Star Wars: Outlaws Lacks Originality, and That’s Its Greatest Strength

On screens both big and small, whether in films or games, Star Wars often faces a familiar challenge. The original trilogy was an extraordinary blend of rugged Westerns, introspective Samurai narratives, and groundbreaking science fiction, creating a revolutionary form of entertainment that became a significant cultural phenomenon.

While Star Wars ventures usually rake in substantial profits, Lucasfilm has struggled to replicate the original’s cultural impact. Since Disney took the reins, a few attempts have come close to hitting that level, notably “The Mandalorian,” which mixes elements reminiscent of The Lone Ranger and Seven Samurai with practical effects reminiscent of the early days. The legacy of Star Wars, deeply rooted in nostalgia for figures like John Wayne, John Ford, and Flash Gordon since the late ‘70s, means that any new content must first resonate with that signature Star Wars essence before introducing fresh ideas.

This expectation can be both a guiding force and a limiting factor. It often leads to content that feels derivative, featuring the familiar puppets, blasters, and nostalgic set pieces that are comforting in their familiarity. Yet, when a project captures that quintessential Star Wars vibe, it truly shines.

“Star Wars: Outlaws,” following a rework after its release, exemplifies this balancing act. While it doesn’t break new ground, it faithfully incorporates beloved Star Wars elements, making it one of the best, breeziest, and most action-packed experiences available during the holiday season, even with its initial quirks that led to a mixed reception.

The game particularly excels if you find yourself in a wintry setting during Christmas. Just as you’re getting comfortable with the game, it whisks you away to Kijimi’s icy, slick streets, home to Babu Frik—the sequel trilogy’s standout character. Donning a puffer jacket reminiscent of Hoth, the experience is a delight.

To achieve the right feel post-update, there’s an interesting tweak you’ll want to make immediately. A standout feature of “Star Wars: Outlaws” is its letterbox, wide-screen aspect ratio, which instantly grounds the action in the grungy yet cinematic world of Star Wars. It transforms the stark landscapes of Toshara and Tatooine into cinematic moments akin to film scenes rather than another Ubisoft open-world adventure.

Fortunately, the game doesn’t bombard you with countless side activities. However, I often find myself dismissing random quest givers as if dodging an overdue debt, meandering from one location to another.

A defining moment for my experience with Outlaws happened on Tatooine. In search of blaster parts, I located a merchant on the map and sprinted to meet them. Rounding a corner, I unexpectedly came face-to-thigh with a diminutive Jawa.

Imagine how much more engaging other open-world games could be if merchants were Jawas. Picture stumbling upon one in “Far Cry 6,” for instance, standing on a box behind a counter, exclaiming, “Umpeeni! Whanga hoopa!” while handing over a new silencer—what a treat.

Such whimsical Star Wars moments are scattered throughout Outlaws, crafting a rich, immersive galaxy far, far away. The cities and spaceports teem with iconic figures and hidden gems, sprinkled with familiar faces and Easter Eggs that are best left undiscovered for players to find.

Some gameplay aspects of Outlaws aren’t without flaws. From a poorly communicated lockpicking mini-game—second only to that in “Kingdom Come: Deliverance”—to challenging visual cues in platforming sections, some mechanics feel unexpectedly off-kilter. Yet, the stealth elements, though simplistic, bring to mind the daring escapes of Han, Luke, and Leia from “A New Hope,” complete with blasters snatched from Stormtroopers and a spirited, impromptu firefight.

Now, having weathered its rocky start, “Star Wars: Outlaws” has found its place. Much like other Disney-era Star Wars works, it’s visually stunning and impeccably presented. Although launch issues kept it from seizing widespread attention, free from such pressures, it’s pure escapist joy. This is Star Wars designed for cozy evenings, snuggled under a blanket with just your eyes peeking out.

Unfortunately, this might not suffice to satisfy the demands of a vast AAA gaming industry, but that’s a dilemma for Ubisoft to tackle, not the fans. As for me, I’ll be bartering three rolls of Bantha wool for a power converter with a Jawa.