It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Star Wars has received a bevy of high-profile video game adaptations. All manner of AAA developers, from Ubisoft to Respawn, have taken a crack at Lucasfilm’s seminal and enduring sci-fi adventure franchise, to varying degrees of success.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Star Wars video game adaptation collection, which may as well be its own sub-industry at this point, is how varied it can be: multiplayer gamers can delve head-first into the likes of Star Wars Battlefront, recreating epic-scale warfare with their favorite characters, while those more concerned with the storytelling and character-building of the series can enjoy upcoming games like Star Wars Eclipse. But one particularly persistent trend has proven to be a boon for Star Wars video games, and it’s no surprise that more and more developers are leaning into it.
An Unlikely Star Wars Outlaws Sequel Would Have a Strange Cross to Bear
Though it doesn't seem as if Star Wars Outlaws will be getting a follow-up, if it does, it would have to reckon with one major issue.
Star Wars Games Are at Their Best When Removed from the Films
New Characters, Plots, and Lore Concepts Benefit Star Wars Games Immensely
There are certainly good Star Wars games that directly adapt elements from already-established series media—LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a recent example of how good a one-to-one adaptation of Star Wars can be. But one could argue that the best Star Wars video games are the ones that uncouple themselves from predetermined stories, allowing for new narrative experiences that are untethered from stone-carved lore and audience expectations.
This is exactly what can be observed in the likes of Star Wars Outlaws, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, and the Star Wars Jedi series. These games, while they may vary in quality, are all unique, and this makes them valuable contributions to the broader Star Wars mythos. No longer are video games mere novelties, existing only to supplement or market pre-existing films, which have historically been considered to be of stronger artistic stock. Games are treated with more weight now; they are sturdy enough to support their own stories, no longer requiring the mainstream success of film to buttress them.
This is why something like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is so appealing. Of course, there’s the obvious benefit of it having an original story, one that can actually surprise even the most seasoned Star Wars fans, but the perks are even broader and more nuanced than that. The Star Wars Jedi games actually flesh out the Star Wars universe in meaningful ways, giving new insight into both the Jedi and the Sith. In the case of Fallen Order, this manifests in an expansion of the Star Wars cast, as the game either introduces or expounds upon various characters like Cere Junda and The Ninth Sister. By treating themselves as powerful, potential-laden narrative works in their own right, Star Wars video games have managed to enrich the series’ mythos, not just uphold it.
Branching Out Allows Star Wars Games To Make the Most of Their Medium
Narrative can often be a vital element in game design, serving as the skeleton upon which everything else is built. This is especially true for projects from studios like Quantic Dream, which is working on the enigmatic Star Wars Eclipse: these games are ninety percent story, and ten percent gameplay. But most games rely heavily on interactivity, as this is the central pillar that distinguishes the medium from the likes of film and television.
As such, Star Wars games have the unique privilege of using interactivity to provide a one-of-a-kind experience, something that books, movies, and TV shows simply can’t offer. Trying to adapt a pre-existing story to the realm of film can therefore be akin to shoving a round peg in a square hole, awkwardly injecting interactivity into a story that doesn’t support it. By starting fresh, games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and The Force Unleashed have managed to create compelling stories and riveting gameplay in equal measure.
Star Wars Outlaws
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 75 /100 Critics Rec: 68%
- Released
- August 30, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence, Simulated Gambling, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
- Massive Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Games
- Engine
- Snowdrop
- Franchise
- Star Wars
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.
DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITY
Explore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORY
Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONS
Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEAT
Pilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
