Star Wars Outlaws Ditches Forced Stealth, But Is It Enough to Win Over Players?

The gaming community has been buzzing with the news that the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws is undergoing a significant overhaul. One of the most controversial elements, the forced stealth sections, is being shown the door. This change, spearheaded by the game’s new creative director Drew Rechner, comes after a wave of negative feedback from players who felt that mandatory stealth sequences clashed with the core identity of the Star Wars universe – a universe known for its epic lightsaber battles and blaster shootouts. But while removing forced stealth might seem like a step in the right direction, many players are still on the fence, wondering if it’s enough to salvage the game’s reputation.

The Stealth Saga: Why Outlaws’ Initial Approach Backfired

When Outlaws was first revealed, much of the marketing focused on the open-world exploration, thrilling speeder chases, and the promise of living out your own Star Wars fantasy. Stealth was certainly mentioned, but it wasn’t positioned as a core gameplay pillar. This led to a sense of betrayal among many fans when they discovered that certain missions demanded a stealthy approach, often punishing players with instant failure if detected.

The backlash stemmed from several factors:

• Clash with Star Wars Identity: Star Wars, at its heart, is about action and adventure. While stealth can be a fun element, forcing players into a specific playstyle felt restrictive and counterintuitive to the power fantasy many associate with the franchise.
• Inconsistent Mechanics: Early gameplay footage revealed clunky and unpredictable stealth mechanics, with enemy AI behaving erratically and detection feeling inconsistent. This further amplified the frustration for players forced to rely on a system that seemed unreliable.
• Limited Player Choice: Gamers generally dislike being forced into a specific playstyle. The mandatory stealth sections undermined the sense of freedom and agency that open-world games typically offer.

A New Hope: Outlaws Embraces Player Freedom

Recognizing the growing discontent, Ubisoft took a bold step by announcing the removal of forced stealth from “almost all” quest objectives. Rechner emphasized that this decision was driven by a desire to prioritize player choice and allow for diverse approaches to missions.

“We know many of you enjoy the stealth approach, so it was important to us to preserve that playstyle while also giving you the freedom to decide how to tackle each mission,” ¹ Rechner explained in a recent update. “Ultimately, you’ll have the choice to sneak, go in combat-first, or—my personal favorite—sneak until you’re caught and then blast your way out.”

This change has been met with cautious optimism. Many see it as a positive step, acknowledging Ubisoft’s willingness to listen to community feedback and adapt the game accordingly. However, some remain skeptical, wondering if simply removing forced stealth is enough to address the game’s underlying issues.

Lingering Concerns: Beyond the Stealth Debate

While the removal of forced stealth is significant, it’s crucial to remember that it was just one piece of a larger puzzle. Outlaws still faces several challenges:

• Technical Performance: Early gameplay videos showcased some technical hiccups, including frame rate drops and graphical glitches. Ensuring a smooth and polished experience at launch will be crucial.
• AI and Combat: Even with the option to go loud, the quality of the AI and the overall combat experience will be critical. If these aspects feel clunky or uninspired, it could detract from the enjoyment even if stealth is no longer mandatory.
• Story and Characters: A compelling narrative and engaging characters are essential for any Star Wars game. Outlaws needs to deliver a story that resonates with fans and introduces memorable personalities.

My Take: A Cautious Gamer’s Perspective

As an avid gamer and a lifelong Star Wars fan, I’ve been following Outlaws’ development with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Initially, the forced stealth sections were a major turn-off for me. I’ve always enjoyed the freedom to approach situations in my own way, and the idea of being shoehorned into a specific playstyle felt restrictive.

The decision to remove forced stealth has definitely renewed my interest in the game. It shows that the developers are listening to feedback and are willing to make significant changes to improve the player experience. However, I’m still cautiously optimistic. I need to see more of the game in action, particularly the combat and AI, before I can fully commit.

Ultimately, the success of Outlaws will depend on how well it executes its core gameplay mechanics, delivers a compelling narrative, and captures the essence of the Star Wars universe. Removing forced stealth is a step in the right direction, but it’s only the beginning.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Outlaws?

Ubisoft has promised further updates and improvements in the lead-up to Outlaws’ release. This includes refining the combat system, enhancing the AI, and expanding player choice in various aspects of the game.

It’s encouraging to see the developers actively engaging with the community and taking steps to address concerns. Whether these efforts will be enough to win over skeptical fans remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the gaming world will be watching closely as Outlaws charts its course through the vast galaxy of player expectations.