious take on the Star Wars universe offers an entirely new perspective, one that trades the light and dark sides of the Force for the morally grey areas that define the galaxy’s outlaws and scoundrels.
After countless hours immersed in this sprawling, vibrant universe on the PlayStation 5, I’m thrilled to report that “Star Wars Outlaws” is more than just another Star Wars game—it’s a thrilling space opera that encapsulates the very spirit of the saga. Let’s dive into why this game might just be the one you’ve been looking for.
Story and Characters
“Star Wars Outlaws” places you in the shoes of Kay Vess, a character who feels like she’s stepped right out of a Han Solo adventure, complete with swagger, wit, and a deep sense of survival in a galaxy dominated by the Empire. Kay’s journey is classic Star Wars—a tale of underdogs, impossible odds, and unexpected alliances. Her transformation from a small-time thief to a legend in the underworld feels both natural and exciting as if she’s a character we’ve always known existed in the vast Star Wars lore but are only now getting to meet.
One of the game’s greatest strengths is how it captures the Star Wars universe from a fresh angle. While the Skywalkers and Sith Lords wage their epic battles, Kay is navigating a galaxy teeming with bounty hunters, double-crossing smugglers, and ruthless crime syndicates. It’s the dirty, gritty side of Star Wars, reminiscent of the seedy cantinas and shadowy deals that fans have come to love since the original trilogy.
Your companion, Nix, embodies the quirky, endearing creatures that Star Wars is known for. He’s more than just a sidekick; he’s a critical part of your journey, offering companionship and tactical support that feels reminiscent of droid companions like R2-D2 or BB-8. Then there’s ND-5, a former Separatist droid whose background ties in beautifully with the prequel era, giving fans a nice nod to the broader Star Wars timeline.
The game’s antagonists, whether they’re Imperial officers or rival outlaws, are richly developed and bring the kind of menace that Star Wars fans crave. Each villain feels like they’ve walked off the set of a Star Wars film, with just the right amount of charisma, danger, and unpredictability.
World Building and Exploration
The universe of “Star Wars Outlaws” is expansive, immersive, and detailed. As a lifelong fan, stepping onto planets like Tatooine or exploring new worlds feels like a dream come true. Every corner of the galaxy is packed with lore, Easter eggs, and subtle nods to the films, animated series, and even the comics. It’s clear that the developers are not just creators—they’re fans who understand the weight of what it means to build a Star Wars game.
Whether you’re roaming the sandy dunes of Tatooine, navigating the labyrinthine streets of Coruscant’s underworld, or piloting your ship, the Trailblazer, through the vastness of space, the game’s environments are alive with the spirit of Star Wars. The attention to detail is staggering—from the iconic sound of a land speeder’s engine to the sight of twin suns setting over a distant horizon, every moment feels like it’s straight out of the saga we love.
Exploration isn’t just about ticking off objectives; it’s about truly living in the Star Wars universe. The game encourages you to discover the hidden corners of each planet, from abandoned Jedi temples to secret Imperial outposts, rewarding your curiosity with lore, side quests and treasures. And the seamless transition between planetary exploration and space travel? It’s as magical as when you first saw the Millennium Falcon jump to lightspeed.
Gameplay Mechanics
“Star Wars Outlaws” delivers a gameplay experience that’s as varied as it is engaging. Combat is where the game can shine for some, offering a blend of blaster shootouts, melee skirmishes, and tactical stealth that feels perfectly suited to Kay’s character. Every firefight, every encounter, has that Star Wars energy—blasters crackling, explosions booming, and the tension of facing down impossible odds.
The game’s blaster mechanics are finely tuned, making each shot feel impactful, whether you’re taking down a squad of stormtroopers or fending off a group of rival bounty hunters. And for those moments when subtlety is the better approach, the stealth mechanics are equally satisfying. There’s something inherently Star Wars about sneaking past Imperial guards, disabling security systems, outsmarting your enemies or using Nix to take their attention—after all, isn’t that how many of the greatest heroes in the saga operated?
In terms of gameplay elements, hitting a stormtrooper with your bare hands feels unrealistic. It’s more likely you’d injure yourself than cause any real damage, and the ragdoll physics could use some refinement to make these interactions feel more natural.
Additionally, interactions within cities feel quite limited. The inability to draw your weapon in these areas breaks immersion and restricts your choice, making the game feel less dynamic and engaging in those moments.
The “Reputation System” is where the game’s RPG elements truly shine, allowing you to shape Kay’s journey in a way that reflects your choices. Aligning with certain factions opens up new opportunities while closing others, adding real weight to your decisions. It’s reminiscent of the moral choices seen in classics like “Knights of the Old Republic,” but here, it’s more about navigating the grey areas that define the life of an outlaw in the Star Wars universe.
However, the system isn’t without its flaws. One of the biggest issues is how the wanted status works. Once you’ve gained notoriety with a faction or the Empire, it’s incredibly difficult to shake that status. Unless you die and respawn, go into hiding for extended periods, or find a way to hack systems to erase your record, there’s no real way to lower your wanted level. This can lead to frustrating situations where you’re constantly being hunted, making it difficult to explore freely or complete certain missions without interference.
While this relentless pursuit adds tension and realism to the experience, it can also become a hindrance, particularly for players who prefer a more balanced approach to exploration and combat.
The companion mechanics are a standout feature. Nix’s ability to assist in combat and exploration feels like a nod to the beloved droid and creature companions throughout the Star Wars saga. ND-5’s hacking skills are invaluable, providing a tactical edge that can turn the tide of battle or open up new paths in your adventure. The synergy between Kay and her companions adds depth to the gameplay, making them feel like an integral part of your crew.
Visuals and Performance
Visually, “Star Wars Outlaws” presents a mixed bag on the PlayStation 5. The game feels like the original Star Wars trilogy before its remastering—capturing that classic, cinematic quality that resonates with long-time fans. Each scene is filled with the level of detail that Star Wars enthusiasts have come to expect, from the lush and varied environments to the bustling interiors of galactic hubs. The arid landscapes of desert planets and the neon-lit streets of shadowy underworlds are all brought to life with an undeniable fidelity that immerses you in the galaxy.
However, there are some noticeable issues, particularly when comparing the console experience to its PC counterpart. When you look closely, especially in high-detail environments or character models, there’s a slight but discernible downgrade on the PS5. Textures aren’t as sharp, and some environmental details can appear less refined. That said, unless you’re actively comparing the two versions or are particularly sensitive to these graphical differences, it’s unlikely to detract significantly from your enjoyment.
Performance-wise, the game aims for 60 FPS in performance mode, but it doesn’t always hit that target consistently. Using an FPS checker, you can see that the frame rate occasionally struggles, dipping below the 60 FPS mark during more intense or crowded scenes. However, unless you’re someone who’s particularly sensitive to frame rate drops, or unless the game’s visual performance is hurting your eyes, these dips are likely to be only a minor concern. Performance mode does sacrifice visual quality for those extra frames, which can lead to less impressive graphics overall.
Personally, I found that playing in quality mode at 30 FPS offered a better balance. The enhanced visuals provided a richer, more immersive experience, and the lower frame rate didn’t significantly impact my enjoyment of the game. The fast-paced combat and space dogfights felt responsive enough, even at 30 FPS, and the visual improvements were worth the trade-off for me.
There are some minor issues beyond the frame rate. Occasional texture pop-ins and bugs with NPCs breaking immersion, as well as slight frame drops during heavily populated scenes, do occur. However, for some players, like myself, these hiccups are easily overlooked when considering the sheer scale and beauty of the world Ubisoft has created. The immersion and depth of the Star Wars universe are strong enough to carry the experience, even with these technical imperfections.
The sound design is a triumph. Every blaster shot, every starship engine, every piece of ambient noise is crafted with the care and precision that has defined Star Wars audio since the original trilogy. The voice acting is stellar, with each character delivering lines that feel authentic to the Star Wars universe. While the soundtrack isn’t composed by John Williams, it’s clear that the composers have a deep love for the source material, creating a score that perfectly complements the game’s action and emotional beats.
Quests and Side Activities
The main story missions in “Star Wars Outlaws” are epic in scale, full of the daring heists, narrow escapes, and explosive showdowns that have become synonymous with Star Wars. But it’s in the side quests and additional activities that the game truly shines for fans. Every side mission, whether it’s a simple delivery job or a complex bounty hunt, is steeped in Star Wars lore.
One particularly memorable side quest took me deep into the heart of an ancient Sith tomb, filled with traps, puzzles, and a sense of dread that felt like it was ripped straight from “The Clone Wars.” Another had me racing against time to intercept an Imperial convoy carrying a shipment of kyber crystals—a high-stakes mission that tied directly into the broader Star Wars narrative.
The game’s mini-games and activities, like Sabaac and swoop bike racing, are more than just distractions—they’re celebrations of the Star Wars universe. Playing Sabaac in a cantina filled with smugglers and bounty hunters feels like stepping into a scene from “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” while racing through dangerous terrain on a swoop bike channels the thrill of the pod-racing scenes from “The Phantom Menace.”
Customization and Progression
Customization in “Star Wars Outlaws” is a delight, allowing you to tailor Kay’s appearance and abilities to your liking. The range of outfits available is a treat for fans, with each costume feeling like it could have a place in the broader Star Wars canon. Whether you’re donning a sleek smuggler’s coat or suiting up in rugged bounty hunter gear, each outfit not only changes your appearance but also offers gameplay perks that suit different playstyles.
The Trailblazer, your trusty ship, is also fully customizable, both cosmetically and functionally. Upgrading your ship to enhance its speed, firepower, or cargo capacity allows you to approach space encounters in a way that suits your preferred style—be it as a nimble smuggler or a heavily armed enforcer.
Progression is satisfying, with each level-up bringing tangible improvements to Kay’s abilities. The skill tree is well-designed, offering a variety of paths that allow you to specialize in combat, stealth, or technical prowess. It’s a system that encourages replayability, as different builds offer new ways to experience the game’s challenges.
Finally, the photo mode is very responsive and highly editable, allowing you to set your photo settings to however you like. Want to get a nice shallow depth of field to give your photos that professional cinematic look? That is no problem. You can either set up your shot using the free camera and adjust the focal settings, or the photo mode gives you lens options from 30mm to 70mm. While it’s not on the same level as say the photo mode in Marvel’s Spider-Man, it’s still a very good and user-friendly experience.
Verdict
“Star Wars Outlaws” is a triumph for fans of both the franchise and open-world games. It successfully blends the rich lore of the Star Wars universe with engaging gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. While it’s not without its flaws—occasional technical hiccups and a few pacing issues—it’s a thoroughly enjoyable experience that offers something new for Star Wars fans. Whether you’re navigating the underworld or flying through space, “Star Wars Outlaws” delivers on its promise of making you feel like an integral part of the galaxy.
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