When I first heard about Star Wars Outlaws coming to the PS5, my reaction mirrored that of any Star Wars fan — an uncontrollable quickening of the pulse. Then came a barrage of questions: Would it break away from saber-clashing, Force-flinging epics? Or would it be a gritty, blaster-first, open-world experience? Let’s not forget, this is a decades-old franchise, and with every new release, fans ask: Will it live up to its ambitious pitch, or will it stumble under the weight of expectations? Two months after its release, having played it from start to finish, I believe I have the answer. In this post, I will cover the world-building, compelling character narratives, and other elements that make Star Wars Outlaws on PS5 a world-class game.
Visual and World-Building Excellence
Right away, the world of Star Wars Outlaws is a feast for the eyes. Picture the icy peaks of Kijimi, the lush, jungle-covered Akiva, and the classic sands of Tatooine. Whatever the setting, it bursts with incredible detail. If you play it on a PS5 Pro, the dynamic 4K resolution brings a whole new level of clarity. For me, as a Star Wars fanatic, never has the galaxy felt more alive and worth exploring.
The developers clearly had a directive to keep Star Wars lore at the heart of the game, and it shows. There is tremendous attention to detail, with many small touches in settlements that never let you forget you are part of the inimitable Star Wars universe. The dialogue from NPCs is engaging, and the architecture is instantly recognizable. Whether you’re in a bustling cantina or an alien marketplace, you feel the iconic Star Wars charm throughout.
With the PS5 launch, Star Wars promised larger-than-life space opera, and it delivered. I’m particularly impressed by the ability to take off from a planet’s surface and enter space combat seamlessly, without load screens breaking up the experience. This is a technical marvel and the closest the franchise has come to delivering an authentic star pilot experience.
The sheer variety of things to do in the galaxy is impressive. You can take contracts from underworld brokers, participate in thrilling speeder races, or rob crime syndicate vaults. These are just a few examples of the many activities that make the galaxy feel like a living, breathing world. You must keep your eyes and ears open — you might overhear a tip in a bar that leads to a win at the casino or be challenged to a race while exploring.
Compelling Character Narratives
Star Wars Outlaws takes a welcome break from the typical Jedi-centric narrative. You play the role of Kay Vess, who is far from being an idealistic hero. She is cunning, morally ambiguous, and a thief. Yet, she’s unafraid to call out the Rebellion’s hypocrisy. There are personal stakes in her journey, and she forms alliances with shady figures. Her most memorable companion, Nix, offers a perfect balance of levity and warmth amidst the chaos.
Throughout the game, you must balance alliances, betray characters you like, and depend on favors you know you cannot repay. This moral ambiguity adds layers to the narrative. Additionally, the Ocean’s Eleven-style team-building and heist-planning structure injects intrigue into the story, making it more engaging.
Combat and Stealth Mechanics
The blaster-based combat may not be revolutionary, but it is satisfying and punchy. The iconic Star Wars sound effects contribute significantly to this impression. I particularly enjoyed strategically using explosive barrels for bursts of excitement. Kay’s adrenaline rush move, which slows time and allows you to mark and eliminate enemies, brings a flair reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption’s Dead Eye feature.
The stealth segments are another highlight. Kay’s companion, Nix, plays a crucial role, serving as a distraction or a hacking tool. I also appreciated the rhythm-based lock-picking system, which is a surprisingly satisfying addition.
Technical and Accessibility Improvements
It’s easy to overlook the technical improvements, but they deserve attention. The shift from 1440p at 30 FPS to dynamic 4K at 60 FPS on PS5 Pro is transformative. Textures are sharper, environments pop, and the game’s overall aesthetics shine brighter than ever before. The accessibility features are impressive, too, with difficulty presets that let you fine-tune combat intensity and various display settings to enhance your experience.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet played Star Wars Outlaws on PS5, you have a beautiful experience waiting for you. From its breathtaking visuals and rich world-building to its compelling characters and engaging gameplay, it is a standout entry in the Star Wars universe.