Summary
While there’s a lot to be excited about when it comes toStar Wars Outlaws, the game has some problems from the outset. One of the issues fundamental to the concept ofStar Wars Outlawsis its position in Disney’sStar Warscanon, which will stifle its ability to innovate on the series.
Ubisoft’s upcoming open-worldStar Warsgame has sparked controversy recently thanks toStar Wars Outlaws' pre-order editionsfor their lofty price and paywalling of additional content. However, amid this grim news about the game’s pricing, fans can find solace in the story trailer’s reveal of an August 30 release date. What it also reiterates, though, is the fact that it may not be able to achieve much in its particular period or era in the franchise.
Star Wars Outlaws' Place On The Timeline May Rein It In Too Much
Star Wars Outlaws' slate of expensive editionshas already kneecapped its reputation, but it’s not the only thing working against the game prior to release. The game will be set betweenThe Empire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi, focusing on the criminal underworld operating on the sidelines of the Galactic Civil War. Though there’s plenty of opportunity in this era to expand the world and explore new ideas, its slim niche in galactic history stops it from pushing the envelope.
Outlaws Can’t Give The Franchise What It Needs
It’s an interesting time to be aStar Warsfan, in that there’s currently a bit of space to breathe. The slew of projects based around the ‘Filoniverse’ side of the canon has led to more than a little oversaturation.The Acolyte, releasing June 4, will be heading straight into a far older era ofStar Warsand give the next major project in the franchise some room to experiment.
Likewise,Star Wars Outlawsis distinct in its setting, placed in the twilight of the Galactic Civil War. Unfortunately, this is a slim spot stuck between two titans of the franchise. It’s not like this game could overwrite or retcon anything fromReturn of the Jedi, so its story is chained to diminished stakes.
The eras between trilogies are also stuck against big movies that they can’t retcon, but those parts of the canon have far more space to tell stories. The rise of the Empire and the rise of the New Republic are both fertile ground for big stories, which has been demonstrated by how both periods have been strip-mined byDisney’sStar Warsshows and movies.Outlawshas no such luxury, thereby forcing its story to be a play between background characters with little hope of influencing galactic events in any notable way.
The Weakness In Outlaws' Stakes Could Be A Strength For Its Worldbuilding
That said, hope isn’t lost for theset-piece dressing ofStar Wars Outlaws. A small-scale story might be an asset to the franchise after all. WhileStar Warscurrently suffers from lacking any big hook to excite fans for the future,Andorproved how well a more grounded story could work. It could give the series a break from the relentless cameos that have plagued even its best recent releases. Seeing iconic characters everywhere, though initially cool, makes the world feel smaller—something that the diverse landscapes and species shown off inOutlaws' trailer could remedy.
On the other hand, there’s the point ofJabba and his inclusion inStar Wars Outlaws. Pre-order fiasco aside, the planet of Tatooine and its iconography has held the franchise in shackles; its overuse has made it seem like all important galactic events happen there. Moreover, there are not too many ways Kay Vess could play into Jabba’s role inReturn of the Jedi, so his presence may feel like a cameo more than a way to increase his depth. Despite this, it would be weird for the Hutts to not show up in a game about the galaxy’s underworld, but developers will still need to exercise restraint when it comes to expectations for something grander.
Star Wars Outlaws
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITYExplore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORYLive the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONSTake on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEATPilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
