Star Wars Outlaws Review: A Fun, Action-Packed Adventure for Every Fan
With Star Wars Outlaws, players step away from lightsabers and take up blasters in a Star Wars open-world game that’s thrilling and action-filled. Released on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, this title offers a unique experience that blends classic Star Wars action with a fresh narrative, setting itself apart from the Jedi adventures in Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor. While Outlaws doesn’t redefine the open-world genre, it creates an engaging, story-driven experience that’s pure fun for Star Wars fans.
A New Hero and a Galaxy Full of Adventure
Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Outlaws introduces players to Kay Vess, a cunning thief with her loyal alien sidekick, Nix. After a heist goes wrong, Kay finds herself on the run, marked by the notorious Zerek Besh syndicate. To clear her name, she dives into the world of organized crime, taking on missions from various syndicates. With a storyline that lasts around 18 hours, Star Wars Outlaws is packed with stunning action scenes, beautiful settings, and unexpected twists. The plot might start a bit slow, but Kay and Nix’s growing friendship pulls players into their journey, making it feel both fresh and relatable.
Exploring the Star Wars galaxy from Kay’s perspective is unique. Watching her encounter characters like Jabba the Hutt for the first time adds humor and excitement for long-time fans who know more about the galaxy than Kay does.
Gameplay: Stealth, Combat, and Climbing in Star Wars Outlaws
The gameplay of Star Wars Outlaws revolves around three main elements: stealth, combat, and climbing.
- Stealth Action: Most missions in Outlaws encourage stealth. Players crouch and sneak through vents, using Nix to distract enemies or disable alarms. The addition of Nix adds depth, as the fluffy companion can pickpocket enemies, disable security, or knock out unsuspecting foes.
- Blaster Combat: When discovered, Kay relies on her trusty blaster. While she can temporarily use stronger weapons like plasma rifles or rocket launchers dropped by enemies, her blaster remains her main weapon. Players can upgrade it with different fire modes, like ion shots to disable droids or powerful plasma shots to break through enemy defenses.
- Climbing: Alongside stealth and combat, players climb through missions in a style reminiscent of Uncharted. Though not groundbreaking, this mix keeps the gameplay fresh and enjoyable.
The intuitive controls make it easy to switch between these elements, and the addition of unlockable skills from mentors adds variety. The AI, however, can be predictable, and the stealth sections feel more forgiving than challenging.
Skill Upgrades with Mentor Challenges
Instead of a traditional skill tree, Outlaws offers a unique challenge system. Kay can unlock new abilities by completing tasks assigned by eight different mentors. These skills, like upgrading her speeder bike or teaching Nix new tricks, come naturally as players explore and complete tasks. For example, performing stunts on the speeder bike or collecting rare parts allows mechanics to enhance the bike’s performance. This system is rewarding and encourages creative gameplay, giving Kay an edge in her journey.
Five Planets of Diverse Exploration
Star Wars Outlaws allows players to explore five different planets, each with its own unique environments. From the desert world of Tatooine to the icy landscape of Kijimi, each location is meticulously crafted and filled with Star Wars charm. Iconic locations like Mos Eisley are fully explorable, bringing fans right into the heart of the Star Wars universe.
While planets like Tatooine, Toshara, and Akiva offer vast open spaces to explore, Kijimi and Canto Bight are limited to specific areas. The compact design keeps the experience focused and engaging without overwhelming players with endless side quests, though it still includes optional activities like speeder races and mini-games.
Fun Mini-Games and Star Wars Flare
Adding to the charm of Star Wars Outlaws are its mini-games, which include retro-inspired arcade games and the Star Wars card game Sabacc. These small distractions provide credits and perks, and the dialogue between Kay and Nix brings extra personality. Sabacc, in particular, can be surprisingly addictive, keeping players at the table longer than expected.
The Open-World System: Space Travel and Combat
The space travel system in Outlaws is simplified. Instead of vast open space, players can only navigate around the orbits of specific planets, with cutscenes transitioning them between worlds. Space combat is minimal, with only occasional encounters with civilian ships or basic dogfights. While space adds to the Star Wars atmosphere, the restricted freedom feels underwhelming for an open-world game.
Reputation System – Make Allies or Enemies
One of the most enjoyable features in Outlaws is its reputation system. Kay can build alliances with four different syndicates or become their worst enemy. Completing missions for syndicates raises her reputation, unlocking rewards like armor, talismans, or discounted items from merchants. However, angering a syndicate has consequences, as enemies hunt Kay or block key locations. This system adds depth to her journey and rewards thoughtful decision-making.
Final Thoughts on Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws is a must-play for Star Wars fans and anyone looking for a fun, action-packed adventure. While it doesn’t break new ground in the open-world genre, it delivers an engaging experience with memorable characters and a captivating Star Wars atmosphere. With its beautiful planets, thrilling missions, and small but impactful choices, Star Wars Outlaws is a refreshing take on the beloved franchise.
Get the game here.
