Why Star Wars Outlaws Keeps Getting Compared to Uncharted (And Why That's Okay)

So, here I am, a humble gamer trying to wrap my head around all the hype for the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws. The big talking point? It's being hailed as the first true open-world Star Wars game. You'd think with that kind of monumental claim, everyone would be throwing around names like Grand Theft Auto or The Witcher 3. But nope. The internet, in its infinite wisdom, has collectively decided that Outlaws looks suspiciously like a scruffy-looking nerf herder's version of Uncharted. And you know what? The creative director behind the game, Julian Gerighty, seems pretty chill about it.

The Uncharted Comparisons: From Reveal to Rampant Speculation 🧐

The whispers started the moment the game was first shown. A third-person perspective? Check. A charismatic, wisecracking protagonist navigating treacherous terrain? Check. Spectacular set-piece moments that look ripped from a blockbuster movie? Double-check. It had all the hallmarks. But the real fuel for the fire came during the Summer Game Fest demos in 2024. Journalists and influencers got their hands on sections that were, by all accounts, more linear and story-driven. They weren't exploring the vast open world of the Outer Rim; they were scaling cliffs, solving environmental puzzles, and getting into shootouts in tightly scripted sequences. Sound familiar? It was like someone had taken Nathan Drake, given him a blaster and a droid companion, and dropped him into the Star Wars universe. Even our own Editor-in-Chief, Stacey Henley, came away from her hands-on time thinking the same thing. The comparisons weren't just lazy—they were, in the moment, inescapable.

The Creative Director's Verdict: "Wonderful, But Not on Purpose"

Naturally, VGC cornered the creative mastermind, Julian Gerighty, at Summer Game Fest and popped the big question: "Hey, everyone's calling your baby 'Star Wars Uncharted.' Thoughts?" His response was a masterclass in graceful deflection mixed with genuine appreciation. He confirmed what many suspected: Naughty Dog's iconic series wasn't the primary inspiration or a "point of reference" they actively chased. 🎯

However, and this is the good part, he called the comparisons "wonderful." His logic? If your game is going to be measured against something, it might as well be against one of the absolute pinnacles of cinematic, third-person action-adventure. It's like a new band being told they sound like The Beatles—sure, it sets a ridiculously high bar, but it's also a massive compliment on production quality and sheer entertainment value. Gerighty's attitude basically translates to: "We weren't trying to make Uncharted, but if that's the league people think we're playing in, we'll take it."

Beyond the Linear: What Makes Outlaws Its Own Beast?

Here's where I think the real story lies. The comparisons are rampant now because we've only seen a sliver of the pie—the linear, story-heavy slice. But Star Wars Outlaws promises a whole bakery. The core identity they're selling is that open-world experience. We're talking about:

• A Living Galaxy: Seamlessly traveling between planets, each with its own ecosystems, cities, and seedy underworlds.

• Outlaw Sandbox: Making a name for yourself through smuggling, heists, and playing factions against each other.

• Ship as a Home: The Trailblazer isn't just a vehicle; it's your mobile base of operations.

These elements point to a different pedigree of inspiration. Think less Uncharted 4 and more a blend of:

Game Inspiration	Potential Outlaws Feature
Mass Effect	Dialogue choices, crew interactions, faction reputation.
Red Dead Redemption 2	Immersive world systems, honourable/dishonourable actions.
Elite Dangerous / No Man's Sky	Seamless space-to-planet travel, trading, and exploration.

The 2026 Perspective: Will the "Star Wars Uncharted" Label Stick? 🔮

Fast forward to today, 2026, with the game finally in our hands (well, in our imaginations for this article). The question is: did the Uncharted comparisons fade? I believe they evolved. The opening hours might have that familiar, guided cinematic punch to hook players—and honestly, in the Star Wars universe, that's not a bad thing. A thrilling speeder bike chase through a dense forest or a tense infiltration of an Imperial facility should feel like a playable movie scene!

But as players dive deeper, the label will likely shift. The moment you decide to ignore a main story mission to hunt a bounty, upgrade your ship's hyperdrive on a remote moon, or get into a chaotic dogfight you weren't "supposed" to have, the Uncharted parallel breaks down. That's when Outlaws will stand on its own two feet (or four, if you're riding a blurrg).

So, what's the takeaway for us players? The Uncharted comparison was never an insult; it was a shorthand for "this looks polished, exciting, and full of adventure." Julian Gerighty and the team at Massive Entertainment took it as the compliment it was intended to be. But they've also spent years building a game that aims to be much more. It wants to give us the linear thrill-ride and the boundless freedom of the galaxy's outer edges. Whether it successfully marries those two experiences will be the true test. One thing's for sure: I'm ready to jump into the cockpit, leave those comparisons in the dust, and see what kind of trouble I can get into for myself. 😉