Now that the dust has somewhat settled on Assassin's Creed Shadows, players are likely looking for their next open-world adventure. Of course, there's a plethora of great titles releasing this year. However, there are many that dropped last year that few people actually played. Surprisingly, one of those was developed by Ubisoft, with a huge amount of time, money, and resources going into producing it. Despite a relatively warm reception, practically no one played it, and its sales didn't reach their expected heights.

While there are many glowing AC Shadows reviews and player responses pointing out just how much Ubisoft has changed and grown as a developer, this previous Ubisoft game actually featured many of the improvements Shadows enjoys and even more. Of course, as no one played it, they flew under the radar. That's why it is about time we reevaluate our stance on this underrated Ubisoft title and give it another chance, if only to set the record straight once and for all.

Star Wars Outlaws Isn't As Bad As People Made It Seem

It Actually Gets A Lot Right

Star Wars Outlaws is a very good Ubisoft video game that practically no one played. As aforementioned, worst parts of Ubisoft's games but also offers one of the most compelling Star Wars experiences in some time.

Assassin's Creed Shadows actually lacks a lot of Star Wars Outlaws' best features.

This is perhaps Outlaws' biggest strength, as its vast open worlds are as immersive as they are brimming with details. The inclusion of Outlaw's best minigames, coupled with the varied NPC dialogue and animations, and the plethora of effects and unique assets all help to capture the Star Wars feeling in a way no other game has. Of course, those who really care about Star Wars have likely played it. Those who don't should play it because, despite releasing later than it, Assassin's Creed Shadows actually lacks a lot of Star Wars Outlaws' best features.

Star Wars Outlaws Has A Lot That Shadows Lacks

It Has A Better Approach To Exploration

While Assassin's Creed Shadows' immersive world is impressive to look at, and Ubisoft's streamlined and linear approach to exploration helps keep players focused and prevents them from becoming overwhelmed, it lacks the far superior exploration mechanics that Star Wars Outlaws employs. There are far more hidden secrets in Outlaws' world than there are in Shadows', all of which are better telegraphed and more naturally discovered. The reputation system, as somewhat shallow as it can eventually feel, does give more meaning to the world and how players approach it compared to Shadows.

Furthermore, Star Wars Outlaws' approach to skills is far more nuanced, with players having to actively hunt down teachers and complete quests for them in order to unlock their skills. It is a far better and more immersive implementation of a skill tree than Assassin's Creed Shadows, which, at least in my opinion, makes it superior. Additionally, as frustrating as Kay Vess' weapon limit can be, it does make combat more exciting and varied, as it requires on-the-go adaptive thinking and strategizing.

Fans Should Give Outlaws Another Chance

It Is Worth A Shot, Especially At A Discounted Price

After several huge Star Wars Outlaws updates, the game has been vastly improved. Many of the frustrating features have been removed, and some of the more shallow mechanics have been enhanced to offer a more engrossing experience. It isn't perfect by any means - this is still a Ubisoft game, after all - but Star Wars Outlaws is a much better game than it ever got credit for. So, it is definitely time that those who missed out on it the first time around give it a go, especially as it is frequently heavily discounted.

Star Wars Outlaws manages to beat Assassin's Creed Shadows in a lot of ways, which is reason enough to check it out. Those who found elements of Shadows' world and combat disappointing may find a lot to like in Outlaws. Shadows is still the superior stealth experience, but Star Wars Outlaws does deliver a more focused narrative that's perhaps preferable to those who miss Assassin's Creed's original storytelling methods. Assassin's Creed Shadows fans should definitely give Star Wars Outlaws the love and attention it deserves.