The Outer Worlds Game Review
3 Step Game Review
About the Game
Released
October 25, 2019
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
Price
US$ 59.99
(MAY VARY PER LOCATION)
Game Description
The Outer Worlds is a new single-player sci-fi RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. As you explore the furthest reaches of space and encounter a host of factions all vying for power, who you decide to become will determine the fate of everyone in Halcyon. In the corporate equation for the colony, you are the unplanned variable.
Lost in transit while on a colonist ship bound for the furthest edge… (continues…)
Step 1: Playing Conditions
Read below the game basic characteristics. If it is something you see yourself playing, move on to Step 2: Graphics & Sound.
Gameplay Overview
The Outer Worlds (TOW) is an RPG shooting game where the story REALLY matters. Half of the game you are shooting and the other half talking to NPCs to make moral decisions. Actually, forget that…
There is no RIGHT or WRONG way to play TOW. You can do anything, kill anyone. You can do zero talking and shoot everyone at sight or be diplomatic and try to complete the game with zero kills. It’s all up to you!
To add more variables to the complexity of the “FREE WILL“, the game has companions, an entire RPG module (attributes, aptitudes, skills, and perks) and a variety of armors, weapons, mods, and items. All of which, when well combined makes every choice easier.
Step 2: Graphics & Sound
Watch 5 to 10 minutes of any video below. If you like what you see and hear, move on to Step 3: Game Evaluation.
Step 3: Game Evaluation
Build your expectations about the game by learning what it offers and how was The Partisan Spy’s experience.
USER INTERFACE
The game UI is similar to what is experienced in the FPS shooting genre. The in-game overlay is simple and MINIMALISTIC prioritizing the action around the player. Based on all concepts, information, and items the game has, the menu and inventory are well solved and EASY to understand as every topic comes with an explanation.
Besides that, there are small bugs that can pass unnoticed, mission tracking could be more friendly and some keybindings are hardcoded.
STORY
At TOW, the weight story is EQUAL to the shooting, something rare to see in the FPS genre. Even more singular to the genre is the influence these elements have on each other. By killing someone the story can change and by choosing a specific dialogue the shooting can be avoided and a friend can be made.
Yes, the game has CONTROL mechanisms to lead the story to an ending. But how to get there it’s on your hands. Create your own story.
COMMUNITY POTENTIAL
This can be the START of something new. TOW is a PVE game only and to have any SSP relies on the creation of a fan base and an active community. Time will tell the FUTURE.
Based on what the game offers today, its SSP is LOW as for most PVE games.
Some elements favor the game to increase its potential from LOW to AVERAGE, for example, replayability for unique story contents and community connections to crew companions.
GAMEPLAY MOOD TRACKER
MOOD ANALYSIS
The beginning and end of the gameplay were the high moments of my mood levels, reaching to EXCITED.
The possibility to do “everything” and the feeling of discovery at the beginning of the game lasted for a long time.
As the novelty feeling decreased the mood changed to stay between NORMAL and ENTERTAINED.
Mood picked it up at the end of the storyline for different reasons but similar mood levels.
GRIND FEELING
The “free will” concept is on the opposite side of the grind feeling, which forces you to do the same thing over and over again.
Added to that, the game comes with a story of various threads. With this “formula” the grind feeling was NEVER present.
But there are 2 game mechanics that can bring the feeling: items collection and inventory management. The variety of items, weapons, armor, and mods can be overwhelming.
LOVED THE MOST
The feeling that every small decision had an influence on the game’s outcome.
DISLIKED THE MOST
The limit to track missions one by one interfered with the rhythm of the gameplay.
EVALUATION SUMMARY
There is nothing revolutionary about TOW, you can find similar game elements in other titles.
What makes The Outer Worlds UNIQUE is the combination and CARE given to these elements. For example, depending what armor you are wearing you can get different reactions from various NPCs. It’s an irrelevant detail about the game but it shows the level of attention and commitment given even to small things.
Beyond words, The Outer Worlds is WELL-THOUGHT, POLISHED, and has a story that offers a different experience to every players.
SHOOT whoever you want.
BE whoever you wish to be.
TELL your own story.
How many FPS games can offer you this?
Choices & Advice
DON’T BUY IT
IF YOU ARE NOT INTO THE “FREE WILL” KIND OF GAME.
WAIT TO BUY
IF IT’S AN IMPORTANT VALUE FOR YOU THAT GAMES HAVE A STRONG COMMUNITY AND FAN BASE BEHIND IT.
BUY NOW
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FLAWLESS RPG SHOOTING EXPERIENCE.
GAME LIFETIME
GAME CAN BE 100% COMPLETED IN 20-40 HOUR DEPENDING ON HOW YOU PLAY IT. IF ADDED THE REPLAYABILITY CAN GO +40 HOURS.
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