Star Wars fans, get ready to embark on a thrilling, scoundrel-filled adventure in a galaxy far, far away with the upcoming game, Star Wars: Outlaws. Developed by Ubisoft, this third-person open-world experience promises a fresh take on the iconic Star Wars universe. In this article, we will delve into the details we have gathered so far about this highly anticipated game, including its setting, characters, and gameplay.
A Gritty Saga in a Familiar Galaxy
Star Wars: Outlaws takes place in the turbulent period between Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi. This is a time when the Rebel Alliance is in full swing, striving to overthrow the oppressive Galactic Empire. Our protagonist, Kay Vess, finds herself caught in the crossfire, navigating the fine line between the Rebellion and the Empire as she fights for her own survival and perhaps a chance to make a quick profit. Her character draws comparisons to the legendary Han Solo, the charismatic rogue of the original Star Wars trilogy.
This game distinguishes itself from others in the Star Wars franchise by offering a grittier, down-to-earth approach. Instead of focusing on the mysticism of the Force and lightsabres, Star Wars Outlaws immerses players in tense sci-fi gunfights, exploration, and the seedy underbelly of the Star Wars universe. This unique approach sets the stage for an action-packed adventure that promises to captivate fans and newcomers alike.
The Characters: Kay Vess and Her Companions
As you step into the shoes of Kay Vess, you’ll embrace the life of an intergalactic outlaw, attempting one of the biggest heists the galaxy has ever witnessed. Unlike the traditional Jedi protagonist, Kay is a scoundrel, and you’ll need to rely on your wits, combat skills, and resourcefulness to outsmart the various dubious forces you’ll encounter.
Kay isn’t alone in this endeavour. The game introduces us to her loyal companion, Nix, a charming four-legged furry alien, embodying the unique creature design that Star Wars is known for. Additionally, you’ll have the company of ND-5, a trench coat-adorned commando droid, as you navigate the treacherous paths of the Star Wars underworld.
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Gameplay: A Glimpse into the Galaxy’s Underbelly
In a ten-minute gameplay walkthrough showcased during Ubisoft Forward, we got a sneak peek into the action-packed world of Star Wars Outlaws. The video begins with a stealth-based mission where Kay and Nix navigate a location filled with opposition. Players are given various options to complete missions, such as using Nix to distract potential threats.
The action escalates rapidly, leading to high-speed chases and intense combat sequences. One notable feature is the ability to slow down time during confrontations, allowing Kay and Nix to strategize their moves effectively. The preview takes us to Jaunta’s Hope, a smuggler town where danger never seems to wane.
In the midst of the chaos, the game highlights the open-world nature of Star Wars Outlaws. The lack of direction during a space-based dogfight emphasizes the player’s freedom to choose their own path. This sense of exploration is encouraged as ND-5 asks, Where do we go next? and Kay responds with, Anywhere we want.
The gameplay promises a mix of frantic gunplay, challenging dialogue options, and the unmistakable Star Wars style. While the gameplay appears tightly choreographed, it showcases the wide range of experiences players can expect from the game upon its release.
A Game of Originality and Authenticity
Navid Khavari, the game’s narrative director, emphasises the desire to deliver a unique experience in the Star Wars universe. In an interview with Game Informer, Khavari mentioned that the team behind Star Wars Outlaws is committed to offering something fresh and different. The game’s setting, situated between two iconic films, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, provides a strong narrative anchor to explore new territories and characters.
Despite its originality, Star Wars Outlaws will still honour the authenticity of the Star Wars galaxy. Khavari assures fans that the game will introduce new characters and locations, but players can also expect to encounter cameos from existing Star Wars characters, adding depth and familiarity to the storyline.
In Khavari’s words, “For us, it all comes back to authenticity and delivering a story that fits in the Star Wars galaxy and wider generational story that Lucasfilm has worked on crafting for decades.” This suggests that Kay Vess’s story will intertwine with existing Star Wars lore, featuring references to relevant characters and events where appropriate.
While Star Wars: Outlaws is set to launch in 2024, we can only anticipate what this exciting adventure will bring to the Star Wars universe. As more details emerge, fans of the franchise eagerly await the chance to explore the galaxy’s seedy underbelly, embrace their inner scoundrel, and create their own legendary stories in the iconic Star Wars universe.
