When Star Wars Outlaws hit the shelves, it left fans with mixed feelings. The initial stealth mechanics felt overly forced, and the unreliable enemy AI, along with some technical hurdles, took away from the experience right out of the gate. Thankfully, Ubisoft listened to the community and rolled up their sleeves to tackle many of these issues. This effort has allowed the bright spots of the game to come to the forefront.
One standout aspect of Star Wars Outlaws is its exquisitely crafted worlds, which genuinely capture the essence of Star Wars. This atmospheric richness aligns perfectly with the game’s intriguing premise, exploring the seldom-highlighted criminal underworld of the galaxy. Although its sales didn’t quite hit the mark, which makes a sequel seem a bit distant, there’s always hope. Should another installment come, the groundwork has been laid for a stellar continuation.
Looking ahead, any follow-up to Star Wars Outlaws should capitalize on the timeline post-Return of the Jedi. Thanks to The Mandalorian and its spin-offs, the stage is set beautifully for exploring the post-Empire criminal landscape. The first season of The Mandalorian delves deep into a galaxy grappling with chaos, where the New Republic is still struggling to assert control, leaving pirates and bounty hunters to flourish, especially in the Outer Rim.
The Book of Boba Fett adds more depth, portraying how different crime syndicates adapt. Even after losing their leader, the Hutt Cartel keeps thriving under Bib Fortuna, and the Pykes are carving out their empire on Tatooine fueled by spice trading.
A potential sequel to Outlaws could easily weave into this rich backdrop. Set approximately five years after the original, it would follow Kay Vess, now a bit older, savvy, and seasoned in dealing with crime syndicates. Kay’s journey could feature recognizable faces from her past and the broader Star Wars lore, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging.
The original game concludes with bounty hunter Vail setting sights on ascending the bounty hunting guild hierarchy, thanks to the codex Kay entrusted to her. Fast forward six years, and it wouldn’t be surprising to find Vail at the helm and engaging Kay with familiar bounty hunters like Cad Bane, Fennec Shand, and a possible cameo by Din Djarin. Each interaction offers potential ties to guild figures such as Greef Karga, enriching the narrative tapestry.
As Star Wars Outlaws continues to evolve, with its open-world, action-adventure appeal, fans can look forward to both the immediate enhancements and the potential for future adventures in the galaxy far, far away.