Released on August 27, 2024, the "Star Wars" action-adventure game "Star Wars Outlaws" didn't achieve expected sales, but ongoing controversies continue to fuel player discussions across social media platforms—including heated debates over the game's "face model" issues.
In fact, a mod creator recently shared a face-swap mod on the popular modding website "Nexus Mods," claiming to "restore" the likeness of face model actress Humberly González. This mod offers a solution for players dissatisfied with protagonist Kay Vess's original facial design, allowing them to replace the character's face with a version that more closely resembles the actress's real appearance.
But does this alteration truly align with players' aesthetic expectations? And does it come closer to the "scoundrel" image the development team originally aimed to create? Perhaps we should revisit Kay Vess's appearance evolution, from "Star Wars Outlaws'" initial promotions to its official launch.
Looking back to 2023, Ubisoft's debut gameplay trailer showcased Humberly González's portrayal of Kay Vess, designed to embody the "scoundrel" persona described by the development team. At the time, however, the official release was still a CGI gameplay trailer. While there weren't widespread comments on her appearance then, some players remained in a wait-and-see mode.
By 2024, when Ubisoft released another "Star Wars Outlaws" story trailer, protagonist Kay Vess's altered appearance sparked discontent among some players. They felt the character's design didn't meet their aesthetic expectations, leading to threats of boycotting the "Star Wars" game.
So, after "Star Wars Outlaws" officially launched, was protagonist Kay Vess's face model "adjusted," and did it successfully maintain the "scoundrel" image the development team aimed for?
Gameplay footage from streamers suggests that the in-game face model at launch appears somewhat different and more natural than in promotional videos from a few months prior. There isn't a significant discrepancy from actress Humberly González's appearance either (visuals may vary by platform). Overall, it certainly hasn't strayed from the "scoundrel" image Ubisoft sought to achieve.
▼PC Gameplay Footage
▼PS5 Gameplay Footage (Courtesy of Netizens)
Ultimately, whether a protagonist's appearance resonates with players remains a matter of subjective preference. However, a character's look aligning with player expectations shouldn't be the sole criterion for judging a game's quality. A true understanding of the development team's gameplay, creative vision, strengths, and shortcomings can only be gained through actual hands-on experience.