When it was first revealed that Ubisoft would be working on an open-world game set in theStar Warsuniverse, many fans were excited to see what the developer could do with the franchise after EA’s decade of exclusivity. Few could have expected, however, that the game would be revealed only a couple of years after that announcement, or that it would be available just next year. As it would turn out,Star Wars Outlawshas emerged as the next big title for the galaxy far, far away. Promisingeverything from seamless galactic exploration to dynamic combat, manyStar Warsfans seem to be getting the open-world experience they’ve long dreamed of.
Star Wars Outlawsallows players to explore the seedy underbelly of the galaxy, focusing on smuggler Kay Vess and her exploits withStar Wars' crime syndicates. There are five crime syndicates in total operating during the time periodOutlawstakes place, with each of them posing unique threats. One, in particular, provides an opportunity that could see the return of a character who featured prominently in aStar Warsspin-off film, and who still has a number of questions surrounding their whereabouts.
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Star Wars Outlaws Could Feature Solo’s Qi’ra
Star Wars' spin-off film efforts were short-lived, but they did produce some bright spots for the franchise. Out of the two films to bear theStar Wars Storymoniker, the one that is not often remembered well is 2018’sSolo, but that’s not to say this film didn’t make worthwhile contributions toStar Warscanon. One aspect of the film that stuck with many fans was the character Qi’ra, the childhood friend and love interest of Han Solo. The film sees Qi’ra get involved with the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate, eventually becoming second in command to its leader, Darth Maul.
AfterSolowas released, questions about Qi’ra and Crimson Dawn were left unanswered for years, untilStar Wars' comics picked up the story betweenEpisode 5and6. These comics fleshed out Qi’ra’s character and filled in several gaps in her story, andStar Wars Outlawscould continue that work by incorporating Qi’ra into its own story. Although not too much is known about the game’s narrative,Star Wars Outlaw’s revealindicated a few things about the state of the galaxy. It’s these clues that could allow room for Qi’ra to make an appearance inStar Wars Outlawsand cross paths with the ambitious Kay Vess.
How Qi’ra Could Factor Into Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws' reveal gave players a glimpse of Han Solo encased in carbonite just as he was at the end ofThe Empire Strikes Back, escorted by a member ofthe Hutt Clanwho is presumed to be Jabba. If this moment is any indication, thenStar Wars Outlawslikely takes place after the events of theWar of the Bounty Hunterscomic, which saw Qi’ra steal Solo’s body and send the galaxy’s criminal factions into disarray.
IfStar Wars Outlawsis taking place in the aftermath of this storyline, it could see Kay come across Qi’ra on a job either working for or against Crimson Dawn. In doing so, Kay could find herself at odds with Qi’ra and either become a reluctant pupil of the longtime scoundrel, or a sworn enemy.
Star Wars Outlawsplans to give fans a gaming experience unlike anything the franchise has ever seen. BetweenOutlaw’s ship combatand open world, Ubisoft is primed to deliver something truly unique. When it comes toOutlaw’s story, fans already have a loose idea of what’s going on, but there’s so much more that could be hiding under the surface. Qi’ra isn’t the onlyStar Warscharacter who could regain the spotlight, and adding Emilia Clarke toOutlaws' talent would also surely be a boon, but only time will tell if she is slated to make an appearance at all.
Star Wars Outlawsis expected to release in 2024.
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