In the vast world of Star Wars, where creativity knows no bounds, inspiration for new ships can come from the most unexpected sources. Developer Massive Entertainment took a unique approach when designing the Trailblazer ship for Star Wars Outlaws, collaborating with LucasFilm to bring it to life. According to lead gameplay designer Fredrick Thylander, the Trailblazer features a curved design that sets it apart from the rest. The ship, “permanently borrowed” by Kay Vess, draws inspiration from a turtle, giving it a distinctive silhouette that captures the essence of the original trilogy while adding a touch of modern flair.
The design team behind the Trailblazer looked to the ’60s and ’70s for inspiration, aiming to create a ship that felt grounded in the era of the original movies. Lead concept artist Samuel De Vos shared that the inspiration for the ship came from his childhood pets – two turtles. The shell of the reptile served as the foundation for the Trailblazer’s design, with elements reminiscent of a turtle’s bottom and top shell visible in the ship’s structure. Additionally, the team took cues from monorails of the ’70s and the timeless design of the Ford Mustang, blending classic elements with a futuristic twist.
One of the key locations in Star Wars Outlaws is Kay’s home, situated in an attic above a cantina. However, the Trailblazer serves as her home away from home, offering a means to navigate the Outer Rim and explore new worlds. Alongside the speeder, the Trailblazer is a vital tool for exploration, with players able to upgrade and customize the ship to suit their unique playstyle. Ship vendors scattered throughout the game world provide access to key parts that allow for customization of cannons, missiles, hull, shields, engines, liveries, and exhaust fuel color, offering a personalized touch to the spacecraft.
Customization plays a significant role in the gameplay experience, allowing players to change the look of their ship as they travel through the galaxy. While cosmetic options enhance the visual appeal of the Trailblazer, gameplay upgrades such as improved weapons and shields are visible and impact in-game performance. The ability to tailor the ship to individual preferences provides a sense of agency to players, allowing them to define their style in dogfights and exploration missions.
Upgrades acquired throughout the game help players navigate dangerous encounters in space, such as dogfights against Imperial TIE fighters and rival syndicates. The customization options are integrated seamlessly into the gameplay, allowing for a personalized experience that adapts to the player’s skill level and preferred playstyle. The “power journey” mentioned by Thylander highlights the importance of continuously upgrading the ship to stay ahead of threats in the vast expanse of space.
Lead artist Samuel De Vos emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ship’s established design while offering players a wide variety of customization options. The goal is to give players the freedom to define their appearance in combat scenarios and exploration quests, ensuring a unique and immersive experience with the Trailblazer. Whether it’s choosing a specific color scheme or upgrading essential components, the customization options reflect the player’s journey through the Star Wars universe.
The Trailblazer represents a new chapter in ship design within the Star Wars universe, blending elements of the past with futuristic innovation. By drawing inspiration from unexpected sources and allowing for extensive customization, players are given the opportunity to embark on thrilling adventures across the galaxy in a ship that reflects their personal style and preferences. With the Trailblazer as their trusty companion, players can navigate the stars with confidence and style, making their mark in the vast and ever-expanding universe of Star Wars.
Leave a Reply