Nostalgia strikes like a bolt from the blue, effortlessly plucking the strings of memory. Who would have expected that a simple mission to purchase spare parts from a group of Jawas could evoke such an emotional scene? As the speeder sliced through the Dune Sea, their transport, an imposing black vessel, appeared on the horizon, and a wave of memories overwhelmed me. I remembered myself at the age of 15, breathlessly watching the Star Wars adventures, wrapped in a blanket in the living room. The sounds of lightsabers and space battles captivated me, while the aroma of the hot chocolate in my hand enhanced the feeling of absolute happiness. Every scene, every line, was indelibly etched in my memory.

And now, here I was, exploring the galaxy. The Jawas, with their shiny eyes and curious murmurs, were exactly as I remembered them from the movies. As I watched them repair their droids, I felt a deep connection to this world that I love so much.

Star Wars Outlaws, despite promises of something fresh and different, ultimately proves to be yet another galaxy filled with repetitive missions. Our heroine, Kay Vess, starts as a classic anti-heroine, a thief forced to run after a failed heist. But as she travels from planet to planet, taking on jobs for various underworld characters, her story begins to feel like déjà vu for those who have played Ubisoft's previous games. The main story missions are interesting, but soon get lost in a torrent of side jobs that strongly resemble the checklists of the company's previous titles. Fetch an item from point A to point B, blow up a base, kill some enemies - it's a formula we've seen many times before. However, the game does contain some original mechanics.

The presence of Nix, Kay's loyal companion, adds a touch of freshness to the gameplay. Nix's abilities, such as distracting enemies or reaching difficult spots, offer new possibilities to the player and create a more dynamic experience. The game's biggest asset is undoubtedly the Star Wars atmosphere.

The planets are beautifully designed and the references to the classic trilogy are constant. Walking through an Imperial research station or meeting a Hutt in a dirty underground is an experience that will thrill any Star Wars fan. In every corner of the galaxy, the game's creators have hidden little gems for the die-hard fans: familiar faces, historical items, and beloved vehicles. Even on the streets of Mos Eisley, you'll encounter the familiar presence of Stormtroopers patrolling on those monstrous vehicles, reviving moments from the classic movies.

The planets you visit are not vast expanses of exploration. Most have a large city and a few square kilometers of open landscape. But that's okay, as there's plenty out there to discover, from Hutt treasure caches in the valleys of Tatooine to pirate camps in the swampy forests of Akiva. Unfortunately, the speeder engine is not ideal for control, like trying to traverse alien planets with an old broken Lada. Travel between planets is done with a spaceship, but the flight experience is rather dull. Instead of the exciting space battles that LucasArts games have accustomed us to, here we have a more relaxed and graphical approach. On the planets, the adventure unfolds mainly through stealth and parkour missions. Kay Vess, our heroine, can climb certain surfaces, crawl through vents, and silently take down enemies. Although the gameplay mechanics are familiar from other games, their integration into the Star Wars universe offers a fresh perspective. However, repetition is evident. Many of the missions follow similar patterns, while the handling of the spaceship and the speeder engine leaves room for improvement. You also have a highly customizable laser weapon with a range of unlockable functions. Although it is possible to temporarily take other weapons, I like the fact that Kay sticks with the Han Solo-type pistol - there's nothing better than a good blaster at your side!

Behind the missions and battles, Star Wars Outlaws hides a story that deviates from the usual paths of the Star Wars universe. Kay Vess, from a simple thief, evolves into a heroine seeking justice and would do anything for her friends. The conflicts with the forces of the rebels add a level of complexity to the plot, forcing the player to wonder who the real villain is. The game's creators have shown a deep understanding of the Star Wars universe, drawing inspiration not only from the movies but also from the directors who influenced George Lucas. The result is a world that is both familiar and fresh, filled with references that will excite die-hard fans. Although the game does not focus on the Jedi or large battles, it offers a more personal and human story that reflects the spirit of the early films. Kay Vess is a character we can easily connect with, while her companions add a typical depth to the narrative. Star Wars universe enthusiasts will find plenty of references to their favorite elements, from droids and spaceships to exotic planets and characters. The game is full of small easter eggs that reward the player's attention.

Overall, despite the technical issues, Star Wars Outlaws is a game that will satisfy Star Wars fans, offering a new adventure in a familiar world. It is a game that makes you feel like a kid again, exploring a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Outlaws was released on August 30, 2024, on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5 (where it was tested for over 40 hours).