Star Wars Outlaws is already making waves as one of the most ambitious Star Wars games in recent memory, delivering a rich open-world experience that’s been a long time coming. However, while Ubisoft has been touting it as the first-ever open-world Star Wars game, it’s important to remember that this claim overlooks a beloved classic: Star Wars Galaxies.
Released in 2003 by Sony Online Entertainment, Star Wars Galaxies was a pioneering MMO that offered players a vast, open-world experience set in the Star Wars universe.
It wasn’t just about blasting Stormtroopers; it was about living in the galaxy far, far away. Players could build houses, run businesses, and even become Jedi, although this was a rare and highly challenging path. The game was all about community and the freedom to carve out your own niche in the Star Wars world.
Fast forward to today, and Star Wars Outlaws is stepping into the spotlight with a different kind of open-world experience. This game nails the atmosphere, immersing players in the gritty, lived-in universe of the original trilogy.
The storyline is compelling, focusing on Kay Vess, a scoundrel navigating the criminal underworld between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The gameplay is smooth, with satisfying combat mechanics, and the graphics are stunning, capturing the essence of the Star Wars aesthetic.
That said, Outlaws does have room for improvement. While it offers a richly detailed world, more interaction with NPCs and the environment would deepen the immersion.
The game could also benefit from more diverse creatures, planets, and ships to explore, along with greater avatar customization and perhaps even a housing system reminiscent of Galaxies.
These additions would not only pay homage to the legacy of Star Wars Galaxies but also elevate Outlaws from great to legendary.
After being let down by the last Disney Star Wars product, The Acolyte, which disappointed, it’s refreshing to see Ubisoft deliver a solid game with minimal wokeness built in.
