Despite the plethora ofStar Warsgames released over the years,Star Wars Outlawsis looking to break new boundaries. Billed as the first truly open-worldStar Warsgame, it introduces players to Kay Vess, a young smuggler trying to make ends meet in a galaxy full of danger and deception.Star Wars Outlawshas no shortage of games to take inspiration from, and with Lucasfilm’s resources, the game is set to encapsulate its Scoundrel Fantasy through and through.
Game Rant recently sat down with Massive Entertainment creative director Julian Gerighty to discuss which, if any, otherStar Warsgames (or games in general) have influencedOutlaws. He also discussed the importance of having Lucasfilm Games involved, as it helped give the game anauthentic ‘Star Wars’ feelthat fans have come to expect from related projects.
Star Wars Outlaws is The Latest in a Long Line of Star Wars Games
The firstStar Warsgame wasStar Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, released way back in 1982 for the Atari 2600. Since then, more than 100 games have followed, spanning multiple genres and time periods. Recently, games like theStar Wars Jedifranchise have raised the barin terms of what fans should expect fromStar Warsgames, andOutlawswill be hoping to go one step further. When asked which other gamesOutlawstakes specific inspiration from, Gerighty explained:
‘‘We dug through the Lucasfilm archives, did a lot of research, and worked very closely with Lucasfilm Games to ensure this experience feels uniquely Star Wars, but in terms of other games outside of that which inspired this experience, I would say Ghost of Tsushima is a game that I referenced quite often.’’
Sucker Punch’s open-world action RPGGhost of Tsushimawas widely praised by criticswhen it was released in 2019 thanks to its fluid combat, immersive world, and strong story, and many are hopeful that a sequel is forthcoming. While parallels betweenTsushimaandOutlawsmay not be immediately obvious, mainly due to their wildly different settings, it will be interesting to see if this link becomes more apparent as players begin investing hours into the game after it launches.
Lucasfilm Helped to Shape Star Wars Outlaws' World
WithLucasfilm being such an integral part of theStar Warsuniverse, it was obviously important for Massive Entertainment to ensure that Lucasfilm Games could be actively involved in the game’s development throughout. Gerighty was keen to explain just how important their involvement was in helping to ensure the project felt authentic.
‘‘Lucasfilm Games have been great partners throughout the entire process, even suggesting the time period for our game. You really think you know Star Wars until you start working on it and then you realize how much attention to detail they really put into every shot, every location, every ship or character; it’s been great to work with them and craft new characters, moons, flora and fauna, and even vehicles that will exist in this galaxy forever.’’
With the game’s events confirmed to be canon, Gerighty’s point about how these new creations will be a part of theStar Warsuniverse forever is extremely prevalent. Anything that has been created forOutlawswill form part ofStar Wars' extensive lore, so everything it adds must fit into canon in some way. Luckily, Lucasfilm’s expertise no doubt shines in ensuringStar Wars Outlawsfulfills its role. The attention to detail that has gone into the entire project is clear to see, and fans should feel safe in the knowledge that the IP has been handled with the appropriate level of care and respect that it demands.
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.
