My experience with Star Wars Outlaws at a recent preview event was filled with excitement and adventure. From exploring the vast universe to engaging in thrilling activities, the game truly captures the essence of the Star Wars universe. One of the highlights for me was stepping into a bar on Kijimi from The Rise of Skywalker, playing Sabacc, and embarking on a smuggling mission. These moments truly encapsulated the smuggler fantasy that Ubisoft is aiming for with this open-world Star Wars game.
As players navigate this immersive world, they must navigate the relationships with the five Syndicates that govern the underworld of the Star Wars galaxy. This dynamic adds depth to the gameplay experience and contributes to the sandbox feel of Ubisoft’s sci-fi adventure. At its best, Star Wars Outlaws feels like a sci-fi version of Red Dead Redemption, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail by Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment.
Immersive World Design
My journey in Star Wars Outlaws began on Tosharna, a newly created planet by Ubisoft, where I interacted with various Syndicates and embarked on missions to build relationships. The open world of Tosharna, though sparse at times, came to life as I explored Mirogana, a bustling city teeming with activity. The environment felt authentic and immersive, capturing the essence of a crime-ridden city in the Star Wars universe.
From vendors to illicit games and hidden agendas, Mirogana was a testament to Ubisoft’s commitment to detail and authenticity. The city exuded the grit and complexity expected in a Star Wars narrative, setting the stage for an engaging gameplay experience.
Intriguing Syndicate Dynamics
While Star Wars Outlaws offers a linear story progression, it also allows players to craft personal narratives within its sandbox world. Interactions with the Syndicates play a crucial role in shaping these emergent stories, with each action influencing the player’s standing with the various factions. This system, reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption, adds a strategic layer to the gameplay, offering rewards or consequences based on player choices.
The Syndicate dynamics create a dynamic and immersive experience, where alliances and betrayals have tangible effects on the gameplay. Building relationships with the Syndicates opens up new opportunities, while antagonizing them can lead to dangerous consequences, as I discovered during my encounters with the Pykes on Tosharna.
Exploration and Freedom
The freedom to explore and immerse oneself in the world of Star Wars Outlaws is where the game truly shines. Whether navigating through space, engaging in Sabacc matches, or navigating complex relationships with the Syndicates, the game offers a range of activities for players to enjoy. While some aspects of the gameplay, such as stealth missions, may feel restrictive, the overall experience of exploring the Star Wars universe is captivating and rewarding.
With its rich storytelling, engaging gameplay mechanics, and immersive world design, Star Wars Outlaws promises to deliver a compelling experience for players seeking a mix of adventure, strategy, and exploration in the iconic Star Wars universe.
Star Wars Outlaws launches for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on August 30.
