Star Wars Outlaws’ Kay Vess Can’t Be One of a Kind

Star Wars games have long allowed Force-sensitive protagonists to dominate the stage, due in large part to the popularity of such characters and the high-power fantasy that accompanies them. However, Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment’s Star Wars Outlaws chose a different path, pushing its very normal, non-Force-sensitive protagonist Kay Vess into the spotlight, thereby proving that it’s possible to make a compelling Star Wars game without being led by a character who has access to otherworldly abilities.

Star Wars Outlaws might not have garnered the reception that it could have, but it at least needs to be seen as a fire-starter — a spark to ignite a continued interest in protagonists who aren’t supernaturally powerful and who instead need to rely on their very human characteristics to get by. Whatever Star Wars games are to come after Star Wars Outlaws, they should consider pulling from the well of non-Force-sensitive protagonists in the Star Wars galaxy.

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Star Wars Outlaws may have had a troubled launch, but it’s come a long way since then, and its most recent update brings a wealth of improvements.

Kay Vess’ Non-Force-User Status Should Inspire Future Protagonists

Most Star Wars Games Have Been Led by Force-Sensitive Protagonists

In the Star Wars gaming universe, there’s nothing quite like taking on the role of a Force-sensitive protagonist, whether it’s a Jedi, Sith, or a mixture of the two. Games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order allow players to live out their fantasies as someone who can manipulate reality using the mysterious and supernatural powers of the Force, whether it be by using telekinetic abilities to push large objects out of the way with ease or effortlessly leaping to great heights using a Force jump. To be fair, there is arguably nothing quite like having such immense power in a video game, especially when it comes to a franchise as massive as Star Wars.

Developers likely choose Force-sensitive protagonists in their games due to the allure of wielding such incredible abilities, as they offer a power fantasy that might not be available to players through other games. It’s not too far from the appeal of a typical superhero game like Marvel’s Spider-Man, as powerful abilities effortlessly offer exciting gameplay, so long as those abilities are designed well for a video game. Additionally, focusing on Force users often allows for more complex characters who might struggle with the Dark Side, like Cal Kestis in the Star Wars Jedi series.

There Are Plenty of Non-Force-Using Protagonists Future Star Wars Games Could Pull From

As more and more Star Wars games lean toward using Force-sensitive protagonists, Star Wars Outlaws‘ Kay Vess stands as a testament of what a game can accomplish when it does something different for a change. Kay’s position as Star Wars Outlaws‘ protagonist shows that not all leading characters need to be able to use the Force, and can instead be a normal individual with struggles that are common to almost anyone. Star Wars Outlaws didn’t need to be a perfect game to prove this; it only needed to be bold enough to go the opposite direction from most games, and to show that it can work.

Characters like Han Solo, Cassian Andor, Jyn Erso, and Hondo Ohnaka have shown in other media that compelling stories can come from individuals who rely on their wit, skill, and resourcefulness rather than the Force. Focusing on characters like this allows Star Wars games to explore elements of its universe that a Force-sensitive protagonist might not be inclined toward, like the galaxy’s underworld, politics, and the everyday struggles of the galaxy’s inhabitants. In the end, this allows for a much more relatable experience for players, as well as unconventional storytelling techniques.

In short, the gaming side of Star Wars shouldn’t shy away from featuring more protagonists like Kay Vess. Regardless of her backstory or characteristics, her unique position as a non-Force-using protagonist simultaneously opens the door for different storytelling and gameplay mechanics than most Star Wars games have been known for. Future Star Wars games would be remiss not to continue considering normal individuals for the leading characters, as it can continue opening the new world that Star Wars Outlaws has created a portal too.

Open-World

Action-Adventure

Released

August 30, 2024

Publisher(s)

Ubisoft , Lucasfilm Games

Engine

Snowdrop

ESRB

T For Teen // Violence, Simulated Gambling, Mild Language

PS Plus Availability

N/A

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

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