Star Wars Outlaws is not a game you play to experience the most innovative open-world design. It doesn’t introduce groundbreaking ideas that shake up the genre, and its structure and gameplay can become fairly repetitive. In many ways, it’s standard fare. But for a certain type of player, none of that really matters. What makes Outlaws stand out is its connection to the Star Wars universe—it’s an average open-world game but an incredible Star Wars game.
The game takes place between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, putting players in the role of Kay Vess, a low-level criminal who quickly finds herself in over her head. Kay is a wise-cracking Han Solo type with an adorable companion named Nix, who is part puppy, part axolotl. The setup is a classic crime caper: Kay joins a crew for one massive score, hoping to retire on the stolen cash. But things go sideways, leaving her penniless and in the crosshairs of a powerful figure in the criminal underworld.
From there, the story takes an intriguing turn as Kay spends the rest of the game preparing for another shot at the loot. This involves building her underworld credentials, recruiting a capable crew, and upgrading her skills and gear. The open-world structure serves this premise well, with everything you do in the game contributing to the big payoff at the end.
Perhaps the most unique feature of the game is its faction system. There are four criminal syndicates to navigate, and your standing with them changes based on your actions. Completing a mission for the Crimson Dawn might anger their rivals, and balancing these relationships can feel like spinning plates. Getting on a gang’s good side opens up new mission paths and opportunities, while angering them can restrict access to certain areas or even lead to attacks on sight. This doesn’t fundamentally change the game, but it does force you to make interesting and sometimes tough decisions about whose side you’re on.
No new Star Wars story would be complete without a cute companion, and Kay’s adorable sidekick Nix is arguably the most memorable part of Outlaws. Not only is Nix cute, but he’s also helpful; he can distract enemies, flip hard-to-reach switches, and aid in combat. Plus, you can share meals with Nix at certain food vendors, engaging in an indulgent minigame that’s just the cutest. (Animals in general are a highlight of the game—you can pet all kinds of intergalactic critters.)
Much like with the Star Wars Jedi series, Outlaws is a great option for those looking to immerse themselves in a galaxy far, far away. There’s nothing quite like racing across the deserts of Tatooine on a speeder bike or landing on a new planet and heading into the local cantina to ask around. The visuals, sound, and storylines all feel perfectly authentic to the Star Wars universe, making you feel like you’re in one of the movies.
The cities in Star Wars Outlaws are incredibly immersive, bringing the galaxy far, far away to life with stunning detail and vibrant atmosphere. Each urban environment is meticulously crafted, from the bustling streets filled with vendors and street performers to the shadowy alleys where deals go down. Whether you’re exploring the neon-lit underbelly or the dusty markets, every location feels alive with its unique culture and ambiance. The level of detail extends to dynamic NPC interactions, ambient sounds that reflect the local activity, and intricate architecture that tells the story of each place. These cities aren’t just backdrops; they are living, breathing hubs that draw you deeper into the Star Wars universe, making every visit an experience filled with discovery and immersion.
One of the most impressive aspects of Star Wars Outlaws is its performance. On max settings at 1440p, the game consistently runs at over 110 frames per second on an RTX 4080 Super. This high performance not only ensures smooth gameplay but also enhances the immersive experience. Whether you’re navigating bustling city streets or speeding across vast desert landscapes, the game’s performance never dips, allowing you to stay fully engaged in the world. The combination of detailed environments, fluid motion, and a stable frame rate makes exploring the galaxy a visually stunning and seamless experience.
One of the standout elements of Star Wars Outlaws is its user interface, which perfectly captures the essence of the Star Wars universe. From the moment you start the game, the UI is a nostalgic yet fresh experience, with fonts and transition effects that feel straight out of the movies. The sleek, minimalist design echoes the iconic visual style of the franchise, with familiar text and symbols that instantly evoke a sense of belonging in the galaxy. The transitions between menus are smooth and cinematic, often accompanied by subtle sound effects that enhance the overall experience. Whether you’re navigating the galaxy map, managing your inventory, or engaging with mission briefings, the UI consistently reinforces the immersive Star Wars atmosphere. It’s not just functional—it’s a visual treat that adds another layer of authenticity, making every interaction within the game feel like part of the larger Star Wars saga.
The issue is that what you’re doing at any given moment in Outlaws is largely the same as in every other open-world game of the past few years. Missions revolve around sneaking into enemy bases, stealing items, or collecting objects to return. There’s a lot of crawling through vents, disabling cameras, and engaging in shootouts with not-so-bright stormtroopers and thugs. While you sometimes have choices in how to approach a mission—sneak in the back or go in guns blazing—the moment-to-moment gameplay follows a familiar pattern.
Despite what some reviews might say, Star Wars Outlaws is a game that fans of the galaxy far, far away shouldn’t overlook. While other critics might point out its conventional gameplay or familiar open-world structure, those elements take a backseat to the sheer joy of immersing yourself in the Star Wars universe. From the thrill of exploring iconic planets to the excitement of dodging stormtroopers and outwitting criminal syndicates, Outlaws delivers an experience that captures the heart and soul of what makes Star Wars so beloved.
The game is packed with moments that will leave fans grinning—from riding speeder bikes across desert landscapes to sharing quiet, charming interactions with your companion Nix. Every corner of the game is infused with the spirit of Star Wars, making it a joy to explore. Don’t let the talk of repetitive missions or familiar mechanics dissuade you; if you love Star Wars, you’ll find yourself having a blast with Outlaws. It’s a chance to live out your own adventure in one of the most iconic universes in entertainment, and that’s something truly special.
