In a recent interview with Game Informer, developers Alice Rendell and Matthieu Delisle explained how the reputation system works in the upcoming RPG Star Wars Outlaws. Unlike traditional RPGs, this game focuses on temporary alliances and consequences instead of a fixed reputation system. Players will interact with different crime syndicates, such as the Hutt Cartel, Pyke Syndicate, Crimson Dawn, and Asiga Clan, and their reputation with these organizations will play a significant role in the game.
According to the interview, Star Wars Outlaws doesn’t follow a simple good or bad system. Players’ reputations with each syndicate will vary based on their actions. Helping a syndicate will improve your standing while betraying them or meddling with their operations will damage your relationship.
The system highlights the “scoundrel fantasy” the developers are pursuing. Kay, the game’s protagonist, is not interested in building lasting friendships with these criminal organizations. Instead, she aims to use them for her own objectives, creating short-term alliances based on what benefits her the most at the time.
The influence of reputation extends beyond story developments. The game world responds to Kay’s standing with each syndicate. Merchants aligned with a syndicate might give discounts if she’s viewed favorably, while those associated with rival factions might raise prices. Some areas controlled by syndicates may be off-limits or dangerous if Kay has a poor reputation with them.
Reputation also affects gameplay. Having a good reputation with a syndicate might give you access to special contracts and their help in certain situations. On the other hand, having a bad reputation could limit your choices and make it risky to go through syndicate-controlled areas.
This is understandable and more of a departure from the norm but not at all unprecedented. Fallout: New Vegas had a system similar to this, where you weren’t just liked or unliked; it changed based on how much good and bad you had done to the faction. It made NPCs treat you differently, and they acknowledged that when you were a dirtbag to them, they tended to be kind sometimes versus just giving you a score.
The game seems to prioritize player choice and consequence. According to the interview, the core story of Star Wars Outlaws remains the same regardless of reputation. However, players will have lots of freedom in dealing with problems and interacting with the world based on their standing with the different groups. That’s interesting but not really groundbreaking.
Comments