Star Wars Outlaws: Sorry, No GTA Vibes Here – But That’s Actually a Good Thing
August 11, 2024If you were hoping Star Wars Outlaws would be a chaotic, anything-goes experience where you could wreak havoc on innocent civilians in true GTA style, well, you might be a bit disappointed. Ubisoft’s latest entry into the Star Wars universe, while packed with intrigue, adventure, and a galaxy full of possibilities, doesn’t allow you to kill or steal from friendly NPCs. But before you close the door on this game, let’s dig a little deeper into why this decision might actually be a blessing in disguise.
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A Surprising Restriction in an Open-World Setting
When you think of the title Star Wars Outlaws, your mind might drift to the idea of being a Han Solo-esque rogue, taking what you want and shooting your way out of any situation. It’s a space cowboy’s life, right? However, according to a recent preview by gaming content creator JorRaptor, the game won’t let you kill or rob innocent bystanders. This might seem like a buzzkill to those expecting a more unhinged sandbox experience, but it speaks volumes about the direction Ubisoft is taking with the game.
Instead of leaning into the chaos, Ubisoft is focusing on crafting a more narrative-driven experience where the consequences of your actions are meaningful, not just mindless. While you can still engage in bounty hunting and become a notorious outlaw, there’s a line the game won’t let you cross—and that’s okay.
Why No Civilians Were Harmed in the Making of This Game
One of the main reasons behind this choice likely stems from the game’s commitment to staying true to the essence of Star Wars. The franchise, despite its dark moments, has always been about heroism, hope, and the fight against tyranny. Even when playing as an outlaw, the game still expects you to operate within certain moral boundaries. In many ways, this decision aligns with the larger themes of the Star Wars universe—choices matter, and those choices should reflect the complex moral landscape of the galaxy.
This approach also helps maintain a level of immersion that might be broken if players were allowed to go on mindless killing sprees. The Star Wars galaxy is a living, breathing entity, filled with characters who, even if they are just NPCs, contribute to the overall world-building. Ubisoft’s decision to restrict certain actions may actually enhance the storytelling by ensuring that the focus remains on the game’s narrative and the consequences of your actions.
Red Dead Redemption in Space? Not Quite
Comparisons to other open-world games like “Red Dead Redemption” are inevitable. Some who have previewed the game, like Dustin from GamesRadar, have even described it as “Red Dead Redemption in space.” However, while both games share open-world elements and a focus on narrative, they’re fundamentally different in their approach to player freedom and morality.
In “Red Dead Redemption,” you can choose to be a ruthless outlaw or a principled gunslinger, with the world reacting accordingly. Star Wars Outlaws, on the other hand, narrows the scope of what kind of outlaw you can be. This may initially seem like a limitation, but it can actually lead to a more focused and coherent experience. Instead of the game trying to be all things to all players, it’s honing in on a specific narrative vision that aligns with the broader Star Wars ethos.
The “Least Ubisoft-Feeling Ubisoft Game”
Dustin’s observation that Star Wars Outlaws feels like the “least Ubisoft-feeling Ubisoft game” in ages is another reason to be excited. Ubisoft has a reputation for creating sprawling open-world games that often fall into repetitive gameplay loops. However, Outlaws seems poised to break that mold, offering a more streamlined experience that’s more about quality than quantity. By limiting certain player actions, Ubisoft is avoiding the trap of turning the game into a checklist of chaotic activities, instead focusing on delivering a richer, more engaging narrative experience.
What This Means for the Star Wars Gaming Universe
This decision to limit the player’s ability to commit random acts of violence or theft in the game world is likely to polarize opinions. On one hand, it could be seen as a missed opportunity to create a truly open-ended Star Wars experience. On the other, it might be exactly what the franchise needs—a game that respects its source material while still offering something fresh and engaging.
The Star Wars gaming universe has seen its fair share of hits and misses, and Star Wars Outlaws is entering a landscape where expectations are sky-high. By choosing to restrict certain actions, Ubisoft is making a clear statement about the kind of game this will be—one that’s more about the story you create through meaningful choices, rather than the chaos you can unleash.
Final Thoughts
So, is Star Wars Outlaws the GTA-style sandbox game you might have been hoping for? No. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. By setting boundaries on player behaviour, Ubisoft is pushing players to engage more deeply with the world they’ve created. It’s a game that’s more about living the life of a Star Wars scoundrel than being a mindless agent of chaos.
And honestly, in a galaxy as richly detailed and morally complex as this one, that might be the most exciting thing of all.
Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just looking for a new open-world experience, Star Wars Outlaws is shaping up to be a game worth your time. Just don’t expect to be mowing down civilians like it’s GTA in space—this game has bigger, more interesting things to offer.
