Ubisoft’s latest adventure, Star Wars Outlaws, is here, blending blaster shootouts with clever heists in the Star Wars universe. It’s a solid way to spend your time, though it hits some rough patches along the way.
Playing Star Wars Outlaws feels like stumbling upon a hidden gem among a sea of familiar stones. Ubisoft’s latest open-world creation walks a fine line in its gameplay, sometimes feeling frustratingly familiar, but when it dares to innovate, it illuminates those dark corners where surprises lie.
And This game gets under your skin—not with flashy lightsabers or epic battles, but with quiet moments that bring the galaxy to life.
The Ubisoft Formula Done Differently
Ubisoft is known for sticking to a certain formula—releasing open-world games that often feel like variations of the same theme. But what’s often overlooked are the subtle surprises that make these titles stand out in their own quirky ways.
Think Assassin’s Creed Mirage, where ancient Baghdad’s artifacts sweep you off your feet, or Rainbow Six Siege, where destruction becomes an art form. And then there’s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, where exploring a new world takes precedence over merely following a map.
Star Wars Outlaws follows this pattern—it offers fascinating ideas, from a dynamic reputation system to intricately detailed cities begging to be explored.
However, it also clings too closely to convention, with story missions that feel like they’ve been done a million times before.
Meet Kay Vess: The Swindler in Style
Now, let’s talk about the game’s standout character, Kay Vess.
She’s a classic rogue with a backstory straight out of Canto Bight—the glamorous casino planet from The Last Jedi. Smart and a bit arrogant, much like Han Solo, Kay is more brains than brawn. She’s not the type to shoot first and ask questions later.
Without lightsabers or Jedi drama, Kay is just an average, tough gal who knows how to get things done in this far-flung galaxy.
But Outlaws shines brightest in the little moments between the grand ones.
You might find yourself wandering through a bustling city, taking on odd jobs, hunting for rare blaster components, or betting on pulse-pounding races.
And then there’s Sabacc—a game that’s like poker, but with a Star Wars twist. It’s one of the best minigames I’ve played in years, balancing luck and strategy with every twist of the cards. Honestly, Sabacc had me more hooked than the main narrative driving Kay forward.
It’s the Little Things that Count
There’s one scene where Kay and her sidekick, Nix, sit down to eat. You get to walk Kay around as she enjoys an alien corn dish, and it feels almost homey, like you can taste the food yourself.
This quiet, intimate moment highlights the bond between Kay and Nix, something rarely seen in open-world games. It’s reminiscent of feeding soup to Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2, but somehow even sweeter.
These small touches—turning food into an event—are what make Outlaws special.
Unfortunately, they clash with the main story, which feels flat and uninspired by comparison.
Kay’s journey, which begins with assembling a crew for a big heist, starts strong but quickly loses momentum. By the time the crew comes together, they’re little more than background noise, with minimal interaction and personality.
A Tale of Two Games?
Engaging with Star Wars Outlaws feels like juggling two distinct experiences. On one hand, you have a thief simulator where Kay thrives as an enigmatic thief-for-hire, taking on tasks from anyone willing to pay.
But dive into the main quests, and it transforms into Star Wars Uncharted, complete with rock-climbing, ledge-shimmying, and predictable action sequences.
Honestly, I found myself more drawn to the side missions and Sabacc games than the main storyline.
A Missed Opportunity
The game also dabbles in stealth, and it’s done fairly well. For a character who’s more thief than fighter, sneaking around feels right for Kay. She has some neat tricks, like sending Nix to create distractions or disable alarms. But even these mechanics start to feel repetitive after a while.
It’s almost as if Ubisoft had a great idea but didn’t fully develop it. And don’t even get me started on the platforming—it’s like the game is afraid you’ll get lost, so every intended route is lit up with glowing yellow markers.
There’s an “Explorer Mode” that dials back the handholding, but it’s not as satisfying as figuring things out on your own.
The Verdict
This game, Star Wars Outlaws is a mixed bag.
There’s plenty to enjoy if you love exploring every nook and cranny of an open world, but the main story and gameplay mechanics can leave you wanting more.
It’s like being served a gourmet meal—the first course is fantastic, but you leave the table still hungry after the main course.
Not moment of truth, Should you pick it up? If you’re a Star Wars fan who thrives on exploration, you’ll have a blast. But if you’re expecting a game that excels in every aspect, you might want to temper your expectations.
