Set in a bustling galaxy filled with Jedi and Sith, Star Wars Outlaws poses a thought-provoking question: what about those of us who aren't part of those groups? This expansive open-world adventure throws players into the shoes of Kay Vess, a resourceful rogue making her mark in the world of underground crime. Armed with a reliable blaster and a charming alien companion, players will embark on daring heists, navigate complex alliances, and perhaps even find a sense of belonging among the stars. However, can Outlaws capture the rebellious essence that endeared characters like Han Solo and Lando Calrissian to fans? Like a smuggler's cargo, Outlaws delivers a mix of exciting opportunities and potential challenges. I'll explore the game's vast planets, thrilling shootouts, and diverse characters to determine if it has what it takes to stand out among other Star Wars titles. So fasten your seatbelt and get ready—let's see if Star Wars Outlaws possesses enough rugged charm to charm even the most skeptical space bandit.

A rogues' gallery: Scum and villainy

In a distant galaxy, during the period between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, a new hero emerges from the shadows of the criminal underworld. Outlaws introduces us to Kay Vess, a spirited young rogue with grand aspirations. Orphaned and solitary, Kay has relied on her wit and sharpshooting skills to survive. Her loyal companion is Nix, an endearing alien creature that is a mix of ferret and axolotl, brimming with compassion. The bond between Kay and Nix forms the emotional cornerstone of Outlaws, adding depth to Kay's evolution from self-serving survivor to an unwilling champion.

The narrative commences with a classic scenario—a heist gone awry. Kay finds herself in hot water, marked for death by Sliro, the enigmatic leader of the Zerek Besh syndicate. To clear her name and seize a lucrative opportunity, she must assemble a crew and tackle an even more daring job. While this premise may feel familiar to fans of Ocean's Eleven or Guardians of the Galaxy, the...

Despite some shortcomings like underdeveloped character motivations and unresolved plot points, Outlaws offers a compelling experience that will keep players engaged until the end. The main storyline, while fairly linear, contrasts with the open-world structure promised, but the game presents an immersive tale nevertheless.

In terms of gameplay, Ubisoft provides players with a variety of tools to fulfill their Star Wars fantasies. The core loop involves gunfights, stealth missions, and puzzles as Kay infiltrates enemy strongholds and completes tasks for different factions. Combat feels satisfying thanks to a responsive cover system and impactful gun mechanics. Kay's customizable blaster allows for quick adaptation to different combat situations. The "Focus" ability, which slows down time, adds a cinematic touch to shootouts, making players feel like they're in the heart of Mos Eisley Cantina. While enemies present a decent challenge on higher difficulty levels, the AI can be exploited at times.For players who prefer a quieter approach, Outlaws provides a robust stealth gameplay experience. Kay has the ability to sneak through tall grass, use distractions, and execute silent takedowns to remain undetected. Nix plays a significant role by scouting ahead, marking enemies, and disabling security systems. Commanding this furry companion adds a fun tactical element to navigating stealthily. While the stealth AI may not be the most advanced, it effectively enhances the satisfaction of ghosting through different areas.

As you progress, Kay gains access to new gear and abilities to enhance her skills. Rather than following a traditional skill tree, players unlock new talents by completing challenges for "Expert" characters throughout the galaxy. This unique system ties progression to exploration and specific gameplay objectives. Although progression may feel slow initially, by the late game, you will have a wide array of tools at your disposal.

Outlaws features both on-planet and space exploration. On the ground, players move between objectives using Kay's speeder bike, which can be upgraded for better performance. Space flight, on the other hand, presents a mixed experience. Kay's ship, the Trailblazer, can feel somewhat unwieldy during dogfights. However, navigating through asteroid fields and capital ships still provides exciting moments. Space exploration is somewhat restricted, mainly limited to small orbital zones around each planet.

The expansive open world of the game encompasses multiple planets, each with unique biomes and settlements awaiting exploration. From the sandy dunes of Tatooine to the vibrant streets of Kijimi, the environments capture the essence of the Star Wars universe while offering visual diversity. Each planet is filled with side activities and hidden collectibles to uncover. Engage in bounties, play Sabacc in cantinas, participate in alien races, and more. While it may sometimes seem like checking off items on a map, the range of activities breathes life into the Star Wars universe.

The faction reputation system introduces consequences to your actions within the open world, adding depth to player decisions.Completing tasks for a single group may upset others, leading to restricted access or potential retaliation. While the system isn't overly complex, it enhances replayability and prompts you to consider your decisions. Gameplay is generally solid, but some areas could use refinement. Forcing stealth elements in story missions may frustrate players not suited to that style of play. Although there is a variety of open-world activities, they may become repetitive over time. Space combat, while visually impressive, falls short of dedicated Star Wars flight simulations.

Is the performance smooth as a well-tuned droid? Visually, Outlaws is a visual delight for Star Wars enthusiasts. Environments are rich in intricate details that embody the franchise's look and feel. Character models convey emotion in cutscenes, but facial animations during gameplay dialogues can seem rigid. Special effects like blaster shots and explosions are vibrant and dynamic. Lighting is a notable highlight, crafting mood in cantinas and neon-lit streets.

On PC, performance can vary depending on your hardware. With top-tier specs, maintaining a stable 60 FPS at 1440p with maximum settings is achievable. However, intensive scenarios may lead to noticeable drops in busy locations. Less powerful systems may struggle to sustain consistent frame rates without visual sacrifices. Load times are generally swift, with smooth transitions entering buildings. Nevertheless, initial loads and planet hops can be time-consuming. Texture pop-in is common upon entering an area, and sporadic crashes occur, though regular saving mitigates loss of progress.

The sound design captures the essence of the Star Wars universe, from blaster sounds to speeders' iconic hum.In Star Wars Outlaws, John Williams' iconic themes are creatively remixed and reimagined to provide a fresh yet unmistakably Star Wars experience. The voice acting shines with the main cast delivering captivating performances, supported by authentic alien languages and droid sounds. The game doesn't reinvent the open-world formula but transports it to a distant galaxy with mostly successful results. The engaging main storyline follows a heist caper with charismatic characters, blending action, stealth, and exploration to embody the essence of a charming rogue navigating a galaxy fraught with both opportunities and dangers.

Despite its strengths, Outlaws falters in fully realizing its open-world structure. Some side activities feel disconnected from the main plot, and the faction system lacks substantial impact. The game struggles to balance its tightly-woven cinematic experience with true sandbox freedom, hindered further by technical issues and underdeveloped systems. While not flawless, Outlaws, much like the Millennium Falcon, is not judged solely by its appearance. The game exudes charm and spirit, offering a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe worth exploring despite its imperfections. For fans seeking to carve their own scoundrel's path through the galaxy, Outlaws presents a unique opportunity rarely seen in Star Wars games. While it may not be the pinnacle of Star Wars gaming, it sets a promising groundwork for future adventures in this seedy corner of the vast Star Wars universe. Our rating: 3.5/5