Summary
The developers behind the upcomingStar Wars Outlawsjust shared some insight into how the game’s Reputation system will shape Kay’s adventure across the Outer Rim. Almost two years after Ubisoft andAvatar: Frontiers of Pandorastudio Massive Entertainment announced that it was working on an open-worldStar Warsgame, they officially revealedStar Wars Outlawsduring last summer’s Xbox Games Showcase. This crime caper will be set betweenThe Empire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi, and will put players in the role of an aspiring scoundrel trying to pull off the biggest heist in the history of theStar Warscriminal underworld.
To do this,Star Wars Outlawsprotagonist Kay Vess and her allies will have to navigate said underworld, making deals and alliances with nefarious crime bosses like Jabba the Hutt across a mix offamiliarStar Warslocations and brand-new worlds. Kay can perform various missions for these leaders and their syndicates, building her reputation among them with every task she performs - all while staying one step ahead of any patrolling Imperial forces she may bump into along the way.
Star Wars Outlawssenior narrative systems designer Alice Rendell shared some major details about the game’s Reputation System during an interview withGame Informer. She says that while the main beats of Kay’s story will remain the same regardless of the player’s actions,Star Wars Outlaws’ gameplaywill change depending on Kay’s standing with the game’s three big crime factions. For example, if Kay must steal something from the Pykes while having a bad reputation with them, their enforcers will make her task all the more difficult. However, should she have a good relationship with them, then Kay could walk into their base and take whatever she needs without incident.
Star Wars Outlaws’ Reputation System Alters How Missions Play Out
However, doing this will damageKay’s standing with the Pykes, which Alice Rendell says is meant to capture the “transactional nature of the underworld” inStar Wars Outlaws. Both she and Lead Systems Designer Matthieu Delisle go on to describe how Kay’s alliances with the factions can and will shift asStar Wars Outlaws’ story goes on, adding an element of strategy to how players wish to approach situations based on their Reputation status.
Star Wars Outlaws’s Reputation mechanic doesn’t just impact howenemies react to Kay in combat, as merchants might offer her special discounts or raise their prices depending on her standing with the faction they are affiliated with. Other NPCs might have special storylines that are only available if the player has a good relationship with a certain criminal group. WhileStar Wars Outlaws’ Reputation system doesn’t affect the game’s main storyline in any drastic way, it does shape the journey Kay takes to get there, something that players will see for themselves when the game launches on August 30.
Star Wars Outlaws
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITYExplore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORYLive the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONSTake on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEATPilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
