
Rebel Galaxy Outlaw, Double Damage Games' prequel to 2015's Rebel Galaxy, brings a much-needed slice of old-school space sim action to Switch with swagger and style to spare. Following the fortunes of battle-hardened rebel Juno Markev, whose husband has been murdered and ship destroyed as she escapes an attempt on her own life, this is a gritty space-western tale of revenge and redemption which sees you gather intel from seedy blue-collar bars and their shady denizens as you attempt to locate your would-be killers and exact some bloody retribution.
Right off the bat, Rebel Galaxy Outlaw gets off to a strong start with core dogfighting action that's surprisingly fun and frenetic stuff due to the inclusion of a clever auto-pursuit function. This neat addition, which you engage by simply holding in ZR, manages to successfully replace the usually laborious task of manually orienting your craft in order to tail your foes by allowing you to auto-lock to their every move, twisting and turning in unison with their ship. It really is a revelation; such a simple idea, but one that transforms combat encounters from the traditionally long-distance, frustrating and often time-consuming experiences into taut, fast-paced, close-range battles that are actually thrilling to get involved in.

In addition to this auto-pursuit function, Rebel Galaxy Outlaw also allows you to jump into a combat map of your surrounding area at any stage of a battle, pausing the action and highlighting all nearby enemies, giving you the ability you to auto-lock to their ships and return to the fray ready to pound some filthy space pirates to dust. The combination of these two functions ensures that the combat here is so much less confusing – and so much more straight-up fun – than what we've come to expect from a lot of this genre.
Getting in tight behind an enemy ship is easy and immediate, and blasting them with your lasers or gauss gun before locking on with a guided missile that turns them into a giant fireball – which you then speed spectacularly straight through the middle of – never really gets old, and it's an experience that's added to immensely by the game's excellent soundtrack.
There's over twenty-four hours of music split between several radio stations to enliven proceedings here, each with their own GTA-style parody advertisements and, although the game defaults to country and western and rock tracks that perfectly complement its hard-living, blue-collar world, we found ourselves tuning into the Latino and classical music offerings; it turns out blasting the crap out of enemy ships as Ride of the Valkyries plays in the background just never gets old.

The effort and attention to detail displayed in terms of the musical side of Rebel Galaxy Outlaw extends to all other elements of the grungy little world Double Damage has created here. Ships are suitably weathered – your first really is an absolute heap of junk – space stations are populated by untrustworthy scum who always have a little info for the right price and striking up a conversation with nearby crafts always results in some pleasing hillbilly chatter that really helps sell the world in which this story takes place. Indeed, making radio contact with other ships is another clever little gameplay wrinkle, giving you the chance to talk your way out of a confrontation when you're outnumbered, order a freighter to drop its valuable cargo or just say howdy to a neutral merc as you roll on by.
As you take on story missions and meet new contacts and characters throughout the world, you can also have them join you as a buddy on sorties, calling them in via your ship's radio in order to help you out of a sticky situation. They can only be hired out for a short amount of time, and there's a cooldown period after each use, but they do a pretty good job of providing backup when you've got yourself in some deep trouble with local law enforcement or have a bunch of pirates looking to relieve you of the contents of your cargo hold.
Alongside its core combat, Rebel Galaxy Outlaw also provides plenty of other shenanigans to get involved in, including a dynamic economy system which enables you to trade goods scavenged from contract kills and hold-ups. There's a black market where you can sell counterfeit and illegal items for big bucks, and mining which provides a steady income for those who like to keep things as peaceful as possible.

All of these money-making aspects then feed into an upgrade system which sees you add vital tech to your ship, upgrade weapons and defences or buy one of the eight other craft that eventually become available as Juno's story progresses. Upgrading adds plenty of longevity here – some of the top-tier tech costs an absolute fortune – and, although we would have loved to see a bigger selection of ships to choose from, it gives the core gameplay loop some much-needed direction and purpose.
Of course, whether you get busy trading peacefully, indulging in bloody piracy or even decide to join a Merc or Merchant's guild for a steady flow of side missions, you'll eventually need a little downtime to recharge the old space-batteries and Rebel Galaxy Outlaw provides plenty of entertainment in this regard. Pull up at a space station or intergalactic casino, jump into the bar and you'll be greeted with dice-poker, slot machines, a Starvenger retro arcade cabinet and an impressively well-realised 8-ball pool simulation. In short, there's plenty of fun to be had as you chill out between side missions and story sorties here and gambling with your hard-earned cash, winning big and upgrading off the back of a lucky game of pool or a dice-poker streak always feels awesome.

This really is a pretty hard game to knock in all honesty; a very well-priced indie space-sim effort that successfully manages to cut away a lot of the inherent flab of the genre, serving up a wonderfully grubby little galaxy that's easy to sink an absolute ton of time into. There are a few negatives here and there, however. Juno isn't a particularly interesting protagonist and, although she doesn't really need to be hugely complex in such a straightforward revenge scenario, she ends up coming across as pretty nasty and one-note overall (she also curses constantly which begins to really grate after a while).
The central story itself doesn't really go anywhere particularly interesting, either. It is a perfectly serviceable backdrop to the core combat action, just don't go in expecting huge revelations or twists and turns that keep you guessing or captivated in any truly meaningful way. These minor irritations aside, however, Rebel Galaxy Outlaw successfully nails most of what it sets out to achieve and Dodge Sector is just a wonderfully atmospheric slice of space to get lost in.
In terms of this Switch port, we've been impressed overall. Things are obviously a tad blurrier than other versions of the game, but the action maintains a rock-steady framerate, it looks a pretty much perfect match in terms of graphical detail for other ports and the controls are pleasingly responsive and tight. In both docked and handheld modes the quick-paced dogfighting action is easy to follow, text is clear and readable and there are motion controls included – although as far as we can tell these only actually affect rolling your ship.

There really aren't too many space sims to choose from on Switch just now but, if you're hankering for some old-school Freelancer or Privateer-style action and you've already had your fill of the excellent Everspace, Rebel Galaxy Outlaw is a top-notch choice and a fine addition to a genre that's been pretty underserved so far on Nintendo's hybrid console.
Conclusion
Rebel Galaxy Outlaw is a wonderfully well-realised and stylish slice of space-sim action set in a satisfyingly seedy galaxy full of untrustworthy scum and illegal activity. The dogfighting action here is wonderfully tight and engaging thanks to the game's clever auto-pursuit mechanic, resulting in explosive ship-to-ship combat that allows you to get up close and personal, tracking your prey without much of the laborious fuss of other efforts in the genre. Juno Markev may not be the most exciting of protagonists and the story doesn't really come to much in the end, but there's a ton of side missions and a dynamic economy and morality system to keep you busy as you slowly unravel the mystery behind who killed her husband and left her for dead. Overall, this one's an easy recommendation for space-sim fans, dogfighting fiends and anyone else looking to indulge their inner space rebel.
Comments 68
Thanks for the review. Sounds really good and my type of game. This sort of came out of nowhere for me.
This doesn't help my relationship with my wallet though.
Nice to see Wing Commander making a solid comeback outside of EA's grubby clutches.
nice not on a cart pelaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Thought about getting the game though the first one looks a little more to my tastes.
I played this on PC already. I disagree with your view of the main character Juno.
A woman of 40+ years, which isn't a sexified, is rather refreshing.
I wish the Pool minigame was playable online. Definitely mastered that by the end.
I wish they'd get in more detail about framerates, resolution and graphical effects.
What's the regular undocked resolution? How frequent does it dip below 30 fps? :/
@Mr_Horizon well, I'm no digital factory but...
https://twitter.com/ShiryuGL/status/1310346390057431041
... everybody buy this game!
I have played this on PC but decided against keeping it. Controls are (were?) atrocious, and randomness regarding enemy placement was often unfair.
@lifer But why is it that non sexified female charaters in games tend to give this 'butch lesbian' vibes in the their designs nowadays.
It's the same with every game having a gruff 30-40 something brown haired brown eyed batman voiced man looking under his eyebrow kinda deal.
It's like there is no middleground for anything anymore in western games, but the last Resident evil games have their female characters not sexualized and still look pretty and feminine.
@LEGEND_MARIOID my situation exactly lol
@Mr_Horizon well they weren't specific so they wouldn't drag on but they said it looks good and has a steady framerates (they even called it rock solid so no worries there I would assume 30 fps but I don't know)
@khululy well I am confused why you said western games isnt capcom in japan? Although I agree with you in some aspects I feel it hasn't been that bad and more female role models that are young and not sexualized are becoming more prevalent which is a great thing especially considering the amount of kids games going this route lately. As for adult games I feel tifa and aerith in the remakes have been good as well as zelda in breath of the wild (more of a teen game in terms of difficulty I don't think a kid could really sit down and play it like a mario or 2d zelda). I feel like at least in this aspect there is a bit of a role model for everyone and you know what? I am very happy about that. There may be a large amount of one role model but right now there is one for EVERYONE which has been unheard of until recently everyone deserves a person to look up to. Although I completely see your point as well this is just my opinion and my view not discounting yours and the capcom bit was a joke forgot to say that lol
Wow, it looks really good!
Didn't know about this up until now.
This sounds like a lot of fun, but when you say "curses constantly" just how bad and how often, because my younger siblings are often within earshot.
@Screen that's why I've yet to play persona 5. 3 and 4 have handheld versions but if I play 5 do I really want my family members at a young age hearing the cursing (or in persona 5s case the story and cursing lol).
@PJOReilly agree it gets old fast.
@PJOReilly Is that all or are procreation, and more importantly to me, the Lord's name used as well? Cuz especially the last one would be a deal breaker for me.
@fR0z3nS0u1 I thought that a lot of scenarios were unfair too, until I realized that attempting to talk your way out of situations can work up to 50% of the time, surprisingly enough.
Spot on score, brilliant game!
@Ghostchip I always saw role models as ROLE models as what they did, not how they look liked. I never looked for physical appearence in my role models.
It's more that the Idea is that if we wanna make a woman look tough and kick ass, she needs to look butch and manly in western games, this game and Abby from TLOU2.
While Japanese games let Zelda and Tifa and Claire redfield be both feminine and kickass.
30 seems pretty reasonable for a game with this much depth. I have a feeling this will end up being better than that new star wars squadrons game. EA trying to make a new rogue squadron.... IDK
@khululy Detroit Become Human has some pretty reasonable professional women. Though Quantic Dream are just masters of creating good characters that seem realistic.
@khululy like I said I get it and I agree mostly but to be honest I meant to talk more about age than physical appearance (example peach looks young and is a princess so little girl can make her a role model zelda looks almost like a teen in botw so teen girls can have a role model probably should have specified this) I also think that western game dev's have problems like this but japanese dev's have problems that are very similar. I don't know man I didn't disagree with you but at the same time who knows these characters could really inspire some and I just think that's cool. As I said if those characters are the kind that inspire people then so be it. To be honest the whole point of this game is shoot shoot gun gun if I had to guess so the characters and story are an afterthought and forging a path in space is the big draw so I could care less in this instance but I see what you meant about other games like this. I just feel there is a good spread of role models right now of all ages personalities (especially this one) actions, etc. And that is great for the gaming scene as it has really struggled to do this right without it feeling totally contrived while these days characters like edelgard and fiora exist giving great role models to people without being unrealistic and they still make mistakes and such but they are still cool enough to want to follow. I'm a dude so I really like link, shulk, joker, phoenix wright, etc. And the fact that everyone now has that brings me joy. Again I don't disagree! I just also think that what might be seen as a negative is also a positive. I think I ranted a bit just to day I agree lol
@khululy What? Butch lesbian? She never comes over as a lesbian, nor as particularly male. Maybe dial down on the tropes?
@lifer you know damn well what I mean.
@Sabrewing I felt the same way. I loved Wing Commander way back when. This is the closest I’ve seen a game come to that awesomeness.
I want a copy of the game, but I'm holding out hope for a physical release.
Playable on switch Lite?
@Rez Yep!
Thanks for the review, it helped me know the game isn't for me!
"she also curses constantly which begins to really grate after a while"
I'm sure some dig that, but I don't.
I try to create the world I want to live in, and 'constant cursing' isn't a part of that world, so I'll skip it.
(there are plenty of other games out there, so no issues for me, and for those who want 'constant cursing' as a part of their world the review's call-out will be beneficial as well! Everyone wins!)
Thanks for the detailed review!
Sounds like I need to put this one on my list. I really enjoyed Everspace, and $30 isn't a rough price at all.
@PJOReilly texts are readable on Switch Lite? Thanks
'Excellent combat with amazing dogfights'
Sold
@doctorhino Oh no. EA will ruin the name of that brilliant series. I'm worried.
This is nice little find, thanks! Was needing to satisfy my taste for my inner 80's yearn for being in The Last Starfighter movie. Movie done by the man who played Michael Myers from Halloween (little Seasonal Trivia).
Game sounds like fun, I'll probably get it. I enjoyed Rebel Galaxy for a while on PS4.
Shame so many devs are moving away from making female characters sexy and attractive though. Sex appeal is not inherently a bad thing, and in fantasy it wouldn't be out of place.
@LEGEND_MARIOID I actually did enjoy the space battles in battlefront 2 and it's made by the same people. But I don't feel confident this is going to be better than that, and that was just a small piece of battlefront 2. I expect painful escort missions galore.
@Mr_Horizon there's some good reviews on YouTube and the frame rates are 30+ but the visuals aren't great with some issues
You're right. I gave my mom so much trouble. It's End Game for me. Robert Downey Jr. You were right the whole time. Bye everyone!
Sounds compelling, but I put a lot of time into Everspace (very similar space operatic dogfighting game, but roguelike in its execution) recently. That plus a lack of a physical edition means I’ll be holding off on getting this one.
Also I’m not entirely sold on the idea of a 1-button “latch on” mechanic - for me, learning to maneuver your ship well enough to tail enemies manually is an important part of the flight sim experience. But it would certainly inject more action into dogfights, I’m sure, so I’d def give it a chance.
I saw this in the eshop and it intrigued me. I'm not a huge space sim guy but there was a time I was obsessed with X-Wing Alliance (original release and again a few years back using the amazing HD makeover). I'll definitely put this on the wish list but like others have said I'd really prefer a physical release.
Unless the UI has some scaling options, that's going to be hell in handheld. Even looking at these screenshots makes my eyes go crossed, let alone imagining what it'll look like on the Switch screen proper. =x
Been waiting for this one! Haven't seen much promotion for it. Will pick it up for sure!
Neeeeeeeeeed! 🤭
I feel guilty, I actually got this on PS4, but just let me shout "WING COMMANDER!!!" (ok Privateer, technically) My dream of an modern, awesome space combat game came true! The style is fantastic! The music is fantastic! Juno is fantastic, c'mon she's a space trucker! The graphics are fantastic! (eh, I HOPE on Switch). I've been whining about wanting this for ages and it ACTUALLY delivered!!
Wow a 9 is it that good!?
Anyone thay bought it, what rating would you give it?
I kinda want it, becouse im a rogue squadron fan lol, but am having some doubts. So need some help lol.
@Shiryu
Is this game really that good?
Does it still my hunger for a , SW rogue squadron game lol? Having some doubts.
@The-Chosen-one It plays more like Freelancer than Rogue Squadron but yes, this game really IS that good. I have hours and hours out of it and only yesterday I installed a jump drive engine and left the first star system. Here is a recent session if you're still on the fence:
Looks awesome.
@Shiryu
Holy moly!
This game is action packed! Will buy it later. Thanks!
@The-Chosen-one my job here is done.

If it were just a 3D space shooter with a decent story, equipment upgrades and crew additions, and some side missions; I would be all over this. However, I don't like most of the sim elements that were put into the game, and I especially hate morality systems. That's the flab that should've been cut.
I'm also worried that the auto-pursuit mechanic makes the dogfighting too easy. What's to keep you from just barely aiming at a target, activating auto-pursuit, blowing up your target without it having any chance to elude you, and rinse and repeat until they're all gone, just as you don't take too many hits from the ships you're not currently following in the process? Sure, tracking ships isn't the most exciting part of combat, but it's still a major part of the fun and challenge of 3D flight shooters.
This looks and sounds great. I have however just reinstalled X-Wing Alliance with all of the latest UWAUP mods and have Star Wars Squadrons pre-ordered (I don't care if it turns out to be a fairly simple game, in VR with a HOTAS it is going to be great fun), so will probably pick this up later when it's on sale.
@Sourcecode one of these. I also have an El Gato but I use that for streaming alone.
@Sourcecode Link fix: https://www.avermedia.com/us/product-detail/C285
The cockpit layout are exactly like Wing Commander. Will try this out.
I bought it after reading this test and that was a really good decision !
I've started to play it two days ago and I can't stop playing this, it's really good !
Anybody played both this and the new Star Wars Squadron? How does it compare?
@Teksetter This is definitely better than everspace. The options you have as a player are far superior. As for the "latch on"/auto follow, you can literally turn that off, as well as aim assist, so that should be a non-issue.
As far as physical you wouldn't be able to get his physical on any platform. As much as I like having physical, I wouldn't miss out on this game over that.
@BulbasaurusRex There is no morality choices to be had you can do what you want.
Auto-follow and aim-assist can be turned off, so not sure why this would be something that would deter you.
@Nin10doh
Hey thanks for the feedback! Between your praise and gameplay video by @Shiryu above, I will keep this game in mind.
I’m teally loaded up in backlogged games right now, but I’m sure that Wing Commander / X-Wing urge will pop up again and now I’ll know where to look!
I’ll watchlist and probably give up on a physical release, as is the case more and more often.
@Teksetter you won't ever regret diving into this.
@Nin10doh That's not what the review says with mentions of dodging law enforcement and black market deals. Even if there weren't in-universe legal issues, doing what you want with too many sim-style choices is the problem. Space shooters are best with a more focused story instead of all this simulation nonsense.
It's nice to hear that those battle mechanics can be turned off (something that should've been mentioned in the review), but that's still only a secondary concern of mine. Plus, since the combat was designed around those mechanics, it probably becomes too difficult if you don't use them.
@Shiryu
I’m sure you’re right and RSO will be a fun time when some time frees up.
I think my tastes overlap with yours quite a bit and I’ve trusted your judgement implicitly since well before you got that star and started reviewing games here. 😁
@Teksetter hope I never steer anyone wrong in these here NL seas.
@Shiryu
I’d say we’re in good hands, captain! Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see. 😄
@BulbasaurusRex Maybe that is a morality choice, but I personally don't consider it as such. Loosely you could consider it space-western/GTA style game. Its just like most open world games if you do something illegal/stupid then then there will be consequences.
You might be in a sector that's heavily policed, you'll have to blast your way through then fine, if not then don't have contraband, or possibly buy a secret compartment that is shielded from their scanners, or jettison it and come back around and scoop it up later. Take your pick.
All in all the story aspects, you'd find in a sim, are there. You can just focus on the main story and do none of the side missions and do just fine. Though at times you will need to do some side jobs to get enough credits to progress the story (i.e. buy a needed part for your ship), but nothing that wouldn't take a few minutes. However it's when you go off the beaten path is where you find yourself immersed in the setting of story the most, and it really drives you to do those main quests, or just cruise around listening to the radio, mining resources, or shipping cargo from place to place. The choice is up to you.
@Teksetter Glad I could help. I was watch-listing this one as well, maybe waiting for a sale, but I'm glad I caved. It's always good to have a nice space shooter at the ready should the mood strike you.
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