Ever sinceStar Warshit the big screen, there have been no shortage of galactic adventures for fans to dive into. Not only have they been treated to a wide assortment of movies and TV shows, but the video game space has also seen countless tales in the galaxy far, far away. Over the years, those tales have only grown and evolved, withStar Wars Outlawsbeing one of the biggest innovations to date. While some may assume that is purely because of its open-world gameplay,Star Wars Outlawsmight also have introduced players to a new type ofStar Warsprotagonist.
WithStar Wars Outlaws, players once again step into the shoes of a human protagonist as they try to make their mark on the galaxy. What ensues is a pretty standard outlaw-focused affair, which serves as a refreshing change of pace from all the Jedi-focused adventures of the past. However, players are also introduced tothe droid companion ND-5, who really is unlike anythingStar Warsvideo games have seen lately. And now that Ubisoft has delved into the world of droids, a future title should go all in on the concept.
Star Wars Outlaws ND-5 Should Usher in a New Type of Protagonist
Star Wars Video Games Have Mostly Avoided Following Droids
Pretty much every majorStar Warsvideo game has put players in control of more humanoid protagonists.Titles likeStar Wars Jedi: Fallen OrderandStar Wars Jedi Knighthave made them a Jedi,Star Wars SquadronsandRogue Squadronhave put them in the cockpit of a fighter, and so many games have let them experience themainStar Warsstory through different lenses. While all of this has been great to see, the franchise has seldom delved into the world of droids.
Only a couple of majorStar Warsvideo games have let players experience the life of a droid. TheStar Wars Battlefrontseries has let players take on the role of Battle Droid,andtheLEGO Star Warstitleshave featured countless playable droid characters. However, none of them have really done whatStar Wars Outlawshas done with ND-5. And now that players have spent much of their time working alongside a droid such as that, a futureStar Warsgame needs to fully deliver on that potential.
ND-5 Presents Star Wars With a New Approach
ThroughoutStar Wars Outlaws, ND-5 serves as a constant companion to Kay Vess. He is often giving her helpful hints, guiding her to her next objective, and assisting her at every turn. Throughout the game, the two of them grow closer together, with them becoming inseparable by the end of it all. That leads to a pretty fun and different type of story fromStar Warsvideo games of the past, and there is so much potential for it to grow from here.
There just has not been aStar Warsgame that has put a droid character front-and-center likeStar Wars Outlawshas, which is a shame, as there are so many stories that could be told through that lens. The movies have been doing something similar for years with the likes of C-3PO,The Mandalorian’s IG-11,andRogue One’s K-2SO. So, it seems only natural that a video game should follow suit. As long as the character has strong writing behind them, it could lead to something truly special.
As of now, it does not look like a futureStar Warsgame will be following inStar Wars Outlaws’footsteps. Additionally, sinceOutlawsended up underperforming, players may never see the likes of ND-5 again. But hopefully, someone has plans for another droid protagonist in the future. Not just as a companion, but as the main character of a game, as that would be unlike anything players have seen before.
