My recent preview of Star Wars Outlaws, an upcoming open-world title from Ubisoft, provided an extensive look at the game’s universe and its core gameplay mechanics. The experience was most satisfying when I could simply engage in the world at my own pace, exploring the richly detailed environments and interacting with the game’s systems.
One of my most memorable moments occurred during a visit to a dingy bar on Kijimi, a planet from The Rise of Skywalker. I spent some time playing Sabacc, a classic Star Wars card game, before returning to my ship with a stash of contraband. This experience encapsulates the essence of the smuggler fantasy that Ubisoft is aiming to deliver with Star Wars Outlaws.
At the heart of this experience lies the intricate relationship system between players and the five Syndicates that control the Star Wars galaxy’s underworld. Players must navigate these complex alliances, engaging in missions and making choices that impact their standing with each faction. This adds a dynamic layer to the sandbox, although I’m still unsure how this system will function in the long run.
The preview began on Tosharna, a newly created planet, where I encountered the Pyke, Crimson Dawn, and Hutt syndicates. Building relationships with these factions involved completing missions, often exploring the world on a speeder bike. While the open world of Tosharna is visually appealing, it can feel somewhat barren at times, with sparsely populated landscapes.
However, the experience transformed once I reached Mirogana, a dingy, crime-ridden city on a backwater planet. This location truly embodies the gritty atmosphere that Star Wars Outlaws strives to portray. The city teems with vendors, Sabacc games, a cantina, and agents from every Syndicate, creating a vibrant and immersive environment. The inclusion of an arcade minigame inspired by Atari’s Star Wars arcade classic further showcases Ubisoft’s attention to detail and love for the Star Wars franchise.
The narrative structure of Star Wars Outlaws allows for both linear progression and emergent storylines within the sandbox. Players can complete challenges to gain new abilities and shape their relationships with the Syndicates. The game feels reminiscent of the original Red Dead Redemption, with a similar focus on player choices and their consequences.
For instance, actions like aiding a Syndicate in a story mission can result in substantial bonuses, while harming their members or making decisions that undermine them will lead to animosity. This dynamic relationship system adds significant depth to the gameplay experience, influencing everything from vendor discounts to the presence of bounty hunters.
The demo offered a glimpse into the game’s stealth mechanics, which unfortunately proved somewhat restrictive. During a mission on Kijimi, I had to infiltrate Crimson Dawn territory to retrieve an artifact, but my actions reset my standing with them, making the stealth elements feel somewhat frustrating. This issue was also present during a previous mission involving an Imperial starship.
Despite these concerns, the demo showcased the game’s potential for immersive gameplay and exploration. I found more enjoyment in exploring Kijimi and playing Sabacc in a cantina than I did completing the more linear story missions. It seems that the game’s strengths lie in its sandbox elements, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world at their own pace.
Star Wars Outlaws presents a compelling vision for a Star Wars open-world experience, but its success will hinge on balancing the freedom of its sandbox elements with the restrictive nature of its story missions. For players who enjoy immersive exploration and world building, the game holds great promise. However, those who prefer a more linear approach might find themselves wanting.
Star Wars Outlaws is scheduled to launch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on August 30.
