A Daring, Freewheeling Ride Through the Galaxy
As a lifelong fan of Star Wars, I’ve often felt like a scoundrel myself—dodging real-life responsibilities just to explore the galaxy far, far away. And let me tell you, Star Wars Outlaws is the intergalactic getaway I never knew I needed. This game boldly puts you in the boots of Kay Vess, an up-and-coming rogue who’s one part Han Solo, one part Lara Croft, and all parts awesome.
The Open Galaxy — Freedom You Can Feel
This isn’t your typical on-rails Star Wars experience. Nope. Outlaws throws you into an open-world galaxy teeming with danger, opportunity, and adventure. Ubisoft has delivered something we’ve all been secretly pining for—a space playground where you can be as shady, daring, or noble as you want. You’re not just tied to shooting stormtroopers (although there’s plenty of that), but instead, you’re smuggling, stealing, racing, and outwitting everyone from Jabba-like crime lords to Imperial forces. It’s as if they blended the DNA of Red Dead Redemption 2 with The Mandalorian, and it absolutely works.
Freedom feels tangible in Outlaws. You want to hop into your ship and fly to another planet? Go for it. Fancy a bit of speeder bike joyriding through the desert sands? Done. Hell, you can even sweet-talk your way out of tricky situations, leaving behind blasters for a silver tongue. The sandbox approach makes you feel like you are Kay Vess, charting your own path through the underbelly of the galaxy, and it’s incredibly liberating.
Kay Vess & Nix — The Dynamic Duo You Didn’t Know You Wanted
Speaking of Kay, let’s talk characters. She’s witty, resourceful, and, frankly, one of the most compelling protagonists the Star Wars games have given us. Her charisma oozes off the screen, whether she’s bantering with shady criminals or sweet-talking her way out of a shootout. Kay’s charm is perfectly balanced by her little buddy Nix, an adorable space critter who helps with puzzles, distractions, and sometimes just brings a touch of levity in dark situations. Think Baby Yoda, but with more “action pet” vibes.
Their bond feels organic, and the game smartly uses Nix for gameplay mechanics that don’t feel forced—he’s not just there for cuteness (though, trust me, he is cute). Nix actually saves your hide more than once, making him indispensable during combat and puzzle-solving.
Combat & Exploration — Satisfyingly Fluid (Though Not Perfect)
The combat in Outlaws is a high-octane blend of blaster shootouts, melee skirmishes, and tactical stealth. One minute you’re gunning down mercenaries in a frantic firefight, the next you’re sneaking through an Imperial facility like a space-age ninja. It’s thrilling, but not without its occasional hiccups. Targeting can feel a tad loose, and some of the stealth mechanics are a bit clunky when compared to smoother games in the genre.
That said, it’s hard to complain when you’re dual-wielding blasters and taking down enemies while dodging TIE fighters. You’ll also feel like a total badass when you manage to land a critical shot just as the Star Wars score swells in the background. Pure nerdy bliss.
Exploration is where the game shines, though. Planets aren’t just cut-and-paste backdrops, they’re alive—bustling markets, lawless outposts, and wide-open deserts all feel distinct. And the fact that you can freely jump between these worlds, without loading screens, is a next-gen miracle. The game’s diverse environments keep things fresh and engaging even after hours of gameplay.
The Story — A Galactic Heist with Heart
Without spoiling too much, Kay’s story isn’t your usual “save the galaxy” fluff. This is about surviving in a lawless universe, pulling off high-stakes heists, and making it through with your head (and credits) intact. You’re not a Jedi—there’s no mystic force guiding you. It’s just you, your wits, and your trusty blaster. And honestly? That’s exactly the kind of grounded (well, as grounded as Star Wars gets) experience fans like me have been craving.
There’s still plenty of fan service—enough to keep the Star Wars die-hards happy—whether it’s sneaky references to your favorite bounty hunters or a few cameos that’ll leave you grinning. The narrative manages to stay fresh and unpredictable while nestling comfortably within the larger Star Wars mythos.
A Few Missed Jumps to Hyperspace
Now, it’s not all smooth sailing through hyperspace. Some side quests feel a bit repetitive, and a few missions give you that “fetch quest fatigue” we all dread. There are moments where the game tries to do too much—exploration, puzzles, combat, heists—and ends up stretching itself a little thin. It doesn’t derail the fun, but it does slow the momentum at times.
Also, while I love the open-world feel, a little more depth in some locations wouldn’t hurt. Some areas feel like glorified backdrops rather than places with meaningful interactions. You can fly across the stars, sure, but not every planet holds the same allure after the first visit.
Verdict — Outlaws Delivers the Galactic Goods
In the grand cosmic scale of things, Star Wars Outlaws is a hell of a good time. It delivers a thrilling, sometimes unpredictable ride through the seedy underworld of the Star Wars universe, where you’ll live out your scoundrel fantasies in style. While it’s not a flawless adventure, it hits the target more often than not, and Kay Vess quickly earns her place among the galaxy’s most memorable rogues.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being an outlaw with a heart of gold (or just enough credits to get by), this game is for you. Strap in, because this is one hyperspace jump you won’t regret.
Final Score: 88% — Punch it, Chewie!
