To the shock of many, Ubisoft unveiled its open-world Star Wars project, Star Wars Outlaws, to the world at the Xbox Games Showcase, promising more gameplay at its proper Ubisoft Forward presentation. While the full reception thereof remains to be seen, it doesn't seem like Star Wars Outlaws disappointed.
In it, players take on the role of scoundrel Kay Vess as she tackles a heist offered by a character named Jalen, who also suspiciously looks like Kyle Katarn. This appears to be happening amid Syndicate-controlled space, with the ever-present threat of the Empire looming too. Players will explore "iconic and new planets" in this open-world Star Wars game set between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The premise alone sells a lot of the game, but the gameplay does as well.
It opened up with a cute look at Star Wars Outlaws' Nix, Kay's cute creature companion, before delving into gameplay. Kay is able to issue orders to Nix in gameplay, as seen while she is sneaking around some form of base. When she is discovered by a Hired Gun speaking Huttese, combat begins. Kay wields a blaster, but can swap between certain blasts to deal with items like shields. She can also pick up weapons like assault rifles, it is shown, before she gets away with a speeder bike. However, they are in pursuit of Kay, creating an awesome chase scene reminiscent of some Star Wars classics. A reputation counter can also be seen in this gameplay.
Kay is then shown meeting up with a broker and someone from the empire in a cantina, with the graphics being top-notch. This aspect isn't gameplay, but it shows how perfectly Ubisoft Massive has been able to nail the Star Wars aesthetic. It does show a choice to bribe the imperial, although it's uncertain how heavily the game relies on choices. From there, the game swiftly transitions into space combat, showing how that works in Star Wars Outlaws as well.
While it remains to be seen if it hits the date, Star Wars Outlaws is currently set to release in 2024. This presentation did a good job of setting up the hype, and it'll be interesting to see how its ongoing development and marketing continue form here.
Star Wars Outlaws is in development.