Summary
- Star Wars Outlaws draws inspiration from other sources, but aims for a balance with original characters like Jaylen and ND-5.
- Jaylen fits into the scoundrel archetype, while ND-5 resembles a brawler-type, potentially falling into predictable franchise stereotypes.
- Ubisoft has the opportunity to subvert expectations and flip character archetypes on their head, adding twists to Jaylen and ND-5's dynamic.
While it's one of the most influential franchises of all time, Star Wars has taken plenty of inspiration from other sources over the years. From George Lucas citing Kurosawa's Seven Samurai as a major inspiration for the design and mythos of the Jedi, to the Empire's rise to power closely resembling the real-world history of Nazi Germany, Star Wars has always been influenced by other sources, and that pattern has continued through to games like Star Wars Outlaws.
Aiming to be as authentic to the universe as possible, Star Wars Outlaws will inherently contain a bunch of elements inspired by other pieces of media, but hopefully that'll be balanced out nicely by the inclusion of a swathe of original Star Wars characters. Two of these original characters, Jaylen Vrax and his droid companion ND-5 have been a prominent part of Star Wars Outlaws' marketing so far, and though they seem to follow some classic Star Wars conventions, these characters could be used to subvert expectations.
Star Wars Outlaws' Jaylen and ND-5 Shouldn't Be Predictable
Star Wars Outlaws' Jaylen and ND-5 Might Fall Into Obvious Franchise Stereotypes
Though Ubisoft is starting to reveal more about Star Wars Outlaws' main story, side characters Jaylen Vrax and ND-5 are still shrouded in quite a bit of mystery. Based on the trailers released so far, Jaylen appears to fit comfortably into the usual Star Wars scoundrel archetype, appearing ruggedly handsome and having a laid-back demeanor during his brief meeting with Kay Vess aboard her ship. Jaylen even borrows some fashion designs from previous Star Wars universe scoundrels, wearing a tan shirt and pauldron combo that has some serious Kyle Katarn energy.
On the other side of the coin there's ND-5, a Battle Droid Commando that's somehow managed to stay alive decades after the rest of his kind was destroyed or put into permanent storage following the Clone Wars. Despite gracing the front cover of Star Wars Outlaws, not much has been revealed about ND-5's personality, though he appears to follow a similar archetype to Rogue One's K-2SO, being a strong, imposing brawler-type.
These archetypes, especially the scoundrel role, have delivered some of the most beloved characters in all of Star Wars, but they're starting to get a little repetitive now. The more Star Wars content that continues to be released, the less impact these character archetypes have. If Jaylen and ND-5 end up being simple copies of characters like Han Solo, Kyle Katarn, and K-2SO, then it could end up feeling a little lazy on Ubisoft's part.
Jaylen and ND-5's Dynamic Can Flip Star Wars Archetypes on Their Head
Ubisoft can use these classic Star Wars character archetypes to its advantage. With Jaylen and ND-5 seemingly fitting the mold so well, many fans are going to expect them to behave like past characters. According to the official Star Wars website's description of Jaylen, he's the one who's offering Kay Vess the opportunity to pull off the galaxy's greatest heist, being a figure that frequently works outside the usual criminal syndicates. ND-5 is apparently Jaylen's personal enforcer who will be assigned to work with Vess during her mission.
Star Wars stereotypes would dictate that Jaylen should probably betray Kay Vess at some point during her journey, likely in an attempt to steal the riches for himself. It's also likely that ND-5 switches sides at this moment, having become fond of Vess during their adventure together. But Star Wars Outlaws has the opportunity to flip this prediction on its head and deliver some kind of twist that fans wouldn't see coming from these archetypes, such as ND-5 being the one to betray both Kay Vess and Jaylen in the end.
Star Wars Outlaws
- Released
- August 30, 2024
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.
- Developer(s)
- Massive Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Games
- Franchise
- Star Wars
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure
