GamesOpen WorldStar Wars OutlawsStar Wars Outlaws didn’t have the Red Dead Redemption-style depth I was looking for, but it’s a huge improvement over Ubisoft’s traditional open worldsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesOpen WorldStar Wars OutlawsStar Wars Outlaws didn’t have the Red Dead Redemption-style depth I was looking for, but it’s a huge improvement over Ubisoft’s traditional open worldsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Familiar frontiers
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Don’t get caught
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Some of these cracks were minuscule. For one, I couldn’t just turn and blast the bandits who were chasing me on my speeder (though I understandMassive’s explanation for not being able to free-aim while driving). But when I reached the city of Mirogana and threw myself into Kay’s underworld wheeling and dealing, it became clear that this wasn’t going to be the vast space western I’d hoped for.
On the other hand, take Red Dead Redemption 2’s ‘Blessed are the Meek?’ mission, which tasks you with rescuing insufferable bandit Micah Bell from the town of Strawberry’s jail. It’s just as on the rails as Kay sneaking into a Pyke stronghold (albeit far louder), yet doesn’t feel it. Micah can be busted out in a few different ways, whether that’s using a specific mechanic – in this case, attaching a massive chain pulley to his window – or with regular things you can already do while free-roaming, like lobbing dynamite at his cell wall or simply walking into the jail, shooting every deputy in sight, and grabbing the keys. Even after escaping, there are consequences. Strawberry remains a visitable location well beyond this mission, but if you return before dealing with the massive bounty incurred for the jailbreak, you’ll be arrested or killed. It’s an approach that makes Strawberry seem like a living, breathing part of Red Dead Redemption 2’s world, while much of Outlaws feels like a patchwork of one-and-done setpieces.
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
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It’s also why I sincerely hope that Massive is given the opportunity to make a Star Wars Outlaws sequel. Gerighty and game director Mathias Karlson pointed to some of thebest open world gameslike Red Dead Redemption 2 andElden Ringas examples of scale and detail done right, yet both of these had the benefit of iteration behind them – if you go back and play the first Red Dead Redemption, its open world is significantly less lively than its successor. What could Massive do with that same chance to iterate?
No, those first moments on Toshara Moon didn’t lead to the immersive space-western I’d hoped for – and perhaps with its setting, it was never going to. But if a sequel was announced tomorrow, I’d be first in line for another trip on the Trailblazer.
Rolled credits on Outlaws? Here are thebest Star Warsgames to play next.
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CATEGORIES
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
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2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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2
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
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1
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2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
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3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
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4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
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5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”