Summary
Following its announcement and initial reveal, Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment’sStar Wars Outlawswas pegged as a typical Ubisoft game by many — one that would feature Ubisoft’s worn-out open-world model, along with elements from itsAssassin’s Creedfranchise and Massive’sTheDivisionseries. However, now that countlesshands-on previews ofStar Wars Outlawshave surfaced, it seems that those initial perceptions are being thwarted, as the game is proving to be much more than a typical Ubisoft or Massive Entertainment game. There are fragments of Ubisoft’s infamous open-world model present within the game, but one particular comparison that many previews have made sets this particular title apart from anything Ubisoft and Massive have ever done.
Based on the majority of hands-on previews of the game,Star Wars Outlawsis less likeAssassin’s CreedandThe Divisionand more like Naughty Dog’sUnchartedseries. In the best of ways, this is a great omen forStar Wars Outlaws, as it needed to do everything it could to separate itself from the two developers' most famous franchises. Far ahead of its release,Star Wars Outlawswas already garnering plenty of criticism from skeptical fans who have become all too familiar with Ubisoft and Massive’s past work, so the fact that it is now being compared to something neither of them have ever done before spells several good things for the upcoming open-worldStar Warsadventure.
Star Wars Outlaws' Uncharted Comparisons Spell Great Things for It
Star Wars Outlaws Uncharted Comparisons Could Mean More Linear Level Design
WithUbisoft’s open-world modelpersistently under fire, it certainly hasn’t doneStar Wars Outlawsany favors ahead of its release. In fact, the words “open world” have been known to sound like nails on a chalkboard to many who have become accustomed to Ubisoft’s past work, as plenty of open-world games now utilize a similar formula. Thankfully,Star Wars Outlaws’Unchartedcomparisons may be its open world’s redeeming factor.
While someUnchartedgameshave featured large, open areas, they are still linear in their design.Uncharted 4was the largest game of the series, and yet still honored its roots by ensuring every open zone was linearly structured to encourage players to stay focused on the primary objective. As such, it’s possible that, even with its open world and the many planets that players will explore within it,Star Wars Outlawscould still prominently feature linear level design, especially during its story missions. It’s also possible that its open world is structured to keep players on task.
Star Wars Outlaws Uncharted Comparisons Could Mean a More Story-Driven Game
Anyone who has played throughNaughty Dog’sUnchartedseriesknows that it is much more story-driven than anyAssassin’s CreedorDivisiongame. TheAssassin’s Creedfranchise’s earliest games were certainly story-driven, but the larger their worlds have become in recent memory, the more the story has been put on the back burner in exchange for open-world exploration, optional activities, and countless collectibles.
WithStar Wars Outlawsnow being compared toUncharted, that puts it in a great place as far as its story goes, implying that the upcomingStar Warsgamewill focus more on its story than its open-world elements. These characteristics are especially beneficial to a game likeStar Wars Outlaws, as theStar Warsfranchise is known for its lore and the stories it tells. IfStar Wars Outlawsis as story-driven asUncharted,Star Warsfans may find it a bit more pleasing — so long as it honors the franchise’s canon and doesn’t veer too far off track.
Bits and pieces ofStar Wars Outlaws' structureand story-driven gameplay have already been revealed in its hands-on previews, but the full extent of these features is still unknown. Even so,Star Wars Outlaws' comparisons toUnchartedonly spell better things for it than what was originally anticipated.
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.
