Han Solo had theMillennium Falcon, the Rebels crew had theGhost, Cal Kestis had theMantis, and nowStar WarsOutlaws' Kay Vess is introducing theTrailblazer. Every goodStar Warsstory has to spend some time among the stars, and in this open-world game by Massive Entertainment at Ubisoft, space combat and exploration play an important role in delivering the sense of adventure and freedom that defines this genre and much of theStar Warsfranchise itself.
In an interview with Game Rant,Star Wars Outlawsgame director Mathias Karlson spoke about the team’s overall methodology when it comes to the game’s space combat and exploration. Karlson shed some light on what players can expect both in terms of combat encounters and the variety of environments to be found in orbit, along with the risks and rewards that come with Kay Vess' activitiesaboard theTrailblazer.
Star Wars Outlaws Features A Variety of Space Encounters
Although the specifics of space combat mechanics will have to wait for the game’s release, Karlson describes it as “more arcade than simulation,” perhaps suchas Starfieldratherthan a full-blownspace flight simulator likeElite Dangerous. Because of this approach, space content inStar Wars Outlawsis more immediately approachable, and Karlson says it won’t take long before players start having fun soon after their first takeoff.
“It was key for us that both flying and fighting with the Trailblazer was really approachable and immediately gratifying, while still offering depth and challenge to grow over time. Think more arcade than simulation. We are proud of how short the time between first flight and having fun is today.
In terms of encounters, it can range from small one-on-one dog fights to significantly bigger battles with multiple and much larger ships. How you end up in them is also varied and largely up to you. You could find yourself wanted and chased by the Empire, stumble upon the opportunity to help a syndicate being attacked and gain some reputation, or be ambushed by pirates in an asteroid field. Risk and reward is a central theme in space overall.”
Once in space, there are a variety of encounters players can look out for or they can start some trouble of their own. Players seeking to gain favor with one ofStar Wars Outlaws' underworld factionsmight take their side in a dogfight, or they might choose to invoke the wrath of the Empire via the wanted system for the sheer joy of blowing up TIE Fighters. Spending some time in space looks to be a way for players to progress toward a few of their goals.
Star Wars Outlaws' Planets Have Different Space Environments
TheTrailblazerfits right in among classicships like theMillenniumFalcon, theGhost, theMantis, and theEbon Hawkas an elegant freighter packing some firepower. Kay Vess is going to need a sturdy ship to brave Star Wars Outlaws' various space environments, as Karlson noted that each planet might host orbital debris fields, asteroids, and roving pirates to contend with.
“Of course, it all started from the fundamental fantasy of having a starship you can call your own, as an outlaw in the Star Wars galaxy. A ship nimble and armed enough to hold its own in intense dogfights, yet sturdy and capable enough to explore treacherous areas and take on contracts from the syndicates. Say hello to the Trailblazer.
It was really important to us that space was seamlessly part of the open-world experience. You decide when to go there and what to do.”
All that said,Star Wars Outlawsisn’ta pure space game, so players probably shouldn’t expect to spend most of their time there. Instead, heading up to orbit should be considered a nice change of pace from roaming a planet’s surface on a speeder, sneaking into syndicate hideouts, or whatever else Kay Vess finds herself caught up in.
