Star Wars: Outlaws Embraces Its Unoriginality, and That’s What Makes It Great

When it comes to Star Wars, whether on TV, in movies, or in video games, there’s a common issue that’s hard to ignore. The original trilogy was groundbreaking, combining elements of Westerns, Samurai films, and pioneering science fiction. It created a legendary pop-culture phenomenon that’s difficult to match.

Most Star Wars releases make a lot of money, but only a handful have captured the cultural zeitgeist like the originals. In the Disney era, only projects like The Mandalorian have come close. This show, a delightful blend of The Lone Ranger, Seven Samurai, and practical effects, has hit the right notes.

The challenge for new Star Wars content is upholding this towering legacy. Ever since the late ’70s, the series has been steeped in nostalgia, drawing from icons like John Wayne, John Ford, and Flash Gordon. New entries must capture that elusive “Star Wars-y” feel before forging fresh paths.

This nostalgic pull can be a double-edged sword. While it risks making Star Wars content seem repetitive or uninspired, it also taps into a comforting sense of familiarity. When something truly captures that essence, it’s magical.

Take Star Wars: Outlaws for instance. After its post-launch revamp, the game has become an excellent example of this balance. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but gets so many Star Wars elements right that it’s now one of the most enjoyable, action-packed adventures available for the holiday season, despite its initially mixed reception.

If you find yourself in a cold, snowy area over the holidays, Outlaws is even more fitting. Your escapades take you to Kijimi, a frosty locale from the sequel trilogy, home to the endearing Babu Frik. Wrapped in a cozy Hoth-inspired jacket, it feels just right.

To get the optimal experience with Outlaws, there’s a key adjustment you should make. Disable one of the main game-changing updates introduced in the patch to better appreciate its aesthetic charm.

What I particularly love is the game’s use of a letterbox, wide-screen format. It immediately immerses you in the gritty, cinematic world of Star Wars. It transforms the barren beauty of places like Toshara and Tatooine into striking scenes, rather than just another generic open world.

Fortunately, the game isn’t overwhelmed with trivial side missions, though I find myself dodging quest givers as if avoiding an old debt. Yet, it was on Tatooine when the game truly won me over. In search of parts for my blaster, I ran into a merchant only to encounter a 3-foot tall Jawa, a delightful nod to Star Wars’ quirky past.

Imagine how much more fun other open-world games would be if they had Jawa merchants! Picture a little Jawa in Far Cry 6 popping up with a cheerful “Umpeeni! Whanga hoopa!” while handing you a silencer. It would be amazing.

These authentic Star Wars surprises pepper Outlaws, making the galaxy feel genuinely alive. From bustling cities to lively spaceports, players encounter both iconic figures and subtle Easter Eggs, maintaining the magic of Star Wars.

Of course, Outlaws isn’t without flaws. Its lockpicking mini-game is poorly explained, topped only by Kingdom Come: Deliverance in its confusion. The visual cues in platforming sections can be hard to decipher, more difficult than deciphering Aurebesh. Despite these hiccups, the game offers low-stakes stealth with a thrilling edge. It recalls Han, Luke, and Leia’s haphazard escapes, adding a familiar thrill to the gameplay.

Post-launch, Star Wars: Outlaws finds itself in a similar spot to many recent Star Wars projects—beautiful, lavishly produced, but initially struggling to capture attention. Freed from those expectations, it becomes pure, unadulterated fun. It’s the Star Wars experience you savor while snuggled under a cozy blanket.

Unfortunately, this enjoyment doesn’t fuel the AAA game engine, but that’s a challenge for Ubisoft to tackle. As for me, I’ll be trading Bantha wool for power converters with a friendly Jawa.