The Outer Worlds 2: Unleashing the Power of a Voiced Protagonist

The Outer Worlds captivated players with its vibrant characters, expansive landscapes, and gripping storylines. As an RPG, it provided players with the freedom to shape their own experience. The protagonist's actions and choices, guided by moral dilemmas and diverse dialogue options, allowed players to truly immerse themselves in the game. While the first installment successfully employed a silent protagonist, introducing a voice for the main character in The Outer Worlds 2 could enhance and amplify the impact of the game's dialogue choices.

The Outer Worlds was renowned for its skillful use of tonal shifts, evident not only in major decision-making moments but also in the countless interactions with its diverse cast of characters. The game masterfully blended satire and humor, relying on voice direction to bring its comedic moments to life. A shining example of this was Martin Callahan, affectionately known as the Moon Man of Spacer's Choice, whose deadpan delivery, mixed with corporate slogans, breathed life into the lively atmosphere of the Groundbreaker. The witty exchanges between the player and Martin, with the protagonist's responses to his morose corporate jargon, opened the door to even more engaging interactions in future installments.

A Voiced Protagonist in The Outer Worlds 2 Could Help to Accentuate Its Different Tones

Amplifying the different tonal choices presented can heighten interactions between the player and the game. For instance, in The Outer Worlds, a significant moment occurred when Parvati confided in the player about her feelings for Junlei. The impact of this dialogue was magnified by the player's ability to respond. Given that Parvati revealed her asexuality during this pivotal moment, players could choose to sympathize or empathize with her struggles, or dismiss her as she poured out her emotions.

In the game's sequel, incorporating options like these could make voiced responses more tangible. Opting for indifferent or dissuading dialogue could feel more heartbreaking, as players would have to hear these words spoken aloud. This would go beyond simply reading words and observing character reactions, encouraging players to reconsider before taking a villainous path. Moreover, being able to hear the protagonist's banter with companions would enhance the realism of the group dynamic and highlight the level of respect they hold (or lack) for the captain. This would further emphasize the moral choices in The Outer Worlds.

Games like Cyberpunk 2077 have demonstrated that having voiced player characters does not have to limit the freedom of a customizable protagonist. While the use of silent or voiced protagonists in RPGs has sparked debate among fans, both approaches can be successful. Given the relatively short length of The Outer Worlds compared to other RPGs, it is possible that having a voiced protagonist on a smaller scale could work well. If the sequel follows a similar approach, it could open the door for this inclusion.

Ultimately, fans of Obsidian Entertainment are eagerly anticipating The Outer Worlds 2, which promises to be an exciting new adventure. Many hope that the game will push the boundaries set by the original. While it is unclear whether the game will feature voiced protagonists, it is likely that it will offer a wealth of new experiences that will set it apart. As fans eagerly await news about the gameplay and story, the star system in The Outer Worlds 2 remains a mystery, teeming with new enemies, companions, and opportunities for satirical commentary on capitalism.

The Outer Worlds is available now for the Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.