Summary
TheStar Warsuniverse is packed to the brim with named characters from household icons like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Obi-Wan Kenobi to obscure little characters who only have a few minutes of screen-time, like Salacious B. Crumb, Nien Nunb, and Yarael Poof. But if the last 47 years of fandom have proven anything, it’s that eventhe most minorStar Warscharacterscan have a huge impact on fans, and it’s exciting to think thatStar Wars Outlawscould deliver another handful.
Set for an August launch,Star Wars Outlawsrecently dropped its story trailer, and it finally gives fans a clear overview of what they can expect from the open-world Ubisoft game. Taking control of smuggler Kay Vess,Star Wars Outlawswill see players try to pull off the greatest heist the galaxy has ever seen. Naturally, this is going to draw the attention of not just the Empire, but the several syndicates that rule the galaxy’s criminal underworld and their hired associates. The bounty hunter Vail is one such associate, and when all is said and done, she might end up giving Boba Fett a run for his money.
Star Wars Outlaws' Vail Could Be Just as Formidable as Boba Fett
Boba Fett’s Appearances Have Been a Mixed Bag
Whether it’s boss fights in games likeShadows of the EmpireorStar Wars: The Force Unleashed, multi-episode arcs ofStar Wars: The Clone Warsthat showa young Boba Fett trying to take revenge on Mace Windu, or an entire season of a live-action show that finally confirms how the renowned bounty hunter survived his fall into the Sarlaac Pit, Boba Fett has been given plenty of opportunities to shine.
Even then, the character’s legacy still often outweighs the version fans see on-screen, especially in the world of video games, whereBoba’s latest appearanceinvolved him stealing a bounty from Cal Kestis at the last minute and just standing around waiting for him to leave. Simply put, Boba Fett’s badass mystique has rarely been delivered on, and that givesStar Wars Outlaws' Vail plenty of room to fill in the gaps.
Star Wars Outlaws' Vail Could Make a Big Impact
Revealed in the most recentStar Wars Outlawsstory trailer, Vail has been hired by theZerek Besh crime syndicateto hunt down the smuggler Kay Vess, for reasons currently unknown to the fan-base. According to Ubisoft’s official character bios, Vail is one of the best bounty hunters in the Outer Rim, which is a pretty grandiose statement, and one that Ubisoft needs to back up via bothStar Wars Outlaws' gameplay and narrative.
In order to avoidBoba Fett’s long-running issues,Star Wars Outlawsneeds to not just tell players that Vail is a talented bounty hunter, but actually show it.Star Wars Outlawsneeds to show Vail hunting down a target, her unique methods, and how they make her this renowned figure in the galaxy. Before and after this reveal,Star Wars Outlawscan reinforce Vail’s imposing persona by having NPCs mention her in dialogue, and use environmental storytelling devices like wanted posters to build this persona consistently throughout the game.
But narrative should only be one-half ofVail’s impact inStar Wars Outlaws. The best way to cement a persona in a video game is to have players experience it via gameplay, and Vail’s bounty-hunting profession paves the way for a compelling and impactful gameplay loop. From the moment Vail enters the picture inStar Wars Outlaws, she should become a constant threat to the player. Like a galactic Mr. X, Vail should hunt the player wherever they go, ambushing them while they explore the open-world, and beginning a challenging mini boss fight. Even if players manage to defeat Vail during this boss fight, she should only be knocked down temporarily, starting her pursuit again soon after and becoming more powerful alongside the player until she’s presumably finally defeated during the main story.
Star Wars Outlaws
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game and explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, & outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITYExplore distinct planets with bustling cities and cantinas before racing across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each planet brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORYLive the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. With Nix by your side, turn any situation to your advantage: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONSTake on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEATPilot your ship, The Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with The Empire and other foes, finding the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
