Star Wars Outlaws Review: A Scoundrel’s Adventure That Almost Hits the Mark

Hey there, fellow gamers! Ash from GameWitted here. I recently got my hands on Star Wars Outlaws, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you.

As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I was thrilled to step into the shoes of a galactic scoundrel. Let’s dive into what works, what doesn’t, and whether this game is worth your time and credits.

A Galaxy Alive with Possibility

Star Wars Outlaws drops you into the boots of Kay Vess, a small-time criminal from Cantonica with big dreams. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the game offers a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe.

The game’s reputation system is where Outlaws really shines. Each decision I made impacted my standing with different factions, opening up new opportunities while closing others. This dynamic added a layer of depth to my playthrough, making me feel like a true scoundrel trying to survive in a galaxy full of cutthroats.

The Good, The Bad, and The Buggy

While Star Wars Outlaws nails the scoundrel fantasy in concept, the execution is somewhat uneven. The game’s opening hours do a poor job of establishing Kay’s character and motivations. I found myself struggling to connect with her journey, which is a shame given the potential of her backstory.

The main narrative feels rushed and underdeveloped, often interrupted by more engaging side content. It’s as if the game can’t decide whether it wants to be a character-driven story or a playground for scoundrel hijinks.

The gameplay in Outlaws is a mixed bag. Combat can be satisfying, especially when you’re mixing blaster fire with Kay’s surprisingly effective fists. However, it often feels too simplistic, lacking the depth you’d expect from a modern action game.

Stealth sections were hit-or-miss for me. Sometimes, I felt like a crafty criminal sneaking past Imperial patrols. Other times, inconsistent enemy AI and frustrating instant-fail scenarios left me more annoyed than entertained.

Unfortunately, Star Wars Outlaws stumbles when it comes to technical performance. I encountered numerous bugs and glitches that pulled me out of the immersion. The game’s visuals can be stunning from a distance, but up close, textures often appear blurry or smudged.

The game’s visuals can be stunning from a distance, but up close, textures often appear blurry or smudged.

The Verdict

Star Wars Outlaws is a game of contrasts. When it works, it delivers an engaging scoundrel fantasy that captures the spirit of Star Wars’ seedier side. The reputation system adds depth, and moments of high-flying adventure will satisfy fans of the franchise.

However, the game is held back by technical issues, dated design choices, and some underdeveloped gameplay systems. The potential for a truly great Star Wars experience is there, but it feels like Outlaws needed more time to fully realize its ambitions.

If you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or love open-world adventures, there’s definitely fun to be had here. Just be prepared for some rough edges along the way. As for me, I’ll be jumping back in to see what other trouble Kay and Nyx can get into – bugs and all.

May the Force be with you, gamers!