Summary
Star Warshas developed a number of in-universe eras over the years, some of which were started by the mainline movies, some of which owe their creation mostly to TV shows, and some of which originated in expanded media like comics, novels, and even video games. But despite there being a wealth of eras on offer, the vast majority ofStar Warsvideo gamestend to play things safe, and stick to the Galactic Civil War, pitting the player against the same Imperial foes they’ve been taking down for decades.Star Wars Outlawsseems as though it’s going to fit that same mold.
Set betweenStar Wars: The Empire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi,Star Wars Outlawswill see players take on the role of Kay Ves, a smuggler looking to make her own way in the galaxy and earn a few credits where she can. From what fans have seen so far,Star Wars Outlawslooks as though it’ll feature an array of familiar iconography, from Stormtroppers to TIE-Fighters, to even Jabba the Hutt himself. But whileStar Wars Outlawslooks like it’ll be playing it safe, it can still make the most of its chosen era by subverting a few expectations.
Star Wars Outlaws Needs to Make the Most of its Galactic Civil War Setting
Being Set in Between Empire and Jedi Puts Star Wars Outlaws in an Interesting Spot
MostStar Warsgames set during the reign of the Empire usually come a good few years before the events ofStar Wars: A New Hope, such as the recentStar Wars Jediseries. This gives the game plenty of room to introduce new characters and plot beats while still using a lot of the same enemies and set pieces that fans associate with that era. It also gives plenty of leeway to explain away why those characters aren’t then seen in theStar Warsoriginal trilogy. If not beforeA New Hope, then most games are usually set directly during the events of the original trilogy, though this does tend to be reserved for tie-ins that adapt specific moments from the movies.
Star Wars Outlawsis a little different. Rather than being set beforeA New Hopeor running concurrently with any of the original trilogy movies,Star Wars Outlawsis set sometime in the three years that come betweenEmpire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi. While this short span of time might not end up amounting to much,Star Wars Outlawsshould try to really embrace the uniqueness of this time setting, as it’s not a period that’s been explored all that much outside of novels or comics.
At this moment in time, the Rebellion is on the brink of total defeat, having lost its base on Hoth, lost one of its primary leaders in Han Solo, and having its forces scattered across the galaxy. Following theirvictory on Hoth, it’s likely that The Empire thinks it’s won the war, andStar Wars Outlawsshould go out of its way to show all of this in detail.
During the course ofStar Wars Outlaws, players should be constantly reminded of the unique time period they find themselves in. Players should see the Empire carrying out parades in the street, and releasing propaganda that claims they’ve won the war against the Rebels. Players could also encounter a small Rebel cell hiding on anOuter Rim planet, and be given the choice to either help them or stay out of it. Small moments like these would go a long way in makingStar Wars Outlawsfeel like it’s putting a fresh spin on a familiar era.
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.
