Review: With ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ spend a long, long time in galaxy far, far away

Review: With ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ spend a long, long time in galaxy far, far away
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Updated 1 min 12 sec ago
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Review: With ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ spend a long, long time in galaxy far, far away

Review: With ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ spend a long, long time in galaxy far, far away

LONDON: Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws presents an ambitious entry in the Star Wars gaming universe as the first-ever open-world instalment, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

This game delivers an immersive crime-driven narrative that fans have long awaited, blending the familiar allure of Star Wars with gameplay mechanics reminiscent of Far Cry and Grand Theft Auto. But does it live up to the galaxy-sized expectations? Let us dive in.

The game transports players to a vibrant, morally grey underworld that feels like a perfect fit for its “original scoundrel story.” Set during the dark times of the Galactic Empire’s reign, players control Kay Vess, a resourceful outlaw who navigates the dangerous landscape of crime syndicates, shifting alliances, and backstabbing enemies.

The central narrative takes place on planets like Canto, with Kay caught between the Empire and the criminal underworld. Star Wars lore weaves seamlessly into the experience, as conversations with non-player characters and your adorable companion, Nix, help flesh out the galaxy and its struggles.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The world-building is a strong point here. Kay’s story encourages players to explore the Star Wars galaxy from a new perspective, absent of the high politics and philosophy of the Jedi. Conversations and side quests emphasize trust and reputation, providing players the freedom to “play the underworld to their advantage” and manipulate situations.

Side quests, however, tend to fall into the familiar territory of fetch tasks, limiting their creativity, but they do provide extra opportunities to engage with the game’s rich environments.

If you have ever wondered what Grand Theft Auto in space would feel like, Star Wars Outlaws gets pretty close. There is a wanted system that escalates based on your actions, adding tension to missions as you are pursued by law enforcement or bounty hunters.

The addition of slow-motion shooting mechanics adds flair, letting players make quick decisions in high-intensity moments. Combat feels satisfying, though not revolutionary, and can occasionally feel repetitive, especially when coupled with enemy artificial intelligence that does not always present a significant challenge.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Where the game shines are in its traversal mechanics. Kay’s grappling hook, stealth missions, and use of vents (which admittedly feel overused at times) allow her to sneak through the environment, offering a variety of ways to approach objectives.

There is an undeniable rush from slowing down time in mid-air during combat, but the over-reliance on certain movement tactics, like jumping and climbing, can make the gameplay feel a bit predictable.

Vehicles such as Kay’s Trailblazer spaceship and her customizable speeder bike help flesh out the Star Wars experience. While upgrades to the bike provide some sense of progression, it is the exploration aspect — flying to different planets, speeding through landscapes — that evokes the most excitement.

The inclusion of side activities, like changing music on a jukebox, learning a card game, or playing an arcade game, adds to the immersion and keeps things light when you want a break from the main story.

One glaring issue lies with the game’s technical performance. Glitches, like floating stormtroopers and awkward animations, break immersion at times. While Ubisoft is known for polishing its games post-launch, these bugs can pull players out of an otherwise engaging world.

Another point of contention is the enemy AI, which can feel lackluster. Too often, enemies fail to present a strategic challenge, relying more on brute force than intelligent tactics. This can make some combat scenarios feel repetitive.

Star Wars Outlaws is an impressive open-world experiment in the Star Wars universe. The narrative is compelling, the world immersive, and the core mechanics — while not perfect — offer enough to keep players engaged.

However, a lack of variety in missions, occasional bugs, and underwhelming enemy AI keep it from being a true standout. With a bit more refinement, this could be the definitive Star Wars game for fans of open-world exploration.

For now, it is a solid adventure with potential for more.


Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ steals show at Indian film awards

Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ steals show at Indian film awards
Updated 29 September 2024
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Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ steals show at Indian film awards

Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ steals show at Indian film awards
  • Shah Rukh Khan bags best actor award for “Jawan” film at International Indian Film Academy Awards 
  • Before “Jawaan” and “Pathaan” last year, Khan had not played any starring roles for five years

ABU DHABI: Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan declared “it’s good to be back” as he won best actor at the International Indian Film Academy Awards on Saturday after a long absence from the limelight.

The 58-year-old stole the show as event co-host before walking off with the coveted prize for his role in the action thriller “Jawan,” capping a five-hour show in Abu Dhabi.

“I just want to tell you it’s good to be back,” he told a packed crowd in the capital of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, which has a large Indian population.

“I love awards, I’m greedy about awards... I think I have a little happiness from the audience this year because I worked (again) after a long time,” he added.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal” won best picture among six awards including best supporting actor for Anil Kapoor, another stalwart of the Hindi film industry.

Rani Mukerji was named best actress for the child-custody drama “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway” and Vidhu Vinod Chopra won best director for “12th Fail.”

In a rambling event that finished at 2:30 am, Khan’s comedy skits with fellow actor Vicky Kaushal were interspersed with hip-thrusting dance numbers and frequent commercial endorsements.

Shahid Kapoor rode up to the stage on a motorbike and after “King Khan” appeared, to blasts of fireworks and with a huge crown superimposed above his head, there were constant ad-lib tributes to the star.

Before releasing “Jawan” and “Pathaan” last year, Khan had not played any starring roles for five years.

His return comes as Mumbai-based Bollywood, for decades India’s dominant film business and a major cultural export, faces challenges including competition from elsewhere in the vast, culturally diverse country.

As non-Hindi productions grow in popularity, Bollywood has also been outshone by independent films such as director Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” which won the coveted Grand Prix award at Cannes in May.

Bollywood’s cinema-based business model is also grappling with the rise in streaming services such as Netflix, whose Indian content includes eight films and 14 series.

Elara Capital, an Indian investment and advisory firm, estimates that box office takings were down up to 35 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

However, 2023 was particularly strong as Bollywood bounced back after Covid with a strong slate of films, compared to a much weaker content pipeline this year.

Abu Dhabi was playing host for the third straight edition of the globe-trotting event, which started in 2000 and has only taken place once in India.


Nora Attal attends Business of Fashion party in Paris

Nora Attal attends Business of Fashion party in Paris
Updated 29 September 2024
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Nora Attal attends Business of Fashion party in Paris

Nora Attal attends Business of Fashion party in Paris

DUBAI: British Moroccan model Nora Attal posed with the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Business of Fashion publication Imran Amed at the BoF 500 Class of 2024 celebration during Paris Fashion Week on Saturday.

The annual list highlights 500 of the most influential people in the global fashion industry, with this year’s cohort including the likes of Thomas Plantega, who has been recognized for steering the turnaround of the resale platform The Vinted Group; Faraz Manan, a Pakistani designer based in Dubai whose bridal garments are worn across South Asia and by the South Asian diaspora in the Middle East and beyond; and Maryse Mbonyumutwa, the founder of pan-African fashion brand Asantii and garment manufacturer Pink Mango.

The Class of 2024 includes people of 37 nationalities based in 26 countries.

Nora Attal posed with the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Business of Fashion publication Imran Amed. (Getty Images)

“Back in September 2013 when we first conceived of the BoF 500, I wrote: ‘No other sector has a cast of characters as passionate, diverse and interesting as those who influence and animate the business of fashion. Yet, mostly, what’s projected in the media that reaches the broader world is only a thin, and sometimes superficial, slice of this captivating group. The more we thought about it, the more we felt like now was the right time to explore this talented community of people and collect them together online’,” Ahmed wrote in his editor’s note ahead of the release of this year’s list.

The celebration was held at Paris’s Shangri-La Hotel and was attended by industry insiders, including design duo Benjamin Alexander Huseby and Serhat Isik, who both wore outfits adorned with the Palestinian keffiyeh print.

The Berlin-based duo have garnered a large industry fan-base for their streetwear aesthetic and focus on sustainability.

Design duo Benjamin Alexander Huseby and Serhat Isik were spotted at the celebration in Paris. (Getty Images)

Attal attended the event in a striking black grown with a cut-away back portion that left a white, swimsuit-style corset visible when she turned around.

The model has had a busy season so far, walking in high-profile shows such as Burberry, Simone Rocha and Nensi Dojaka — all within a span of just two days — at London Fashion Week in September. After wrapping up her appearances at London Fashion Week, the model headed to Milan where she hit the runway for Alberta Ferretti and Dolce & Gabbana.


Georgina Rodriguez creates new fragrance with Saudi label Laverne

Georgina Rodriguez creates new fragrance with Saudi label Laverne
Updated 20 min 58 sec ago
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Georgina Rodriguez creates new fragrance with Saudi label Laverne

Georgina Rodriguez creates new fragrance with Saudi label Laverne

DUBAI: Argentinian model Georgina Rodriguez is collaborating with Saudi perfume label Laverne again – this time for a new fragrance.

Called Sense, the label took to Instagram to promote the new perfume. “Sense, femininity in a bottle. The new fragrance by Laverne x Georgina is now for only 175 riyals,” read a post.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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On the official website, the label goes on to say that Sense is the result of a collaboration between Dalia Eisem and Rodriguez that lasted more than a year and included the creation of more than 740 samples.

“Finally, Georgina chose the perfect combination that embodies all her feelings in a perfume bottle,” it said, noting that the fragrance included notes of blackcurrant, mandarin, jasmine, cashmere and orange blossom.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LAVERNE (@laverneksa)

In March 2023, Rodriguez – the longtime partner of legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo – collaborated with Laverne to become the face of their new fragrance, Blue Laverne.


London plays host to rousing ‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ performance

London plays host to rousing ‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ performance
Updated 29 September 2024
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London plays host to rousing ‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ performance

London plays host to rousing ‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ performance

LONDON: The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, in partnership with the UK’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, delivered a rousing performance at London’s Central Hall Westminster on Saturday night as part of the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert tour.

With unique Saudi flair, the performers showcased a rich repertoire that intertwined Saudi and British musical traditions.

In his opening remark, the CEO of the Saudi Music Commission, Paul Pacifico, said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in the midst of an unprecedented program of social, cultural and economic transformation under Vision 2030.

“Music has a very special role to play in that transformation,” he continued. “Music’s ability to develop skills and to provide platforms for cultural and artistic expressions, as well as routes to sustainable economic development and social mobility, is at the heart of our work in the Saudi Music Commission.”

He added: “Through this concert, we strive to present some of the most iconic Saudi songs to a global audience, while inspiring the audience back home, who can take pride in seeing this music performed on one of the great stages of the world for the first time.”

English mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly also performed a song in Arabic — from the first-ever Saudi opera, “Zarqa Al-Yamama” — which had its world premiere in Riyadh this year.

Pacifico expressed hope that the event would promote cultural exchange and strengthen human connections, highlighting that “for that reason, coming to this venue is especially resonant.

“It was in this very room on the 10th of January, 1946, that the first meeting took place at the United Nations General Assembly,” He explained. “Then and now, our aim is to bring people from different cultures together to foster greater mutual understanding.”

The first segment of the two-hour concert boasted arrangements by the Saudi National Orchestra led by maestro Reaab Ahmed and accompanied by dance performances. The repertoire included iconic Saudi singer Mohammed Abdu’s “Ana Min Hal-Ard,” “Hna Talabna Allah,” “Ismahili Ya Al-Gharam,” and Adele’s hit “Rolling in the Deep” to name a few.

British maestro Benjamin Pope and Connolly of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed the second part of the program. It featured “Crown Imperial,” “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4,” “Zadok the Priest,” and a scene from the opera “Zarqa Al-Yamama.”

The evening concluded with a medley of Saudi tunes and Rashed Almajed’s hit “Ashiginak,” conducted by Hany Farahat.


Pakistani designer Faraz Manan earns coveted spot on Business of Fashion 500 list 

Pakistani designer Faraz Manan earns coveted spot on Business of Fashion 500 list 
Updated 29 September 2024
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Pakistani designer Faraz Manan earns coveted spot on Business of Fashion 500 list 

Pakistani designer Faraz Manan earns coveted spot on Business of Fashion 500 list 
  • Business of Fashion magazine list acknowledges most influential people in global fashion industry
  • Manan has styled Bollywood A-listers such as Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt

ISLAMABAD: Prominent Pakistani designer Faraz Manan was included in the prestigious annual Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 list this week that acknowledges the most influential people in the global fashion industry. 

The BoF 500, compiled by The Business of Fashion magazine, acknowledges the works of a wide range of professionals from across various sectors of the fashion ecosystem such as luxury brands, high street fashion, media, technology and sustainability.

Manan started his career in 2003 as a fashion designer and since then has established himself as one of the country’s leading designers under his eponymous label, Faraz Manan. Several leading Bollywood actresses such as Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Sridevi, Alia Bhatt and Kiara Advani have worn his dresses in the past. 

“Honored and delighted to be a part of The BoF 500: people shaping the global fashion industry,” Manan wrote on his Instagram profile on Friday. 

The BoF 500 said in a post on its website that the designer is one of the leading figures in Pakistan’s fashion industry and a “go-to for buyers of couture bridal and formal wear in the wider South Asia region.”

“Manan quickly rose to prominence, distinguishing himself with a signature style that combines intricate embellishments, lavish fabrics and a contemporary sensibility,” the BoF 500 said.

In 2015, he became one of the first South Asian designers to open a boutique in Dubai and by 2024, his business had amassed over a million global followers on its Instagram account.

Admiration for Manan’s work from the Bollywood elite has turned his brand into a cultural bridge between India and Pakistan, the two neighboring countries where cultural exchanges are rare due to political hostilities.