As a hardcore Star Wars fan who’s spent countless hours dreaming about being part of the galaxy far, far away, I can’t help but be utterly captivated by the concept of Star Wars Outlaws. The developers at Massive Entertainment have truly tapped into something special here.
As a devoted Star Wars fan myself, I can confidently say that this iconic franchise is undeniably one of the most universally recognized intellectual properties on Earth. From films to TV series, books, comics, and video games, it has conquered virtually every form of entertainment. The global fanbase mirrors the diverse galaxies within Star Wars, each member having their own captivating tales and cherished moments connected to this universe.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always believed that the most rewarding dreams are those that take time to cultivate. Way back in 2020, Massive Entertainment presented Lucasfilm with an intriguing concept for a game, one they dubbed a “scoundrel fantasy” centered around immersive open-world gameplay. After four long years of hard work and dedication, that dream is finally coming to fruition with the upcoming release of Star Wars Outlaws. Recently, I had the privilege of conversing with several talented individuals at Massive Entertainment, including creative director Julian Gerighty, art & world director Benedikt Podlesnigg, associate art director Marthe Jonkers, narrative director Navid Khavari, game director Mathias Karlson, and composer Wilbert Roget II. They shared insights into the journey of bringing Star Wars Outlaws, a dream we’ve all been eagerly anticipating, to life.
Outlaws is Made For Star Wars Fans, By Star Wars Fans
Gathering a group of fans who adore ‘Star Wars’ in one room can lead to results that are hard to forecast. Frequent debates are a staple among this fanbase, and it’s certain they would argue over which ‘Star Wars’ film is superior, the significance of the Chosen One prophecy, the influence of Midi-chlorians in the saga, who the most powerful character is, and much more. The group might also split into factions, with at least one member passionately claiming that Jar Jar Binks is a Sith Lord. This dynamic showcases the profound effect ‘Star Wars’ has on each individual, even those creating titles like ‘Star Wars Outlaws’.
Speaking of my most cherished memories within this beloved franchise, the responses I heard were as diverse as the series itself, reflecting the unique connections each fan has with it.
- Gerighty was quick to point to the nostalgia he has from watching the Original Trilogy growing up.
- Podlesnigg praised The Empire Strikes Back and everything it visually added to the Galaxy Far, Far Away…
- Jonkers recalled making sketches of X-wings, spaceships, aliens, and lightsaber battles after watching The Empire Strikes Back for the first time.
- Khavari called The Empire Strikes Back the gold standard for Star Wars Outlaws and then recalled all the Star Wars games and comics he loved.
- Karlson also recalled being mesmerized by the world, characters, and technology of the original Star Wars trilogy, which he grew up watching.
As a die-hard Star Wars fan, I’ve got to say something about my fellow gamers’ top picks! Gerighty, Podlesnigg, and Karlson all seem to adore Max Rebo – quite the unusual choice among us! Jonkers can’t seem to decide between Darth Vader and Princess Leia, two iconic characters that have stood the test of time. Khavari’s choices are fascinating: he used to be smitten with Luke Skywalker when he was younger, dreaming of being as cool as Han Solo in high school. But now his favorite character is none other than Lando Calrissian – a man of charisma and charm!
Speaking about old memories associated with games, films, personalities, and several decades of Star Wars fandom, Khavari made a statement that seems to embody the essence of what Star Wars Outlaws aims for:
“In my opinion, each element here feels like it’s woven into the tapestry of Star Wars, and in many aspects, Star Wars Outlaws seems like an affectionate tribute to this universe that has brought us so much joy.”
As a devoted Star Wars enthusiast for the past three decades, I can confidently say that this game is truly a labor of love created by fellow fans who share my passion for the galaxy far, far away. It brings together all the memories and dreams that Star Wars has inspired in us over the years, making it an unparalleled experience for anyone who loves the saga as much as I do.
Star Wars Outlaws Has Been a Scoundrel Fantasy Since Day One
The concept of “Star Wars Outlaws” was envisioned as a Rogue-themed Fantasy from the very beginning, and each day since has been dedicated to realizing this fantasy. Whenever I contemplate “Star Wars Outlaws“, it reminds me of a discussion I had with a friend in the past, who maintained that any “Star Wars” content couldn’t thrive without Jedi or The Force. To him, those elements were the sole defining factors of what made “Star Wars” unique and extraordinary, which always seemed illogical to me.
In the past, we’ve encountered characters and series such as Lando, Boba Fett, Beckett, Cad Bane, Dash Rendar, Andor, The Mandalorian, and The Book of Boba Fettt. While some may have a touch of The Force or Jedi, they all thrive without it because the Star Wars universe is more than just lightsabers and magical powers. The essence of Star Wars lies in the dream that the stars represent. Scoundrels are as integral to Star Wars as any other aspect due to their shared dream of freedom. This is precisely what Star Wars Outlaws seeks to capture.
In the world of a dedicated Star Wars fan like me, embarking on an entirely new open-world adventure titled “Star Wars Outlaws“, I find myself immersed in a captivating storyline that unfolds between the events of “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi“. As Kay Vess, a determined protagonist accompanied by her lovable Merqaal companion Nix, I’m on a mission to clear my debts and gain freedom. To achieve this, I must gather a crew, navigate through crime syndicates, and outmaneuver the ever-looming Empire. The grand finale? A daring heist that promises unexpected twists and challenges to loyalty. Just like any good heist, things might not always go as planned. But that’s part of what makes this adventure so thrilling. Now, you may wonder if there would be any hints of The Force or The Jedi in this game. Well, according to Khavari, there will indeed be a touch of those legendary elements in the storyline.
We made a conscious effort to create a narrative that centers around characters who have no involvement in the grand galactic conflict, and moreover, lack any knowledge or experience with the Force or Jedi Order. It’s crucial to keep in mind that during this period, the Jedi and Force users are virtually extinct across the galaxy, making it inappropriate for us to retell their story.
Exploring the adventures of Kay, Nix, and ND-5 as they navigate a criminal underworld set in vibrant cities brimming with rogues, an expansive world teeming with fascinating creatures, or engaging in aerial battles with the Trailblazer, offers an unprecedented immersion into the Star Wars universe that players are sure to find captivating and unique.
Though some enthusiasts might remain optimistic about the debut of “Star Wars Outlaws”, this isn’t necessarily unfavorable news. After all, Star Wars encompasses more than just The Force and Jedi. “Star Wars Outlaws” is drawing from those appealing aspects that can only be found in notorious dens of scoundrels and ne’er-do-wells.
Star Wars Outlaws – Meet The Crew
Kay Vess and Nix
In the game Star Wars Outlaws, players take charge of protagonist Kay Vess (and indirectly, Nix), who are the main characters. However, another character, ND-5 – a BX-series droid commando dressed in a trenchcoat, also joins their team. Born and raised in the worker’s district of Canto Bight, the casino city featured in The Last Jedi, Kay Vess had a hard life, marked by poverty and seclusion from the city’s glamour. To make ends meet, she honed her skills as a thief on the streets of Canto Bight. Envious of the rich, Kay dreams of departing from Cantonica and securing a significant fortune through a major heist that would ensure a comfortable life for herself and Nix, paving the way for Star Wars Outlaws.
She’s not alone, of course, as she’s joined by Nix. Merqaals are a new species to the Galaxy Far, Far Away, with the developers getting to add this adorable creature to the canon of Star Wars. As Jonkers would explain, Merqaals originate from a jungle planet. This harsh environment led to the evolution of scales on their back, to protect from rain and predators, and they also have dexterous paws, big claws, and sharp teeth. A unique element to Merqaals are “feelers,” with Jonkers explaining that,
“These tools help them perceive potential threats in their surroundings and signal danger. Additionally, Nix employs them to interact with Kay. He raises them when he’s excited or discovered something, while lowering them when he’s being careful.”
As a gamer, I’d put it this way: Vess and Nix are my go-to team – they’re like Han and Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2, Din Djarin and The Child, or Cal Kestis and BD-1. When someone asks me what makes them special in our gaming adventure, I explain that while they stand on the shoulders of these legendary characters, they bring their own unique flavor to the game. That’s thanks to Khavari, who helps create this dynamic and keeps things fresh.
I believe there’s an exceptional bond between Kay and Nix, as they have known each other since Kay was very young. Given that Kay isn’t one to open up readily, Nix seems to be a chink in her protective shell – a symbol of her affection and vulnerability.
In creating the character of Nix, we filled him with many traits reminiscent of our own pets. This was particularly evident when writing scripts and discussing Kay’s role with Humberly (Gonzalez) and Camille (Loiselle-D’Aragon), as we aimed to portray Kay viewing Nix not merely as a pet, but as family. It seems that the audience is resonating strongly with this aspect, as it strikes a chord of relatability.
ND-5
When Gerighty talked about his work related to the Star Wars saga, he shared that their team incorporated subtle nods to periods like the Clone Wars up to ND-5 and other hidden details that players might spot. Previous information reveals that ND-5 was deeply involved in the Clone Wars before being stored away. However, in the storyline of Star Wars Outlaws, ND-5 is working as a personal bodyguard for someone named Vess, but it’s uncertain how reliable or trustworthy ND-5 might be in this heist scenario.
The Galaxy’s Most Wanted
It appears that Vess is being pursued by various criminal organizations, malicious individuals, wicked minions, and the mysterious Empire, who seem to be intent on claiming Vess for their own purposes.
- Jaylen Vrax – A powerful scoundrel in his own right, he suggests Kay Vess rob the Zerek Besh crime syndicate of their fortune, earning her a ton of credits and her freedom in the process. However, he can be trusted as far as someone can throw ND-5.
- Sliro – The leader of the Zerek Besh and someone with a deep-rooted dislike for Kay Vess. Why? No one knows yet, but in true Star Wars fashion, some theories suggest Kay Vess stole The Trailblazer from Sliro and the Zerek Besh.
- The Zerek Besh – Sliro’s Crime Syndicate, based in Canto Bight. Their activities are largely unknown, but because of their history with Kay Vess, players will not be able to build up any reputation with the Zerek Besh.
- Vail – A Bounty hunter, hired by Sliro, to capture Kay Vess.
- Lady Qi’ra and The Crimson Dawn – The Crimson Dawn are led by Solo‘s Lady Qi’ra, and while they are quite mysterious, they focus on intelligence, manipulation, and using a wide network of criminal organizations for their own purposes. They are the ones who sold Han in Carbonite to Jabba the Hutt. Players will be able to build a reputation with the Crimson Dawn.
- The Ashiga Clan – A brand new crime syndicate for Star Wars Outlaws. They are based on Kijimi. They have a strict hierarchical structure and code of conduct. Players will be able to build a reputation with The Ashiga Clan.
- The Hutt Cartel – Composed of powerful crime lords and based on Tatooine, The Hutt Cartel is involved in smuggling and various illegal business practices. Players will be able to build a reputation with The Hutt Cartel.
- The Pyke Syndicate – A crime syndicate largely focused on Spice production and illegal trading, they value credits above all others. Although based on the planet Oba Diah (not in Star Wars Outlaws), they are involved with a mining operation on Toshara (a Star Wars Outlaws moon). Players will be able to build a reputation with The Pyke Syndicate.
In discussing the depiction of crime syndicates within “Star Wars Outlaws,” Jonkers clarified their portrayal.
Every syndicate is distinct, not just by the kinds of resources they employ, but also the visual aesthetics such as materials and colors, the tools at their disposal, their actions and demeanor. Some, like the Ashiga on Kijimi, are deeply rooted in their home territory, while others, such as Crimson Dawn, operate covertly from the background. This means that the decisions you make about who to ally with carry significant weight. And as Kay ventures into the criminal underworld, she encounters acquaintances from her past like Lady Qira or Jabba the Hutt!
We had tons of fantastic reference materials provided to us by Lucasfilm to really dive into the details of his design, whether it was tweaking the slime around his nostrils and mouth, to adding the design of his arm tattoo and the wound he has on his tail. The underworld is filled with a rich variety of characters, new and familiar, and I’m looking forward to players meeting them all.”
Exploring the Galaxy Far, Far Away
Fans of Star Wars are eagerly anticipating how the characters and factions in Star Wars Outlaws will intertwine, but that’s only a taste of what the game has in store. As the first open-world Star Wars game, it’s not just the story that promises much, but also the planets to explore, the ground-based gameplay, and the space combat. Fortunately, everything we’ve heard from the developers of Star Wars Outlaws ticks all the right boxes.
Star Wars Outlaws Planets
In the galaxy of Star Wars Outlaws, you’ll find a diverse array of planets such as Tatooine, Toshara, Akiva, Kijimi, and Cantonica. Although there might be one or two secret locations left for the grand finale, this lineup is already quite impressive. Tatooine is undoubtedly well-known, serving as the desert home to characters like Anakin and Luke Skywalker across numerous franchise installments.
In contrast, Toshara is a fresh moon born from Massive Entertainment’s imagination. It resides within the Toshaal system and bears a landscape resembling an African savanna, complete with windswept plains and amber canyons. This lawless territory has become a haven for pirates and outlaws, earning it the ominous title of the Gem of the Underworld. The criminal Pyke Syndicate is engaged in mining activities here, colluding with corrupt Imperial rulers of Toshara.
Akiva, a planet frequently referenced in Star Wars literature, makes its debut in a significant game titled Star Wars Outlaws. What’s important for fans to understand is that Akiva is a hotspot for conflicts throughout the galaxy. Surprisingly, this Outer Rim planet has been drawn into these wars quite regularly, which may have impacted its design in Star Wars Outlaws. Unlike Kijimi, a cold and mountainous planet, Akiva is characterized by its tropical jungles. Kijimi was featured in The Rise of Skywalker, where Rey and her companions endeavored to modify C-3PO so he could decipher the ancient Sith dagger. However, as usual with Star Wars, things didn’t go smoothly. The First Order arrived on Kijimi eventually, leading to its destruction.
In summary, Cantonica is renowned for its appearances in “The Last Jedi” and Canto Bight, and it’s where Kay Vess’ journey begins. What sets these planets apart is their diverse origins. For instance, Tatooine is a familiar planet throughout the entire Star Wars series, while Toshara is a completely new, unseen moon. Akiva is exclusive to written materials, whereas Kijimi and Cantonica debuted in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. In creating this game, Ubisoft and Massive drew inspiration not just from one era but from the entire history of Star Wars. This rich blend of influences led to many questions about these planets.
Podlesnigg on Creative Freedom with Planets
“Lucasfilm Games granted us considerable flexibility and collaborated closely with us to maintain the authenticity of renowned settings. Our team, passionate Star Wars aficionados, diligently strove to preserve the essence of the original content, particularly on Tatooine. The opportunity to truly step into Mos Eisley cantina, explore it, and immerse ourselves in an open-world environment is simply fantastic.”
Podlesnigg on Recreating Tatooine
“In our research process, we delved deeply into resources relevant to the time when the Star Wars films were produced. This included examining elements that might have influenced the original creators, as well as exploring Star Wars media itself. For Tatooine scenes particularly, we drew inspiration from movie filming locations such as Death Valley and Tunisia. Furthermore, we aimed to maintain accuracy by adhering to depictions of certain locales found in the books, where you often find detailed images of these places.”
Podlesnigg on Designing Toshara
In our brainstorming, we took our vision for Toshara to Lucasfilm Games and collaborated closely with them to ensure its cohesion. Since we were given a significant amount of creative liberty in developing this unique moon, we delved deeply into world-building to create a location that seamlessly integrates into the Star Wars universe while maintaining a sense of realism.
Podlesnigg on Taking Akiva From the Pages to the Screen
“Akiva immersed himself in the books, meticulously exploring their vivid depictions of the world and developing an artistic style that mirrored these descriptions. For instance, if the books mentioned buildings covered in thick stucco, you’d find such structures in the game with a textured, thick layer of painted stucco. Additionally, incorporating monkey lizards as invasive species, portrayed as city nuisances, was an effective way to introduce these creatures into the game.”
Podlesnigg on Making a Pre-Last Jedi Version of Cantonica
“To envision Cantonica’s past as depicted in the film, let’s picture an area that hasn’t reached its full development yet. A striking feature would be a vast worker’s district, which stands in stark contrast to the opulent Casinos. This setting allows us to highlight the significant differences between these two locations.”
Podlesnigg on Taking Kijimi and Cantonica from Movie Screen to Game Screen
In creating the settings for both Kijimi and Canto Bight in their respective films, we utilized resources provided by Lucasfilm. These resources greatly assisted us in maintaining a high level of accuracy when portraying the original layouts of these locations.
Star Wars Outlaws Space Exploration
Star Wars isn’t just about planets; its iconic starships, space battles, and exploration are equally significant. Just like every mainline Star Wars film starts in space before transitioning to a planet when needed, this aspect is mirrored in the games. A genuine “open-world game” wouldn’t involve loading screens when leaving a planet, so the transition from planet to orbit to outer space is smooth. This seamless transition was one of the early objectives for Star Wars Outlaws, making it truly remarkable. Intriguingly, Stormtroopers on planet surfaces can even chase players into space, leading to unforgettable confrontations.
“Ever since I started playing Star Wars Outlaws, I’ve always dreamed of having a ship that’s more than just a ride – it’s my home. The designers knew this ‘Scoundrel Fantasy’ well, and they built The Trailblazer with nimbleness for thrilling dogfights, robust defense for those nerve-wracking trench runs, and resilience to handle the rough dealings with crime syndicates. It’s my trusty vessel in the vastness of space, and I couldn’t be happier with how they crafted it.”
In Star Wars, starships are instantly recognizable due to their distinctive shapes, making them iconic. Creating a new design and history for one of these ships was thrilling, as it had quite a story before Kay took permanent possession. Another noteworthy aspect is that the designs often draw inspiration from real-world objects, such as toys from the 70s/80s, turtles, and armored trucks with their protective plating. This combination proved effective for our vision of The Trailblazer.
After setting up The Trailblazer, a significant aspect of Star Wars Outlaws’ early concept was introduced: smooth, open-world gameplay in space. As Karlson put it, “We wanted space to be seamlessly integrated into the open world experience. You choose when and how to explore it. Each space region has its unique characteristics. For instance, the debris fields around Toshara are drastically different from the less crowded areas around Tatooine.” Because the orbital spaces around these planets vary, this will help distinguish each planet players encounter. However, this doesn’t imply that a planet like Tatooine is any safer than Toshara. Karlson clarified that players should anticipate “encounters with Imperial Patrols, Syndicate ships, and even pirates.”
When it comes to taking on these orbital encounters and exploring the stars, Karlson says “risk and reward is a central theme in space overall.” Operating The Trailblazer is more arcade than simulation, and space can consist of one-on-one dog fights, significantly bigger battles, becoming Wanted and being chased by the Empire, helping out a Syndicate for Reputation, getting ambushed by pirates in an asteroid field, and more. Indeed, it sounds like Star Wars Outlaws truly runs the gamut for bonafide space encounters. Of course, no Star Wars space exploration is incomplete without hyperspace travel, with Podlesnigg briefly discussing what it was like recreating it in-game:
1st Time I shoved the controls forward for hyperspace, my face lit up with unbridled glee. Each time I play the game, I deliberately forego instant travel to savor this thrilling moment. We scrutinized numerous clips of Star Wars hyperspace travel to perfectly capture every detail. The glow on the ship, the movement as we enter and exit it. It’s a complex dance that’s hard to fathom until you try to replicate it yourself.
Channeling the Star Wars Score
The musical arrangement for John Williams’ work and the overall score of Star Wars is as legendary within the franchise as any other aspect. This is delightful news for fans, as composer Roget II initially based his work on the “distinctive John Williams sound” as a foundation. He felt that this emphasis on melody and straightforward yet expressive orchestration aligns perfectly with Outlaws’ focus on character-driven narratives. Yet, he also expanded upon this by delving deeper into the underworld aspects of Star Wars than the original score did.
In my composition for “Outlaws,” I aimed to craft a fresh, contemporary, and one-of-a-kind sonic landscape that vividly portrays the gritty and multifaceted milieu of Star Wars’ criminal underworld. To achieve this, I employed analog synthesizers, unconventional percussion, non-standard instrument play, processed sounds, and world instruments to infuse color and depth into the roguish escapades. Each character, faction, and planet has its unique set of instruments, distinctive sounds, and musical motifs, and every score piece harmoniously blends traditional Star Wars sound with the new Outlaws sound. As we delve deeper into the criminal underworld, synthesized and processed sounds gradually take center stage.
Living The Scoundrel Fantasy
Just like the experience of Star Wars Outlaws matters, it’s crucial to consider how immersive and versatile the gameplay feels when you’re actually playing it. As an open-world title, it offers players a lot of leeway in deciding their approach to gameplay. For instance, Kay Vess might choose to act aggressively (with Khavari noting that she has a tendency to shoot first), or she could opt for stealth. She’s equally capable of using her blasters effectively as she is of commanding Nix, who can perform various tasks such as interacting with the environment, attacking enemies, creating distractions, or gathering supplies.
She can also activate various different modes on her blasters, such as Stun, Focused, or Blaster. In a pinch, Vess also has an ability called Adrenaline Rush that’s a lot like Red Dead Redemption‘s Dead Eye Targeting, as it slows down time and lets Kay make quick shots. It perfectly adds to that Scoundrel Fantasy. Over time, players will be able to invest in Vess and Nix’s abilities, making them even more deadly in combat.
In addition to its engaging storyline, Star Wars Outlaws provides an abundance of features for planetary exploration. One such feature is the grappling hook, which significantly enhances gameplay experience. Additionally, there’s a hacking device that opens locked doors and more, featuring terminals and mini-games involving splicing. The speeder bike allows Vess to travel quickly, with enemies able to pursue her in classic Star Wars style when she’s on the move. However, unlike some Scoundrel Fantasies which revolve around stealth and quick blaster skills, this one also values a persuasive speech, demonstrating that sometimes it’s not just about speed and firepower.
As a passionate Star Wars Outlaws fan, I can tell you that the game offers an engaging dialogue system, where I, as the protagonist Vess, have the opportunity to negotiate my way through various situations. For instance, I might decide to bribe a questionable Imperial official or stand firm and refuse. These decisions could influence Vess’ standing within a criminal underworld, adding depth to her character development. It remains to be seen how intricate this reputation system is, but the potential for shaping Kay’s persona through these choices is incredibly exciting!
Above all else, open-world games should possess a unique quality to stand out. Given the vast popularity of this gaming genre, it’s crucial not only to cover the essential aspects but also to excel in what makes it special. In the case of Star Wars Outlaws, the unique factor lies in the seamless integration of mechanics, with three key elements reinforcing this: Expertise, Reputation, and Wanted Status.
Star Wars Outlaws’ Expert NPCs
In this game, Kay Vess will undergo essential enhancements, but there’s another method for progression involving her encounters with Expert Non-Player Characters from the Star Wars Outlaws. As Kay interacts with these NPCs, players can complete tasks to unlock exclusive upgrades, enhancing their character’s overall abilities. For instance, a trailer showcased an upgrade for the Bartender and a skill called Fast-Talk, which enables players to delay alarmed adversaries. To unlock it, players must vanquish five enemies using melee attacks and subdue three distracted guards. This offers numerous incentives for players to focus on Expert NPCs, all while immersing themselves in the game’s environment. When questioned about the origin of this system, Karlson revealed that it was developed as a way to create more engaging interactions within the game world.
In Star Wars Outlaws, we aimed to make the process of uncovering new gear and abilities feel tangible and directly linked to the game world and engaging characters. Each unlock should be its own mini-adventure and a strong motivation for players to delve deeper into the game. This is where the concept of ‘Experts’ was born.
Every expert serves as a key to numerous discoveries, but before gaining access, you must first find them…Once found, it’s unclear exactly what you’ll encounter or what they might require from you. However, one thing is certain – it will always be an exciting journey, and the reward will be one of their most valued secrets.
As a gamer, I can say that each Expert NPC will have a distinct set of tasks to accomplish for their unlocks. These tasks offer diverse objectives and interactive experiences within the game world. For instance, one unlock might challenge you to leap your speeder an impressive 60 meters without wrecking – all of a sudden, you’re scouring the environment like a motocross park, on the hunt for the highest jumps. These unlocks can greatly transform Vess and provide opportunities for players to immerse themselves in the game world and customize their characters uniquely. It’s an engaging system, especially considering that these Experts represent various aspects of Star Wars, such as the gunslinger.
Star Wars Outlaws’ Reputation System
In “Star Wars Outlaws”, the Reputation and Wanted systems played crucial roles in creating the Scoundrel Fantasy setting. The Reputation system reflects the transactional relationships within the underworld, focusing on the four main criminal organizations. Players’ choices or completion of specific missions can influence these syndicates. For instance, attacking the Hutts might lower Vess’ standing with them, but completing tasks for them would boost it.
As a gamer, I find that this system significantly alters my mission outcomes. A shaky rep with the Pykes means they beef up their defenses against me, Vess, making it tougher to infiltrate their bases. But if I play my cards right and earn their favor, I can saunter around their compounds without breaking a sweat. Plus, this system offers some sweet perks like top-tier armor sets when it’s fully upgraded. It really adds an authentic touch to the Star Wars Outlaws fantasy, making me feel like Han Solo navigating the treacherous waters of the Hutt Cartel or the Guavian Death Gang.
There’s often a rivalry between these criminal groups, as they tend to be adversaries rather than allies. Making moves to boost your standing with one could potentially harm your standing with another, according to Karlson.
“An essential feature of the game’s structure is that you won’t be confined to a single faction. Instead, you can build a positive standing with multiple factions over time, albeit not all at once due to their rivalries. This offers you, as a player, numerous exciting opportunities to choose between favoring one group over another.”
Star Wars Outlaws’ Wanted System
In simpler terms, a Scoundrel is a lawbreaker who consistently challenges authority figures. Throughout the game, Vess interacts with Imperial officers and Stormtroopers, actions which could draw their attention unwelcomely. This could result from direct confrontation, illegal activities, or any number of other methods, causing her to acquire a Wanted status. The maximum level is Wanted 6, and as this level rises, players will find themselves surrounded by an increasing number of Stormtroopers.
At Level 6, Death Troopers make their appearance. These formidable adversaries establish bases, and players have the opportunity to infiltrate these strongholds to clear their criminal records. However, Death Troopers are not so easily defeated like Stormtroopers. This criminal record can persist even when players venture into space where, at Level 6, colossal enemy vessels can assault The Trailblazer. There is a means to eliminate the criminal record in space as well (and other methods in general), but the way these elements intertwine is truly intriguing. In conversation about Star Wars Outlaws’ Wanted system, Karlson elaborated on how the very essence of the game calls for a Wanted system:
“Experience a Star Wars open-world adventure starring a rogue, or scoundrel, during the Empire’s peak of power between ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’. This game demands a Wanted System to amplify immersion, fantasy satisfaction, and interactive fun across various settings – from bustling city streets to outer space. The game world responds intelligently to your actions, offering the thrill of battling numerous Stormtroopers.”
Ancient Weapons Are No Match for a Good Blaster
In this story, there’s no heroic Jedi, no guiding Force, and no famous Skywalker losing a hand. It’s just Kay Vess, her companion Nix, their Trailblazer, and her trusty blaster. This is a new kind of ‘Star Wars’ tale, equally significant to the Jedi saga, and it follows a street-wise kid navigating a harsh galaxy. Vess has dreams, just as the developers do with ‘Star Wars Outlaws’, their dream game. When discussing ‘Star Wars Outlaws’ Scoundrel Fantasy and how they brought it to life, Gerighty stated:
Instead of focusing solely on classic Star Wars rogues like Han Solo and Lando Calrissian, our goal was to introduce a contemporary, fresh character – Kay Vess. We aimed to make her feel authentic and familiar to the audience, rather than just another iconic scoundrel.
Raised in the labor-oriented district of Canto Bight alongside only Nix, she witnessed the accumulation of wealth by the privileged while struggling herself. This struggle fuels her ambition – the dream of exploring the universe freely, away from any authority, with Nix by her side.
Her dream of freedom and a good life is relatable and speaks to the heart of Star Wars. Every Star Wars story is a tale of oppression and freedom in some form, and Star Wars Outlaws focuses on that escape that every child from the streets dreams of. More than its Jedi vs. Sith conflict, more than its Chosen One prophecy, more than The Force, the heart of Star Wars is a dream. And, as part of their dream to make Star Wars Outlaws, the developers at Massive Entertainment have woven the dream to be free into every element of this Scoundrel Fantasy.
Read More
- USD MYR PREDICTION
- SOL PREDICTION. SOL cryptocurrency
- LUNC PREDICTION. LUNC cryptocurrency
- MNT PREDICTION. MNT cryptocurrency
- BTC PREDICTION. BTC cryptocurrency
- USD PHP PREDICTION
- INV PREDICTION. INV cryptocurrency
- OP PREDICTION. OP cryptocurrency
- AVAX PREDICTION. AVAX cryptocurrency
- ANKR PREDICTION. ANKR cryptocurrency
2024-08-24 15:07