My Journey Through the Shadows: Why Star Wars Outlaws Needs Original Stories

As a lifelong Star Wars fan eagerly awaiting Star Wars Outlaws, I find myself staring at that iconic shot of Han Solo frozen in carbonite from the reveal trailer. It sparks that familiar thrill, the promise of stepping into a beloved universe. But it also makes me pause. This game drops us right into that desperate, gritty time between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi – when the Rebellion was on its knees, hope was scarce, and the Empire's shadow loomed large. Kay Vess, a fresh face entirely, promises an adventure through the galaxy's underworld. Yet, the question lingers: will my journey truly feel new, or will it be crowded by the ghosts of heroes past? 🤔

Kay Vess, stepping into the chaos of the Empire's reign. (Image: Ubisoft)

Think about it. Luke Skywalker was licking his wounds after his devastating loss to Vader. Leia was desperately trying to rescue Han, who was, well... frozen décor for Jabba. The Rebel fleet was scattered and hunted. This is Kay's world – a galaxy choked by Imperial dominance where survival is the only law. The setting itself is pure gold for a scoundrel story! Ubisoft Massive has crafted a brand-new protagonist, Kay Vess, offering a perspective we rarely get: someone not fighting for the Rebellion or the Empire, but purely for herself. Isn't that the essence of the outlaw life we crave? The freedom to carve your own path, untethered from the grand saga of Jedi and Sith?

Yet, the temptation to include the familiar faces is strong. That glimpse of Han in carbonite? It feels like a direct link. Could Kay stumble upon Leia's mission on Tatooine? Maybe assist in some small, crucial way? The planets we visit – iconic locations like Tatooine – practically beg for cameos. Part of me wants that connection, that thrill of brushing shoulders with legends. But another, louder part of me hesitates. Haven't we seen enough of Luke, Leia, and Han?

Let's face facts:

• Luke Skywalker: Appeared in 6 movies, multiple animated series, live-action shows, and numerous video games (including leading roles).

• Leia Organa: Featured in 7 movies, the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, and various games.

• Han Solo: Starred in 5 movies, got his own prequel film (Solo), and is a recurring figure across games and expanded media.

📋 The Legacy Character Overload

Character	Movie Appearances	Key TV Appearances	Notable Game Roles
Luke Skywalker	6	Multiple	Jedi Knight series, Battlefront, LEGO SW
Leia Organa	7	Obi-Wan Kenobi	Force Unleashed, Squadrons, LEGO SW
Han Solo	5 (+ Solo movie)	Limited	Shadows of the Empire, Battlefront, LEGO SW

Looking at this, doesn't it sometimes feel like the Star Wars galaxy is strangely small? As if only a dozen people ever did anything important? Every new story risks becoming just another chapter in the Skywalker-Solo-Organa chronicles. While their stories are foundational, constantly revisiting them can stifle the universe's potential for fresh air. Ubisoft has a golden opportunity here. The gameplay trailer teased a vibrant cast of new rogues, bounty hunters, and underworld figures surrounding Kay. That's where the excitement should lie!

The promise of new stories and faces in a familiar era. (Image: Ubisoft)

Original characters like Kay Vess offer something priceless:

1. True Discovery: Experiencing the galaxy's dangers and wonders through new eyes, free from decades of established lore baggage.

2. Uncharted Stories: Exploring narratives not bound by the fates of movie heroes. What drives a smuggler just trying to make credits under the Empire's boot?

3. Breathing Room: Allowing the Star Wars universe to feel vast and lived-in, not revolving around a single family.

If Ubisoft does decide to include legacy characters – and let's be honest, the setting makes it almost inevitable – they absolutely need to take a page from Respawn's playbook with the Jedi: Fallen Order / Survivor series. Remember Darth Vader's appearance in Fallen Order?

• It was brief.

• It was lore-accurate (he was hunting Jedi during that era).

• It was pivotal and terrifying, serving Cal Kestis's story directly.

• It didn't overshadow Cal's journey; it amplified the threat he faced.

Similarly, Saw Gerrera showed up, but his role was contained and relevant to the moment, not the main plot. The focus remained squarely on Cal, BD-1, Cere, Greez, and Merrin – the new crew we grew to love. That's the key! Cameos should feel organic, impactful for Kay's specific story in that moment, and then gracefully exit stage left. They should be seasoning, not the main course. The spotlight must stay on Kay and her unique struggles within the criminal underworld during this dark time. Will Ubisoft resist the fan service trap? Or will Kay's adventure feel like just another footnote in someone else's epic?

As 2025 unfolds and I prepare to dive into Star Wars Outlaws on my console, my hope is simple: Let me get lost in Kay Vess's world. Let me meet her crew, outrun her enemies, and forge her legacy in the shadows where the Rebellion barely reaches. Let the Hutts, the Pykes, and the terrifying might of the Empire be her primary antagonists and allies. If Luke, Leia, or Han must appear, let it be fleeting, perfect, and in service to Kay's narrative. The Star Wars galaxy is unimaginably vast. Isn't it time we explored more of it through truly new eyes? The success of Outlaws might just depend on it. 🚀✨