Summary
- Star Wars Outlaws promises an immersive open-world experience with limitless planetary exploration and fast-paced smuggling adventures.
- Players will have full control over Kay Vess' Trailblazer ship to traverse the stars and fight against the Empire.
- Massive Entertainment needs to avoid repeating the mistake of making the ship gameplay too mandatory, following the backlash from Arkham Knight's Batmobile.
Finally, after what has felt like forever, Star Wars fans are being treated to a fully open-world adventure. While games like LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor may have let players explore various locales, Star Wars Outlaws is set to truly engross players into the galaxy far, far away. Not only will they be able to experience the fast-paced smuggling adventures of Kay Vess, but they will seemingly have virtually limitless freedom to explore iconic planets however they see fit. Yet even though that does sound promising, Star Wars Outlaws may be in danger of repeating a big mistake.
Since Star Wars Outlaws features numerous explorable planets, players will need a means to get to them. Luckily, Massive Entertainment is giving them full control over Kay Vess' Trailblazer. This ship will allow them to traverse the stars, fight back against the Empire, and do everything that Star Wars characters tend to do. However, even though the concept sounds intriguing, if the studio is not careful, then there is a strong chance it will follow in the footsteps of Batman: Arkham Knight's Batmobile.
Star Wars Outlaws Could Have The Ultimate Crafting System
With the expanded setting and the main character being constantly on the run, now is the perfect chance to create a near-limitless crafting system.
Ubisoft Needs to Strike a Delicate Balance With Star Wars Outlaws' Trailblazer
Batman: Arkham Knight Made a Fatal Mistake With Its Batmobile
Batman: Arkham Knight made waves when it was revealed that players would finally be able to control the Batmobile. Up until then, the iconic vehicle was practically nonexistent within the Arkhamverse, and it seldom appeared in any Batman-related game. But since Rocksteady was recreating Gotham City, players needed a fast way to traverse it. So, the studio handed them the Batmobile's keys, and what ensued was not really what players expected.
Instead of simply being an alternative means to explore Gotham, Batman: Arkham Knight's Batmobile actually became a major part of the game. Entire missions and side activities forced players to drive around and shoot the Batmobile's massive cannons. And since it was designed like a tank, it also controlled as such, which made the entire ordeal a bit aggravating. Even though the game was received pretty well, this aspect has seemingly put a stain on the overall experience for many.
The Trailblazer Cannot Repeat Those Same Missteps
What was supposed to be this amazing and iconic moment for Batman fans ended up being a bit lackluster, with many still talking about it to this day. A feature like that would likely have thrived if it were simply optional or just another way to explore Gotham. But the second it became mandatory and shooting things like a tank was a core part of the story, it lost most of its appeal. And while fans have yet to see how Star Wars Outlaws plays, there is a chance it too repeats those same mistakes.
If Massive Entertainment wants people to enjoy Star Wars Outlaws' Trailblazer, then it needs to be better than the Batmobile. The controls have to be more intuitive; the actual gameplay has to be more in line with how a Smuggler would act, and the story cannot constantly force players to use it. While it cannot be so disconnected from the story that it is forgettable, Massive also needs to make sure it is not too mandatory. And hopefully, even things like flying between planets end up being optional for those who would rather not participate in it.
Since this is a Star Wars game, flying through the stars will be a major part of it, but it cannot be so major that it takes away from the other parts of the game considerably. Arkham Knight's Batmobile showed players how vehicle segments should not be handled, so hopefully, Massive paid attention to that. Even if the core game is fantastic, messing up something like its ship gameplay could dominate the conversation for years to come.
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
