Love Among the Stars: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Romance Options in Star Wars

Highlights

The inclusion of romance options in the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws game has the potential to bring a unique element, rarely explored in other Star Wars games. This addition has the ability to enhance the depth of the characters and the narrative, reminiscent of the beloved Knights of the Old Republic series.

One counterargument against the inclusion of romance options in Star Wars Outlaws is the challenge of integrating substantial player-choice decisions, including romance, due to the established canon narrative. Additionally, another reason for excluding romantic elements is to maintain a singular focus on the game's female protagonist, Kay Vess, ensuring that she remains the central focus without sharing the spotlight with a love interest, akin to the approach seen in successful female-led Star Wars stories such as Rogue One.

Although each open-world RPG has its own unique traits, many of them share similar mechanics and core elements. These typically include a comprehensive progression system, player-choice elements woven into the narrative, a variety of unlockable weapons and armor, and the inclusion of companions. Interestingly, all of these features seem to be evident in Ubisoft's upcoming Star Wars Outlaws.

Star Wars Outlaws was first revealed during Xbox's June Showcase and later showcased in a gameplay demonstration at a separate event hosted by Ubisoft. Based on what has been shown so far, Star Wars Outlaws appears to be a highly impressive addition to the Star Wars video game universe. In the game, players assume the role of Kay Vess, navigating their way through the galaxy by engaging in smuggling activities and encountering various deceitful individuals. Given the significant focus on character interaction, it would be reasonable to expect Star Wars Outlaws to incorporate romance options as well.

The Argument For Star Wars Outlaws Having Romance Options

Star Wars games rarely offer romance options, with the exception of the Knights of the Old Republic series and its MMO sequel, The Old Republic. These games allow players to engage romantically with a few of their companions, making the romance side of Knights of the Old Republic particularly enjoyable. While players have the option to keep their relationships platonic, those who desire to delve deeper into the lives of their crewmates and companions can fully embrace KOTOR's romance system. Doing so not only reveals more about the characters' backgrounds but also unlocks unique questlines that enhance the already exceptional story of KOTOR. Through these interactions, players naturally develop a strong bond with their companions, explaining why characters like Bastilla and Atton are adored by fans.

If Star Wars Outlaws approached it with caution, it has the potential to perfectly encapsulate the enchanting essence of Knights of the Old Republic's romance system, thereby granting a heightened sense of intricacy and authenticity to its characters. Furthermore, Star Wars Outlaws' narrative backdrop seamlessly lends itself to a romance system, especially with the presence of Kay Vess and her fellow charming rogues.

The Argument Against Star Wars Outlaws Having Romance Options

However, a major obstacle in incorporating romance options into Star Wars Outlaws is its adherence to a canon storyline. By following a predetermined narrative, the game faces challenges in allowing meaningful player choices, including romance-related decisions. This limitation naturally extends to the inclusion of significant romance options.

Star Wars Outlaws should not include romance options because it is primarily Kay Vess' story, and she deserves to be the sole focus. Female protagonists are increasingly common in Star Wars, and the most successful stories featuring them are those without a romantic subplot. The absence of a romantic relationship between Jyn and Cassian in Rogue One was a key factor in its success. Unfortunately, the forced inclusion of a romantic subplot between Rey and Kylo in Rise of Skywalker detracted from its final moments. Star Wars Outlaws has the opportunity to be in the former category and can make Kay Vess a captivating character without relying on romance. The game will be released in 2024 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.