Stars Wars is the intergalactic battle between good and evil, between the dark and light sides of the force. In between, however, there is a large gray area that Ubisoft has incorporated into a new video game. Without any supernatural powers, you search for your place in the universe.
Their lightsabers buzz through the air with a unique sound, they say things like “The force is with you” and have supernatural abilities: Jedi knights like Luke Skywalker are the central figures in the Star Wars universe – and yet they are no longer a guarantee of success when adapted into films, series or video games. The French developer Ubisoft is now venturing into the world of smugglers and thieves and is relying on a protagonist who could be described as a female “Han Solo”.
The rights to Star Wars are a gigantic asset, but it is not a franchise that is too big to fail. While the last video game adaptation, “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,” was a hit for Electronic Arts, several Disney series from the space saga stumbled along. “Obi Wan-Kenobi” and “The Book of Boba Fett” were not well received by fans and critics. In contrast, “Andor,” a story from the human perspective, has become the new favorite of George Lucas' followers. And this is the area that Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment have chosen as their setting.
As outlaw Kay Vess, you don't have any Jedi powers in “Star Wars: Outlaws,” but you do have a cute companion in the alien creature Nix, who is supposed to help you pull off the biggest robbery in the galaxy. Star Wars has never existed as an open world before. At the demo session in Los Angeles, ntv.de was able to play three missions of the triple-A title, which is still in development.
More blaster action
And one thing is for sure: more blaster action instead of lightsaber action is actually good for the gaming universe. There are also chases in space and firefights between spaceships. Music, sound effects and bizarre alien characters gave a real Star Wars feeling when you first played the game.
“We are really proud of how authentically we managed to create this world so that it really feels like Star Wars,” says game director Mathias Karlson in an interview with ntv.de. Ultimately, the collaboration with Lucas Films was crucial. The authenticity that was created makes the game feel like a natural part of the Star Wars universe, says Karlson.
Protagonist Kay has not yet come into contact with the Jedi and the Force, even though the game is set between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” She is a character who also has no connection to the rebels. The developers refer to the main character as a “Scoundrel,” a “rogue” or “scoundrel” who is on her own journey.
Fresh approach with anchor points
It's “a fresh approach,” says Narrative Director Navid Khavari. They made sure that everyone could identify with the protagonist and her motivation. “Kay wants to get out of her situation and finally make it big.” That's why “Outlaws” is easy to get into even if you're not a passionate Star Wars fan.
But they don’t have to do without anchor points and well-known characters. Jabba the Hutt was already seen in trailers to see that the Empire also plays a big role – after all, stormtroopers can be found in many areas. “There are incentives in the world to break the rules and try to get away with it. The troops of the Empire react to that. They will pursue and hunt you, and you have to flee. And that is a small gaming experience,” says Khavari.
It won't be long now before players around the world can enjoy “Star Wars: Outlaws”. The release is scheduled for August 30th.
