Ubisoft’sStar Wars Outlawsclearly differs from Respawn’sStar Wars Jedifranchise in many crucial ways but when it’s set in the overarching IP’s timeline is a much greater delineation.Star Wars Jeditakes place almost immediately afterThe Revenge of the Sithand the Jedi are either completely eradicated or hidden recluses, which is what Cal Kestis is forced to be. Here,Star Wars Jedihas been allowed to trek an original pathwith no implication of whether there’s a bigger backstory or connection between Cal and the larger universe.
Cal has thrived as an original character and the hope is thatStar Wars Outlaws’ Kay Vess will be given the same treatment. Of course, becauseOutlawswill be wedged betweenThe Empire Strikes BackandThe Return of the Jedi, there are far more opportunities for Ubisoft to engage with IP iconography. Kay doesn’t presently appear to be anybody but an original scoundrel character, and with any luck she stays that way so she isn’t tossed around and teased as nostalgia bait like Rey was inStar Wars’ sequel trilogy.
Rey’s Lineage Became an Unnecessarily Muddy and Complicated Star Wars Plotline
Ironically, while Rey was actually exciting as a fresh face with a ton of potential as a lone scavenger on Jakku, it seems like it was believed that Rey could only be a popular character ifStar Warsstrung audiences along with her possible lineage resembling a carrot on the end of a stick. ThisStar Warssequel trilogyhas been notorious for not having a cohesive plan written across all three installments, leading to a bunch of retcons and unsatisfying plot threads, and Rey’s was easily one of the most disappointing.
Learning that Rey’s family was insignificant, for instance, was a jab at the audience’s assumption that she’d have some fan-favorite character as her mother or father—her parents are referred to as “nobody,” as if directly speaking to the audience to tell them that Rey wasn’t related to a Skywalker or anyone else they might know by name.
This would have been excellent, too, if left well enough alone to allow Rey to become her own character. Instead,The Rise of Skywalkerwildly decided to make Rey the granddaughter of Sheev Palpatine, who also inexplicably and conveniently returned for the ninth installment. But even afterward, when Rey could have chosen to lead her own life as an individual, she chooses to brand herself asRey Skywalkerand strip herself of a unique identity.
Star Wars Outlaws’ Kay Vess Should Be Allowed to Keep Her Individuality
Just like what happened with Rey, Kay risks losing any individualism or importance on her own if Ubisoft decides to connect her to popular characters for the sake of brand familiarity. LikeHan Solo, Kay Vess’ background and inspirationsshould be largely irrelevant as long as there’s some salient reason as to why she’s chosen the life of a scoundrel and leaving her character a mystery in that way can keep her timelessly intriguing with present stories informing her personality far more than her past might.
Star Warsgames have already proven that they can be wholly mesmerizing withoriginal characters such as Darth Revan, Starkiller, and Cal Kestis, so suddenly needing Kay to have some intricate backstory tethered to iconic parent characters would be incredibly disappointing. How players choose to interact with NPCs and Kay’s companions will hopefully be a much more fulfilling endeavor as she explores an open world.
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.
