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 the samurai epic Ghost of Tsushima and the expansive RPG Assassin's Creed Odyssey. This blend of influences shapes the game's unique open-world adventure.
The Ghost of Tsushima Influence: A Focus on Immersion
Gerighty cites Ghost of Tsushima's immersive world design as a major inspiration. He admired the game's cohesive narrative, where story, world, and gameplay seamlessly intertwine, avoiding repetitive tasks. This commitment to a unified experience guided his vision for Star Wars Outlaws, aiming to replicate that level of immersion within the Star Wars universe, allowing players to truly inhabit the role of a galactic outlaw. The parallel between the samurai's journey and the scoundrel's path emphasizes a captivating, cohesive narrative.
The Assassin's Creed Odyssey Influence: A Vast, Explorable Galaxy
Assassin's Creed Odyssey's influence is evident in Star Wars Outlaws' expansive world and RPG elements. Gerighty valued Odyssey's freedom of exploration and the sheer scale of its world. He collaborated directly with the Odyssey team, gaining invaluable insights into managing world size and traversal distances. However, unlike Odyssey's extensive playtime, Gerighty aimed for a more focused, narrative-driven experience in Star Wars Outlaws, ensuring a compelling and accessible adventure.
Embracing the Outlaw Fantasy
Central to Star Wars Outlaws is the classic scoundrel archetype, reminiscent of Han Solo. Gerighty explains that the fantasy of being a rogue in a vast, opportunity-filled galaxy drove the game's development. This focus allows for diverse gameplay, seamlessly blending activities like playing Sabacc, speeding across planets, piloting ships, and exploring diverse worlds, all contributing to the immersive experience of living the life of a Star Wars outlaw.