Summary
Adapting a nearly forty-year-old film franchise likeStar Warsinto a video game can’t be easy. There is a deep well of history andlore to pull from inStar Wars, as well as thousands of fans who are counting on that adaptation to be an authentic representation of the source material. Thankfully,Star Wars Outlawsdoes that part well, as it provides players with a genuineStar Warsexperience.
There are plenty of things to say aboutStar Wars Outlaws' gameplay, but its recreation of theStar Warsuniverse is arguably its most valuable characteristic. With its living world and authentic franchise music and sound,Star Wars Outlawsis one of the mostStar Warsgames ever made.
How Star Wars Outlaws Captures the Look and Feel of the Franchise
Star Wars Outlaws Features a Living Star Wars World
One ofStar Wars Outlaws' best features is its living world, which is simultaneously dynamic and consistent in its recreation of theStar Warsgalaxy. As players travel to iconic locations like Mos Eisley inStar Wars Outlaws, they will often encounter bustling, crowded streets where curious conversations between NPCs occasionally lie over the ambiance. Almost everywhere in the game, speeders occasionally fly by, urging players to keep an eye on the path ahead lest they get struck by an NPC hastily trying to get from one point to the next.
AsKay Vessgrows in notoriety throughout the galaxy, she is more likely to be recognized by civilian NPCs as she saunters through a cantina, greeted by their exclamation of her now-famous name. Players can also keep abreast of the goings-on in the common world by listening in on a conversation between NPCs as they rehearse the day’s events. There is almost no place inStar Wars Outlawsthat feels empty or dead, apart from the negative space of the open world that exists between each explorable location.
Star Wars Outlaws' world is very much alive, breathing in and out the heart and soul of theStar Warsfranchise.
The Music and Sounds of Star Wars Outlaws Make It Feel Like a True Star Wars Experience
While theStar Warsfranchise has many distinct characteristics, its music and sound design are among its most notable qualities. Even those only moderately acquainted withStar Warsknow the “Imperial March,” which doubles asDarth Vader’s theme song. Furthermore, iconic sounds like those that occur when a lightsaber is activated just before a duel or when a blaster fires off a few shots into the air are among some of the most famous sound effects in cinema history.Star Wars Outlawsdoubles down on the sound design of the franchise with an original soundtrack that still feels straight out of aStar Warsfilm, as well as all the sound effects the world has become familiar with over the last four decades.
Star Wars Outlaws' Cinematic Mode Makes It Feel Like an Authentic Star Wars Film
As if everythingStar Wars Outlawshas going for it in terms of the franchise’s most iconic elements wasn’t enough, it tops it all off with a21:9 Cinematic Modethat adds black bars to the top and bottom of the screen. The mode is enabled by default, and it’s understandable why some might not prefer to leave it on, but it makesStar Wars Outlawsfeel like aStar Warsfilm, especially when coupled with everything else the game does to provide players with an authenticStar Warsexperience.
Star Wars Outlawsmay not get everything right, but it does getStar Warsright, and that’s arguably what matters most. It’s clear that Massive Entertainment wanted to fully immerse players in a true-to-filmStar Warsworld, and not justanotherStar Warsgame. That is whereStar Wars Outlawsshines the most, and it may yet set a standard for the franchise’s future in gaming.
