In a galaxy where Jedi and Sith usually hog the spotlight, Star Wars Outlaws dares to take us down the grimy back alleys of the Star Wars universe—and honestly, it’s about time. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, this open-world adventure from Massive Entertainment introduces a new kind of hero (well, anti-hero): Kay Vess. She’s a rogue, a thief, a smart-talking hustler with a heart that’s a little too big for her own good. From the jump, the game announces its intention to veer off the typical heroic path, and instead give us a messy, morally gray ride through the galaxy’s criminal underworld. And it delivers.
Kay Vess, voiced with charisma and grit by Humberly González, is easily one of the most interesting protagonists in a Star Wars game to date. She isn’t some Force-wielding savior or battle-hardened soldier—she’s just trying to survive, pull off one big score, and maybe find a little freedom along the way. Her banter with her adorable critter companion Nix is charming without being forced, and as someone who’s played a lot of jaded scoundrels in games, Kay’s vulnerability and scrappy resilience actually felt refreshing. She’s the kind of character you root for and want to have a drink with in a Mos Eisley cantina.
Gameplay-wise, Outlaws is a smuggler’s dream. You’ve got stealth missions, heists, speeder bike chases, and space dogfights that would make Han Solo nod in approval. The gunplay is tight and responsive (especially after some much-needed patches), and the ability to tackle missions in different ways—blaster blazing or sneak-and-slice—is a real treat. Ubisoft ditched the forced stealth nonsense after launch, which made a massive difference in how fluid and fun the game feels. Being able to shape Kay’s journey through decisions and reputation systems makes your story feel unique—and yes, ticking off a few Hutt Cartel bosses is half the fun.
Exploration is another area where Outlaws absolutely shines. The game lets you travel across an impressive range of planets, from the casino-bright decadence of Canto Bight to the dusty, desperate outskirts of Toshara. I spent hours just cruising on my speeder bike, soaking in sunsets and eavesdropping on NPCs talking about local drama. There’s something magical about living in the in-between spaces of the Star Wars universe—where rebellion and empire are background noise, and what matters is survival, credits, and making a name for yourself.
Visually, it’s stunning. The Snowdrop engine makes every environment feel lived-in and authentic. The level of detail—from the grime on ship hulls to the neon flicker of cantina signs—sells the atmosphere perfectly. Character animations are smooth, and Kay’s expressions, especially in cutscenes, are packed with emotion. The cinematic quality is top-tier. The only hiccup I noticed was some texture pop-in and the occasional framerate dip when things got especially hectic in space, but nothing that broke immersion for more than a second or two.
Narratively, the game strikes a solid balance between tight storytelling and letting players roam. The main quest is engaging, packed with twists and tense alliances, but it’s the side missions that add flavor. There’s this recurring bounty hunter who keeps popping up at the worst times, and I genuinely looked forward to seeing how each encounter would play out. Dialogue choices actually matter, with some factions holding grudges if you cross them—and believe me, I crossed many. No regrets. Well, maybe one or two.
What I really appreciated was how much the developers respected the world-building of Star Wars without being afraid to break from tradition. There are no Jedi deus ex machina moments, no over-the-top Force stuff. It’s gritty, grounded, and deeply human. Relationships matter. Trust is currency. The entire tone feels closer to The Mandalorian than The Rise of Skywalker, which is exactly the vibe I wanted. You’re not saving the galaxy—you’re just trying to stay one step ahead of it.
Now, I won’t pretend it’s flawless. A few missions felt repetitive, and the ship customization could’ve gone deeper. But honestly? These feel like nitpicks compared to how engrossing the whole experience is. I was invested in Kay’s story from start to finish—laughing at her dry comebacks, getting chills during narrow escapes, and even getting misty-eyed during a late-game betrayal I absolutely did not see coming. It’s rare a game makes me feel like my choices truly mattered, but Outlaws nailed it.
So here’s the final verdict from this galaxy-hopping, scoundrel-loving, speeder-racing, droid-hacking outlaw wannabe: I love this game. Star Wars Outlaws isn’t just another Star Wars title—it’s one of the best explorations of the franchise’s grit and glory that I’ve ever played. If you’ve ever dreamed of carving your own path in a galaxy where rules are optional and loyalty is earned the hard way, this is your ride. I’d recommend it to anyone—hardcore fans, casual players, and especially those who’ve always wondered what it’s like to live between the lines of rebellion and empire.
*Game Provided by Ubisoft for Review*
