Highlights
The Outer Worlds succeeds in crafting a captivating sci-fi world by keeping its storytelling simple and accessible and not overwhelming gamers.
The game creates immersive and familiar environments in the Halcyon system, enabling players to easily feel at ease. The Outer Worlds achieves a balance between its science fiction aspects by emphasizing human stories and emotions in a personal storytelling experience.
The video game industry has always had a close relationship with the sci-fi genre. From Star Wars to Mass Effect, gamers have had numerous opportunities to dive into immersive science fiction worlds. The Outer Worlds, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, continues this tradition by offering gamers an exciting new sci-fi realm to explore. Obsidian has a talent for creating captivating worlds, and The Outer Worlds demonstrates their ability to construct a unique and standout sci-fi setting amidst a crowded market of similar games.
As The Outer Worlds 2 prepares to expand the franchise, it is worth examining how Obsidian successfully crafted such a captivating world from scratch. The sci-fi genre can often become complicated, with even well-known properties like Star Wars and Star Trek having intricate lore that may overwhelm newcomers. However, The Outer Worlds managed to avoid overwhelming players by keeping its sci-fi elements straightforward. This showcases Obsidian's storytelling prowess and bodes well for the sequel's potential success, following in the footsteps of its predecessor.
The Outer Worlds' Settings Are Foreign But Recognizable
Establishing a compelling setting is crucial in sci-fi stories. Iconic settings like the dunes of Tatooine in Star Wars, the neon-soaked Night City in Cyberpunk 2077, and the bustling Tower in Destiny have captivated audiences. In The Outer Worlds, Obsidian has skillfully created a collection of immersive worlds within the Halcyon system.
Although planets like Monarch differ significantly from Earth, they bear enough resemblance for players to easily adapt. The presence of flora and fauna reminiscent of Earth's natural surroundings, alongside settlements varying from villages to cities, provides a sense of familiarity and prevents players from feeling disoriented.
The Outer Worlds' Sci-Fi Keeps It Light On The Science
The Outer Worlds separates itself from other sci-fi stories by avoiding the need for specialized knowledge in chemistry and physics. Despite featuring scientific elements, the game does not overwhelm players with explanations or lectures. Instead, it places trust in its audience to understand the narrative without getting lost in intricate details. This allows players to fully immerse themselves in the sci-fi experience without the burden of deciphering complex concepts through external research.
The Outer Worlds Is A Human Story
The human stories at the core of The Outer Worlds prevent its sci-fi brand from becoming tedious. The game focuses on survival and explores what individuals are willing to do, whether good or bad, to ensure their survival. Along the journey, players encounter endearing characters like Parvati and visit hubs of greed like Byzantium, representing the best and worst aspects of humanity. This relatable narrative prevents The Outer Worlds from alienating players with a lack of emotional depth.
Obsidian Entertainment's expertise in storytelling is evident in The Outer Worlds. The developer has created a believable world that evokes strong emotions, giving players a reason to care about more than just the science fiction visuals. With The Outer Worlds 2 and its new star system on the horizon, Obsidian is sure to surprise players with new companions and additional corporate greed. Whatever the developer has in store, it will undoubtedly strike a balance that appeals to gamers of all types.
The Outer Worlds 2 is currently in development.