Star Wars Outlaws from Ubisoft Massive Entertainment is released at a crucial moment in the video game industry. AAA development is currently under scrutiny for playing it safe and hesitating to take risks that could potentially alienate players. While innovation is not always necessary, the key is to provide engaging experiences that capture the players’ attention. Whether it’s through graphics, gameplay, storyline, characters, or mechanics, the combination of these elements is essential for a successful game. Many games struggle to excel in one or more of these areas, making it rare to find a game that excels in all aspects.
A narrative and cast that fail to captivate
As a cinematic AAA game set in the Star Wars universe, Outlaws focuses on the underworld of the galaxy rather than the traditional lightsaber battles. While the game attempts to captivate players with emotional hooks and cinematic sequences, the narrative and cast fall short of creating a lasting impression. Despite drawing inspiration from elements of the Star Wars franchise, the lack of charisma in the cast and the failure to engage the players in the storyline diminish the overall experience.
Competent but uninspiring gameplay
The gameplay in Star Wars Outlaws bears resemblance to the recent Tomb Raider trilogy, with players assuming the role of Kay Vess in a Lara Croft-like adventure. While the game offers exploration and combat across various planets, the gameplay lacks the spark needed to truly engage players. Combat encounters suffer from poor AI and bugs, detracting from the overall experience. However, with over 40 hours of gameplay, players can uncover secrets, fulfill faction contracts, and upgrade equipment, providing plenty of content to explore.
Space combat is the standout element
The space combat sections in Star Wars Outlaws, particularly with the ship Trailblazer, stand out as the most enjoyable aspect of the game. The well-executed controls and gameplay mechanics make these sections a highlight, reminiscent of classic Star Wars space combat games. The emphasis on space gameplay adds depth to the overall experience, offering players a refreshing change of pace from the main storyline. Despite some flaws in other areas, the space combat elements shine in Outlaws, showcasing the team’s attention to detail and player engagement.
Bugs, AI, and immersion-breaking issues
Despite its potential, Star Wars Outlaws is plagued by technical issues, poor AI, and immersion-breaking bugs that hinder the overall experience. The lack of polish and refinement in various aspects of the game detracts from its potential to be a truly captivating Star Wars adventure. While the space combat elements offer a glimmer of hope, the prevalence of bugs and AI issues dampen the overall enjoyment of the game. Players may find themselves frustrated by these shortcomings, which prevent Outlaws from reaching its full potential as a standout Star Wars title.
Star Wars Outlaws, an action and adventure game set in the Star Wars universe, presents a design that alternates between linear story missions and open world exploration. Despite its ambitious concept, the game struggles to deliver memorable and exciting moments that captivate players. The main story missions lack the epic scale expected in such a universe, and as players progress further, the quality of missions and narrative seems to decline. Moreover, the game’s immersion is heavily compromised by technical issues such as bugs and poor artificial intelligence.
Completing the campaign in around 18 hours, players are encouraged to engage in optional activities to enhance their character’s weaponry. This often involves repetitive tasks in empty open worlds, reminiscent of “fetch quest” missions, although the biking mechanics offer some enjoyment. Neglecting to improve the character’s equipment may lead to frustration during poorly designed final battles, where the game’s AI and bugs further detract from the experience.
Technical Shortcomings in Graphics
Star Wars Outlaws, as a AAA title, is expected to showcase cutting-edge graphics that showcase the full potential of modern gaming technology. However, the PlayStation 5 version falls short of delivering the visual quality promised in promotional material. The game’s performance modes offer compromises between resolution, frame rate, and image quality, with noticeable drawbacks in all settings.
Playing in Performance Mode results in a significant drop in resolution and sharpness, leading to a lack of textures and blurred NPC faces. This subpar visual experience is unexpected in a high-budget AAA production, undermining the game’s overall presentation and failing to meet player expectations.
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