Ah, 2026. Looking back, it’s wild to think that just a couple of years ago, we were all buzzing about the promise of Star Wars Outlaws. Now, having lived through it, I can tell you—it delivered in spades. I remember pouring over every scrap of info before its 2024 release. The idea of stepping into the worn boots of Kay Vess, a professional thief navigating a truly open galaxy, was a dream come true for a scoundrel-at-heart like me. This wasn't another Jedi saga; this was the grimy, morally grey underbelly of the galaxy far, far away, and I was here for it.

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One of the coolest things, right from the get-go, was the timeline. The game plopped us right into that sweet spot between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The Rebellion is licking its wounds, the Empire's grip is tightening, and in the shadows, folks like Kay are just trying to make a credit. This era? It's a playground for stories that don't involve lightsabers and Force chokes. It's all about smuggling, double-crosses, and surviving one job at a time. Honestly, it felt more real, more lived-in than a lot of other Star Wars tales. You're not saving the galaxy; you're just trying to save your own skin, and maybe make a profit while you're at it. Talk about a breath of fresh air!

Now, let's talk about a legend from the past. When I first heard whispers, I didn't wanna get my hopes up... but then it happened. Dash Rendar made his glorious return. For us old-school fans, Dash is the man. He's the star of the classic 1996 game Shadows of the Empire, a mercenary with more bravado than sense and a ship—the Outrider—that's almost as iconic as the Millennium Falcon. Back in the day, playing as Dash on the Nintendo 64 felt like being the coolest guy in the galaxy. He was like if Han Solo cranked the "rogue" dial up to eleven and didn't look back. The game itself was a gem:

  • Pioneering Gameplay: For its time, it had everything—on-foot combat, speeder bike chases, space battles.

  • A Killer Soundtrack: That score still gives me chills.

  • A Standalone Story: It carved out its own niche in the Star Wars lore, focusing on the criminal underworld during a pivotal time.

Aspect Shadows of the Empire (1996) Star Wars Outlaws (2024/2026)
Protagonist Dash Rendar, a mercenary Kay Vess, a professional thief
Era Between Episodes V & VI Between Episodes V & VI
Focus Underworld & Rebellion support Underworld crime & survival
Vibe 90s action-hero cool Modern, gritty, open-world scoundrel

Seeing Dash pop up in Outlaws wasn't just fan service—it felt right. The tone fit him like a glove. My first run-in with him was on a backwater planet, in a cantina that smelled like burnt engine oil and regret. He wasn't some central figure in a galactic war; he was just another player in the game, older, a bit more weathered, but with that same smirk. The devs could have just made him a statue in the background, a cheeky nod for lore nerds. But nah, they went the extra parsec.

He was part of a multi-stage questline, a proper "job" that had Kay and Dash reluctantly teaming up to pull off a heist that went sideways in the best possible way. The writing was sharp—full of that scoundrel banter you'd expect. It wasn't just a cameo; it was a passing of the torch, in a way. From one generation of galactic rogue to the next. It added this fantastic layer of legacy to Kay's journey. It made the whole criminal underworld feel connected, like these legends and stories passed between smugglers in dimly lit bars were real. Man, that mission had more twists than the Kessel Run.

Exploring the open world of Outlaws was the real meat of the experience. Kay's journey took me to planets both iconic and brand new. Each location was a hive of scum and villainy, but each with its own unique flavor:

  • Tatooine: Yeah, we've seen it a million times, but never from this angle. Running spice past Imperial patrols while the twin suns beat down? Pure magic.

  • New Locales: The new planets, like the rain-slicked cyberpunk-esque city of Veros or the fungal jungles of Myrto, were stunning. They showed a side of the galaxy the movies only hinted at.

  • The Vess Factor: As Kay, every decision mattered. Boost your rep with the Hutts, and maybe they'll look the other way next time. Piss off a syndicate, and you'll have bounty hunters on your tail before you can say "blaster."

The inclusion of Dash Rendar was the cherry on top of an already incredible sundae. It showed a deep respect for the franchise's gaming history. Star Wars games have been on a hot streak lately, and Outlaws didn't just continue it; it set a new standard for open-world, character-driven stories in this universe. It proved you don't need the Force to have an epic adventure—sometimes, all you need is a fast ship, a quick wit, and a partner you can (mostly) trust.

Playing through it now, in 2026, the game holds up incredibly well. The stories of Kay, her loyal droid Nix, and the chance encounters with legends like Dash feel timeless. It's a love letter to the scoundrels, the outlaws, the folks who make the galaxy turn, even if the history books never mention their names. If you're looking for a Star Wars experience that's less about destiny and more about the next big score, this is it. Trust me, you won't regret taking this ride.