Summary
The heat has cooled on it tremendously since it was initially announced, butStar Wars Outlawshad a relatively big point of contention concerning Ubisoft’s decision to lock a bonus mission featuring Jabba the Hutt behind a special edition paywall. The initial controversy seemed to stem from the misconception thatStar Wars Outlaws’ optional quest, dubbed “Jabba’s Gambit,” would be the only way players could interact with Jabba. This was debunked soon thereafter, though not being able to access the quest without the Ultimate edition’s season pass, which promises two future story DLCs, has still left a sour taste for some.
Meanwhile,Assassin’s Creed Shadowswas recently revealed with a cinematic traileralongside a release date and its own helping of special edition content. This Ubisoft game has its own bonus mission available in a nearly identical model with an Ultimate edition bearing a season pass and two upcoming expansions, but there hasn’t seemed to be any dissent toward this formula on this side of Ubisoft’s yard, at least nowhere as vocally. WhereAssassin’s Creed Shadows’ edition model differs fromStar Wars Outlaws’ is in the former’s decision to provide a unique mission to players as a pre-order bonus; either way, both games’ approaches are not only reasonable but also tenable.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Bonus Quests Demonstrate the Best of Both Worlds
It’s currently unclear whatAssassin’s Creed Shadows’ paywalled season pass mission will entail as only its pre-order bonus quest, dubbed “Thrown to the Dogs,” has been described and given key art. Based on this key art it looks like it’ll beexclusive to Naoe and is perhaps consequently a stealth-oriented quest, though probably a lighthearted one if players are accompanying an adorable dog.
It’ll be interesting to see how “Thrown to the Dogs” equates toAssassin’s Creed Shadows’ season pass mission—whether it’s far shorter and therefore more appropriate as a pre-order quest, for instance. Nonetheless, criticisms about bonus missions can be fair, arguing that they could have simply been a part of the base game to begin with; if the season pass mission is available at launch, paywalling it could irritate anyone who believes they’re being told to fork over more money to earnAssassin’s Creed Shadows’ full launch package.
However, assessing what players receive inAssassin’s Creed Shadows’ special editions and pre-order bonusesensures that while they would have to pay more, the incentives are worthwhile. The Ultimate Pack does come with a lot of the standard decorative fare players have grown to expect from such editions, such as a Photo Mode filter and cosmetic skins, but these superficial goodies are supplemented with all other available content inAssassin’s Creed Shadows’ Ultimate edition, including its quest-laden season pass and three-day early access.
Moreover, like any purchase players make, these editions are entirely optional and reserved for anyone who deems the content they’ll receive as substantial enough. If players are skeptical, there’s no need for them to reach for their wallets for additional quests in the Gold or Ultimate editions. The boon here, then, is that actual quests are being offered asday-one and post-launch DLCwhen many other AAA games may lean more heavily on ornamental content.
Star Wars Outlaws’ Editions Push Cosmetics, But Its Bonus Quest Still Sticks Out Sorely
Star Wars Outlaws’ special editionsare nearly identical toAssassin’s Creed Shadows’, where a Gold edition delivers all story- and quest-related content for excited players to enjoy without needing to dip into Ultimate edition territory. This includes its own season pass with two post-launch narrative expansions, which is divisive but certainly not unheard of for a single-player title.
That said,Star Wars Outlawsdoes lower itself into a sarlacc’s mouth by pushing cosmetic content as its pre-order bonus when it could’ve offered the season pass’ “Jabba’s Gambit” quest likeAssassin’s Creed Shadows’ pre-order bonusis offering “Thrown to the Dogs.”Star Wars Outlaws’ Ultimate edition is no different, offeringabundant skins for Kay Vess, Nix, the speeder, and the Trailblazerin two distinct bundles, though it also tosses in a digital art book.
It’s admittedly more difficult to defend this choice whenAssassin’s Creed Shadowshas an ideal model for its pre-order bonus. But once more, whole quests and story content should debatably be cherished and encouraged as DLCs when the alternative is far less enticing. Plus, everything players could want beyond the base game itself and its pre-order bonus is completely optional and players will probably have a satisfying fill ofStar Wars Outlaws’ Hutt Cartelregardless.
Perhaps “Jabba’s Gambit” will be far more content-rich than “Thrown to the Dogs” is, for example, but there is at least no bonus quest in either game that players need an Ultimate edition for, leaving their most expensive editions for cosmetic enthusiasts and dedicated fans of their respective franchises.
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.
