Star Wars Outlaws: A Blend of Inspirations and Gameplay
“Star Wars Outlaws” has been turning heads with its unique blend of influences and gameplay elements. While initial impressions noted a certain sluggishness in the action, the game gradually won over critics with its cohesive experience, echoing the familiar yet enjoyable formula of previous Ubisoft open-world games.
Influences and Inspirations:
The game’s creative director, Julian Gerighty, has openly discussed the various inspirations behind “Star Wars Outlaws,” citing notable titles like “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey,” “Ghost of Tsushima,” and “Red Dead Redemption.” Each of these games has contributed to the development and design philosophy of “Outlaws” in distinct ways.
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey:
- Freedom and Exploration: Gerighty praised Odyssey’s vast environment and freedom of approach. He frequently consulted with the Odyssey development team to understand their techniques and limitations, aiming to apply similar principles to Outlaws.
- Curiosity-Driven Design: Odyssey’s ability to invoke curiosity and encourage exploration was a key inspiration for creating engaging and expansive worlds in Outlaws.
- Ghost of Tsushima:
- Player Fantasy: Gerighty admired Tsushima’s commitment to delivering a pure player fantasy, integrating story, world, and gameplay seamlessly. The “samurai ninja in Japan” fantasy in Tsushima served as a model for the “scoundrel fantasy” in Outlaws.
- Cinematic Inspiration: Tsushima’s Kurosawa-inspired aesthetic influenced the artistic direction of Outlaws, blending Eastern cinematic styles with the Star Wars universe.
- Red Dead Redemption:
- Immersive World: Red Dead’s approach to creating a living, breathing world, rather than a mere checklist of activities, influenced Outlaws’ world-building. This philosophy aims to make the game world feel organic and immersive.
Gameplay and Experience:
- Scoundrel Fantasy: Unlike traditional Star Wars games focusing on Jedi or large-scale conflicts, Outlaws emphasizes a “scoundrel fantasy,” where players navigate the underworld of the Star Wars universe, embodying the rogue, cunning characters often seen in the franchise.
- Integration of Mechanics: The game brings together elements from its inspirations, such as Odyssey’s exploration, Tsushima’s focused player fantasy, and Red Dead’s immersive world, to create a cohesive and engaging experience.
- Release Date: Fans won’t have to wait much longer to experience this amalgamation of influences, as “Star Wars Outlaws” is set to release on August 30.
Conclusion:
“Star Wars Outlaws” promises to deliver a rich and immersive experience by blending the best aspects of its influences. With a focus on creating a compelling scoundrel fantasy, the game aims to stand out in the Star Wars gaming universe, offering players a fresh yet familiar adventure.
