As someone who has enjoyed many titles in the Star Wars gaming universe-from the legendary *Knights of the Old Republic* to the thrilling *Jedi: Fallen Order*-my interest was piqued when *Star Wars Outlaws* was announced. After skipping the initial release due to a slew of bugs and complaints, I recently dove into the patched PS5 version, and I can confidently say that the game offers a solid experience, despite the distracting noise around its release.
Set between the events of *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*, *Outlaws* introduces us to Kay Vess, a young scoundrel navigating the dangerous underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy. The sandbox nature of the game allows exploration across four distinct planets and a vast expanse of space, engaging players in side missions, faction quests, and the main storyline. While this variety should be thrilling, the game leans heavily into stealth mechanics that might not resonate with everyone. The stealth itself feels somewhat basic, lacking the depth found in other Ubisoft titles like *Splinter Cell* or *Watch Dogs*. Crouching behind cover is your main tactic, which can feel a bit underwhelming given the expectations for a character focused on thievery.
Combat is another area where *Outlaws* falters, particularly when compared to Ubisoft's usual standards. While the blasters are upgraded to reflect the series' iconic weaponry, they often fail to deliver that satisfying thrill associated with engaging shooting mechanics. Though several unique weapons add variety, many are easily discarded after missions, leaving players feeling as though they missed opportunities for meaningful upgrades and attachments.
One of the game's standout features is Kay's companion, Nix-a semi-sentient creature that provides both charm and functionality. The developers excelled in creating an engaging sidekick who adds heart to gameplay. Nix not only assists in stealth but also engages in delightful segments where the two share meals, deepening the personal narrative and enhancing player connection.
The mission structure comprises Intel missions that often seem like busywork, while faction missions boast better engagement, offering impactful choices that affect standing with various groups. Main missions feature high points reminiscent of *Uncharted*, but sadly do not reach that level of intricacy or excitement. While I was surprised by the brevity of the main story-clocking in at just 12-14 hours-my total playtime extended over 35 hours, thanks to side quests and the intriguing card game, Sabacc.
Speaking of Sabacc, this minigame serves as a delightful diversion from the main quest. A reverse blackjack, players aim to get as close to zero as possible with their card values. This engaging activity not only allows for a refreshing change of pace but also offers an opportunity to interact meaningfully with NPCs. I found myself so enamored with the game that I devoted considerable time to mastering Sabacc, which became a rewarding aspect of my overall experience in *Outlaws*.
On the topic of crafting immersive experiences, the game's score plays a significant role. The music is a masterful blend of familiar themes and fresh compositions, enhancing the mood across different planets and intense moments. With each discovery or confrontation, the score skillfully pulls you deeper into the adventure, reminding us of the epic narrative backdrop of the Star Wars universe.
While exploring the game, I encountered the lock-picking minigame, which initially intrigued me due to its relevance to Kay's scoundrel nature. Unfortunately, the rhythm-based system felt repetitive and cumbersome, detracting from the overall enjoyment. It lacked the finesse and engagement needed to truly enhance the anti-theft experience, making it feel more like a chore than a fun mechanic.
Despite its many strengths and charm, *Outlaws* has been dismissed by a vocal minority online, driven by an unfortunate "anti-woke" backlash. It's perplexing that a game should receive such disdain simply because it features a female protagonist, which should have no bearing on the quality of gameplay itself. If you set aside this ridiculous hate campaign, you'll uncover a title that, while flawed, offers plenty and deserves to be experienced.
In conclusion, *Star Wars Outlaws* is a solid addition to the franchise, appealing to die-hard fans and newcomers alike. While aspects such as combat and lock-picking could use refinement, the immersive music, engaging companion dynamics, and enjoyable diversions like Sabacc contribute to its unique charm. With a little more polish and a wider reception free from unfounded vitriol, I firmly believe this game has a brighter future ahead.
**Rating: 7.5/10**
