Ubisoft has officially debuted gameplay for the highly anticipated Star Wars Outlaws, and it certainly lives up to the hype. Developed by Massive Entertainment, this game is set to revolutionize the Star Wars franchise by offering players a truly open-world experience. Taking on the role of the cunning scoundrel Kay Vess, players will embark on a thrilling adventure through the Outer Rim. Along the way, they will come face to face with iconic Star Wars villains, but fortunately, Kay Vess is equipped with a range of tools reminiscent of those found in the beloved Fallout series.
In Star Wars Outlaws, combat is not centered around lightsabers. Instead, players must rely on their intelligence and a reliable blaster if they wish to survive. This shift in focus brings about a fresh and unique style of combat, with Massive Entertainment drawing inspiration from Bethesda's acclaimed Fallout franchise. Although it was only briefly showcased, it appears that Kay Vess will introduce her own version of V.A.T.S to the Star Wars universe, which promises to be a remarkable addition to the game.
Star Wars Outlaws May Have Its Own VATS
During a recent Star Wars Outlaws gameplay preview, players were given a glimpse of the core activities that they can expect in the game. The preview followed the character Vess as she infiltrated a hostile base, successfully stole an item, engaged in combat to make her escape, and eventually fled into space. The showcased gameplay appeared to encompass everything that Star Wars fans would desire in an open-world game. In particular, a noteworthy feature was briefly demonstrated during one sequence.
As Vess made her getaway on a speeder after robbing the base, two enemy speeders attempted to intercept her. However, time seemed to slow down, allowing her to strategically target the enemies ahead. With a red glow highlighting each enemy, she skillfully fired her blaster, causing both speeders to lose control and spiral out. This unique mechanic, although it was not further explored in the preview, is expected to play a significant role in various combat encounters throughout Star Wars Outlaws.
Star Wars Outlaws' time-slow ability appears to draw inspiration from Fallout's V.A.T.S mechanic, which has been a crucial component of the franchise's combat for years. In Fallout, players can manipulate time, target specific body parts, and witness their character triumph over enemies. Although it may not always work in the player's favor, it is undeniably captivating to witness. However, while the time-slow ability in Star Wars Outlaws allows players to target individuals in slow motion, it seems to lack the complexity of Fallout's V.A.T.S. While it could still prove effective against large groups of enemies, Fallout's version offers greater versatility in combat. It is possible that Star Wars Outlaws' time-slow ability may have more advanced features than what the initial preview showcased, but only time will tell.
Star Wars Outlaws holds immense potential and appears to bring a much-needed revitalization to the realm of Star Wars video games. The inclusion of its time-slow feature seems like a remarkable addition to the franchise, while its expansive open world format is bound to be a delightful indulgence for Star Wars enthusiasts. With anticipation running high, it is hoped that Ubisoft can live up to the expectations and perhaps draw further inspiration from the success of Fallout to achieve this feat. However, eager players will have to exercise patience and await the release in 2024, when Star Wars Outlaws will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.