In the vast and unpredictable galaxy of Star Wars games, Star Wars Outlaws promised to be a game-changer. It wasn’t just another rehash of lightsabers and the Force—it set out to capture the gritty, morally gray world of smugglers, rogues, and, well, outlaws. But the initial buzz came with skepticism. Could Ubisoft Massive really deliver on its ambitious promise, or would it fall into the trap of being “just another open-world game” with a Star Wars skin?
Turns out, Ubisoft Massive listened to the critiques, tackled the skeptics head-on, and delivered something that’s making waves in the galaxy of Star Wars gaming. Let’s take a closer look at how they fixed everything fans thought might go wrong with Star Wars Outlaws.
No Jedi? No Problem: Embracing the Scoundrel Life
One of the biggest gambles Ubisoft Massive took was leaving Jedi and Sith out of the spotlight. Instead, they focused on Kay Vess, a scoundrel navigating the galaxy’s seedy underbelly. Early reactions were divided: no lightsabers, no Force powers—what’s the point?
The fix? Ubisoft leaned hard into making Kay’s story deeply personal and incredibly relatable. Her scrappy nature and survival instincts make her a character you root for, even if she’s not force-pushing stormtroopers into walls. Pairing her with her adorable alien companion, Nix, brought a dynamic that’s more about clever problem-solving and emotional connections than wielding ancient weapons.
This shift also lets the game explore parts of the Star Wars galaxy often overshadowed by Jedi and Sith lore. Smuggler dens, Hutt cartels, and bounty hunter politics finally take center stage, showing there’s more to Star Wars than glowing swords and moral dilemmas about the Dark Side.
Open-World, Not Open-Boring
Open-world games can be a double-edged vibroblade. When done poorly, they’re full of empty spaces, repetitive fetch quests, and “follow the waypoint” gameplay. Early concerns suggested Star Wars Outlaws might fall into this trap. After all, Ubisoft is no stranger to criticism about bloated open-world design (cough Assassin’s Creed cough).
But Ubisoft Massive made it clear: they weren’t about to let this game be another checklist simulator. Instead, they focused on creating a galaxy that feels alive. Each planet isn’t just a pretty backdrop; it’s a living, breathing world with unique cultures, dangers, and opportunities. You’ll navigate bustling cities, treacherous wastelands, and chaotic spaceports, all while choosing your own path—whether that’s smuggling goods, picking fights with rival factions, or sneaking past Imperial patrols.
And yes, there are fetch quests, but they’re cleverly woven into the narrative, making them feel like integral parts of the smuggler life rather than busywork. Need to trade contraband for credits? That’s not just a quest—it’s how you survive.
Choices That Actually Matter
“Player choice” is a term that gets thrown around a lot in gaming, but how often does it truly feel impactful? Early concerns hinted that Star Wars Outlaws might suffer from the illusion of choice—decisions that look big on paper but ultimately lead to the same outcome.
Ubisoft Massive squashed those fears by creating a branching narrative where your decisions genuinely shape Kay’s journey. Whether you double-cross a Hutt cartel or ally with them to take down a bigger threat, your choices change not just how the story unfolds but also how NPCs react to you. Your reputation matters, and the galaxy remembers.
This isn’t a morality meter with “light side” and “dark side” labels slapped on it. It’s about navigating shades of gray, making tough calls, and living with the consequences. It feels organic and fitting for a game about living on the edge of legality in a galaxy under Imperial rule.
Combat That’s More Than Pew Pew
Let’s be honest: Star Wars games live or die by their combat. Nobody wants another clunky blaster system or repetitive mechanics. Early trailers gave us glimpses of firefights, but doubts lingered. Would combat feel dynamic, or would it just be a series of uninspired shootouts?
Ubisoft Massive didn’t just make the combat functional—they made it fun. Kay’s blaster skills are versatile, allowing players to adapt their approach based on the situation. Want to go in guns blazing? Go for it. Prefer a stealthier approach, sneaking past guards or taking them down quietly? That’s on the table too.
The inclusion of Nix as a companion adds another layer to combat. Send him to distract enemies or retrieve items while you plan your next move. It’s not just about shooting—it’s about thinking like a resourceful outlaw.
Space Travel Done Right
Space travel in Star Wars games has often been a mixed bag. Some games nail it (Star Wars: Squadrons), while others reduce it to glorified loading screens. Early concerns suggested Star Wars Outlaws might oversimplify space exploration or, worse, make it tedious.
Thankfully, Ubisoft Massive nailed it. Space isn’t just a transition zone—it’s a full-fledged playground. You can hop between planets, evade Imperial blockades, engage in dogfights, or explore uncharted regions. The seamless transition from planet surfaces to space makes the galaxy feel massive (pun intended), and every jump to hyperspace feels like an adventure.
A Star Wars Game That Feels Fresh
The Star Wars universe is huge, yet many games stick to familiar formulas. Ubisoft Massive managed to make Star Wars Outlaws feel fresh by focusing on originality. They didn’t just rehash what’s already been done—they expanded the universe, giving players a new perspective.
This isn’t about being the chosen one or saving the galaxy. It’s about surviving, thriving, and carving out your own little slice of freedom in a galaxy dominated by empires and crime syndicates. And that’s exactly what makes it stand out.
Conclusion: Outlaws Done Right
Star Wars Outlaws had every opportunity to crash and burn—it’s a bold concept in a franchise with high expectations. But Ubisoft Massive pulled off something remarkable by listening to feedback, addressing concerns, and delivering an experience that feels uniquely Star Wars without being a rehash of what came before.
From its relatable protagonist to its dynamic open-world design, Star Wars Outlaws is shaping up to be the game that finally gets it right. Whether you’re bartering with Hutts, navigating Imperial politics, or escaping bounty hunters in a high-stakes chase, this is a Star Wars game that lets you live out your wildest outlaw fantasies.
The galaxy may be full of chaos, but one thing’s clear: Ubisoft Massive has turned Star Wars Outlaws into a game worth betting on.
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