Summary
The modern era ofStar Warsvideo games has been a bit of a mixed bag. EA’s twoStar Wars Battlefrontentries were met with rough receptions on launch, thoughBattlefront 2has managed to regain a strong following in recent years. The Aspyr ports of classicStar Warsgames have been pretty dire across the board as well. But at the opposite end of the spectrum,Respawn’sStar Wars Jediserieshas offered some of the bestStar Warsgaming experiences ever. By most accounts,Star Wars Outlawssits somewhere in between them all.
Though its gameplay feels a little half-baked in its early hours, its minigames vary in quality, and its story isn’t the most original,Star Wars Outlawshas plenty of strengths that balance the experience out.Star Wars Outlawsfeatures some breathtaking world design, a ton of fan-service, and a good sense of progression, the latter of which feels like a great continuation ofStar Wars Jedi: Survivor’s own customization system.
Star Wars Outlaws Takes Jedi: Survivor’s Customization In New Directions
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Set a New Bar for Customization in Star Wars Games
Customization has often played an important role inStar Warsvideo games. Even in earlierStar Warsgames likeJedi Knight: Dark Forces 2, players could choose different skins for their multiplayer character model. This element of customization only grew stronger with each subsequentStar Warsvideo game entry, withtheKnights of the Old Republicduologygiving players an expansive gear system that changed the player’s visual appearance as well as their stats.
Respawn’sStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Ordercontinued this legacy ofcustomization inStar Warsgames, letting players find an array of equipable ponchos, different lightsaber hilts and blade colors, and different cosmetics for both BD-1 and the Mantis.Star Wars Jedi: Survivordoubled down on these customization features, setting a new bar forStar Warsvideo games in the process.
InStar Wars Jedi: Survivor, players cancustomize Cal Kestisin several key ways, such as changing the hero’s hairstyle, jacket, shirt, and pants, mixing and matching each component to create a one-of-a-kind Cal. The same was true for the player’s lightsaber and blaster, which each had multiple components that could be mixed-and-matched, and which could each be given a unique color scheme. BD-1’s customization was expanded on as well. These cosmetics were a great way to incentivize exploration.
Star Wars Outlaws May Have Raised That Bar Even Higher
Star Wars Outlawsfeatures some very similar customization options toStar Wars Jedi: Survivor. Players can mix and match Kay Vess' jacket, holster, and pants, change the look of their alien companion Nix, and equip their speeder and ship with a unique visual design. But what setsStar Wars Outlaws' customizationapart fromJedi: Survivor’s is that it has a bevy of customization options that have both practical and cosmetic effects.
Each one ofKay Vess' unlockable outfitscomes with a distinct bonus, such as increased grenade capacity or reduced damage from blaster fire, and wearing all three pieces of a set will grant an additional bonus ability. Players will also upgrade their ship, speeder, and blaster throughoutStar Wars Outlaws, with each addition or tweak slightly changing their appearance. This acts as a visual representation of the player’s time and efforts, thus fueling a satisfying sense of progression.
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.
