Introduction
Today we are travelling to The Outer Worlds, that has been released in 2019, this is important as we will be reviewing the Spacers Choice another time. This game takes players on an interstellar journey through a captivating and satirical universe. The game promised a blend of immersive storytelling, compelling gameplay, and a unique sci-fi setting. As a fan of the RPG genre, I was eager to delve into a game that had generated considerable pre-release buzz, but I never got around to play.
What did I think before playing The Outer Worlds?
Before launching into The Outer Worlds, my expectations were cautiously optimistic. Obsidian’s reputation for crafting narrative-driven experiences, coupled with the promise of player choice impacting the game world, had me anticipating an engaging and dynamic adventure. The trailers and promotional material hinted at a darkly humorous take on corporate greed and societal dystopia, setting the stage for a thought-provoking journey. It is time to look at the Steam page.
The Steam Page
https://store.steampowered.com/app/578650/The_Outer_Worlds/
Browsing through the Steam page heightened my excitement. The detailed character customization options, the promise of branching storylines influenced by player decisions, and the vibrant, otherworldly landscapes showcased in the screenshots all contributed to building a sense of anticipation. The positive reviews and high player ratings only served to reinforce my preconceived notions that I was in for a treat.
Rating
I rated The Outer Worlds with an 8.7 before playing.
I was hoping I would be able to kill everyone!
Story
The Outer Worlds did not disappoint in the narrative department. The game unfolds in a dystopian future where megacorporations control every aspect of life in the Halcyon system. As a character awakened from cryosleep, the player becomes embroiled in a struggle against corporate manipulation and exploitation. The writing is sharp, the dialogue choices meaningful, and the overall storytelling masterfully weaves humor and social commentary into a compelling narrative. The branching storylines and multiple endings make each play through a unique experience.
Rating
I rate the story in Outer Worlds with an 8.3
The story is rather short, but it does allow for multiple replays.
Gameplay
The Outer Worlds feature a robust character progression system. Players can customize their character’s attributes, skills, and perks as they level up. Each choice has a tangible impact on the character’s abilities, allowing for a personalized play style. Whether focusing on combat, stealth, dialogue, or tech skills, players can tailor their character to suit their preferred approach to challenges.
One of the standout features of The Outer Worlds is its commitment to player choice. The decisions made throughout the game, whether in dialogue or actions, have meaningful consequences that ripple through the narrative. The branching storylines and multiple endings add a layer of replayability, encouraging players to experiment with different choices and witness the diverse outcomes.
The companions in The Outer Worlds are not mere tag-alongs; they are integral to the experience. Each companion comes with a unique set of skills, abilities, and personal quests. Building relationships with these characters can unlock special abilities and impact the overall story. The companions also contribute to conversations, providing additional perspectives and adding depth to the narrative. There is so much more, like time dilation, crafting, but then the gameplay section would become too lengthy.
Rating
I rated the gameplay of The Outer Worlds with a 9.4
There are minor complaints, for example the level limit of 36, which you can easily reach to proceed to curbstomp everyone. Or the fact plenty of weapons are re-used later in the game with either gold or titanium behind the name and improved stats.
Sound and Graphics
Graphics
The graphics, while not pushing the boundaries of realism, excel in creating a visually distinct and vibrant sci-fi world. The art direction shines through in the varied environments, each brimming with personality and detail.
Sound
The sound design and soundtrack contribute significantly to the game’s atmosphere. From the sweeping orchestral scores to the quirky radio broadcasts, the audio elements enhance immersion.
Rating
I rated the sound and graphics of The Outer Worlds with a 7.7
While not perfect, it was good enough.
What did I think after playing The Outer Worlds?
Having spent hours navigating the complex web of corporate intrigue, making morally ambiguous choices, and building relationships with the diverse cast of characters, The Outer Worlds left a lasting impression. The game successfully blends its compelling narrative with enjoyable gameplay, creating a memorable experience that encourages multiple playthroughs to explore different story paths.
Rating
I rated The Outer Worlds with a 9.0 after playing.
If you like making choices, and them influencing your gameplay, then this might just be the game you are looking for.
What are my personal thoughts about The Outer Worlds?
The game’s strengths lie in its storytelling, player agency, and humor. The well-crafted world and characters, combined with meaningful choices, make it a standout title in the RPG genre.
Rating
My personal Rating of Outer Worlds is a 9
Last Words
Pros
- The Outer Worlds delivers a thought-provoking and engaging storyline, filled with humor
- Meaningful choices impact the narrative
- Robust character progression allows players to tailor their skills
- Well-developed companions with unique personalities, skills, and personal quests
- The game encourages exploration with varied environments, hidden secrets, and side quests
- The game's satirical take on corporate culture and societal issues adds a unique and entertaining flavor to the narrative
- The sound design, including a memorable soundtrack and immersive ambient sounds
Cons
- Some players may find the combat system a bit simplistic compared to other RPGs
- Occasional technical glitches and bugs, while not game-breaking, can detract from the overall experience
- The crafting system is relatively straightforward, lacking the depth seen in some other RPGs
- While the dialogue is well-written, the animation during conversations can sometimes feel stiff or less expressive
- Some players may find the overall playtime shorter than expected for a modern RPG
The Outer Worlds offers a richly detailed universe teeming with satire and social commentary, It successfully delivers on the promises made before release, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven RPGs. Whether exploring the far reaches of the Halcyon system or navigating the moral complexities of corporate dominance, The Outer Worlds provides a stellar gaming experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
The Final Rating
8.6
Please let me know what you think of The Outer Worlds in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed reading this review, I hope to see you in the next review!
If you liked reading this review, maybe you would like to share this review with your friends.
Outer Worlds are good
The game yes, living on those planets, that does not sound fun!
I liked this game. Deserved 8
good review, i’ll definitely have to play this one
Good review. I’ve sort of dismissed this game because of concerns about the narrative, but I might have to reconsider after reading your review.
The narrative is very fun!
nice
I like this game, thanks for reviewing it!
You are welcome!
Great review man. Definitely will pick up the second game of this series. In my opinion Obsidian is undefeated in terms of storytelling. I also loved SW: KotOR 2 and Fallout: New Vegas.
Yeah, I love when your choices make an impact on the story!
Seems a pretty cool game
its the next game on my to play list.
This is a good RPG!
Good review sven, although I’m surprised it got 8.7 because it certainly doesn’t have that obsidian element like fallout new vegas but I suppose it was a new IP and they can probably fix its shortcomings in the next one.
There are plenty of redeeming qualities in this game, however, I never played Fallout, like, ever.
the game is out of this world 😛
Very funny!
I like the art, played before on PS4 and it was a really cool experience.