Star Wars fans are in for a treat as Ubisoft gears up to launch the much-anticipated Star Wars: Outlaws, heralded as the first-ever open-world Star Wars game. The galaxy far, far away is about to get an immersive makeover, offering players a fresh perspective on the iconic Star Wars universe. Let’s explore the setting, characters, gameplay mechanics, and the overall vision for this ambitious project.
Setting the Stage: Between Empires
Star Wars: Outlaws unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop between Star Wars: Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi. This narrative choice positions players in the heart of the Galactic Civil War, with the Rebel Alliance fiercely battling the oppressive forces of the Galactic Empire. The chosen era will be instantly familiar to Star Wars fans but offers an much unexplored content, promising a narrative that intertwines with the broader Star Wars lore.
The Protagonist: Kay Vess – A Scoundrel’s Tale
Meet Kay Vess, the charismatic protagonist navigating the treacherous waters of the galactic underworld. Departing from the traditional Jedi-centric focus, Kay emerges as an intergalactic outlaw, relying on her wits, combat prowess, and resourcefulness to survive in a world dominated by crime syndicates, corrupt Imperials, and the looming shadow of the Empire. The parallels with the legendary Han Solo are evident, offering a fresh perspective on the Star Wars archetype.
Companions in the Journey
In this odyssey, Kay is not alone. Alongside her is the loyal and charming Nix, a furry four-legged alien with a distinct Star Wars creature design. Additionally, ND-5, a trench coat-clad commando droid, joins the entourage, adding a touch of technological prowess to the team. The diversity in the companions hints at varied gameplay dynamics, with each character potentially contributing to the success of the galaxy-spanning heist at the heart of the narrative.
Gameplay Unveiled: A Dynamic Star Wars Experience
The gameplay walkthrough revealed during Ubisoft Forward serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the dynamic and diverse experiences awaiting players in Star Wars: Outlaws. Initiating with a stealth-based mission, players witness Kay and Nix navigating a hostile location, providing multiple options for completing missions, such as using Nix to distract potential threats.
The intensity escalates swiftly, leading to high-speed chases and gripping combat sequences. Noteworthy is the ability to manipulate time during confrontations, allowing for strategic moves reminiscent of cinematic moments in the Star Wars saga. The introduction of Jaunta’s Hope, a smuggler town immersed in perpetual danger, showcases the open-world nature of Star Wars: Outlaws, emphasizing the lack of a predefined path during space-based dogfights, encouraging exploration.
Crafting Authenticity in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Navid Khavari, the game’s narrative director, emphasizes the commitment to delivering a unique Star Wars experience while maintaining authenticity within the expansive lore. In an interview with Game Informer, Khavari assures fans that the game introduces new characters and locations while incorporating cameos from existing Star Wars characters. This delicate balance ensures that Star Wars: Outlaws weaves a narrative that respects the essence of the Star Wars galaxy and contributes meaningfully to its generational story.
Khavari’s words encapsulate the essence of the game’s development philosophy: “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 commitment not only reassures fans but also promises a narrative that intricately connects with the rich tapestry of existing Star Wars lore, incorporating references to relevant characters and events where appropriate.
The Star-Studded Cast: Bringing Characters to Life
The cast of Star Wars: Outlaws features talented individuals who bring the characters to life with their performances. Kay Vess, portrayed by Humberly González, is a relative newcomer, adding a fresh perspective to the Star Wars universe. Nix, the loyal companion, is voiced by the renowned Dee Bradley Baker, known for his work in Star Wars: The Bad Batch and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The synergy between the cast and the characters they portray adds an extra layer of depth to the storytelling, promising an immersive experience for players.
Development Studio: Massive Entertainment’s Ambitious Leap
Massive Entertainment, the studio responsible for The Division and The Division 2, takes the helm in crafting the open-world Star Wars experience in Outlaws. Julian Gerighty, the creative director, sheds light on the studio’s vision, stating, “When we first imagined the first open-world Star Wars game, we explored where and when it could take place, and quickly realized that we had all the right ingredients for the journey of a scoundrel.”
This ambitious leap into the Star Wars universe signals Massive Entertainment’s dedication to delivering a game that captures the essence of the galaxy while offering a unique and player-driven narrative. With a track record in developing immersive open-world experiences, Massive Entertainment aims to bring the same level of detail and engagement to the Star Wars franchise.
Expanding the Star Wars Gaming Universe
Star Wars: Outlaws comes at a time of expansion for the Star Wars gaming universe. With various titles in development and a commitment to releasing major titles annually, the Star Wars gaming landscape is evolving. Notable mentions include Respawn Entertainment’s sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order, a yet-to-be-revealed first-person shooter, and a strategy game co-developed with veterans from XCOM and Civilization. Additionally, projects from Skydance Media, Saber Interactive’s Knights of the Old Republic remake, and Quantic Dream’s branching adventure set in the High Republic era contribute to a diverse lineup for Star Wars enthusiasts.
As Star Wars Outlaws is set to release in 2024, Ubisoft has positioned it as a current-gen exclusive, leveraging the capabilities of the Snowdrop engine. The game is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Windows), promising a visually stunning and technologically advanced experience for players.
The Unveiling: Trailers, Gameplay, and Future Prospects
The excitement for Star Wars: Outlaws began with an intriguing CG trailer released on June 11, 2023, during the Xbox Games Showcase. The following day, June 12, 2023, a generous 10-minute gameplay walkthrough debuted during the Ubisoft Forward 2023 event, providing an in-depth look at the game’s mechanics, characters, and overall concept.
The revealed gameplay showcased a seamless transition from on-the-ground exploration to outer space, offering players the freedom to explore large environments with multiple activities and interactions. The inclusion of a reputation and wanted system adds depth to the gameplay, hinting at a dynamic experience influenced by player choices and actions in both missions and open-world areas.
Story Arc and Planetary Exploration
Star Wars: Outlaws, set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, places players deeper into the Galactic Civil War. The Rebel Alliance exerts pressure on Emperor Palpatine’s reign, while criminal syndicates exploit the chaos for their gain. Kay Vess, portrayed by Humberly Gonzalez, emerges as a scoundrel seeking freedom and a fresh start in the galactic underworld. The narrative revolves around Kay’s attempt to execute a significant heist in the Outer Rim, navigating the challenges posed by the Empire, rival criminals, and her own troubled past.
The expansive setting of Star Wars: Outlaws features familiar planets such as Tatooine, Coruscant, and Kijimi. Still, it also introduces new territories like Toshara, contributing to the game’s commitment to expanding the Star Wars universe. The open-world structure allows players to delve into the diverse landscapes and cultures of these locations, promising a rich and immersive experience.
Gameplay Mechanics: A Blend of Influences
Massive Entertainment’s expertise in crafting open-world experiences, as demonstrated in The Division series, influences the gameplay mechanics of Star Wars: Outlaws. The developers cite inspiration from renowned titles like Grand Theft Auto and Uncharted, promising a unique amalgamation of elements from different genres. Players can expect a third-person action-adventure experience with a focus on exploration, combat, and dynamic storytelling.
The gameplay dynamics include stealth-based missions, intense gunfights, high-speed speeder bike chases, and seamless transitions between ground and space exploration. The inclusion of space travel aligns with the vastness of the Star Wars universe, allowing players to traverse the galaxy in their quest for glory and survival.
Characters and Their Journeys
Kay Vess, voiced by Humberly Gonzalez, stands at the forefront of Star Wars: Outlaws as a scoundrel attempting to carve a path in the criminal underworld. The character’s background and motivations draw players into a narrative filled with heists, betrayals, and the ever-present danger of the Imperial forces. The emphasis on player choices affecting reputation and branching narratives adds a layer of complexity to Kay’s journey, ensuring that each decision resonates throughout the game.
Accompanying Kay is Nix, a loyal and endearing companion voiced by Dee Bradley Baker. Nix, with its distinct Star Wars creature design, is not merely a sidekick but an integral part of gameplay, contributing to missions and interactions in unique ways. The partnership between Kay and Nix showcases the collaborative spirit of the game, highlighting the importance of camaraderie in the face of galactic challenges.
ND-5 and Jaylen: New Characters in the Star Wars Canon?
In addition to Kay and Nix, Star Wars: Outlaws introduces ND-5, a trench coat-clad commando droid. The enigmatic and potentially lethal nature of ND-5 raises questions about its origin, purpose, and allegiance, adding an element of mystery to the narrative. Droids have always played significant roles in the Star Wars saga, and ND-5 seems poised to continue this tradition.
Jaylen, another character mentioned in the game, sparks curiosity and speculation among Star Wars enthusiasts. While details about Jaylen remain scarce, the name could be a nod to the Legends character Kyle Katarn, a former Imperial stormtrooper turned Rebel agent. If this connection holds true, it introduces an exciting layer of intertextuality, acknowledging the broader Star Wars lore beyond the confines of the game.
Future Prospects: Anticipation and Community Engagement
As the release window for Star Wars: Outlaws approaches, the anticipation among Star Wars fans reaches new heights. The game’s ambitious vision, commitment to authenticity, and the promise of a player-driven narrative position it as a significant addition to the Star Wars gaming universe. The involvement of Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment, renowned for their success with open-world titles, instills confidence in the game’s potential for success.
The unveiling of Star Wars: Outlaws at events like San Diego Comic-Con and future gaming showcases is expected to provide more insights into the game’s mechanics, characters, and overarching narrative. The community engagement surrounding the game is poised to intensify as fans dissect every piece of information, speculate on plot points, and share their expectations for this immersive journey into the Star Wars underworld.
Conclusion: A Definitive Star Wars Experience
In summary, Star Wars: Outlaws emerges as a promising venture that seeks to redefine the Star Wars gaming experience. Ubisoft’s commitment to authenticity, Massive Entertainment’s expertise in crafting open-world adventures, and the collaborative efforts of the development team contribute to the game’s potential success. The narrative, set against the backdrop of a galaxy in turmoil, promises a compelling and immersive journey, while the characters, both new and familiar, add depth and familiarity to the Star Wars lore.
As fans eagerly await the release in 2024, Star Wars: Outlaws stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re a seasoned Star Wars enthusiast or a newcomer to the galaxy far, far away, the prospect of exploring uncharted territories, engaging in epic heists, and navigating the intricate balance between morality and survival ensures that Star Wars: Outlaws is a title to watch. May the Force be with Kay Vess and her companions as they embark on this gritty galactic odyssey, promising players an unforgettable and definitive Star Wars experience.
