This Free Game Pass Game Feels Like RDR2 Meets Mass Effect

I’ve always said that Star Wars Outlaws is incredibly underrated, and I’m thrilled to see that it's finally receiving its flowers.

You may be questioning my use of the word underrated, but I stand by it.

Star Wars Outlaws fared pretty well with critics, but it was disregarded by many gamers, and I’ve never really understood why.

I suppose it could be something to do with some fatigue surrounding Ubisoft’s typical formula, but Star Wars Outlaws just gets it absolutely right, if you ask me.

It combines the wanted system of Red Dead with the faction aspects of a franchise like Mass Effect, all set within the wonderful world of Star Wars.

I’d even argue there’s some Uncharted-esque platforming.

Star Wars Outlaws, Credit / Ubisoft

Kay Vess’ adventure is a true thrill - and Nix is arguably one of the very best Star Wars companions of all time.

Granted, the game did launch with a couple of issues, particularly regarding the forced stealth sections but a series of updates have made those qualms a distant memory.

Steadily, the 2024 release has been amassing support in recent months, coinciding with sales offers and its availability on subscription services.

In fact, Star Wars Outlaws is off to a very promising start on Game Pass.

Available on the Ultimate Tier

It’s still relatively early days for Star Wars Outlaws on Game Pass. It landed on 13 January.

Even still, it had immediate impact, with data compiled by True Achievements revealing that it ranked as the 14th most popular game on the service as of Monday 19 January.

That places it above other popular titles including Helldivers II, Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, Fallout 4, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Destiny 2.

In case you missed our original review of Star Wars Outlaws, GAMINGbible’s Sam Cawley said, “Star Wars Outlaws is a great Star Wars game.”

He continued, “It was refreshing to play something that puts you in the shoes of a normal individual rather than an all-powerful force user.

“Playing as a scoundrel was a lot of fun, and the growth you feel as a player when acquiring upgrades, completing missions and bending the factions to your favour felt like it mirrored Kay’s progression very well.”

I completely agree. In fact, I recently urged a friend to play who texted me a few days later remarking just how pleasantly surprised they were by this release.

Naturally, as Star Wars Outlaws didn’t exactly sell well straight out of the gate, I’m not sure its sequel prospects are great.

That’s a shame as I do think there’s plenty of scope for gamers to reunite with Kay in a new caper.

Still, I’m glad this game exists, as well as its Wild Card and A Pirate’s Fortune DLCs.