Star Wars Outlaws: Discovering The Gritty Side Of Canto Bight

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Moiz Banoori

At Tech4Gamers, he is recognized for his insightful features and opinion pieces, where he blends his passion for gaming with a keen understanding of technological trends. His work, marked by depth and accessibility, makes him a respected voice in the tech and gaming community.

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I was eager for a fresh galaxy-spanning adventure when Star Wars Outlaws was announced, drawn in by Ubisoft’s promise of a sprawling, open-world experience. The stunning visuals and immersive environments captivate me, making the game a visual feast.

With advanced technology driving its impressive graphics, the game beautifully showcases iconic planets. These diverse environments come to life through different graphical modes while thrilling space heists and exploration of the seedier side of the Star Wars universe keep the excitement high.

Among the many space things players could explore, one stood out for its stark contrast to the glamorous image it had in the movies: Canto Bight, the infamous casino city on the planet Cantonica.

A Tale Of Two Cities: The Glitter And The Grime

Canto Bight first dazzled Star Wars fans in The Last Jedi with its glitzy casinos. If you loved the flashy casinos in The Last Jedi, you’re in for a surprise with Star Wars Outlaws. Instead of showing off the glitz and glam of Canto Bight, the game takes you to the rougher, less glamorous part of Cantonica.

In Outlaws, you begin in the slums of Canto Bight, a secret highlighted by players in the Star Wars universe, as noted on the CNET. Forget the shiny casinos and rich gamblers; you’ll see narrow, foggy alleys and run-down buildings here. This part of Cantonica is about survival and getting by in tough conditions.

Starting in the slums gives you a fresh look at Cantonica. The slums are a big part of Kay Vess’s story. Her mother raised her in these rough streets and developed a versatile skillset such as hacking. Kay’s journey through the slums is personal and highlights the tough life for those not living in luxury.

The decision to begin the game in the slums was bold. It sets the tone for the game, emphasizing that Star Wars Outlaws is not about heroes or the Force. Instead, it focuses on the everyday struggles of those living in the galaxy’s shadows.

Exploring The Gritty Side

Despite the richness of the setting, some players have expressed disappointment in how little time they spend on Cantonica. One user pointed out that while Cantonica is the first planet players explore, it’s primarily limited to the story’s opening sections and a few key missions.

After the initial heist and subsequent escape, Kay is forced to flee the planet, and players cannot return to Cantonica outside of these scripted moments. For a game about exploration, this feels like a lost chance to explore Cantonica more.

Conversely, Star Wars Outlaws explores the galaxy’s underworld from the typical Jedi-centric narrative. Instead of epic battles between Light and Dark sides, the game follows Kay Vess, a scoundrel and thief reminiscent of Han Solo.

This shift offers a fresh perspective, diving into the criminal underworld and showcasing planets like Cantonica in ways previous media haven’t. Focusing on life’s gritty reality outside Canto Bight’s luxury, Outlaws enriches the Star Wars universe with new, grounded stories.

A World Worth Exploring

Star Wars Outlaws may not be the game I expected, and it left me with mixed thoughts, as it raises concerns about its originality and reliance on familiar mechanics. However, it no doubt offers a unique perspective on the universe.

The game moves beyond the classic good-versus-evil theme by highlighting Cantonica’s grittier side and Kay Vess’s struggles. For those tired of the same old Jedi stories, this gritty take on Canto Bight presents a journey worth taking.

Whether you’re pulling off heists or just trying to make ends meet, the game captures the essence of what it means to live on the galaxy’s fringes, which is a story worth telling.

Moiz Banoori

Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.