Star Wars Outlaws is a Mess! Reviews Slam This Woke Game!

Star Wars Outlaws has finally been released, and the review embargo has lifted. Both mainstream media and gamers are now sharing their opinions across social media, and unfortunately, the reception has been mixed, as seen on Metacritic and in various reviews.

One of the most contentious issues surrounding Star Wars Outlaws is the apparent injection of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles into the game. Ubisoft has been heavily criticized for focusing more on these aspects than on creating a compelling narrative or engaging gameplay. Many players feel that the game's commitment to appealing to a "modern audience" has led to compromises in quality.

A glaring example of this is the design of the main character, Kay Vess. Critics have pointed out that Kay seems intentionally designed to subvert traditional aesthetics, appearing deliberately unattractive to fit a certain narrative agenda. This move has sparked debate among fans who argue that Ubisoft has prioritized making a statement over creating a relatable or engaging protagonist.

In recent years, Ubisoft has been increasingly catering to the modern audience by embracing a more progressive approach in their games. While diversity and representation are important, many feel that Star Wars Outlaws has taken it too far, sacrificing gameplay depth and narrative complexity in the process. The character of Kay Vess is just one example of how this focus on DEI can overshadow other critical elements of game design.

Reviews from outlets like Gamers Heroes praised the environments but were less kind to other aspects. In contrast, outlets like The Gamer and Eurogamer were more critical. The Gamer mentioned that Star Wars has never felt this sprawling and dense before, yet others claim the open world feels empty and lifeless. The combat, stealth, and exploration received mixed feedback, with some praising it and others finding it lacking.

The main character, Kay Vess, has been criticized as one-dimensional and boring, with some reviewers noting that the game’s narrative never truly takes off. Eurogamer’s review particularly stands out for its brutal honesty, calling the game a stripped-back Ubisoft formula that fails to deliver. The review compares Star Wars Outlaws unfavorably to other games, noting that it lacks the branching open stealth of an Arkham game, the systemic options of a Dishonored title, or the satisfying combat found in Assassin's Creed.

IGN, while giving the game a 7, mentioned that Star Wars Outlaws is a fun intergalactic heist adventure with great exploration. However, they also noted that the game is hindered by simple stealth, repetitive combat, and numerous bugs at launch. The bugs have been a significant issue, with many players encountering them throughout their gameplay experience.

One of the most interesting reviews came from Greg Miller of Kind of Funny Games, who rated the game a 4 out of 10. He described Star Wars Outlaws as a below-average game that failed to excite or engage him. Miller’s review was particularly scathing, noting that the game left him frustrated and disappointed.

It’s also worth noting that Ubisoft held back review codes until the last minute, giving reviewers only six days to play and post their reviews. This move suggests that Ubisoft might have been trying to soften the blow of negative feedback. Unfortunately for Ubisoft, it seems that the longer players spend with Star Wars Outlaws, the more they realize how barebones the game truly is.