Star Wars Outlaws Review

Introduction

Star Wars Outlaws is an open-world action game that offers a unique experience distinct from the traditional lightsaber duels and flashy Force powers commonly associated with the Star Wars franchise. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, it provides players with a chance to explore the gritty underbelly of the galaxy through the eyes of K, a cunning thief, alongside her adorable companion, NYX.

Gameplay and Characters

Players step into K's battered space boots as she navigates through four main planets while engaging in reckless rescue missions and shady underworld dealings. The story focuses on K's aim to unite a group of criminals for a major heist while attempting to evade a crime boss named SLO, who has placed a bounty on her head. The narrative is entertaining, filled with recognizable locations and a host of colorful characters, reminiscent of the Star Wars aesthetic fans love.

The environments in Outlaws are notably expansive, allowing players to traverse large areas across various planets. However, while exploration is encouraged, the limitations on vehicles might frustrate players used to the freedom of other open-world titles. This game does not allow players to commandeer various vehicles they see around, unlike titles such as Grand Theft Auto V and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Stealth and Combat

Combat in Star Wars Outlaws presents a mix of cover-based shooting alongside various stealth mechanics. Although the shooting mechanics are solid, they do not introduce many new ideas to the genre. The combat can feel repetitive, with many encounters depending on explosive barrels to thin out enemy numbers. K's unique abilities, like the adrenaline rush that slows down time for a brief moment, add some excitement but often fall victim to the game's simplistic approach.

Stealth gameplay, which could elevate the experience, is somewhat hit-or-miss. While there are moments where the stealth elements are robust, there are times when the AI’s unpredictability and alarm triggers can frustrate players. K can only carry limited weapons, leading to awkward situations where picking up a new gun results in needing to drop it in mid-action.

Unique Features and Technical Issues

Star Wars Outlaws introduces a Syndicate system that requires players to navigate their relationships with various crime families, impacting mission outcomes and interactions. This mechanic brings an interesting layer of strategy to the gameplay. However, the technical performance of the game leaves much to be desired, with numerous glitches and bugs at launch that mar the experience. Issues range from graphical glitches and mission prompts not appearing to audio dialogue dropping out entirely.

While Star Wars Outlaws has aspirations to soar in the Star Wars universe, it ends up feeling like a mixed bag of familiar mechanics, underwhelming design choices, and significant technical issues. It can excite during its best moments, but players might want to wait for patches to smooth out the game's rough edges before diving in.

Conclusion

In summary, Star Wars Outlaws is an intriguing addition to the Star Wars video game landscape, offering an entertaining story in a familiar universe. Still, it struggles with various technical issues and gameplay mechanics that need refinement. Fans of the franchise may find moments of joy amidst the chaos, but they should proceed with caution and keep their expectations tempered.

Keywords

Star Wars, Outlaws, review, K, NYX, open-world, combat, stealth, Syndicate system, technical issues, gameplay, crime boss SLO, exploration.

FAQ

1. What kind of game is Star Wars Outlaws? Star Wars Outlaws is an open-world action game that combines combat and stealth mechanics, set in the Star Wars universe.

2. Who is the main character in Star Wars Outlaws? Players control K, a cunning thief, who is accompanied by her partner, NYX.

3. What is the Syndicate system in Star Wars Outlaws? The Syndicate system allows players to navigate relationships with various crime families, affecting mission outcomes and how characters interact with the player.

4. Are there any technical issues in Star Wars Outlaws? Yes, the game has been reported to have numerous bugs and glitches that could impact the gaming experience.

5. How long is the gameplay for Star Wars Outlaws? The game is designed to offer about 20 hours of gameplay, featuring missions and exploratory elements across four main planets.