Star Wars Outlaws delivers a refreshing, grounded adventure that moves away from the typical Jedi-centric narratives, offering one of the most enjoyable experiences in the franchise in recent years. While it may not carry the weight of a rare, high-budget cinematic event, it succeeds by re-examining the exhausted tropes of the Ubisoft open-world formula, providing a unique space for players to simply exist within the Star Wars universe.
Living the Scoundrel Life
Unlike titles that force a lightsaber into your hands or lock you into X-Wing dogfights, Outlaws excels by letting you soak in the atmosphere. The true joy lies in traversing vast landscapes on your speeder bike or wandering through the densely packed, grimy back alleys of the galaxy’s most notorious hives of scum and villainy. The game is at its best when it leans into its aesthetic, allowing you to stand still and simply absorb the rich, immersive sound design that brings the world to life.
Kay Vess: A Relatable Outlaw
Kay Vess is a welcome addition to the Star Wars canon, representing an archetype we haven’t seen properly explored in gaming since the 90s. Her perspective—one focused on survival rather than the grand conflict between the Rebellion and the Empire—is refreshing. Her commitment to herself and her companion, Nix, creates a grounded narrative hook. The dynamic between Kay, Nix, and the droid ND-5 serves as an emotional anchor that makes the journey feel personal and worth investing in.
The Faction System Struggles
While the game attempts to integrate player choice through faction reputation, the mechanic is a mixed bag. Helping one criminal syndicate inevitably alienates another, but because every faction is inherently villainous, the moral weight of these decisions feels light. The tangible rewards for these choices are often negligible, making it difficult to feel truly compelled by the system, as the narrative impact remains largely superficial.
A Unique Open-World Philosophy
Initial hours on the moon of Toshara may feel restrictive, as players cannot simply commandeer every vehicle or scale every surface. However, this is by design. Outlaws encourages players to bond with their own upgraded speeder and ship rather than treating the world as a playground for theft. The open-world areas are not meant to get lost in, but rather to be appreciated as stunning vistas between missions. This approach distinguishes Outlaws from other Ubisoft titles and signals a welcome shift in design philosophy.
Seamless Space Travel
The act of transitioning from a planet’s surface to open space is consistently thrilling. While the underlying “Matrix” of the game—masking loading screens with cutscene transitions—is occasionally visible, the execution is seamless. These moments are so well-crafted that, even when eager to reach the next objective, I rarely felt the urge to skip them.
Combat and Gameplay Mechanics
Space and ground combat are functional but not necessarily the game’s high points. Dogfights can feel slightly perfunctory and on-rails, while third-person shooting is serviceable. I found much more enjoyment in the light stealth mechanics, which allow for a more tactical approach to navigating trouble. The game offers the flexibility to switch between a sneaky smuggler and a space cowboy, ensuring that players aren’t punished for their preferred playstyle.
The video game landscape for Star Wars is currently in a great place. Kay Vess provides a focused, intimate story that proves you don’t need the whims of Jedi and Sith to craft a compelling adventure. Whether you are wandering through dense cityscapes or narrowly escaping a firefight, Outlaws delivers a solid, memorable experience that stands firmly on its own merits.
This 2025 review reflects our thoughts on the game’s current state at publishing. As such, post-launch updates were factored into the final score.
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