Star Wars Outlaws Review: A Scoundrel’s Sandbox
Star Wars Outlaws is the first open-world video game in a galaxy far, far away. Is this the intergalactic Star Wars sandbox you were hoping for? Find out in my full review.
Star Wars Outlaws marks a significant milestone as the first open-world video game for the iconic sci-fi franchise. Some of the best Star Wars games have ranged from the beloved Knights of the Old Republic RPGs to action-packed Battlefront series and even pod racers. However, none have offered the freedom and expansiveness that Outlaws brings.
"...none have offered the freedom and expansiveness that Outlaws brings."
Developed by Ubisoft Massive, the game takes a refreshing approach by focusing on the life of a scoundrel rather than the usual Jedi or Sith protagonists. Enter Kay Vess, the game’s protagonist, whose journey through the galaxy’s underbelly is fun and fraught with danger.
Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, you feel the push and pull between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire as your story unfolds. As a small fish in a big sea of the criminal underworld, you look to make one huge score to change your fortunes. Instead, you keep getting pulled deeper into the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Fortunately, there is plenty of entertainment in a universe filled with so much scum and villainy.
"Fortunately, there is plenty of entertainment in a universe filled with so much scum and villainy."
This shift from the typical Jedi-centric narrative to a new perspective offers a breath of fresh air, creating a unique storyline that stands out in the crowded Star Wars universe. Let’s dive into what makes Kay’s adventure one you’ll want to experience in this open-world Star Wars sandbox.
Star Wars Outlaws Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Developer: Ubisoft Massive
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Action-Adventure, Open-World
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
A scoundrel’s story
Stepping into the boots of Kay Vess, offers a great entry point into Star Wars newcomers and dedicated fans alike. Vess is a great conduit, letting you navigate the galaxy’s treacherous underworld. The storyline follows Kay as she embarks on a high-stakes journey to secure her freedom and fortune. Alongside her loyal companion, Nix, she must outwit ruthless crime syndicates, evade Imperial forces, and forge uneasy alliances. The narrative offers its fair share of twists and turns, offering an engaging story as you explore diverse planets, commit daring heists, and uncover hidden secrets. I was entertained the whole way through and looked forward to the next story beat. Kay’s quest for a better life is dangerous, but her determination and wit make her a compelling protagonist.
Gameplay: A mixed bag of hits and misses
When it comes to gameplay, Star Wars Outlaws delivers a mixed experience. On the one hand, the gunplay, spaceship, and speeder mechanics are fun and engaging but not without flaws. The variety of weapons and gadgets at Kay’s disposal keeps the action fresh and exciting. Unfortunately, this becomes mired with a few technical issues and confusing design choices in an otherwise satisfying, albeit repetitive, gameplay loop.
"The variety of weapons and gadgets at Kay’s disposal keeps the action fresh and exciting."
Hit em' with the one-two
You can only permanently carry a blaster pistol and grenades in your inventory, but when on the battlefield, you can temporarily pick up and use scores of weapons from felled enemies. I liked the simplicity of this system. Unfortunately, one glaring downside is that every secondary weapon you pick up gets dropped as you traverse. For example, climbing a ladder, entering a vent, or just seeking a higher vantage point with a sniper blaster is oddly tricky because you keep dropping your gun. To balance this, you can upgrade your blaster with different types of firepower, so you still get variety with your base blaster/grenade combo. There is also an "Adrenaline Rush" move that lets you charge up a meter and unleash a slow-mo blaster fury that takes out three enemies at once. I enjoyed pulling it off, but overall, the cover-based shooting felt like the movies, and I stuck to that most often.
Inconsistent stealth missions
The stealth mechanics and save point systems leave much to be desired. During missions requiring a more subtle approach, the stealth segments feel outdated, often clunky and unforgiving in odd ways. Some missions, when you are caught, offer an “insta-fail,” causing you to repeat things all over again.
Additionally, the save system is reminiscent of last-gen games, lacking the convenience of modern autosave features, which can lead to annoying backtracking if you fail a mission segment. For example, when I was platforming and fell, I needed to retrace my steps and then some. I’d have to pick up every object repeatedly before attempting the platforming section. Minor quality-of-life improvements could have gone a long way to make everything feel smoother.
Partners in crime
Kay’s partner in crime, Nix, plays a crucial role in the storyline and gameplay elements in Star Wars Outlaws. Nix assists you in various ways, from distracting enemies to retrieving items that are out of reach. His small size and agility allow him to access areas that Kay cannot, allowing him to move through vents, open locked doors, and collect items.
You can command Nix to perform various tasks, like activating switches, scouting ahead, or even engaging in light combat to create diversions. In a gunfight, Nix can trigger explosives or even run out into the battlefield to retrieve a better weapon for you. The bond between Kay and Nix is also highlighted through their interactions and dialogue, adding emotional depth to the narrative and making their journey together even more engaging.
Star Wars Outlaws graphics and performance
Visually, the environments in Star Wars Outlaws, are stunning and diverse. The game leverages the power of “next-gen” consoles to deliver detailed environments and stunning effects. From the bustling streets of Mirogana to the desolate wastelands of Toshara, each location is meticulously crafted to immerse players in the Star Wars universe. The lighting and weather effects add an extra layer of realism, making the galaxy feel alive and dynamic.
"The lighting and weather effects add an extra layer of realism, making the galaxy feel alive and dynamic."
Snowy planets like Kijimi have excellent weather effects, and even Kay’s clothing starts to collect snow. Unfortunately, some of the character models leave a lot to be desired, with stiff movements and facial movements that don’t emote enough, especially during in-engine cutscenes. Outlaws also features CG cutscenes that are stunning and drive the story forward. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly for the most part, with only occasional frame rate drops during intense action sequences.
Outlaws audio and sound design
Star Wars Outlaws' voice acting, audio effects and sound design are excellent. Composer Wilbert Roget II has crafted a score that captures the essence of the Star Wars universe, blending familiar themes with new, edgy compositions that enhance the game’s narrative. The voice acting is equally impressive, with Kay Vess, portrayed by Humberly González, offering a great voice and motion capture performance. The sound effects, from the roar of the ship’s engines to the ping and sizzle of blaster fire, are authentic and immersive, making every moment feel like a scene from the film.
Final Thoughts on Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws is a bold and ambitious entry into the pantheon of Star Wars video games. Its open-world design and focus on a scoundrel’s story offer a refreshing change from the usual Jedi-centric themes. While the game excels in its combat mechanics and audio design, it falters in its stealth and progress mechanics. While it has its flaws, the overall experience is one of excitement and adventure, capturing the spirit of Star Wars in a way that few games have. With its rich storytelling and expansive world, the game invites players to lose themselves in a galaxy far, far away.
Star Wars Outlaws PROS
+Engaging gunplay combat mechanics
+Incredibly detailed environments
+Exceptional audio and sound design
Star Wars Outlaws CONS
-Outdated stealth mechanics
-Inconvenient save system
-Plenty of graphical and gameplay technical glitches
-Some character models and facial animations look out of place
Overall Assessment of Star Wars Outlaws
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 9/10
Replayability: 8/10
Overall Rating: 32/40 (80%)
A copy of the game was provided by Ubisoft to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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