Star Wars Outlaws – Gaming’s New Hope

Hey, bounty hunters and smugglers! If you've ever wanted to explore the underworld of Star Wars without needing a lightsaber, now's your chance! Star Wars Outlaws It's the kind of game that takes everything we love about the universe created by George Lucas and throws it into a pot with an open world full of possibilities. But is this broth tasty or is it just another thin stew from Ubisoft? Come with me and I'll tell you!

First thing you will notice: Star Wars Outlaws is not just another adventure game. Right off the bat, it reminds you of those classic space westerns, where the only law that applies is the one who is quickest with the trigger. You take control of Kay Vessa scoundrel (that is, a charismatic crook) who gets into a big mess. After a robbery gone wrong, Kay finds herself in the crosshairs of the most dangerous syndicates in the galaxy and needs a big heist to clear her name.

And what's a good Star Wars story without a crew? Kay won't be able to do it alone, so you'll need to recruit some tough characters to help you on your mission. Among them is Anka Chadra-Fan who specializes in explosives. Imagine Baby Yoda, but instead of using the Force, he prefers to blow things up. The mission to rescue Ank is pure adrenaline, mixing stealth and action in an escape that looks like something out of a classic Western – only, of course, in space.

Speaking of stealth, Outlaws hits the nail on the head. Instead of being just another game where stealth is thrown in haphazardly, here the levels seem to actually be designed to make you think twice before you start shooting. It's like a Metal Gear Solid with lightsabers. You will hack systems, shut down security cameras and use the Nix – that cute little animal that accompanies Kay – to distract enemies while she slips past the imperial guards. Obviously, it has some bugs and you must have seen in several videos on YouTube people who deliberately bug missions to seem funny. Relax! The game does have bugs, but not all the time and this will not hinder your immersion in the universe.

Now, about the planets – man, what planets! Each one is a real playground full of life and details that make you feel like you're inside the Star Wars universe. You'll spend hours exploring, completing side missions and discovering secrets hidden in every corner. And to give that adrenaline rush, you have at your disposal a Speeder to traverse these vast landscapes. Piloting this beauty is one of the most fun parts of the game, with a feel reminiscent of the podracer racing from Episode I, only much more fluid.

But not everything is perfect. As much as the game preaches freedom, sometimes you will feel a bit trapped in the paths already laid out by the developers. It's like wanting to explore Tatooine and discovering that certain areas are just scenery, with no interaction. This can be a bit frustrating for those expecting a true sandbox where anything is possible.

The reputation and faction system is one of the highlights. Throughout her journey, Kay will interact with different gangs and factions, each offering missions and rewards. Your actions – such as helping one faction or invading another’s territory – will influence how these groups view you. If you please a group, you may earn discounts at stores or freedom to roam restricted areas. If not, expect hostility and gunfire at every turn.

And like every good open world game, Star Wars Outlaws is not immune to bugs. You will have some bizarre moments, like when the Speeder getting stuck in rocks, or random vehicles on the map, characters behaving strangely, and even a somewhat wayward camera in certain stealth missions. Nothing that can't be fixed with updates, but it's something to keep in mind.

Side quests are fun, But not all of them are memorable. Some are simple tasks of getting from point A to point B, while others really push you to explore the world in interesting ways. It’s the kind of content that veers between “Okay, that was cool” and “Seriously, all that for this?”

What really shines in Star Wars Outlaws is the way it captures the cinematic essence of Star Wars. From the narrative, which brings that touch of hope and resilience against adversity, to the captivating characters. Kay is a protagonist who is easy to connect with – she has that charisma and determination that reminds us of iconic characters from the franchise. And the Nix? Oh, he's just adorable, almost a mascot for the new generation. I miss Jar Jar Binks (just kidding, I don't miss it that much).

Visually, the game is a spectacle. Ubisoft Massive has nailed the recreation of the Star Wars universe, with scenarios, ships and creatures that look like they've come straight out of Lucasfilm productions. The setting is so faithful to the spirit of the franchise that you'll find yourself admiring the landscapes instead of moving on to the next objective.

However, Outlaws also carries some burdens from the past. The promised freedom doesn’t always translate into gameplay, and this can disappoint some players. The faction system, although interesting, can make some missions repetitive and lifeless, like those “go here and do this” tasks that we’re tired of seeing in other games.

Now for a controversial point. The real actress who plays Kay Vess in Star Wars Outlaws is Humberly Gonzalez, a real girl very cuteand it's impossible not to notice that Kay Vess, from the game, has a look that leaves something to be desired compared to the real actress she was based on. It seems that when it came time to transfer the actress's features to the digital world, something got lost along the way. If you've seen photos of the real actress, you'll understand what I'm talking about – Kay from the game has a generic look and lacks the charm that the character deserved. It's as if they took a somewhat “disconnected” version of her, you know? It even gives the impression that, instead of being ready to face a galactic adventure, Kay looks more like someone who woke up late for work and left anyway. Ubisoft didn't put much care into this transition! Why the hell did they do that? Go figure.

Overall, Star Wars Outlaws is a solid addition to the Star Wars universe. With an engaging narrative, memorable characters, and an open world that is a true galactic playground, the game delivers an experience that will keep you glued to the screen for hours. It may not be the revolution in open-world games that many expected, but it is, without a doubt, an adventure worth experiencing.

Pros:

• Vibrant, lively open world
• Charismatic and well-constructed characters
• Well implemented reputation and faction system
• Engaging narrative with classic Star Wars themes

Cons:

• Limited freedom in some areas
• Occasional bugs and glitches
• Some side quests are repetitive

Final Grade: 8/10

So, get your blaster and your ship ready, Because Star Wars Outlaws is here to remind you why you love this universe. Whether you’re exploring planets, battling enemies, or simply enjoying the journey, this is a game that will take you to a galaxy far, far away – and you’ll love every second of it.