Damn fun: The Outer Worlds 2 review

The Outer Worlds 2, with its stylish, vibrant worlds and extensive storyline, allows you to immerse yourself in a sci-fi adventure full of unexpected choices. And the combination of epic battles and stealth creates a dynamic experience. Whether you're quietly exploring alien planets or engaging in intense faction conflicts, Obsidian 's game will pull you in like a black hole of a planet, so gg' s editorial team couldn't pass it up.

A quick transition:

• Plot: satire, conflicts and your own choices
• Gameplay: do what you want
• What is the technical state of Arcadia?
• How we will remember The Outer Worlds 2
• Five things you need to know about The Outer Worlds 2

Plot: satire, conflicts, and your own choice

The Outer Worlds 2 takes players to Arcadia, a wealthy and isolated colony in an alternate timeline where megacorporations control the future of humanity. Unlike the frozen colonist protagonist of the first game, players take on the role of an agent of the Earth Directorate, sent to resolve conflicts between warring factions and investigate mysterious interdimensional rifts that tear apart the space-time continuum. The agent (and the player) will have to learn to navigate a complex political situation where the Protectorate of Arcadia faces threats from both a rebellious religious order and the usual corporate invasion.

As in the first part, your choice system affects the branching of storylines depending on the interaction with party members and secondary characters throughout the journey. Players will shape their path and approach to solving problems through diplomacy, strategy, or chaos.

New companions, as in the previous game, can be hired throughout Arcadia, each belonging to different factions and having their own storylines. Among them is Niles, an agent of the Earth Directorate, who is hesitant to remain loyal to his faction or turn away from it. Or you can take Marisol. She is a deadly mathematician and assassin from the Order of the Ascendant who has unfinished business. You can run with two of these characters at the same time, who also have their own abilities, which will help a lot during fights.

Overall, The Outer Worlds 2 offers an interesting story and world. The satirical nature of the plot stands out: the developers once again create a sharp critique of corporate greed and unchecked capitalism with witty dialogues and absurd bureaucratic systems that expose the dystopian reality of corporate colonialism. This takes the story beyond the typical space adventure, turning it into a reflection on power, exploitation, and the future of humanity under corporate rule, while maintaining the series' characteristic ironic humour and player-driven story.

Gameplay: do what you want

The foundation of The Outer Worlds 2 is the first-person RPG that was the basis of the previous game, but significantly expands the scale and mechanics. The game introduces new stealth mechanics, including silent eliminations and assassinations, as well as an N-Ray scanner that allows players to detect hidden enemies through walls.

The action segments have also been improved. The controls, gunfights, sound design, and parkour feel much more enjoyable, so if I could go shoot enemies one more time, I was sure to do it. You can also slow down time, dissolve enemies in acid, carry a diverse arsenal of firearms (which can also be modified), grenades, and something for close combat, such as an electric bat.

And fans of open worlds will definitely have something to do. Although the locations are not the largest, the game has an intense amount of additional quests and various hidden locations where you can always find something interesting. Have you been waiting for a beautiful space adventure where you can disappear for tens of hours? This is the place for you.

It is also worth noting that the game uses the philosophy of an immersive simulator with several possible approaches to each situation. Players can complete missions through stealth infiltration, direct combat, or manipulation, using dialogue options to persuade, lie, and intimidate. There's plenty of room to roam and practice your thinking and strategic skills, don't worry.

The character development system focuses on abilities rather than dry statistics. The game features twelve basic skills, such as hacking and engineering, as well as more than ninety permanent power-ups that shape your style. I can't say that The Outer Worlds 2 offers anything wow innovative, but it's a really enjoyable RPG where I found myself dropping out of the real world for hours at a time.

The Outer Worlds 2 delivers good gameplay that successfully modernises and expands on the original's formula. Improved combat mechanics, comprehensive character customisation, and freedom to achieve goals create an experience that provides choices in a corporate space where everything depends on you.

What is the technical state of Arcadia?

Optimisation in the game is at a very good level. There were no fps drops on PlayStation 5, the game didn't crash, and I didn't encounter a single bug during the entire playthrough. So we have another game that didn't mess up with the technical state, and in our time, paradoxically, this is a big plus.

Retro futuristic visuals

Obsidian has once again proved that it knows how to create beautiful worlds. The game has nice graphics with bright colours and expressive artistic design of both external and internal spaces, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of science fiction. The sequel enhances the attractive futuristic aesthetics of the original with Art Deco influences. The character models have been significantly improved with detailed facial, hair, and animation models. The bright retro futuristic aesthetic combined with modern technical features creates a game world that is as much a pleasure to look at as it is to explore.

At one time, the first part attracted me with its atypical visuals. The sequel has successfully adopted this style and made it better

Spacey soundtrack

The soundtrack combines atmospheric compositions that immerse you in different parts of the galaxy: from noisy cities illuminated by neon lights to eerily quiet planets.

The audio design has good ambient effects, such as the distant rumble of ships, sounds of alien fauna, and the barely audible rustling of vegetation, which enhances the sense of exploration.

I would also like to mention explosions, weapon sounds, and special abilities that increase the intensity of battles and contribute to the overall dynamics and cinematic nature of the gameplay.

How we will remember The Outer Worlds 2

The Outer Worlds 2 will be remembered for its stylish and vividly drawn world, a good story full of choices and wit, as well as intense and immersive gameplay. Combining the story, for which Obsidian is famous, with updated and improved gameplay, as well as an interesting world in the style of retro futurism, we got a good RPG experience.

Five things you need to know about The Outer Worlds 2

• The Outer Worlds 2 is set in a new star system called Arcadia, expanding the universe beyond the original game
• Battles are faster and smoother, and the arsenal of weapons is more diverse
• Players can switch between first and third person perspectives, which was not available in Part 1
• You play as an agent of the Earth Directorate, who must understand the complex system of factions and corporate interests
• Your choices throughout the game will have a significant impact on the development of the plot.

5 reasons to buy The Outer Worlds 2

• You want a satirical story with a mockery of current topics
• You have always dreamed of exploring different planets
• You are looking for gameplay that allows you to experiment and play the way you want
• You really liked the first part
• Retro futuristic style is your love

1 reason not to buy The Outer Worlds 2

• You are the director of a large corporation and don't want anyone to make fun of you

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