Summary
After decades of third-person RPGs, space combat games, and the occasional pinball simulator, theStar Warsfranchise is at long last venturing into the open-world genre. WithStar Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft and developer Massive Entertainment are letting gamers traverse the galaxy as Kay Vess, a scoundrel on the rise during the original trilogy. All the hallmarks of an open-world title look to be making an appearance inStar Wars Outlaws, including one feature that has found its way into many major open-world titles in the last few years: dynamic, optional events that add depth to exploration and give players a greater amount of choice.
In the newestgameplay trailer forStar Wars Outlaws, gamers had a chance to see exactly how these optional events will play out. As Kay Vess left one of the game’s wretched hives of scum and villainy for the reaches of space, a nearby ship could be seen getting attacked by marauders. After defending the ship in a brief combat sequence, Kay gained a favorable reputation with the Pyke syndicate and was able to quickly return to her main objective. This sequence demonstrated howOutlaws' galaxy is going to feel alive, but it’s essential that these events don’t fall into an all too common trap ubiquitous in other open-world titles.
Star Wars Outlaws' Optional Dogfights Can’t Feel Like Busy Work
On paper,Star Wars Outlaws' spur-of-the-moment dogfights aren’t an inherently bad thing. Otheropen-world games, likeRed Dead Redemption 2, have adeptly implemented side content that serves to enrich the exploration experience. How this content is handled is crucial, however, as it’s best done in moderation. The reasonRDR2’s dynamic content works is that each situation is unique, and occurs at a pace that feels unobtrusive. Players are able to move through the game without feeling like they’re being bombarded by distractions, and instead feel like an active participant in the open world.
In order forStar Wars Outlawsto provide a similar experience with its dogfights, it must implement them in moderation. If an optional battle occurs every time players enter space, many will likely tire of the event rather quickly. Especially if there are other, more exciting ways for players to improve their standing withOutlaws' criminal syndicates, the dogfights won’t feel nearly as special. Just as the Force is all about balance, this side content has to maintain its own sense of balance to feel worthy of the time it takes to engage with it.
Ubisoft Already Faces An Uphill Battle With Outlaws' Optional Side Content
Star Wars Outlaws' dogfight moderation is especially important due to past criticisms levied towards Ubisoft’s design philosophy. In recent years, titles likeAssassin’s Creed ValhallaandFar Cry 6have been ridiculed for filling their expansive worlds with what often amounts to busy work. Optional tasks can become either repetitive, or offer minimal rewards, and often seem to be a slapdash way to ensure a large map doesn’t feel empty.Star Wars Outlawshas both individual planets and an expanse of space to fill with content, and using random dogfights sparingly could help avoid the same critiques.
ManyStar Warsfans have been waiting decades for a game exactly likeOutlaws, and to say hopes are high that it will stick the landing would be an understatement. Engaging side content is essential for the open world to feel justifiably open, and using certain tasks in moderation will ensure players don’t feel like they’re doing the same thing over and over again.TheStar Warsgalaxy is a big place, and it would do Ubisoft and Massive some good to offer variety befitting its scale.
Star Wars Outlaws
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 OPPORTUNITYExplore 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 STORYLive 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 MISSIONSTake 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 SEATPilot 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.
