Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition Review – A Conventional Episode

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition Review

The world of Star Wars has grown exponentially since Darth Mickey got his claws on the IP. Over the past decade, Disney’s intent has been to expand the universe, and they have done that through spin-off films, television series and video games. ILMxLAB took the famed franchise into the virtual realm with the excellent Vader Immortal. While the game allows you to live out a childhood fantasy, it is more of an experience rather than a complete game. The talented developers aim to correct this with Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, but will this shift from the Jedi-focused exploit to a full-blown adventure capture the spirit of the empire?

You take on the role of a technician, who is on a typical delivery mission. While on your way, things start to go awry as pirates attack in order to take your cargo. It quickly goes from bad to worse as you crash onto the planet of Batuu. Now you must work with the strange locals and take part in a range of missions that will have you encounter icons from the series in this Sci-Fi adventure. Originally released in 2020, the Enhanced Edition includes both the main campaign and the DLC: Last Call. There is a stark difference in quality between the two segments. The base game is a conventional affair with simple characterization whereas the additional content ramps up the stakes and develops the plot. Due to this, you will have to plod through the lackluster beginning to experience the more impressive sequence.

From Saber to Shooter

Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge focuses on gunplay instead of lightsabers. Throughout, you will get to use a range of weaponry that features in the iconic series. As ammo is limited, you will constantly discard and pick up new guns. Due to this, you will cycle through a range and get to experience each firearm that looks and sounds like its onscreen counterpart. In addition to this, you will also be able to throw grenades, and use a number of droids with different abilities to dominate on the battlefield.

The combat itself is competent and follows trends of cover-based shooters. While there is a button to crouch, it is much more immersive to physically move behind cover and pop up to take the shot. Another way that Galaxy’s Edge anchors you in the world is through its interactivity. You will have to cock your gun to ready it so you can blast any foes that attack; you will also need to store and retrieve items from locations around your body.

Environments include a range of levels so you will need to scour areas to ensure all is clear. The AI uses this well and will take up spots up high and try to flank and overwhelm you. In order to counter this, you have access to the bizarrely integrated jet pack. The idea is great. With a click of a button, you can take to the sky in order to take out enemies in hard-to-reach locations or pummel them from above. However, rather than elegantly lifting from the ground, you literally transport to a predetermined point above your head. It’s jarring and a missed opportunity.

I’ve Got a Tool for That

As you wander the world through teleportation or smooth movement, you will come across small puzzles and interactive elements. Most of these rely on your use of the multi-tool. With a simple click, you can alter its function to send a jolt of electricity, burn through barriers or unscrew items. There is a lovely tactile element that resides with these small puzzles and the haptics help to communicate your actions.

In addition to the main campaign, there are some side missions and small mini-games that you can complete on the adventure. While these do offer some variety, they are only minor distractions. It’s these aspects that highlight the age of the game, as modern examples tend to include more meaningful interactions.

There are some incredible set pieces in the game. The environments are full of detail and really do capture the atmosphere of the franchise. This is further accentuated through the authentic score. In addition to this, the character models look fantastic and there is a great sense of size and perspective. The colors are vivid and at times, it’s a great showcase for the PSVR 2.

Star Wars: Tales from The Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition allows you to step into the franchise and use a range of iconic weaponry. Fans will love the faithful representation of the world and its inhabitants, however, the uninspiring opening and aging design hinder the experience.

***A PSVR 2 code was provided by the publisher***