Star Wars Outlaws Review

Star Wars Outlaws

Release:
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Genre: PlayStation 5 Reviews, PS5 Reviews, ReviewsXBox One ReviewsXbox Series X Reviews
PEGI: 12
Comments:

 

Comment

Star Wars Outlaws excels in its presentation. The game’s environments are beautifully rendered, capturing the iconic aesthetics of the Star Wars galaxy. From the bustling cityscapes of Mirogana to the desolate landscapes of Tosche Station, each location feels distinct and immersive. The vibrant color palette and attention to detail create a truly atmospheric experience.

While the open-world exploration is enjoyable, the gameplay mechanics feel somewhat generic. Combat encounters, while visually impressive, lack the depth and variety that would elevate them above standard third-person shooter fare. The stealth system, though functional, can be frustrating at times, with enemies often behaving predictably and easily alerted. Ultimately if feels like the least star wars-y star wars game ever.

Progression is largely driven by completing missions and side activities. While there’s a sense of accomplishment in unlocking new abilities and upgrades, the overall structure can feel repetitive. The game’s reputation system, which affects how NPCs interact with you, is a nice touch but doesn’t have a significant impact on the core gameplay.

The story, while not groundbreaking, is serviceable. The protagonist, Kay Vess, is a compelling character, and her journey through the criminal underworld is engaging enough. However, the narrative lacks the emotional depth and memorable moments that would truly elevate it. The supporting characters, while well-voiced, feel somewhat one-dimensional. For a galaxy built on so much lore and places to go, it really doesn’t ever reach that level of greatness it should have. You CAN do a great Star Wars story without going to Jedi or Force powers often (see Mandalorian), but this game often just comes up like a shallow stealth game with a generic star wars skin on it.

Specific Criticisms

Repetitive Gameplay: The core gameplay loop of combat, exploration, and mission completion can become repetitive over time.
Lack of Depth in Combat: While the combat visuals are impressive, the mechanics feel somewhat shallow and lack the strategic depth found in other action RPGs.
Predictable Stealth: The stealth system can be frustrating due to predictable enemy behavior and easily triggered alerts.
Shallow Narrative: The story, while serviceable, lacks the emotional depth and memorable moments that would truly make it stand out.
One-Dimensional Characters: The supporting characters, while well-voiced, feel somewhat flat and lack the complexity of their counterparts in other Star Wars games.

Star Wars Outlaws is a solid addition to the Star Wars gaming canon, but it ultimately fails to reach the heights of its predecessors. While the visuals and atmosphere are impressive, the gameplay and story feel somewhat generic and lacking in depth. Fans of the Star Wars universe will likely find enjoyment in exploring the open world and experiencing the iconic lore, but those seeking a truly groundbreaking and innovative experience may be left wanting more.

Additional Thoughts

Multiplayer: The lack of multiplayer modes is a missed opportunity, as a cooperative or competitive multiplayer experience could have added a new dimension to the game.
Customization: While there are some options for customizing Kay Vess’s appearance, the game could have benefited from a more robust character customization system.
Performance Issues: Some players have reported performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems, which can detract from the overall experience.

Star Wars Outlaws is a competent but ultimately forgettable game. It offers a visually stunning open-world experience, but its generic gameplay and shallow narrative ultimately hold it back. While fans of the Star Wars universe may find enjoyment in exploring the galaxy and interacting with familiar characters, those seeking a truly memorable and innovative gaming experience may be disappointed.

Trailer