Highlights
The combat mechanics of modern Star Wars video games such as Star Wars Outlaws and Jedi: Survivor have garnered high praise for their ability to immerse players in epic battles within the Sci-Fi universe.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, inspired by Dark Souls, delivers intense and satisfying combat mechanics that may deter players adverse to challenging gameplay. Conversely, Star Wars Outlaws places emphasis on easily approachable third-person shooter combat.
Despite its accessibility, Star Wars Outlaws maintains a level of complexity within its combat mechanics. This includes incorporating diverse blaster rounds, the ability to utilize a loyal companion, and unlocking skills that encourage experimentation and facilitate diverse playstyles.
Star Wars video games are not typically known for their combat mechanics. Although certain games like Star Wars: Republic Commando, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, and Star Wars: Battlefront series prioritize combat and deliver excellent mechanics, the majority of Star Wars video games are applauded for their ability to immerse players in the iconic Sci-Fi universe through captivating storytelling, compelling characters, immersive world-building, and most importantly, impressive presentation. However, in recent entries such as Star Wars Outlaws and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, combat emerges as a standout feature.
Drawing heavy inspiration from Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro, Respawn's Star Wars Jedi series places combat at the forefront of the gaming experience. Each swing and parry with a lightsaber feels incredibly impactful and satisfying. Despite the exceptional combat in Star Wars Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws may triumph in a specific aspect.
Star Wars Outlaws' Combat Is Much More Accessible Than Jedi: Survivor's
Star Wars Jedi's combat system draws inspiration from FromSoftware's Souls formula, which provides deep and rewarding gameplay for those who enjoy this style of combat. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. The challenging and unforgiving nature of Soulslike combat can be off-putting for those who have never experienced it before. While difficulty settings can help make Star Wars Jedi's combat more accessible, some fans simply prefer a different approach.
For these fans, Star Wars Outlaws offers a more appealing alternative. Based on the gameplay demo showcased during Ubisoft's June event, Star Wars Outlaws is a third-person shooter that resembles other popular action-adventure games like Uncharted, Tomb Raider, and Control. In the demo, players were seen using cover, engaging in blind-fire, and aiming for more accurate shots on their enemies — all typical elements of third-person action-adventure gameplay.
If this brief look at combat gameplay is any indication of the final product, it seems likely that Star Wars Outlaws will be much more accessible than Respawn's Star Wars Jedi series. Instead of worrying about precise parry timings or choosing the right lightsaber stance, players only need to aim and shoot to take out most enemies in Star Wars Outlaws, making it immediately more accessible to a wider audience.
However, this doesn't mean that Star Wars Outlaws' combat lacks depth. While the basic combat mechanics will suffice for most encounters, experienced players will be able to dispatch enemies much more efficiently by utilizing advanced combat techniques. From what has been shown so far, Star Wars Outlaws will offer a range of intricate mechanics for players to employ during intense battles. This includes various blaster rounds with different effects, such as an electric shot that disables shields, as well as the ability for the player's furry companion Nix to retrieve powerful weapons from the battlefield and bring them back. Additionally, there will likely be a plethora of unlockable skills for players to discover. Therefore, while Star Wars Outlaws may be more accessible, it will still provide ample opportunities for experimentation and strategic gameplay.
Star Wars Outlaws releases in 2024 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.