Star Wars has always been a universe filled with dark implications. The Empire, a fascist regime, turns a blind eye to the criminal underworld, where sentient slaves are traded and illegal drugs are widespread.
However, the franchise has often shied away from fully embracing this seedy underbelly. Star Wars Outlaws presents a unique opportunity to delve deep into this criminal underworld, offering a truly immersive experience for fans.
A History of Clean Cut Criminals
The franchise’s reluctance to depict criminals in a more realistic light can be traced back to its creator, George Lucas. Han Solo, one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars history, is a prime example.
Initially depicted as a charming but ruthless scoundrel, Lucas later felt conflicted about his unrepentant killer persona. In the “Special Edition” releases of the original trilogy, Han’s confrontation with Greedo was altered, making it appear as if Greedo fired first. While this change sparked controversy, it highlighted a larger trend in the franchise: a desire to present its heroes as unquestionably heroic.
The Kid-Friendly Approach
The kid-friendly nature of the Star Wars franchise has also led to a more sanitized depiction of crime. In the prequel trilogy, even the seedy Coruscant bar visited by Obi-Wan and Anakin is presented in a relatively tame manner. The character’s name, Elan Sleazebaggano, is a subtle hint at the bar’s illegal activities, but it’s far from a gritty depiction of the underworld.
The Disney era has continued this trend, with characters like Boba Fett being presented in a more heroic light. His appearance in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett focused on his redemption arc rather than his criminal activities. While the series attempted to explore the complexities of crime, it ultimately shied away from fully embracing the dark side of the underworld.
The Potential of Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws offers a refreshing departure from this trend. The game promises to immerse players in a criminal underworld where they will interact with various syndicates and engage in illicit activities. This presents a unique opportunity for the franchise to explore the darker side of the Star Wars universe in a way that has not been done before.
By focusing on the criminal underworld, Star Wars Outlaws has the potential to offer a more mature and complex narrative. Players can expect to encounter morally ambiguous characters and make difficult choices that have real consequences. This could lead to a more engaging and thought-provoking experience than the traditional hero’s journey often seen in Star Wars.
In conclusion, Star Wars Outlaws represents a significant departure from the franchise’s traditional approach to crime. By delving deep into the criminal underworld, the game has the potential to offer a more mature and complex narrative. If executed successfully, it could be a groundbreaking entry in the Star Wars franchise.
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