The review embargo for Star Wars Outlaws has lifted, and the global critics have spoken. The reception has been mixed, with each reviewer focusing on different aspects of the game. Steph Panecasio from GamesHub praised the game, calling it “the most fun [she’d] had in a game all year.” She highlighted the relationship between the main crew of the Trailblazer and the world-building in the game. Panecasio acknowledged that the game isn’t perfect, but she found joy in returning to the universe every day. She commended Massive Entertainment for their achievements, comparing it to Han Solo’s iconic line, “Never tell me the odds.”
On the other hand, Eurogamer’s Chris Tapsell had a more negative view of Star Wars Outlaws. While he appreciated certain aspects like Kessel Sabacc and mature themes, he criticized the game’s stripped-back open-world structure, linear exploration, and repetitive battles. Tapsell felt that the game was lacking in player choice and innovative gameplay mechanics. He compared Star Wars Outlaws unfavorably to games like Dishonored and Assassin’s Creed, pointing out its shortcomings in various areas.
Chris Button from GadgetGuy took a different stance, praising the criminal setting and satisfying stealth elements in the game. Unlike Tapsell, Button appreciated the lack of traditional open-world bloat and emphasized the personal story of Kay Vess. He found the balance between loud and quiet moments in the game to be refreshing and engaging. Button commended the game for its restrained approach to the open-world genre, offering players a more intimate experience within the Star Wars universe.
In his review on IGN, Tristan Ogilvie highlighted the sense of adventure in Star Wars Outlaws while acknowledging its rough edges. He found the game consistently entertaining, with a crime story that felt fresh and distinct from the typical Jedi vs. Sith conflicts. Ogilvie likened the game to a Guy Ritchie film, praising its syndicate system and creative quest designs. He believed that the game, like the Millennium Falcon, had its faults but could still provide an enjoyable experience for Star Wars fans.
Unfortunately, not all reviews were glowing. James Wood from Press Start Australia criticized the game for its lack of depth in storytelling and character development. While he appreciated the scope and visuals of the game, Wood found the narrative to be shallow and Kay Vess to be a cliched character. He noted that the game struggled to take a clear stance or perspective, resulting in a lack of impactful storytelling. Wood felt that despite its charm, Star Wars Outlaws failed to leave a lasting impression due to its uncertainty and unwillingness to take risks.
Similarly, Jordan Middler from VGC expressed disappointment in Star Wars Outlaws for playing it safe with its creative choices. While acknowledging the strength of the main cast and mechanics, Middler felt that the game failed to achieve greatness in its execution. He believed that the game had potential but fell short of delivering a truly remarkable experience. Middler concluded that playing through Star Wars Outlaws may be enjoyable, but it leaves players wanting more from a potential sequel.
Star Wars Outlaws has created a divide among critics, with opinions ranging from high praise to disappointment. While some appreciated the game’s joy, adventure, and stealth elements, others found fault in its lack of depth, repetitive gameplay, and failure to take creative risks. Regardless of the differing opinions, it’s clear that Star Wars Outlaws has left a mark on the gaming community, sparking discussions about its successes and shortcomings.
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