An open-world Star Wars game sounded like the content of dreams when announced by Ubisoft. There are endless possibilities in the galaxy far, far away – but following a disappointing sequel film trilogy and a new streaming series every other month, the aura and prestige of the Star Wars IP has somewhat declined. In the gaming world, though, the Jedi series led by Cal Kestis has allowed fans to be force-wielding, lightsaber-mashing heroes across stunning locales alongside some well-known characters. But as is common with heavy-hitting IPs transferring to the medium, the game is on rails despite smaller open areas similar to God of War. Now, we are mere months away from a Star Wars open-world game taking advantage of current-generation hardware and all the lessons learned from recent releases. Will Ubisoft be able to deliver where so many others have failed? Here are 10 hopes for Star Wars Outlaws, arriving in August.
- A Serious Tone
Star Wars has always been renowned for its cast of diverse creatures and hero’s tale approach, but in a game focused on crime and deception there can be no more ‘cutesy’ gimmicks for merchandise sales and younger audiences. The lack of risks in this IP has been one of the major issues when trying to please the fanbase, and an RPG is where risks can be taken. The lead character appears (from trailers and early impressions) to be safe and reserved at this stage, but the narrative needs to put her through the ringer for development. This is a period in the Star Wars timeline (between Episode 5 and 6) that is bleakest following the Empire’s return serve, so the imagery and themes must reflect this. Let the Empire show its worst.
2. Proper Side Quests
Ubisoft created many of the open world tropes that exist today. While revolutionary at the time, gamers now look to Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Witcher 3 as the gold standard of side quests worth the time sink for engaging, narrative-driven tales with choice. Ubisoft needs to evolve from their formula following the reception to their Avatar efforts and open world Assassin’s Creed or Far Cry entries. Fetching a trinket for some random creature does not align with a scoundrel out for themselves. How will this be tackled?
3. Lore and World Building
With the galaxy under threat, gangs and petty crime can appear to be low priority. Especially when whole worlds can be blown up by the death star. There needs to be a dangled carrot that has the ability to appear important in this world, which is best achieved by building depth to the environments in which we visit. Ensuring a pond is a mile deep as opposed to a sea that is an inch thick is the focus here, and the hope of gamers everywhere. Elden Ring using George R R Martin to build its lore was a masterstroke. How will the lore expand on the IP to make it feel important and essential? Is George Lucas still available?
4. Rewarded exploration and limited markers
Star Wars planets were made to be explored, often vast and full of detail. Every biome possible has been drawn upon (snow, jungle, space, volcano) with creatures of all shapes, sizes and milks utilised for visual delight. But exploration needs to be rewarding, awe inspiring and often a stroke of luck. Placing a marker at the far side of a map removes the intrigue compared to seeing a glint on a mountain. Not every secret needs to be covered on a single playthrough. Rockstar games serve as good examples here, as people continue to solve mysteries in GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2. Is this too much to hope for?
5. Expand on characters
The lead character is not a force user and is focused on crime, therefore there is little sense in her facing Darth Vader or meeting up with Luke Skywalker for assistance. However, characters such as Lando, Jabba (confirmed), Boba Fett, and others can still play a role in this case based on their crime. Star Wars thrives almost purely through nostalgia, and every project needs to tap into this with purpose rather than randomness.
6. Tight Gunplay
How many open world games have strong gunplay? Cyberpunk 2077 is a tick. Bethesda titles are hit and miss here. Avatar did quite well, but remained fairly vanilla otherwise. Will Outlaws adopt a more Uncharted-style shooter focus, or will we see depth and customisation? From the previews, it is unclear how action-orientated the title will be. Outside of force users and pilots, characters in Star Wars are not well stocked with weapon options. Bridging this will be interesting.
7. A solid and engaging story
How does Star Wars tell a story after it already houses one of the best stories of all time? Anakin’s rise and Vader’s fall are poetic narrative beats (it all rhymes, remember?) so how can a solid story develop to lead the player through what may be a 50+ hour campaign? The Mandalorian did this quite well despite leaning into tropes and OT characters, likewise Rogue One with what may be a fairly similar lead (I have no doubt that the lead will be ‘good’ at heart, which comes back to risk). Story must always come first.
8. Microtransactions not required
Perhaps the less said here, the better just don’t do it.
9. RPG elements and base building
Similar to the notes about gunplay above, is there room for depth in characterisation and abilities here? Without the force and highly reliant on a gun, this may link closely with the lead’s companions (robot and creature) as even Han Solo would struggle to create a list of 10 fighting abilities. In terms of base building, this is where the huge opportunity exists. Many groan at base building, but with the rise in Minecraft and the recent boom of Fallout 4 it is an option that can inspire creativity. Being able to loot the world and bring that loot home is a factor that could be very enticing within a Star Wars game.
10. A Soaring Score
Space Opera, and Star Wars in general, uses soundtracks to drum up emotion and drive narrative. This has been the case since 1977 and continues to influence the film industry. Most Star Wars titles use variations or direct copies of the OT and PT soundtracks, though the sequel trilogy had some classic hits (especially episode 7). Having character-based tracks is essential, but how will music be utilised in a game focused on crime?
This list could have had another 10 key points, but if the first 10 are addressed positively, we are set to receive a game that could carve its own place into Star Wars folklore.
Star Wars Outlaws releases on August 30 for Playstation 5, PC and Xbox Series X/S.
