Finally, after years of clamoring for one,Star Wars Outlawshas delivered the long awaited open-world smuggler adventure. Through Kay Vess' story, players are able to explore some of the franchise’s most iconic locales, like Canto Bight and Mos Eisley. Thanks to the Snowdrop engine, these planets have been beautifully realized, making them look like they were ripped straight from the screen. But although that is great to see, there is one planet thatStar Wars Outlawsshould have really used better.
Whilethe Pyke Syndicate and spiceplay a role withinStar Wars Outlaws, the iconic planet of Kessel has largely been left out. There are only slight references to it littered throughout the game’s planets when it should have been so much more. Not only does it serve as a massive mining operation for the Pykes, but it has also been iconic ever since the firstStar Warsfilm thanks to Han Solo. So, it would have made complete sense for it to crop up in some fashion throughout the adventure, yet it seems to simply be an afterthought.
Star Wars' Kessel Deserves Its Time in the Spotlight
Star Wars Outlaws Has Mentions to Kessel Sprinkled Throughout
One of the first major references to Kessel that players may discover isStar Wars Outlaws' pre-order bonus. Players that pre-ordered the game from any retailer got the Kessel Runner Bonus Pack, which gave them a skin for their speeder and the Trailblazer. With a pack like that, some might think that Kessel or the Kessel run would play a big role within the game. However, that could not be further from the truth.
Kessel pops up a few more times withinStar Wars Outlaws, but again, the planet itself never makes an appearance. The version of Sabacc that players can play throughout the galaxy isknown as Kessel Sabaccand there is a collectible journal datacard called the Kessel Run. Additionally, players may encounter a mention or two on the planets during their journey. All of that makes it sound like Kessel is an important place, so it seems strange it is nowhere to be found.
Kessel Could Have Been So Much More if Given the Chance
For decades, the only mention of the planet was inStar Wars: A New Hope. It would take until 2014 for fans to finally see itthanks toStar Wars Rebels. Since then, it has cropped up inStar Wars The Clone WarsandSolo: A Star Wars Story, and through it all, fans have learned just how important of a planet it is to spice mining and the Pykes' operations across the galaxy.
Star Wars Outlawsfeels like the perfect opportunity for players to get a better look at the infamous planet of Kessel. The game finally plunges players into the criminal underworld, with them working alongside some of the biggest syndicates around,including the Pykes. So, it would have made a ton of sense for them to get a look at their base of operations, especially since they got to see where the Hutts call home. Plus, there are likely dozens of stories waiting to be told on its surface.
While it is too late to go back and change it now, hopefully the nextStar Wars Outlaws-like game will do the planet justice. Letting fans wander its streets and see the spice operations firsthand feels long overdue, as the franchise has been talking about it for years. Delivering on that would also be a great way to build out this important side of the galaxy.
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.
