Heavily inspired by classic tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, early titles in the RPG genre borrowed many of their gameplay mechanics and systems almost directly. One classic tabletop RPG feature that's become a staple of just about every RPG is the concept of character classes or builds. In many modern RPGs, players are given a set of character archetypes to choose from at the start of the game that give their character a tailored set of skills right away. But in RPG-lite games like Star Wars Outlaws, builds work a little differently.
Primarily an action-adventure game, Star Wars Outlaws doesn't give players a vast array of different weapons, armors, or stats to choose from that drastically alter gameplay. Instead, Outlaws allows players to customize their playstyle through the skills they choose to upgrade first. Though it isn't as freeing as a traditional RPG, there's still a lot of fun to be had with Star Wars Outlaws' scoundrel playstyle, and there are even some things it could teach the upcoming Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake.
Star Wars Outlaws Makes Great Use of One PlayStation-Exclusive Feature
Star Wars Outlaws runs fairly well on every platform, but there's one platform-exclusive feature that gives the PlayStation 5 an edge.
Star Wars Outlaws Should Inspire Knights of the Old Republic Remake's Scoundrel Class
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic's Scoundrel Class Needs Some Work
At the start of 2003's Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, players can choose from three distinct classes: Scout, Soldier, and Scoundrel. According to its description, the Scoundrel is a rogue who gets by on "stealth and guile," which sounds like a lot of fun, but unfortunately, due to Knights of the Old Republic's mechanics, it doesn't usually feel that way.
While the Soldier and Scout begin with pretty general stats that can be easily added to or tweaked early on in the game, the Scoundrel's starting build is a bit more specific. Knights of the Old Republic's Scoundrel starting class heavily relies on stealth. Due to the Scoundrel's lower health pool and inability to equip heavy armor, players are encouraged to activate a cloaking device at the start of combat or just before it, place traps, and position themselves behind the enemy to use their powerful sneak attack.
In theory, this playstyle should appeal to fans of stealth games, but Knights of the Old Republic's stealth mechanics are very rudimentary. The player's movement speed is very low, which can make placing traps and accurately positioning themselves in the arena a bit of a chore. Combat is also frequent in KOTOR, which can lead to these stealth sequences quickly becoming grating.
How Star Wars Outlaws Could Inspire KOTOR Remake's Scoundrel
Though its development status is still in doubt, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake is still officially on its way, and it'd be nice to see some big improvements to its Scoundrel starting build when it does eventually arrive. And while the recently released Star Wars Outlaws is far from a perfect game, some elements of its scoundrel-centered gameplay should inspire a new iteration of the Scoundrel class in KOTOR Remake.
A large portion of Star Wars Outlaws' gameplay revolves around stealth, and some of its mechanics could work well in KOTOR Remake. Along with a general increase in movement speed, the ability to use alternate pathways in an environment to avoid enemy patrols would be a great way to make KOTOR Remake's Scoundrel class feel more distinct. Similarly, the scoundrel's ability to delay enemy detection by trying to talk their way out of the combat situation would be a great addition to KOTOR's RPG gameplay.
Star Wars Outlaws
-
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.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure
