In the sprawling galaxy of Star Wars, where heroes and villains are often separated by a fine line, a new character has emerged to challenge the status quo. Meet Kay Vess, the protagonist of the excellent Star Wars Outlaws, an all new open-world title delivering an immersive experience unlike any other in the galaxy far-far away. However, Kay is not your typical Star Wars hero. She is a scrappy and resourceful scoundrel who is ready to carve her path through the galaxy, and she does so with style, grit, and a fair share of scars.
Who is Kay Vess?
Kay Vess is not a Jedi, nor is she aligned with the Sith. She is an outlaw, like the beloved Han Solo. For all intent and purpose, she is an underdog born from the shadows of the galaxy’s criminal underworld. Starting as a small-time thief, she dreams of exploring the galaxy and finding freedom far away from the grips of the Empire, and the many crime syndicates who rule the Outer Rim. However, as is so often the case in the Star Wars universe, her journey is far from straightforward. Kay is pulled into a grand heist with galaxy-wide implications, facing off against some of the most dangerous forces in the galaxy, including the notorious Crimson Dawn syndicate [the best syndicate in the game, bar none].
In terms of the person behind the character, Kay is voiced by Humberly González; a Venezuelan-Canadian actress known for her roles in various television series and video games. González brings a unique depth to the character, blending Kay’s street-smart toughness with a relatable vulnerability – making her an unforgettable protagonist.
Character Traits and Personality
Kay is a complex character, designed to be wonderfully relatable and yet utterly formidable. She is by no means perfect – her flaws make her human, which is a refreshing change from the almost mythical status of characters like Han Solo or Luke Skywalker. With a broken nose and a wardrobe screaming “practicality”, Kay’s appearance alone tells a story of survival and toughness. Her hair, often tied in a loose bun using a Data Spike (which doubles as a hacking tool), and her ever-unbuttoned holster, all signify how she is very much always at the ready for action – quick on the draw and even quicker on her feet.
Her endearing complexities aside, what makes Kay stand out from the crowd are her sense of loyalty and moral compass, which, while not always pointing north, is a key part of her identity. These all play a part in how Kay interacts with the world and how gamers engage with her; ensuring how all of the game defining choices that need to be made will determine how she interacts with various factions, and ultimately decide her fate.
Kay’s Relationships and Potential Team-Ups
Kay is a lone wolf by nature, but she is not without her companions. Her most notable sidekick is Nix, a tiny and agile creature with a knack for getting this new heroine out of tight spots. The dynamic between Kay and Nix adds a layer of camaraderie and humour to her otherwise dangerous life. There are others too, like ship-mate Waka, an aloof engineer with lofty expectations; the likes of ND-5, a bomb maker and heavy; and even a mercenary named Rooster – among many more who might call her ‘friend’.
Star Wars Outlaws aside, Humberly González, the actress who brings Kay Vess to life, mentioned in an interview how Kay would get along well with existing lore characters like Rey – from the recent Star Wars trilogy. It makes sense too, given how they both share a determination and resilience that would make them formidable allies – assuming they ever crossed paths in the timeline [one can hope].
What Drives Kay?
Like many ‘normal’ citizens of the galaxy far-far away, freedom from the tyranny of the empire – or anyone for that matter – is at the core of Kay’s motivations. Unlike many protagonists who are driven by a sense of duty or destiny, Kay’s ambitions are more grounded. She is not really all too interested in saving the galaxy; she simply wants to carve out a place in it where she can live on her terms [super relatable]. This quest for freedom is what propels her into the game’s central heist, making her a character who is easy to root for, even when her methods are… somewhat less than heroic.
Why Kay Vess is Important
Kay Vess represents a shift in the Star Wars narrative. She is not the usual male gendered hero with a destiny to fulfil. Rather, she is a flawed and determined person making her way in a galaxy that is far from welcoming. This shift is significant not only for the Star Wars franchise, but also for the gaming industry as a whole; as it continues to move towards more diverse and inclusive storytelling.
As the Vamers review for Star Wars Outlaws implies, Kay Vess is a character fans will relate with in many levels and remember for many years to come. Whether she is pulling off impossible heists, outsmarting syndicates, or simply surviving another day; Kay Vess is a fresh and exciting addition to the Star Wars universe who brings a new perspective to the age-old conflict between good and evil.
Owner, founder and editor-in-chief at Vamers, Hans has a vested interest in geek culture and the interactive entertainment industry. With a Masters degree in Communications and Ludology, he is well read and versed in matters relating to video games and communication media, among many other topics of interest.