Star Wars Outlaws is now available worldwide. Should you prepare to launch into the new Star Wars open-world, or should this game get lost in space?
Read on to find out
Star Wars Outlaws is a thrilling dive into the underworld of the Star Wars galaxy, offering an expansive open-world experience that feels fresh and deeply rooted in the franchise’s iconic lore. As the first-ever open-world Star Wars game, it sets a high bar with its ambitious scale, captivating story, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Star Wars Outlaws Review – Story and Setting
Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws introduces players to Kay Vess, a cunning scoundrel looking to pull off the biggest heist the galaxy has ever seen. The narrative is tightly woven with familiar elements of Star Wars, from encounters with ruthless crime syndicates to interactions with legendary bounty hunters, all while exploring planets that range from bustling urban centers to remote, lawless outposts. The story is compelling, offering both a fresh perspective on the galaxy’s underworld and a character-driven tale that keeps you invested from start to finish.
Star Wars Outlaws Review – Gameplay
The gameplay in Star Wars Outlaws is where it truly shines. The open-world design allows for seamless exploration across multiple planets, each with its own unique environments, cultures, and challenges. The game’s dynamic mission structure encourages players to approach objectives with creativity, whether through stealth, negotiation, or all-out combat.
Combat is a satisfying blend of third-person shooting, melee, and the use of gadgets. Kay’s trusty companion, Nix, adds a layer of strategy to encounters, allowing for coordinated attacks and puzzle-solving. The ship combat and space travel elements are equally impressive, giving a true sense of scale and freedom as you navigate through asteroid fields and engage in dogfights.
Star Wars Outlaws Review – Visuals and Audio
Visually, Star Wars Outlaws is stunning. The attention to detail in the environments, character models, and animations is top-notch, bringing the Star Wars universe to life in breathtaking fashion. From the neon-lit streets of the criminal underworld to the desolate beauty of a desert planet, every location feels authentic and immersive.
The audio design is equally strong, with a score that blends new compositions with classic Star Wars themes. The voice acting is superb, with Kay Vess being a standout, delivering a performance that is both charismatic and layered.
Star Wars Outlaws Review – Performance and Polish
On the technical side, Star Wars Outlaws runs smoothly, with few noticeable hiccups even during intense action sequences. Load times are minimal, and the game makes excellent use of current-gen hardware to deliver an experience that feels both expansive and intimate.
Star Wars Outlaws Review – Conclusion
Star Wars Outlaws is a must-play for fans of the franchise and open-world games alike. It successfully blends the rich, familiar elements of Star Wars with innovative gameplay and a gripping story, creating an experience that stands out not just as a great Star Wars game, but as a great game, period. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the galaxy far, far away, *Outlaws* offers an adventure that is both fresh and faithful to the beloved universe.
9
Star Wars Outlaws review code provided by publisher and reviewed on a PS5. For more information on scoring, please read What our review scores really mean.
