Star Wars Outlaws: No Grand Theft Space, but There’s Still Plenty to Love
August 11, 2024Star Wars Outlaws has been generating a lot of buzz as we get closer to its release, and thanks to content creators like JoRaptor, we’ve been getting some tantalizing details about what to expect. While some fans might be disappointed that this game won’t let you go full GTA in a galaxy far, far away, there’s still plenty to get excited about. Let’s dive into the unique features and gameplay mechanics that make Star Wars Outlaws a promising addition to the Star Wars gaming universe.
Table of Contents
Friendly Civilians Are Off-Limits – But That’s Not a Bad Thing
First things first: you can’t kill or steal from friendly civilians in Star Wars Outlaws. Yep, you read that right. Those NPCs wandering around minding their own business? Untouchable. You also can’t steal their vehicles, no matter how tempting it might be to hop on someone’s speeder and zoom off into the sunset. This might feel restrictive at first, especially for those hoping to channel their inner space pirate, but it actually adds a layer of depth to the game. The focus shifts from mindless chaos to meaningful interactions and consequences. Plus, it keeps the game true to the Star Wars ethos, where even the baddest outlaws have some code of honour.
Mirogana: The Urban Star Wars Playground
If you’ve ever wanted to explore a bustling Star Wars city, Mirogana might just be your new favourite place. JoRaptor has praised this location for nailing the urban Star Wars vibe, complete with minigames, a jukebox in the cantina, and NPCs you can interact with. There’s a dynamic feel to the city, with random events popping up as you explore shops or take a stroll through the streets. Whether you’re looking to blow off steam in a game of Sabacc or just soak in the atmosphere, Mirogana offers a playground that feels authentically Star Wars.
Factions and Reputation: Choose Your Path Wisely
In Star Wars Outlaws, your reputation matters—a lot. Each faction controls different districts across cities and planets, and how you’re treated depends on your standing with them. If Kay’s reputation is good, she can stroll right into a district without a second thought. But if her rep is less than stellar, you’ll need to sneak in, avoiding detection and keeping your blaster holstered. This system adds a strategic element to how you approach each mission. Do you play nice to keep the peace, or do you go full rogue and risk the consequences? The choice is yours, and it’s one that can drastically affect your gameplay experience.
Multiple Ways to Complete Missions
One of the coolest features of Star Wars Outlaws is the variety of ways you can tackle mission objectives. Whether it’s bribing your way into a restricted area or finding a secret passage to bypass guards, the game encourages creativity. This isn’t a linear experience where there’s only one right way to do things. Instead, it rewards players for thinking outside the box and using their environment to their advantage. It’s a refreshing change from the typical mission structure we see in a lot of open-world games.
Building a Reputation with Syndicates
Getting in good with the galaxy’s most notorious factions is key to survival in Star Wars Outlaws. Gaining a reputation seems relatively easy, especially with the unlimited contracts available at contract brokers. These contracts help you build favour with specific factions, making it easier to navigate their territories. However, some players might find these objectives a bit uninspired, especially at the lower levels, drawing comparisons to the missions in Watch Dogs Legion. But don’t worry—things heat up as you climb the ranks, with more dangerous and rewarding contracts becoming available as your reputation grows.
Cosmetic Rewards: A Jedi Survivor Vibe
For those who love customizing their characters, Star Wars Outlaws offers a variety of cosmetic rewards. While the frequency of these rewards might be less than what we saw in “Jedi Survivor,” they still offer a fun way to personalize your character’s look. Expect to find chest pieces, waist accessories, and leg armour that, while not drastically different in style, still give you a sense of progression and individuality. Plus, special faction rewards offer unique outfit styles that are definitely worth the grind.
Enemy Variety and Combat Mechanics
Combat in Star Wars Outlaws is a mix of strategy and action. The enemy variety seems promising, with different types of foes requiring different tactics. However, there’s a concern that encounters could become repetitive, especially if you’re using the same strategies over and over. On the plus side, Kay’s companion Nix adds a tactical edge to fights. Nix can stun enemies, retrieve weapons, and even counter deployable shields, making him an invaluable ally in combat. It’s a smart way to mix up the action and keep things from getting too stale.
World Events: Unique and Repeatable Adventures
The open world of Star Wars Outlaws is dotted with unique world events that you can only experience once. These events offer a break from the main storyline and provide opportunities for exploration and discovery. If you stumble upon a big event but aren’t ready to engage, don’t worry—you can come back to it later. There are also smaller, repeatable events, like speeder racing, that add replay value to the game. However, if you skip these, it might be a while before they reappear, so it’s worth checking them out when you can.
Contract Brokers: A Mixed Bag
While contract brokers offer a way to build your reputation, the objectives they provide can sometimes feel a bit lacklustre, especially when compared to more dynamic elements of the game. At lower levels, these contracts might remind you of the repetitive missions in Watch Dogs Legion. But as you progress and take on higher-stakes contracts, the challenges become more engaging, offering greater rewards and a stronger sense of accomplishment.
