Last year’s *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor* was hailed as one of the best Star Wars games ever made, yet fans have longed for a fully open-world game set in George Lucas’ universe. *Star Wars Outlaws*, developed by Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment, aims to fulfill this desire. The recent gameplay demo indicates that the game has significant potential to meet fan expectations.
*Star Wars Outlaws* follows the story of Kay Vess, a young scoundrel, and her alien pet Nix as they navigate the galaxy’s underworld.
Set between *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*, the game promises appearances from familiar characters like Jabba the Hutt and Qi’ra from *Solo: A Star Wars Story*. Kay and Nix’s journey involves high-stakes heists and dealings with shady figures, adding an element of risk and adventure.
Following the excitement generated by the story trailer in April, the Ubisoft Forward 2024 presentation has built further anticipation for the game’s August 30 release.
The gameplay demo reveals that this open-world experience diverges from previous Star Wars games by not centering on the Jedi, which allows for a fresh narrative focus. The game’s progression system is unique, requiring Kay to learn new skills from various experts across the galaxy, including a Jawa.
The game emphasizes true exploration and interaction with the Star Wars underworld rather than simply completing tasks and upgrading gear. However, players can still expect plenty of secondary activities and new equipment to discover as they traverse the game’s multiple planets. This approach encourages a more immersive and engaging gameplay experience.
The demo also showcased space combat, space-to-planet transitions, and the vibrant streets of Mos Eisley, which were completed with a visit to the cantina. The gameplay draws comparisons to *Grand Theft Auto* in a Star Wars setting, featuring infiltration, witty dialogue, and action-packed sequences.
Decision-making and faction dynamics play significant roles, and players’ choices can lead to varied outcomes, including potential conflicts with the Empire if they are too aggressive or conspicuous.
