Upon the lifting of the review embargo for Star Wars Outlaws, critics from around the world have shared their opinions on the highly anticipated game. The reviews have been incredibly mixed, showcasing the polarising nature of this new addition to the Star Wars universe. Some reviewers have lauded the game for its focus on the underbelly of the Star Wars world, praising the plot and character development. Others, however, have been more critical, questioning the protagonist’s motivations and the gameplay mechanics of the open world. It is evident that Star Wars Outlaws is set to be one of the most divisive games of the year, with a wide range of opinions on both its successes and flaws.
Steph Panecasio of GamesHub expressed pure joy while playing Star Wars Outlaws, claiming it to be the most fun she has had in a game all year. She particularly praised the relationship between the main crew of the Trailblazer and the world-building within the game. On the other end of the spectrum, Chris Tapsell of Eurogamer had a more negative view of the game. While he appreciated certain aspects such as Kessel Sabacc and the mature themes, he criticized the open-world structure, exploration linearity, platforming, and speeder controls. He also raised concerns about the limited player choice and the repetitiveness of battles.
Chris Button of GadgetGuy commended the criminal setting and stealth elements of Star Wars Outlaws, labeling it a pleasant exercise in restraint and focus. Unlike Tapsell, Button appreciated the lack of traditional open-world bloat in the game and found the missions to be tight and engaging. He praised Kay Vess’ character growth and skill development, noting the satisfying nature of her and Nix’s adventure throughout the game.
Tristan Ogilvie from IGN highlighted the sense of adventure present in Star Wars Outlaws, finding the crime story to be fresh and distinct from the traditional Jedi vs. Sith battles. He compared the game to a Guy Ritchie film, with a story that enhances the personalities of Kay and her companions. Despite acknowledging some scruffiness in the game, Ogilvie found it consistently entertaining and capable of engaging Star Wars fans in a unique way.
James Wood of Press Start Australia provided a less effusive review, criticizing the game for its lack of depth in the story and its “frictionless” experience. While recognizing the scope and scale of the game, Wood found the narrative to be lacking in substance, labeling it as goofy and archetypal. He expressed disappointment in the game’s narrative choices and its reluctance to take a more political stance, ultimately feeling that Star Wars Outlaws fell short of leaving a lasting impact.
Jordan Middler of VGC claimed that Star Wars Outlaws failed to fulfill its potential, despite strong characters and interesting mechanics. Middler felt that the game played it too safe in terms of creative decisions, missing out on achieving greatness despite its solid writing and worldbuilding. While acknowledging the enjoyable aspects of the game, Middler expressed a desire for a sequel that would capitalize on the best elements of Star Wars Outlaws and deliver a more fulfilling experience.
Star Wars Outlaws has divided critics, with each reviewer bringing their unique perspective on the game’s strengths and weaknesses. While some have found joy in the immersive world and character development, others have criticized the narrative depth and gameplay mechanics. As players eagerly await the release of Star Wars Outlaws, the mixed reviews serve as a reminder of the subjective nature of gaming experiences and the diverse expectations of fans within the Star Wars universe.
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