The Outer Worlds 2

Perhaps it’s because its predecessor serves as a strong foundation or that developer Obsidian Entertainment now has Microsoft’s financial backing, but after playing The Outer Worlds 2 recently, I immediately noticed the sequel’s improved qualities. While I have yet to see the extent of its larger environments and deeper role-playing systems, my hands-on session showcased the RPG’s improved fundamentals, including new movement options, smoother gunplay, and more complex interior level design. Furthermore, an expanded selection of perks and a reworked flaw system aim to offer players traditional and experimental character builds.

The Outer Worlds 2 features a cast of capitalist caricatures, often presenting its world through a satirical lens. Like the first installment, it also aims to offer weighty, morally grey scenarios with big stakes. Obsidian seeks to expand the reactivity of characters and organizations, resulting in long-term, sometimes permanent effects based on your choices – something the studio couldn’t achieve in the original Outer Worlds.