Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2) Review – Framed, Fugitive, Fantastic

Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2) Review

The Star Wars universe is vast, filled with stories from every corner of the galaxy that explore different aspects of life. Outlaws dives into the franchise’s seedy, crime-ridden underworld, setting itself apart from most other entries in the series. Although the game received mixed reviews when it first launched in 2024, Massive Entertainment has since refined its systems to enhance the overall experience. Now landing on the Nintendo Switch 2, is this a New Hope for Outlaws, or just another step toward the Dark Side?

For those unaware, the game is set at a pivotal point in Star Wars lore: between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. You play as Kay Vess, a young woman drawn into a life of crime. After years of petty theft, you attempt a big score, but when everything goes wrong, you’re left with no choice but to run. With a bounty on your head, you flee the planet and regroup.

The Heist of the Century

Your goal is clear: pull off one massive heist. To do so, you must travel across the Outer Rim to assemble a top-class crew for the job. It’s a formulaic tale, but one that never loses its appeal. There’s something inherently satisfying about gathering a team to take on an impossible mission. Each of the characters you meet has a unique quality, making them distinguishable, but it’s the relationship with Nix that steals the show. A small furry creature, he aids you on your quest by opening areas, distracting guards and much more. The mechanic is great, thanks to its simplicity and straightforward implementation. Although there are strong moments throughout, the pacing can feel uneven; however, once the story hits its stride in the final third, it’s an absolute thrill.

On your journey, you’ll encounter four crime syndicates. Working with them is important, as they provide access to better contracts and equipment; however, it can be difficult to keep them all satisfied. A decision that benefits one group may anger another, turning your adventure into a careful balancing act to maintain a positive reputation across factions. If you fall out of favor, roaming their territory becomes riskier and may even result in assassination attempts. This system adds real weight to your choices, giving a greater sense of consequence.

Have We Met Before?

For better or worse, the gameplay follows the Ubisoft formula. Whether you’re sneaking around facilities to silently eliminate guards or taking part in large gunfights against a barrage of enemies, everything feels familiar. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great Uncharted-inspired set pieces that bring cinematic flair to the adventure. The game executes each moment well, from racing through vibrant environments to scaling metallic structures, but everything is too predictable and safe. I would have liked to have seen the developers stray from the conventions synonymous with the company, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Nintendo has a history of questionable ports; however, it seems that those days are behind them with the Switch 2. While sacrifices have been made to ensure the game runs smoothly on the hybrid device, these efforts help to create a smooth and satisfying experience. The framerate remains steady at 30fps, which is remarkable considering the size and scale of the adventure. Cutscenes clearly show that the character models are less detailed than those in other versions. There are other cutbacks too, but generally, the game looks and plays brilliantly.

I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing

The Switch 2 release includes some new features. While none are game-changing, they’re welcome refinements. Motion control aiming is the highlight, letting you fine-tune your shots with ease and making those crucial headshots more satisfying. This adds precision to the gunplay and makes combat segments feel more immersive. In addition, minor touch-control features in handheld mode make navigating menus much easier. Though the changes are small, they go a long way toward creating a smoother, stress-free experience.

Star Wars Outlaws is a great port and a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 library. While it sticks to the tried-and-tested Ubisoft formula, it still delivers plenty of memorable moments in a beautiful open world. Other versions may run at a higher frame rate and feature sharper textures, but this iteration works incredibly well on the hybrid console – enough that its shortcomings are easy to overlook. If you passed on the first opportunity to delve into the seedy underbelly of the franchise, then this is the perfect opportunity to live out your scoundrel fantasy in a galaxy far, far away.

***A Switch 2 code provided by the publisher***