While the era of arcades may be a distant memory for many, the elegant simplicity of those classic games still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Titles like Pac-Man, Pole Position, and Galaga, despite their straightforward nature, offer endless replayability and the pursuit of high scores. This nostalgic appeal is beautifully captured in Star Wars Outlaws, a sprawling open-world adventure that seamlessly incorporates a couple of original arcade games as in-world minigames.
Players can stumble upon these arcade cabinets in cantinas across the game’s diverse planets, offering a delightful distraction from the galaxy-wide adventure. “Raven 6,” a space shooter inspired by Atari’s iconic Star Wars arcade game, and “Racer,” a thrilling time trial game demanding speed and precision, are the two playable titles. Despite their seemingly simple design, these minigames provide a refreshing break from the main gameplay, offering a captivating blend of nostalgia and modern design.
The decision to incorporate arcade games into Star Wars Outlaws was a deliberate one, drawing inspiration from the era of the original Star Wars film trilogy. Game Director Thibaut Machin explains that Ubisoft and Lucasfilm recognized the thematic connection between the 1970s, the era of both the first arcade games and the Star Wars movies. This synchronicity provided the perfect opportunity to integrate these nostalgic gaming experiences into the game’s world.
“Raven 6,” a tribute to the original Star Wars arcade game, is a testament to Ubisoft’s dedication to recreating the magic of classic gaming. It features a single level where players engage in intense starship combat against asteroids and enemy ships, offering a satisfying and engaging experience. The simplicity of the design echoes the original game’s appeal, while simultaneously serving as a meta-reference to the game’s rich history.
The development team drew inspiration from various sources for “Raven 6,” including the original Star Wars movie trilogy and, of course, Atari’s classic arcade game. The team meticulously worked with Lucasfilm to ensure visual consistency with the Star Wars universe, blending the aesthetics of both the classic game and the film franchise.
While the development of “Racer” presented its own set of challenges, the team ultimately achieved a captivating experience. Drawing inspiration from mobile runner games, the game’s difficulty curve was meticulously calibrated to provide a satisfying challenge without becoming overly punishing. The team’s success is evident in the enthusiastic reactions of players during playtests, as they cheered with delight upon achieving new high scores.
The inclusion of these retro arcade games in Star Wars Outlaws is a testament to the game’s commitment to detail and its dedication to capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe. These minigames not only offer a delightful diversion for players but also represent a heartfelt tribute to the early days of gaming, a period that played a significant role in shaping the Star Wars franchise itself. While the core gameplay of Star Wars Outlaws draws heavily from modern action-adventure titles, it’s these nostalgic touches that truly elevate the experience, showcasing the game’s deep respect for the history of both gaming and Star Wars.
