Summary
Despite all the combat options it makes available to players,Star Wars Outlawsis more of a stealth game than anything else. This might be a disappointment to some, simply because stealth isn’t for everyone, and it could be considered especially disheartening for aStar Warsgame to prioritize stealth gameplay when there is so much potential for more aggressive playstyles. Nevertheless, stealth does fitStar Wars Outlaws' premise, as its protagonist Kay Vess is an outlaw and a nomad on the run with no allies but heradorable merqall companion Nix. For all intents and purposes, it works, though it’s not quite on the same level asAssassin’s Creed’s stealth. However, that might actually be a good thing.
Ubisoft has long been at the forefront of stealth gameplay, with itsSplinter Cellseries being one of its more notable franchises. However,Assassin’s Creedis undoubtedly the developer’s pride and joy, which has established a solid formula for stealth gameplay and influenced popular titles such asMiddle-earth: Shadow of Mordorand its sequel. Even so, whileAssassin’s Creed’s stealth mechanics have become a benchmark in the gaming industry, it could still learn something fromStar Wars Outlaws' approach to stealth.
What Assassin’s Creed Could Learn From Star Wars Outlaws' Stealth
Star Wars Outlaws' Stealth Mechanics Are Much Less Forgiving Than Assassin’s Creed’s
TheAssassin’s Creedfranchise may be one of the forerunners for stealth gameplay, but it still has its issues. One of its most prominent shortcomings lies in the forgiving nature of its stealth mechanics. Most of the time in anAssassin’s Creedgame, it’s far too easy for players to get away with stealth kills. Generally, players can perform multiple assassinations without ever being noticed, due to these games giving them nearly 200 degrees to move around enemies completely undetected. It’s also possible to run up behind an enemy and assassinate them before they even have time to turn around, making it easy to get a kill on the go.
Star Wars Outlaws' stealth mechanics make it far more challenging to remain hidden while silently taking out enemies. Firstly, if enemies detect a dead body, they are on much higher alert than a guard might be in anAssassin’s Creedgame, to the point that it’s difficult to evade them once they’ve begun their search for Kay. These instances are made even more challenging by an inability to hide dead bodies as players typically can in anAssassin’s Creedgame. It’s also almost impossible to perform stealth kills while on the run, asenemies inStar Wars Outlawsare alerted to the player’s presence much quicker than they might be inAssassin’s Creed.
Star Wars Outlaws Punishes Players for Failing Stealth Sequences Much More Than Assassin’s Creed Ever Has
The importance ofstealth inStar Wars Outlawsis even more emphasized once players get in over their heads. If players are detected inside an enemy base, they can be overwhelmed by reinforcements within a matter of seconds, often leaving them with no choice but to flee the scene, as things will only get far worse if they choose to fight back. InAssassin’s Creed, it’s generally fairly easy to avoid this by eliminating every enemy in the area or simply hiding until everything blows over.Assassin’s Creedhas implemented reinforcement mechanics before, but they are overall much easier to overcome than they are inStar Wars Outlaws.
The key tobringingAssassin’s Creedback to its rootsfor good is to make its stealth much more important than it has been in recent memory, andStar Wars Outlawshas the perfect recipe for that. The unforgiving nature ofStar Wars Outlaws' stealth mechanics, as well as the level of punishment players receive for failing stealth may be the inspirationAssassin’s Creedneeds to get back on its feet.
Star Wars Outlaws
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITYExplore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORYLive the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONSTake on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEATPilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
