At the recent Ubisoft Forward event, fans of the galaxy far, far away were treated to an exciting new gameplay showcase for Star Wars Outlaws™. This highly anticipated title introduces players to Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel navigating the perilous underworld of the Star Wars universe. Set against the backdrop of Tatooine, Kay embarks on a mission to locate an expert gunslinger who can help her enhance her blaster skills. The showcase not only highlights her journey but also offers insights into the game’s mechanics, environments, and character development, setting the stage for a captivating narrative experience.
Star Wars Outlaws is coming August 30 and is available for preorder now at the Ubisoft Store, and you can play three days early on August 27 with the Gold Edition or Ultimate Edition, or with a Ubisoft+ Premium subscription.
Kay Vess: A Scoundrel with Ambition
Kay Vess is a character who embodies the spirit of a true scoundrel—resourceful, cunning, and determined to carve out her place in the galaxy. Her journey begins with a clear motivation: she aims to upgrade her skills and reputation within the underworld. This desire to improve her abilities is a key driving force behind her adventures and quests throughout the game.
In the gameplay showcase, Kay’s initial task is to gather information about the elusive gunslinger, a crucial step in her quest for growth. Game Director Mathias Karlson explains that one of the core motivations for exploration in Star Wars Outlaws™ is the hunt for elusive experts scattered across the galaxy. Players will encounter various NPCs who can offer valuable skills and insights, each contributing to Kay's development as a character. This creates an engaging loop of exploration and progression, as players are encouraged to seek out new abilities to enhance their gameplay experience.
Exploring Tatooine: The Iconic Desert Planet
Tatooine serves as the starting point for Kay’s journey, a planet renowned for its harsh deserts, bustling marketplaces, and the ever-present threat of crime. The gameplay showcase reveals Kay’s travels through space from the asteroid field in Akiva's orbit to the sun-scorched landscapes of Tatooine, where she enters the infamous Mos Eisley, often referred to as a “hive of scum and villainy.”
The developers have invested considerable effort into recreating Mos Eisley, ensuring that it feels alive and vibrant. Karlson emphasizes the team's excitement about bringing this iconic location to life, allowing players to explore areas previously unseen in the Star Wars franchise. As Kay navigates the bustling streets and shadowy alleys of Mos Eisley, players will encounter various factions, including the Hutt Cartel, which controls much of the economy and power on the planet.
Engaging with Factions and Building Reputation
In Star Wars Outlaws™, the interaction with different factions plays a crucial role in shaping Kay’s journey. As she explores Tatooine, she must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define the underworld. One significant faction is the Pyke Syndicate, a criminal organization that Kay encounters during her travels.
The gameplay video highlights an exciting moment when Kay comes to the aid of a Pyke freighter under attack by pirate starfighters. This act of bravery not only showcases Kay’s skills but also serves to build her reputation with the Pykes. Karlson notes that her actions can lead to further opportunities with this syndicate, emphasizing the game’s emphasis on player choice and consequence. The decisions players make can open new paths and quests, leading to a rich narrative experience.
Stealth and Infiltration Mechanics
As Kay's mission unfolds, she discovers that direct confrontations are not always the best approach, especially given her poor reputation with the Hutts. The game encourages players to think strategically and utilize stealth mechanics to navigate hostile environments. Karlson elaborates on the importance of stealth, stating, “Players will need to infiltrate areas without triggering alarms, relying on cunning and quick thinking to succeed.”
In the showcase, Kay learns of a Hutt Cartel storehouse located in the southern hills of Tatooine. To gain access, she must avoid detection and employ stealth tactics to infiltrate the heavily guarded facility. Players can use a combination of cover, distractions, and environmental features to move undetected, making each mission a test of skill and strategy.
The Thrill of Combat
While stealth is essential, Star Wars Outlaws™ does not shy away from intense combat sequences. After successfully gathering intel on the gunslinger, Kay's escape from the Hutt Cartel storehouse leads her into a chaotic shootout. Players will need to utilize their combat skills to fend off enemies while navigating the chaotic environment.
The combat system appears to be dynamic and fluid, allowing players to switch between stealth and action as needed. Kay’s proficiency with various weapons and gadgets will be crucial in these encounters, and players can expect a range of combat styles, from ranged attacks to close-quarters combat.
Meeting Sheriff Quint: A Fateful Encounter
The climax of Kay's mission culminates in her long-awaited meeting with the expert gunslinger, Sheriff Quint. This encounter promises to be a pivotal moment in the game, as Sheriff Quint not only provides Kay with the skills she seeks but also becomes a key ally in her journey.
The relationship between Kay and Sheriff Quint is likely to evolve throughout the game, adding depth to the narrative. Players can anticipate engaging dialogues and interactions that reveal more about their backgrounds and motivations, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
An Expansive Open World
One of the standout features of Star Wars Outlaws™ is its expansive open world, filled with diverse locations and environments. The gameplay overview trailer provides glimpses of various planets and settings that players will be able to explore, including the lush jungle world of Akiva, the ancient city of Kijimi, and the savannah moon of Toshara.
Each location is designed to offer unique challenges and opportunities, encouraging players to delve into the rich lore of the Star Wars universe. Flashbacks to Kay’s past in Canto Bight, memories of meeting Nix for the first time, and her struggles for survival are interwoven throughout her journey, creating a compelling narrative tapestry.
High-Risk Jobs and Crime Syndicates
As players navigate the galaxy, they will encounter a variety of high-risk, high-reward jobs that test Kay’s skills and decision-making. Engaging with notorious crime syndicates, such as the cunning Crimson Dawn and the ruthless Pyke Syndicate, players can earn favor and rewards while navigating the treacherous underworld.
The gameplay showcase emphasizes the importance of player choices in shaping Kay’s story. Each decision made during missions can have lasting consequences, affecting her relationships with different factions and the opportunities available to her. This layered approach to storytelling ensures that no two playthroughs will be the same, allowing players to tailor their experiences to their preferences.
Accessibility and Player Engagement
Star Wars Outlaws™ is also committed to providing an inclusive gaming experience. The developers have focused on accessibility features that ensure all players can enjoy the game. From customizable controls to visual and auditory options, the game aims to accommodate a wide range of players, making the Star Wars universe more accessible than ever.
Release and Preorder Information
Star Wars Outlaws™ is set to launch on August 30, 2024, for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC via Ubisoft Connect. For eager fans looking to dive into the action early, preorders are available now at the Ubisoft Store. Players can enjoy three days of early access starting on August 27 if they choose the Gold Edition, Ultimate Edition, or subscribe to Ubisoft+ Premium.
As an added incentive, preordering the game grants players the Kessel Runner Bonus Pack, featuring exclusive cosmetics for Kay’s speeder and her ship, the Trailblazer. This bonus pack enhances the personalization options available to players, allowing them to make Kay’s journey even more unique.
Final Thoughts: A Journey into the Star Wars Universe
Infiltrate, evade, and confront: Kay's journey to uncover the gunslinger's secret begins with a perilous infiltration. Players will find themselves immersed in the rich storytelling and vibrant environments of Star Wars Outlaws™, navigating a world filled with danger and intrigue. The game promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, blending stealth, action, and exploration in the beloved Star Wars universe.
As we await the release of Star Wars Outlaws™, it’s clear that this game aims to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic franchise. Whether you’re seeking high-stakes missions, engaging character interactions, or the thrill of exploration, Kay Vess’s adventure is poised to be a standout addition to the Star Wars legacy.
For more information on Star Wars Outlaws™, including updates on gameplay, accessibility features, and exclusive content, be sure to check out the official website at starwarsoutlaws.com.