Summary
After much anticipation,Star Wars Outlawshas arrived to send fans into a engaging experience as the first truly open-world game set within the popular IP’s universe. Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment’sStar Wars Outlawsis notable for its ambition to provide players with a series of sandbox settings backed by a grand adventure through the seedy underbelly of the galaxy far, far away.Outlawseschews the standard Jedi and Sith conflict in favor of a swashbuckling journey centered on those on the fringes trying to survive and make do during the height of the Age of the Empire.
Thenature ofStar Wars Outlaws' underworld tale, with scrappy hustler and thief, Kay Vess, taking center stage and her double dealings with various criminal factions while dodging Imperial forces, brings to mind a classicStar Warstitle from generations ago. During the early days of the N64,Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, part of a series of multimedia tie-ins, launched shortly after the landmark console hit the market.Shadowsimpressed many at the time with its approach to gameplay and creative use of the brand. The two share a number of traits, andStar Wars Outlaws' designs and narrative are prime material forShadowsof the Empireto be given the same treatment in a modern overhaul.
A remake ofStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republichas been in the works for a while now, and although it has had some production troubles, the project is seemingly still moving forward according to its new developer, Saber Interactive.
Star Wars Outlaws Shows That a Shadows of the Empire Remake Could Strike Gold
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Was an Excellent Early Experiment for Star Wars Games
Released in 1996 only three months after the N64’s debut,Star Wars: Shadows of the Empireis, in a way, a kind ofprecursor toStar Wars Outlaws. Protagonist Dash Rendar is like Kay in many regards, and the general vibe in both titles is quite similar.Shadowscenters on Princess Leia being kidnapped by Prince Xizor, head of the Black Sun criminal syndicate. Dash is hired for a search and rescue mission, leading to a planet-hopping quest to hunt down various clues and confront the other players involved.
In terms of mechanics,Star Wars: Shadows of the Empirecontains a range of interesting ideas, from standard third-person exploration and combat (at times granting players a jetpack), to vehicle races, and space combat sections. It also featured a variety of iconic locations, including Hoth,Tatooine, Coruscant, and Ord Mantel. Each offered a great look into the world while changing up gameplay regularly, providing a range of styles along with an engaging story.Shadowswas, of course, constrained in scope by technical limitations of the time, but at its core, the title was a unique and fun experience, and is often remembered fondly as a standout entry.
Shadows of the Empire Being Remade with Star Wars Outlaws' Sensibilites Could Be a Knockout
While it may be rooted in an established open-world formula,Star Wars Outlawsdoes an excellent job of bringing its world to lifevia current gen capabilities and dedication to authenticity. With gorgeous landscapes, believably lived-in spaces, and satisfying level design all adding to the flow of the combat mechanics on top of its original story,Outlawsshows what can be accomplished in the modern field, especially within the franchise.Star Wars:Shadows of the Empirecontained many earlier iterations of some of the same philosophies and angles present inOutlaws.
Given the aforementioned parallels along with numerous others already in place between the two, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to applyStar Wars Outlaws' visionto a modern reimagining ofShadows of the Empire. With nearly 30 years of advancement in the industry since, Shadowscontains a wealth of designs that would lend themselves extremely well to a potential remake by capitalizing and building on the work done forStar Wars Outlaws. By taking its fundamental aspects and updating them in the vein ofOutlaws,Shadowscould be brought into the current landscape to provide a highly enjoyable experience for both fans of the original and a new audience. A possibleShadows of the Empireremake usingOutlawsas a base could contribute to the run of qualityStar Warsgames that players have recently received.
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.
