The review embargo on Star Wars Outlaws has finally been lifted, allowing critics from around the world to share their thoughts on the game. However, the reception to the game has been incredibly mixed, with each reviewer focusing on different aspects such as gameplay, narrative, mechanics, and more. There is no consensus among reviewers, making Star Wars Outlaws one of the most divisive games of the year. Some critics have praised the plot for its focus on the underbelly of the Star Wars universe, while others have questioned the protagonist Kay Vess’ motivations and character development.
Positive Reviews
Reviewer Steph Panecasio from GamesHub expressed pure joy in playing Star Wars Outlaws, calling it “the most fun [she’d] had in a game all year.” She particularly praised the relationship between the main crew of the Trailblazer and the expansive world-building within the game. Panecasio acknowledged that the game is not perfect but found comfort in its imperfections. She commended Massive Entertainment for their impressive achievement in creating an engaging gaming experience. On the contrary, reviewer Chris Button from GadgetGuy lauded the criminal setting of the game and its satisfying stealth elements. He appreciated the game’s restraint in avoiding traditional open-world “bloat,” highlighting the tightness of its missions and character development.
However, not all critics were as enthusiastic about Star Wars Outlaws. Eurogamer reviewer Chris Tapsell criticized the game for its “stripped back” open-world structure, linear exploration, and limited player choices. He compared the game unfavorably to other stealth-based titles, expressing disappointment in its lack of branching narratives and systemic options. Similarly, James Wood of Press Start Australia found the narrative of the game to lack depth, labeling Kay Vess as “archetypal to a fault” with a superficial character development. Wood expressed concerns about the game’s reluctance to engage with political themes, ultimately leaving it feeling unsure of its identity.
Tristan Ogilvie from IGN highlighted the sense of adventure in Star Wars Outlaws while acknowledging its flaws. He compared the game to a Guy Ritchie film, appreciating the departure from the typical “good vs. evil” battles in the Star Wars universe. Despite its scruffier edges, Ogilvie found the game consistently entertaining, especially in its creative quest designs and syndicate system. Similarly, Jordan Middler of VGC acknowledged the game’s strong main cast of characters and interesting mechanics but felt that it played it too safe creatively. He expressed disappointment in the game’s failure to reach its full potential, despite enjoyable gameplay elements.
Star Wars Outlaws has sparked intense debates among critics, with opinions ranging from sheer delight to profound disappointment. While some applaud the game’s immersive world-building and engaging characters, others criticize its lack of depth and controversial narrative choices. As the dust settles on the release of Star Wars Outlaws, it remains clear that the game has left an indelible mark on the gaming community, for better or for worse.