The first revealed details of Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws got fans excited. Many fans expected an open-world experience like Grand Theft Auto set in the expansive Star Wars universe. But this might not be the case as some new details have come out.
It looks like Outlaws won’t exactly deliver the chaotic, sandbox-style gameplay many were expecting. Instead of a “GTA in space”, Outlaws seems to be following a more restrained path. Players will not be able to harm or steal from NPCs in the game, including vehicles. But why?
So You’re Not Quite an Outlaw in Star Wars Outlaws?
In many open-world games, the ability to interact with NPCs, including stealing vehicles or engaging in combat, is a staple feature. Fans of the Star Wars franchise had high expectations that Star Wars Outlaws would follow this trend, especially given its title and premise. However, it has been confirmed that players will not be able to kill or steal from friendly NPCs.
I learned tons of new info after playing Star Wars Outlaws for 4 hours!
— JorRaptor (@Jorraptor) August 6, 2024
Full video: https://t.co/9jSstJmolb
– You can’t steal vehicles from friendly civilians (they’re unkillable, just like harmless creatures you find in the open world)
– Mirogana nails the urban Star Wars feel… pic.twitter.com/sSPxJm6pAf
The inability to steal or harm friendly NPCs might be a surprising choice for a game titled Outlaws. It suggests a more sanitized version of the criminal underworld than players might have expected. According to content creator JorRaptor, who spent four hours with the game, even attempting to draw a weapon on a friendly NPC simply won’t work.
Ubisoft has restricted players to using only their personal speeder, eliminating the opportunity for spontaneous thefts during chaotic getaways or high-stakes missions. This limitation, while perhaps understandable from a gameplay balance perspective, has left many feeling that the game lacks the freedom they were anticipating.
The Game Really Might Be a Hit or Miss by Ubisoft
Star Wars Outlaws seems to shine in other areas, such as its environments and narrative. The cities and planets are controlled by different factions, each with their own reputation system. The game offers multiple ways to complete objectives, whether through combat, stealth, or negotiation. This flexibility allows players to tailor their experience to their preferred playstyle
Can you steal speeders in this game?
byu/anonGoofyNinja inStarWarsOutlaws
The restrictions on gameplay mechanics in Outlaws show the recent change in Ubisoft’s design philosophy. The focus appears to be on creating a polished, story-driven experience rather than a sandbox where anything goes. While this approach can result in a more cohesive narrative, it also means that players who were hoping for a more unrestrained, “GTA-like” experience may find themselves disappointed.
While there is still much to be excited about, including the rich Star Wars lore and the potential for unique story moments, the limitations on player freedom could be a sticking point for many.
Star Wars Outlaws is set to be released on August 30, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and it remains to be seen how these design choices will impact its reception.
How high or low are your expectations for Star Wars Outlaws? Let us know in the comments!
