Unveiling the Irresistible Charms of Star Wars Outlaws' Kay Vess: A Perfect Blend of Han Solo's Swagger and Jack Sparrow's Rascally Wit

The protagonist of Star Wars Outlaws, Kay Vess, draws inspiration from iconic rogues such as Han Solo and Jack Sparrow while maintaining her own unique appeal. Ubisoft initially announced its open-world Star Wars game in 2021, but it wasn't until the Xbox Games Showcase in June that fans learned more about the project. Developed by Massive Entertainment, Star Wars Outlaws immerses players in the treacherous criminal underworld of the Star Wars galaxy. Engaging in smuggling tasks for various criminal factions and evading the oppressive Empire through a GTA-inspired wanted system, players will have the opportunity to explore this gritty world.

At the core of Star Wars Outlaws' narrative lies Kay Vess, a young scoundrel determined to carve out a reputation for herself in the vast reaches of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Diverging from the typical portrayal of Jedi and Sith as the main characters in Star Wars video games, Kay simply seeks to make a living amidst the numerous criminal organizations inhabiting the darkest corners of the galaxy. She relies on a small circle of allies, including her loyal pet companion Nix and the enigmatic Jalen – a benefactor who uncannily resembles the beloved Star Wars gaming hero, Kyle Katarn.

Kyle isn’t the sole iconic Star Wars character that influenced Star Wars Outlaws’ troupe of scoundrels and criminals. Kay Vess herself draws inspiration from the likes of Han Solo and Lando Calrissian. Creative director Julian Gerighty of Star Wars Outlaws recently shared the various sources that shaped Kay’s character in the latest issue of Edge Magazine. The team at Massive, the studio behind the game, immediately associated Kay with the renowned smuggler while also considering the essence of fellow scoundrel Lando Calrissian. Additionally, they drew inspiration from legendary silver-screen rogues such as Indiana Jones, James Bond, and even Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Julian Gerighty, the creator of Star Wars Outlaws, was captivated by the rebel nature of Han and Chewbacca as a child, which inspired him to develop a similar character for the game. Meanwhile, the team at Massive aimed to make Kay Vess, a character in the game, more relatable by refining her concept. Gerighty describes Kay as "a little fish in a colossal pond," as she navigates the criminal underworld of the Star Wars galaxy, forging alliances with powerful faction leaders. Ultimately, Kay finds herself in a daunting situation that surpasses anything she could have imagined.

Star Wars Outlaws draws inspiration from beloved scoundrels such as Han Solo and Jack Sparrow, creating a likable yet potentially darker path for the game's new heroine, Kay Vess. This adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans to explore and embody when Star Wars Outlaws launches next year.

Star Wars Outlaws is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2024.

Source: Edge Magazine (via GamesRadar)