I had the opportunity to dive into the Summer Game Fest demo of Star Wars Outlaws, eager to experience the first open-world Star Wars game. The initial gameplay trailer had already captivated me with its promise of sneaking through hideouts, engaging in shootouts, and speeding off on a hoverbike into the horizon. Ubisoft had been touting the vast open frontiers of Outlaws, but surprisingly, the demo focused on three distinct missions showcasing different gameplay elements.
Mission Variety and Gameplay Elements
The missions I played involved climbing and shooting, sneaking and shooting, and flying and shooting. While I enjoyed all three activities, they didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Despite not being able to freely explore the open world during the demo, I caught glimpses of the exciting gameplay that Outlaws has to offer.
The final mission I experienced began with a stealthy infiltration of an Empire ship, leading to a thrilling shootout on the tarmac that transitioned seamlessly into a space battle against TIE fighters. Landing on planets served as a brief loading screen, allowing me to explore one of Outlaws’ cities, interact with NPCs, and even play a round of galactic blackjack.
Immersive Experience and Freedom
During this brief moment of exploration, I truly connected with the immersive experience that Ubisoft is aiming to deliver in Outlaws. The freedom to choose my own path, take on various jobs, and navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the galaxy felt exhilarating.
As the release date of Star Wars Outlaws approaches, I can’t help but wonder about the full extent of the open-world experience. With only linear missions showcased so far, the success of Outlaws will hinge on how well it integrates sandbox elements into the gameplay. I hope to see a focus on meaningful exploration and engaging activities that go beyond traditional Ubisoft open-world tropes.
Star Wars Outlaws is set to launch on August 30, initially exclusive to Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store. As the countdown to release continues, fans of the Star Wars universe and open-world gaming alike eagerly anticipate the chance to explore the vast frontier of Outlaws.
