I have a complicated relationship with Star Wars. I’m not Force-agnostic or anything like that and I do dabble in the vast buffet of media, especially video games, so while I may not have finished half the tv shows, I was excited to make questionable choices in Star Wars Outlaws.
Star Wars Outlaws aims to deliver an open-world experience set in the galaxy far, far away. Taking place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the game lets you live the life of a smuggler, hustling through cantinas, navigating Imperial blockades, and making deals with the underworld.
While the game’s scope is impressive, some gameplay elements keep it from reaching its full potential. The graphics are among its strongest features. From dusty outposts to star ports, locations feel lived-in. Character models look good, with facial animations adding some cinematic flair.
The use of lighting, especially in space battles and night scenes, adds depth to the visuals. However, some textures in less central areas can look flat, showing that not every corner of the galaxy received the same attention. Still, it captures that distinct Star Wars aesthetic.
Gameplay is a mixed bag. The core mechanics—ship combat, ground missions, and dialogue choices—oscillate between passable and frustrating. Space dogfights are sometimes exciting, with blaster bolts and engine roars enhancing the chaos. The open-world structure feels rewarding, offering a few ways to approach missions, whether through diplomacy, bribery, or blaster fire.
Unfortunately, the game falters with stealth. Too many missions require sneaking past enemies or avoiding security systems, slowing the pace. The stealth mechanics lack sophistication, with basic AI patterns and limited options for creative problem-solving, leading to frustration instead of tension. I failed some missions multiple times because Kay (the character you play as) hit the wrong enemy, triggering an auto-fail.
I would have much preferred the flexibility of fighting my way out of scenarios. I also struggled with some of the controls and lock-picking mini-games, which have never been fun in any game except Ratchet & Clank, where they change it up sufficiently to keep it enjoyable.
In terms of value, Outlaws provides a lot of content for its price. The main campaign took me more than 20 hours, with plenty of side missions, collectibles, and exploration opportunities.
A lot of it felt like padding, though, with fetch quests adding little to the story. While the price tag is justified by its scope, there are moments where it stretches thin. It would be great value for money if picked up during a sale.
Ultimately, Star Wars Outlaws delivers a solid adventure set in a beloved universe, but its flaws—particularly the lacklustre stealth mechanics—hold it back from being a standout. If you’re a Star Wars fan looking for a smuggler’s life, you’ll find enough to like, even if you occasionally stumble in the shadows.
7.0 Score
Pros
- Immersive Star Wars atmosphere
- Engaging space combat
Cons
- Weak stealth mechanics
- Some missions feel like filler
Final Verdict
Star Wars Outlaws captures the spirit of the galaxy but stumbles with poorly executed stealth and uninspiring padding. A consideration for fans, but not without frustrations.
MJ Khan
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Recharged is an independent site that focuses on technology, electric vehicles, and the digital life by Nafisa Akabor. Drawing from her 16-year tech journalism career, expect news, reviews, how-tos, comparisons, and practical uses of tech that are easy to digest. info@recharged.co.za