The assertion that *Star Wars Outlaws* is the franchise’s inaugural open-world game has sparked some debate. However, when discussing the matter with Screen Rant, the game’s composer, Wilbert Roget, argues that comparing it to other titles is not quite logical. The video game industry has long grappled with defining genres, as many experiences blend various styles and conventions. “Open-world” has evolved into more of a mechanical term rather than a strict genre classification, yet this hasn’t deterred some enthusiasts from mentioning *Star Wars: The Old Republic*, which also provided a vast realm for players to navigate.
In his conversation with Screen Rant, Roget clarified that *Outlaws* and *The Old Republic* are inherently different games with distinct approaches to open-world design:
“I don’t quite grasp where the criticism stems from. The team at BioWare EA accomplished an incredible feat with *The Old Republic*, and it’s clear there’s no intention to undermine that. However, there’s a significant difference between a massive MMO and an open-world title like *Outlaws*. I never saw them as belonging to the same genre. So, the source of the criticism is puzzling to me, but that’s just my perspective.”
Roget’s argument is compelling, given that the open-world style in *The Old Republic* is less of a sandbox than what is offered in *Star Wars Outlaws*. Both games encourage players to carve their own paths and explore the map, yet one leans towards responsive, emergent gameplay, while the other aims to provide a structured framework filled with micro-stories and mini-narratives.
The Old Republic and Outlaws: Vastly Different Realms
Distinct Approaches, Neither Incorrect
Roget further elaborated that the open-world gameplay in *Outlaws* is more akin to Sucker Punch’s *Ghost of Tsushima*. Although *The Old Republic* might also be labeled “open-world,” it presents a fundamentally different experience:
“I frequently play open-world titles. *Ghost of Tsushima* and the *Infamous* series are among my favorites, and they share more similarities with *Outlaws* than with *The Old Republic*, which represents a completely different gameplay style. There are open-world elements in *The Old Republic* due to its nature, but when crafting an article or a soundbite, word choice is limited and often leads to misinterpretation.”
In the video game industry, genre is an ever-evolving concept that continually transcends boundaries and transforms into new ideas. While both *Outlaws* and *The Old Republic* are open-world games, the quality is used to define the genre; the former is an open-world action-adventure game, whereas the latter is an open-world MMO.
*Star Wars Outlaws* aligns more closely with modern open-world games developed by Ubisoft, heavily relying on established tropes. The expansive map is dotted with quest markers and collectibles, emphasizing stealth that transitions into full-blown combat when players’ cover is compromised. This cinematic approach would be overly ambitious for a vast MMO like *The Old Republic*.
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Regardless of one’s opinion on *Star Wars Outlaws*, the game is undoubtedly making an impact. The journey of Kay Vess and her charming companion Nix has captivated the community, with many still relishing the experience. Although some critics have criticized the game’s lack of originality, most concur that it effectively employs the classic Ubisoft formula that has proven successful over the years.
Source: Screen Rant
