The Outer Worlds
" Immersive sci-fi RPG with impactful choices and humor but limited open-world exploration "
The Outer Worlds Review
The Outer Worlds is a first-person RPG that blends dark humor, corporate dystopia, and rich storytelling within a compact open-world setting. Players appreciate the game's writing, character development, and unique atmosphere, which evokes a distinct sci-fi vibe reminiscent of classics like Fallout: New Vegas. The game offers meaningful player choices, companion interactions, and a variety of quests that enhance immersion.
However, the game is often criticized for its relatively small world size, lack of depth in combat mechanics, and some technical issues such as poor optimization and occasional bugs. While the story and characters receive praise, some players find the gameplay and perk systems underwhelming. The DLCs add content but are viewed as short and sometimes overpriced. Overall, it is considered a solid but modest RPG experience best enjoyed at a discount, with a promising sequel anticipated.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the game's witty writing, engaging storylines, and well-developed companions like Parvati and Vicar Max. The atmosphere and art style create a memorable sci-fi corporate world filled with humor and lore. The dialogue system and player choice mechanics offer meaningful roleplaying opportunities. The bullet time combat system adds tactical depth, and the soundtrack complements the game's tone. DLC expansions provide additional story content and exploration, enriching the overall experience.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's small world size with limited exploration, making it feel less expansive than other RPGs. The combat is described as sluggish and unremarkable, with stealth mechanics considered ineffective. Many find the perk and skill systems underwhelming and lacking innovation. Technical issues such as poor optimization, especially on lower-end hardware, and some persistent bugs detract from gameplay. The DLCs, while adding content, are often seen as short and overpriced. Additionally, some players felt the story was too linear or simplistic with limited moral complexity.
Pros
- • Well-written and humorous dialogue enriches the immersive story experience.
- • Engaging companion characters with meaningful side quests and interactions.
- • Unique sci-fi corporate world atmosphere with memorable art style and soundtrack.
- • Player choices significantly impact story outcomes and relationships.
- • Bullet time combat adds strategic depth despite some sluggishness.
- • DLCs expand the game world and narrative with interesting new content.
- • Compact world design avoids filler and encourages focused exploration.
Cons
- • Game world is relatively small and limits open-world exploration.
- • Combat feels sluggish and lacks variety, with ineffective stealth mechanics.
- • Perk and skill systems are often seen as bland and uninspired.
- • Performance optimization issues cause stuttering on lower-end rigs.
- • Some quests and DLC content are short and feel overpriced.
- • Technical bugs occasionally disrupt quest progression and gameplay.
- • Story can feel linear with limited moral ambiguity in choices.
Rating Criteria
The Outer Worlds is an award-winning single-player RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. As you explore a space colony, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the colony's corporate equation, you are the unplanned variable.
