One Planet Should Have Been More Than a Footnote in Star Wars Outlaws

One Planet Should Have Been More Than a Footnote in Star Wars Outlaws

As a dedicated Star Wars gamer with decades of galactic adventures under my belt, I must say that the latest addition to our galaxy, Star Wars Outlaws, has delivered an impressive open-world smuggler adventure, but it missed a golden opportunity to fully explore one of its most iconic locales – Kessel.


Ultimately, after years of eager anticipation, the game Star Wars Outlaws has brought us the much-desired open-world smuggler experience we’ve been craving. The tale of Kay Vess allows players to traverse some of the most renowned Star Wars locations, such as Canto Bight and Mos Eisley. Powered by the Snowdrop engine, these planets have been meticulously crafted, giving them a stunning realism that feels like they’ve been plucked directly from the silver screen. However, there’s one planet in particular where Star Wars Outlaws could have really shone brighter.

In the game Star Wars Outlaws, although the Pyke Syndicate and spice are significant elements, the famous planet of Kessel is scarcely mentioned. The game’s planets barely hint at its existence, yet it should have been a more integral part given its importance as a major mining operation for the Pykes and its long-standing recognition since the first Star Wars film due to Han Solo. It would have been logical for Kessel to appear somehow during the game’s storyline, but it appears to be merely an afterthought instead.

Star Wars’ Kessel Deserves Its Time in the Spotlight

Star Wars Outlaws Has Mentions to Kessel Sprinkled Throughout

An early significant mention of Kessel in games might be the pre-order incentive for Star Wars Outlaws, titled the Kessel Runner Bonus Pack. Those who purchased the game ahead of time from any vendor received this pack, which included a speeder skin and an item called Trailblazer. The misconception that Kessel or the Kessel run would be significant elements within the game arises from such a pack. However, quite contrary to expectation, Kessel and the Kessel run actually have minimal importance in the game.

In the Star Wars Outlaws novel, Kessel is frequently referenced, yet the planet itself remains unseen. A popular version of Sabacc, a game played across the galaxy, is called Kessel Sabacc, and there exists a collectible journal datacard titled the Kessel Run. Throughout their journey, players may come across hints about Kessel on various planets. Given its significance within the narrative, it’s surprising that we never actually visit this elusive world.

Kessel Could Have Been So Much More if Given the Chance

Over many years, the only reference to this planet could be found in “Star Wars: A New Hope”. It wasn’t until 2014 that fans were able to witness it in detail through “Star Wars Rebels”. Since then, it has appeared in “Star Wars The Clone Wars” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story”, revealing its significant role in spice mining and the Pykes’ galactic operations. Throughout these portrayals, viewers have come to understand its importance.

Star Wars Outlaws seems an ideal chance for gamers to delve deeper into the notorious planet Kessel. This game immerses players in the criminal underbelly, allowing them to collaborate with prominent criminal organizations such as the Pykes. Given that we’ve previously seen the Hutt’s strongholds, it would be fitting to explore the Pykes’ operational hub. Moreover, Kessel holds numerous untold tales on its surface, making it an intriguing location for exploration.

Regrettably, we can’t go back and adjust things now, but maybe the upcoming game resembling “Star Wars Outlaws” will make amends for the planet. It seems past time for fans to explore its streets and witness the spice operations directly, as the franchise has been hinting at this for quite some time. Bringing this aspect of the galaxy to life would not only be satisfying for fans but also expand upon an essential part of the universe.

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2024-09-06 22:24