Why Star Wars Outlaws Feels Like Stepping Into the Classic Movies

Star Wars Outlaws, Ubisoft’s ambitious open-world game, has garnered much attention not only for its expansive gameplay but also for its commitment to authenticity. The developers at Massive Entertainment took great care to ensure that the game feels like a genuine extension of the beloved original Star Wars trilogy. But what does it really mean to make a game “authentic” to such an iconic series? Let’s dive into the thoughtful design process behind Star Wars Outlaws and explore how the team at Massive managed to recreate the magic of the original trilogy for a new generation of gamers.

The Importance of Authenticity

From the outset, Massive Entertainment made it clear that staying true to the original Star Wars trilogy was a top priority. This dedication is evident in every aspect of the game, from the detailed environments to the character designs and even the soundscapes. The goal was simple yet ambitious: to make players feel as if they were stepping directly into the world of the classic Star Wars movies.

Lead concept artist Samuel De Vos and associate art director Marthe Jonkers emphasized the “special care” that went into this process. For De Vos, the challenge was to create new elements within the Star Wars universe that felt authentic and familiar. The team drew inspiration from the same sources that inspired Star Wars creator George Lucas and conceptual designer Ralph McQuarrie. By studying the ’60s and ’70s designs that influenced the original trilogy, Massive was able to infuse Outlaws with a similar aesthetic​.

Bringing the ’70s Design to Life

One of the standout features of Star Wars Outlaws is its visual design, which pays homage to the era in which the original trilogy was conceived. The design of the Trailblazer ship, for example, is a nod to ’70s monorail designs, blending retro-futurism with the grounded, lived-in feel that is synonymous with Star Wars. This approach ensures that even the new additions to the Star Wars universe feel like they belong.

Jonkers noted that the team printed out and enlarged Ralph McQuarrie’s iconic designs, hanging them around the office as a constant source of inspiration. This allowed the developers to immerse themselves in the visual language of Star Wars, ensuring that every creative decision was rooted in the same artistic vision that shaped the original films​.

The Balancing Act: Innovation vs. Tradition

While authenticity was a key focus, the team at Massive also recognized the need to innovate. They didn’t want to simply replicate what had already been done; instead, they aimed to expand the Star Wars universe in ways that felt true to the original while also introducing new elements. This balancing act is evident in the game’s design, where familiar Star Wars tropes are reimagined with a fresh perspective​.

For instance, while the visual style remains grounded in the ’60s and ’70s, the gameplay mechanics and narrative structure are designed to appeal to modern gamers. The open-world format of Star Wars Outlaws allows players to explore and interact with the galaxy in ways that were never possible in the original films. This blend of old and new creates a game that feels both nostalgic and innovative​.

Creating a Sense of Place

One of the most impressive achievements of Star Wars Outlaws is its ability to create a sense of place that feels authentically Star Wars. As noted in reviews, the game’s open worlds are meticulously crafted to capture the look and feel of the original trilogy. From the dusty streets of Tatooine to the bustling markets of new, never-before-seen planets, every location in Outlaws feels like it could exist within the Star Wars universe​.

This sense of place is crucial for immersing players in the game. By paying close attention to the small details—such as the architecture, the sound design, and the character interactions—Massive was able to create environments that feel lived-in and real. This authenticity is what allows players to lose themselves in the game, fully believing that they are part of the Star Wars galaxy.

Why Authenticity Matters

For many Star Wars fans, the original trilogy holds a special place in their hearts. It’s a touchstone of cinematic history, and any new addition to the franchise is inevitably compared to those classic films. By staying true to the original trilogy, Star Wars Outlaws not only honours the legacy of Star Wars but also provides a sense of continuity for fans who have been following the series for decades.

Moreover, this commitment to authenticity helps to differentiate Outlaws from other games in the franchise. While there have been many Star Wars games over the years, few have captured the essence of the original trilogy as successfully as Outlaws. This authenticity could very well cement Outlaws as one of the best Star Wars games for nostalgic fans and newcomers alike​

All in all, Star Wars Outlaws is like a love letter to the original trilogy. Through meticulous design, careful attention to detail, and a deep respect for the source material, Massive Entertainment has created a game that feels like a true extension of the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the galaxy, Outlaws offers an experience that is both familiar and fresh, capturing the magic of Star Wars in a way that few games have managed to do.