Unfolding Star Wars Outlaws: What We Know So Far

(Image Credit: Ubisoft)

Star Wars Outlaws, an upcoming open-world game developed by Ubisoft's Massive Entertainment, is set to redefine the Star Wars galaxy. Positioned between the events of "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," this game promises a rich storyline and dynamic gameplay, offering an immersive action-adventure into both familiar and unseen planets.

Anticipated to launch in 2024 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, Star Wars Outlaws brings a strategic collaboration with Microsoft to the forefront. As the first open-world game in the Star Wars universe, it's poised to captivate fans with a diverse cast of characters and intriguing planetary explorations, setting a new benchmark for narrative depth in the gaming world.

Plot and Characters

In the heart of the Star Wars galaxy, amidst the chaos between "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," emerges Kay Vess, a daring scoundrel whose life is about to take a turn into the annals of legendary heists. Voiced by Humberly González, Kay's journey is not a solitary one; she's joined by an eclectic crew including:

• Nix: A Merqaal with an axolotl-like charm, voiced by Dee Bradley Baker. Nix is not just a companion but an integral part of the gameplay, aiding in distractions, attacks, and uncovering secrets.
• ND-5: This reprogrammed Commando Droid, brought to life by Jay Rincon, adds a layer of strategic depth with its unique abilities and backstory.

The galaxy is a tapestry of diverse characters and factions, from the familiar faces of Rodians and Trandoshans to the bustling underworld of Coruscanti. As Kay Vess, players navigate through this rich mosaic, their actions shaping the world's reaction to them. This dynamic interaction introduces a gameplay experience where every decision matters, weaving a narrative that's as unpredictable as it is thrilling. The game's backdrop, a time of turmoil and rebellion, sets the stage for an adventure that's both expansive and deeply personal, offering a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe through the eyes of those who walk its shadowy paths.

Gameplay Mechanics

Diving into the core of Star Wars Outlaws, the gameplay mechanics are designed to immerse players into the life of a galactic outlaw, with a focus on stealth, strategy, and dynamic combat. Here's a breakdown of what players can expect:

• Stealth and Strategy:

  • Stealth-based gameplay allows for undetected retrieval of valuables and outsmarting enemies.
  • Use of gadgets and distractions to divert enemy attention.
  • Commanding Nix for stealth takedowns or to interact with the environment.

• Dynamic Combat and Exploration:

  • Engage in blaster combat or use melee weapons like vibroknives for close encounters.
  • Space exploration and dogfights in the Trailblazer against the Empire.
  • Ground-to-air combat enables seamless transitions between combat modes.

• Customization and Reputation:

  • Customize and upgrade weapons, gear, and the speeder bike at workbenches.
  • The game features a reputation system influenced by dialogue choices and actions, affecting relationships with various factions.
  • Skill tree upgrades for Nyx’s abilities and options for appearance and equipment customization.

Players will navigate through a variety of settings, from bustling cities to vast open-world areas, crafting their story through missions and side quests. The gameplay mechanics of Star Wars Outlaws promise a rich blend of action, strategy, and narrative depth, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure in the Star Wars universe.

Development and Inspiration

Ubisoft's Massive Entertainment, a studio celebrated for its work on titles like Tom Clancy's The Division and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, is steering the development of Star Wars Outlaws, marking it as the first open-world game within the Star Wars universe. This endeavor is not just a leap into uncharted territories of gameplay but also a narrative journey, set in the tumultuous times between "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." The development team, led by Mathias Karlson and Julian Gerighty, with Nikki Foy penning the storyline and Navid Khavari directing the narrative, aims to craft an experience that's both expansive and intimate. Utilizing the Snowdrop game engine, the team is focused on delivering a world rich in detail and lore, allowing players to explore the galaxy far, far away like never before.

Key Development Insights:

• Engine and Leadership: Utilizing the Snowdrop engine, under the leadership of Mathias Karlson, Julian Gerighty, Nikki Foy, and Navid Khavari.
• Innovation in Gameplay: The game breaks new ground with its open-world format, offering freedom and a deep narrative.
• Cultural Touchstones: Incorporates elements like Doma Besh language and Easter eggs, including references to ARCA Euroka, enriching the Star Wars lore.

The commitment to avoiding a linear gameplay experience is evident, as the team emphasizes the importance of player freedom, encouraging exploration and interaction with the game's world in myriad ways. This approach, coupled with the intent to weave a generation-spanning story filled with impactful characters, signifies Ubisoft Massive's ambition to create an authentic addition to the Star Wars narrative tapestry.

Anticipation and Release Information

The anticipation for Star Wars Outlaws is sky-high, and the countdown to its launch in 2024 has begun. Here's what we know about the release details:

• Release Date: Targeted for May 2024, with potential for an earlier surprise in late May or early June. Keep an eye out for Ubisoft's announcements, possibly during their investor meeting on February 8th, for more precise dates.
• Platforms & Pricing: Available across PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S platforms, the game is expected to retail around $70. This price point aligns with major releases and offers value considering the expansive open-world gameplay.
• Gameplay & Multiplayer: As of now, details about multiplayer elements or the ability to play as a Jedi remain under wraps. Ubisoft's strategy of minimal marketing has left much to the imagination, fueling speculation and excitement.

The game's journey from announcement to release reflects Ubisoft's ambition to perfect Star Wars Outlaws. With a possible second gameplay reveal at Ubisoft Connect in June and a strategic release window ahead of Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft is setting the stage for Star Wars Outlaws to be a monumental hit in the gaming community.