May 4th 2024.
Is Star Wars Outlaws the game that fans have been waiting for? As a devoted fan of the series, I have often dreamed of the perfect Star Wars game. However, as I reflect on the current state of the industry, I have come to the realization that publishers may no longer be able to afford creating it.
As I write this, it happens to be May 4th - a day known to fans as Star Wars Day. Being a huge fan myself, I have always been passionate about the series, although there were some dark times during the prequel and sequel era. But, something always manages to reignite my love for the franchise, although it's rarely through a video game.
Don't get me wrong, there have been some great Star Wars games over the years, from the old Atari coin-op on up. However, in recent years, they seem to be on a smaller scale than what I would prefer. For example, while Star Wars Jedi is good, it doesn't quite capture the essence of being a fan. It feels like it could easily have the Star Wars elements stripped away, leaving behind just an ordinary sci-fi Soulslike game.
Other titles, such as Star Wars: Squadrons and Star Wars: Battlefront, have also been enjoyable, but they were quite short and had a lower budget. Despite the amazing graphics, they lacked the scope and variety of the older PlayStation 2 games. Overall, while the modern games are good, they are not great. And I fear this may also be the case for the upcoming Ubisoft title, Star Wars Outlaws, which doesn't seem to match the dream bounty hunter game I have always imagined.
The closest thing we have seen in recent years to the ultimate Star Wars game is Starfield. Although it has its flaws, it at least captures the scale of the universe. Flying around the galaxy and doing whatever you want is exactly what I've always wanted from a Star Wars game, with the added bonus of good space and ground combat.
However, to my disappointment, Starfield lacks space trading - an essential aspect for a good Star Wars game where you play as an ordinary person, not a Jedi or a military member. This seems like a ridiculous omission, as it adds to the freedom and immersion of the game.
As for the upcoming Ubisoft game, while it looks great, it appears to be a straightforward third-person shooter. Perhaps there is more to it that we haven't seen yet, but it doesn't seem to offer the same level of freedom, despite being an open world game.
For years, there have been rumors of a bounty hunter simulator, but that is not what Star Wars Outlaws seems to be. The main character doesn't even seem like a smuggler, let alone a bounty hunter. In my ideal game, players would be able to create their own character, choosing to be a droid, an alien, or a human, with a vast array of outfits and equipment to customize their experience. They could then freely explore the galaxy, trading, taking on bounties, smuggling illegal goods, or even becoming a full-fledged pirate - just like in the original films.
But, unfortunately, no game has ever allowed players to do all of these things. And I don't think they ever will. The budget required for such a massive and immersive game is likely too high, and publishers may choose to play it safe with a more limited game, like Outlaws.
However, I believe that my idea is something that could be built upon. With the trend of live service games, new planets and roles could be added over time. Players could even join the Rebellion or become a Jedi through expansions. It could truly be the ultimate Star Wars simulator, offering players the chance to experience every aspect of the universe, rather than just small slices of it.
Although I have lost hope of this ever becoming a reality, I still hold onto the dream that one day, on a Star Wars Day just like today, my ultimate game will be announced. Who knows, maybe it will happen one day.
-By reader Cuspo
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