Star Wars Outlaws: A Promising Start, But Where's the Red Dead Redemption Vibe?

Star Wars Outlaws promised a taste of the immersive open world experience found in Red Dead Redemption 2, but does it deliver? Initial impressions hinted at a vast space western, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. One of the biggest draws was the comparison to Rockstar's masterpiece, and while Outlaws has its moments, it doesn't quite reach that same level of depth. The initial excitement of exploring Toshara Moon quickly fades as the game's structure becomes apparent. Missions often feel linear and detached from the world, leading to a sense of repetition. Kay's journey, while entertaining, lacks the freedom and consequence found in games like Red Dead Redemption 2. Take, for example, the mission 'Blessed are the Meek?' in Red Dead Redemption 2. You're tasked with rescuing the troublesome Micah Bell from jail. While on rails, the mission offers multiple approaches, from using elaborate mechanics to simply blasting your way through. The consequences of your actions linger, affecting the world even after the mission concludes. This level of interconnectivity is missing in Outlaws. Kay's missions feel isolated, lacking the ripple effect that defines a truly immersive open world.

The developers acknowledge the limitations of Kay's perspective within the Star Wars universe, explaining the need for a more controlled approach to certain missions. While understandable, this often results in a lack of agency and a sense of being guided through a pre-determined path. Despite these shortcomings, Outlaws shines in its world-building and atmosphere. The vibrant environments, from seedy backrooms to bustling cities, invite exploration and discovery. The game encourages players to deviate from the main path, offering a refreshing change from Ubisoft's usual formula-driven open worlds. Ultimately, Star Wars Outlaws is a promising start, showcasing Ubisoft's potential to create compelling open world experiences within the Star Wars universe. However, it falls short of the depth and immersion found in games like Red Dead Redemption 2. With a bit more iteration and a bolder approach to mission design, Outlaws could truly become the space western adventure we've

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