The Star Wars franchise boasts a rich history within the realm of video gaming, primarily centered around the Jedi experience that enables players to wield lightsabers and tap into the Force. However, opportunities to embody a character akin to Han Solo, navigating the universe as a rogue smuggler, have been scarce. Ubisoft’s forthcoming title, Star Wars Outlaws, seeks to change that narrative. The action-adventure game places players in the role of Scoundrel Kay Vess and has recently unveiled a 10-minute gameplay deep dive that highlights aerial combat, blaster action, traversal techniques, and exploration elements.
Gameplay Showcase for Star Wars Outlaws
During the Ubisoft Forward event on Monday, the gaming company showcased the gameplay of Star Wars Outlaws, featuring protagonist Kay Vess as she embarks on a mission to Mos Eisley, located on the desert planet of Tatooine, in pursuit of a skilled gunslinger. Game director Mathias Karlson noted that players will navigate the galaxy to find specialists who can enhance Kay’s abilities, including the sought-after gunslinger on Tatooine who will assist her in improving her blaster skills.
The gameplay demonstration illustrates Kay’s departure from a merchant station aboard her ship, the Trailblazer, as she travels through space. On her way to Tatooine, she encounters pirate starfighters and engages in intense aerial battles. Upon landing in Mos Eisley, a hub for various rogues and scoundrels, Kay follows intel that leads her to a warehouse controlled by the Hutt cartel. She skillfully infiltrates the facility, takes down several adversaries stealthily, and retrieves crucial information before making a dramatic escape, culminating in a shootout as she heads to meet the expert gunslinger.
Overview Trailer for Star Wars Outlaws
In addition to the gameplay showcase, Ubisoft unveiled a four-minute overview trailer for Star Wars Outlaws during the presentation. This new trailer delves into the backstory of Kay and her companion Nix, showcasing their shared adventures and the expansive open world awaiting players.
The upcoming action-adventure title is set to feature diverse biomes for players to explore, each accompanied by unique environments and associated challenges. Set against the backdrop of the golden age of the underworld, players will interact with various crime syndicates and factions, allowing them to either gain favor or become targets of pursuit.
With its promise of a fully open-world experience, Star Wars Outlaws aims to establish a unique position amidst the array of popular Star Wars titles currently available. Recent entries in the franchise, such as Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, have leaned towards melee action incorporating Soulslike mechanics into lightsaber combat. However, the introduction of a fully explorable open-world Star Wars game—with blaster and spaceship combat and a strong focus on exploration—could add a fresh dynamic to the beloved franchise.
Star Wars Outlaws is scheduled for release on August 30 for PC, Xbox Series S/X, and PS5. Players who choose to subscribe to Ubisoft+ Premium or preorder the Gold or Ultimate Editions will enjoy three days of early access, beginning August 27.
