Star Wars Outlaws was the first game I played during Gamescom 2024 and I loved it. From the moment I took control of Kay Vess, I was all in. This isn’t just another Star Wars game; it’s a thrilling blend of exploration, parkour, and puzzle-solving. Let’s jump in, Ubisoft style!
A Galaxy Far, Far Away… with Parkour?!
The level I played was focused on exploration and let me check out a crash site for roughly 20 minutes. The first thing that caught my attention as I played as Kay Vess was how seamlessly the game blends traditional Star Wars flair with mechanics that reminded me of some of the best parts of the Assassin’s Creed series. If you’ve ever scaled rooftops or leaped across ancient ruins in, you’ll feel right at home here.
The level I played was centered around investigating the crash site. This wasn’t just any old hunk of metal, though; it was a massive, wreck, full of tight spaces, and plenty of opportunities to flex those parkour muscles. From the moment Kay approached the site, I was struck by how the game encourages vertical exploration. There’s a real sense of freedom as you leap between broken beams, scale rusted hulls, and swing from hanging cables. The level design felt organic, although the infamous yellow paint made it clear where I needed to go. I don’t always like this but in the case of Outlaws, I did appreciate it. Without the yellow paint it wasn’t always that clear where I needed to go.
Blaster in hand
Of course, it wouldn’t be Star Wars without a bit of action, and Outlaws doesn’t disappoint. While the exploration is definitely a highlight, you can’t forget that there’s always a blaster at your side. The level I played threw a handful of enemies in my path, reminding me that this galaxy is a dangerous place. The combat is snappy and satisfying, it’s all third-person action here so if you’ve played third-person Ubisoft games before, you know what to expect.
But what really stood out to me was how the game introduces puzzles into this mix. As I made my way deeper into the shipwreck, I encountered several puzzles that required more than just quick reflexes. Using the laser gun to shoot energy nodes or redirect power to unlock doors felt intuitive, and the balance between action and puzzle-solving kept the pacing just right.
Early conclusion
Star Wars: Outlaws is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of both the franchise and exploration-heavy games. The mix of parkour-style movement, engaging puzzles, and combat makes it a stellar experience. If the rest of the game lives up to the potential I saw in this brief glimpse, then we’re in for a ride when it finally launches.
