Star Wars Outlawsis enduring a bit of a rough period lately with its latest story trailer and supplementary edition bonuses creating their own controversies. The “Jabba’s Gambit” DLC mission debacle was concerning before it wasclarified that Jabba and the Hutt Cartel won’t be paywalled, only a specific mission pertaining to them, but the story trailer itself and the narrative it wears on its sleeve is still worrying. On paper,Star Wars Outlawsseems relatively basic and formulaic as a heist story and, even worse, it feels highly derivative of aStar Warsstory that came before it.
To be fair, there are sure to be twists in the narrative. It’s great thatStar Wars Outlawsseemingly hasn’t revealed anything about what certain crime syndicate quests will look like because those are probably going to be some of the game’s most cinematic and engaging moments, but what the story trailer did lean on unapologetically was its connection to the scoundrel Han Solo, whom Kay Vess may be inspired by from a design perspective. However, there are both positives and negatives toOutlawsessentially emulatingSolo: A Star Wars Story.
Star Wars Outlaws is Basically Solo: A Star Wars Story
The way Kay and Han fall into their lives as witty, pistol-toting outlaws may be different, but they both end up neck-deep in crime syndicate perils and bounce between diverse organizations while fending for themselves and a close companion—the merqaal Nix for Kay and the wookiee Chewbacca for Han.
Likewise,Kay will be able to indulge in Sabacc as a mini-game inOutlawsand likely perform many of the same humorous hijinks Han has.
It isn’t as if all scoundrel characters need to behave identically and therefore the fact that few characteristics currently distinguish Kay from Han, at leasta young and ambitious Han as seen inSolo: A Star Wars Story, suggests that the comparison was purposeful. It doesn’t help, then, that Han has had such a prominent presence inOutlawsthus far as a prisoner encased in carbonite.
The story trailer also revealed the Crimson Dawn will be a syndicate players can interact with and at its helm isQi’ra, Han’s love interest inSolo. There are a multitude of waysOutlawscan discern itself in the canon and it will hopefully make creative strides despite its iconic setting in theStar Warstimeline, but itsSoloresemblance is unmistakable and is sure to play a role in the game’s overall atmosphere.
If a Solo Sequel is Off the Table, Star Wars Outlaws is Its Spiritual Successor
Unfortunately, Han’s prequel spin-off doesn’t seem likely to ever receive a sequel. But if that’s the case it is a relief that those dangling threads can still be picked up and knotted as part ofOutlaws’ narrative.Outlawshas an opportunity now to illustrate who Qi’ra has become, and it would be surprising if she isn’t given even one line of dialogue relating to Han and their relationship if Ubisoft wants to capitalize on that fan service further.
A side quest for the Crimson Dawn could center entirely on Han and Qi’ra’s backstory if it wanted so long as the main campaign and other side quests don’t bother delving too deeply into that, too. If the golden path remarks on Han too much it’ll be impossible not to think that Massive wished it could develop a Han Solo game instead, which would be a disappointment since there are far richer possibilities at its disposal withOutlawsbeing an original story with an original protagonist.
Star Wars Outlaws
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITYExplore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORYLive the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONSTake on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEATPilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
