Highlights
Star Wars Outlaws, which takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, has the ability to incorporate various appearances from characters in the expanded universe.An essential addition to the cast should undoubtedly be Hondo Ohnaka, a well-known Weequay pirate who gained widespread fame amongst the Outer Rim outlaws during the Clone Wars.
Hondo's appearance in Star Wars Outlaws has the potential to enhance the game by showcasing his intriguing blend of selfishness and charm. He serves as a tentative ally to the player, with the constant possibility of betrayal, adding depth to the overall experience.
The Star Wars universe has expanded significantly over the past 46 years, encompassing various mediums such as movies, shows, books, and video games, each with their own unique stories and characters. While understanding the mainline Star Wars movies may be straightforward, newcomers may find it challenging to navigate the complex expanded universe. This complexity can sometimes make cameo appearances confusing. However, there are certain cameos that are worth the risk, and Star Wars Outlaws presents a perfect opportunity to include some of these intriguing characters.
Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws is perfectly primed to include just about any cameo fans could think of. From characters that appear in the original trilogy, to those found in the background of comics and novels set in this era, Star Wars Outlaws has the potential to bring back a wide range of characters. However, there's one specific character from the Clone Wars era who should be the top priority.
Star Wars Outlaws Could Bring Hondo Ohnaka Back
Hailing from the animated Star Wars TV series, The Clone Wars, Hondo Ohnaka emerges as a Weequay pirate who cunningly eluded the clutches of enslavement as a young child. Driven by an insatiable hunger for personal fortune and renown, Hondo masterminded his very own group of pirates, traversing the Outer Rim to establish an impressive reputation throughout ensuing years. Amidst the tempestuous Clone Wars era, Hondo gained infamy through his audacious captures of Count Dooku, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker. Although his grandiose scheme to garner a ransom for the trio tragically faltered, it unquestionably elevated his status as a well-known figure among the rogue elements inhabiting the Outer Rim territories.
After the kidnapping incident, Hondo became an ally to the Republic. He sporadically provided the Jedi with information regarding the whereabouts and movements of the Separatists. Although he collaborated with the Jedi, Hondo was not truly on their side and would betray the Republic if it benefited him. With the Galactic Empire's emergence, Hondo's gang was forced into hiding and eventually disbanded. He had to start his life anew as a humble smuggler, attempting to avoid the Empire's attention. Hondo briefly collaborated with Ezra Bridger and the Phoenix Squadron to liberate Lothal.
Having appeared in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and possessing a life-size animatronic in Disney's Galaxy's Edge, Hondo Ohnaka has undeniably become the most iconic pirate in the Star Wars universe. His charming personality would make him an ideal fit for a cameo in the Star Wars Outlaws, which showcases the darker side of the galaxy during the Galactic Civil War era. Players assume the role of smuggler Kay Vess and are tasked with orchestrating a major galactic heist. It is only natural for Kay Vess to encounter other smugglers along the way.
If Hondo Ohnaka were to make an appearance in Star Wars Outlaws, the game should strive to accurately portray his self-serving yet captivating personality. The most fitting role for Hondo in Star Wars Outlaws would be as a somewhat unsteady ally to the player. Hondo could share classified information with players and assign them secret missions involving smuggling operations throughout the galaxy. However, players must always be aware of the lingering possibility that he might betray them at any given moment. By reintroducing Hondo Ohnaka, Star Wars Outlaws will effectively depict the ruthless nature of the smuggler-infested Star Wars galaxy during this time period.
Scheduled for release in 2024, Star Wars Outlaws will be available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.