Star Wars Outlaws: A Galactic Adventure Inspired by Samurai and Open Worlds
Star Wars Outlaws' creative director, Julian Gerighty, recently revealed the surprising influences behind the game's development, drawing inspiration from both samurai action games and expansive open-world RPGs. This blend of influences aims to create a unique and immersive Star Wars experience.
The Ghost of Tsushima Influence:
Gerighty cited Ghost of Tsushima as a major inspiration, praising its cohesive world-building and immersive gameplay. He sought to replicate this seamless integration of story, world, and gameplay mechanics within the Star Wars universe, allowing players to fully embody the role of an outlaw. The focus is on creating a captivating narrative where players feel truly in the Star Wars world, not just playing a game set in it. The parallels between the samurai experience and the scoundrel's life are key to this vision.
Learning from Assassin's Creed Odyssey:
Assassin's Creed Odyssey's vast, explorable world and RPG elements also significantly impacted Outlaws' design. Gerighty consulted directly with the Odyssey team, gaining invaluable insights into managing world size and traversal distances. However, while admiring Odyssey's scale, he opted for a more focused, narrative-driven experience in Outlaws, aiming for a compelling, manageable playtime rather than a sprawling epic.
Embracing the Outlaw Fantasy:
The core concept driving Outlaws' development is the classic Star Wars scoundrel archetype, reminiscent of Han Solo. The freedom and opportunities available to a rogue in the galaxy are central to the game's design. This focus allows for a diverse range of activities, from cantina games of Sabacc to piloting starships and exploring diverse planets, all seamlessly integrated to enhance the feeling of living the outlaw life.