Little to nothing is currently known aboutThe Outer Worlds 2, and the sequel’s reveal trailer was no help at all in determining anything about the game either. Instead, the reveal trailer was confirmation thatThe Outer Worlds 2is indeed in development, but its cinematic contents were explained to be unrepresentative of what the game will actually look like. This leaves a lot to fans’ imaginations, and while it is likely that fans can expect more of the same fromThe Outer Worlds, there is a wealth of science-fiction RPGs to look to if Obsidian Entertainment needs inspiration.
Starfieldis obviously an enormous undertaking that Bethesda fans will be highly anticipating. It is possible thatThe Outer Worlds 2could find influence in what is being achieved in that science-fiction epic, especially with how manyfeaturesThe Outer Worldsseemed to borrow from theFalloutfranchisein particular. That said,Mass Effectis another seminal franchise with its own unique stamp on the genre, and whileThe Outer Worldsmay seem the furthest from that IP in narrative or gameplay, it could still learn a thing or two from it.
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Mass Effect is Popular for a Reason, But Not the End-All Be-All
Mass Effectis a staple in science-fiction RPGs, as isDragon Agea staple in fantasy RPGs.Mass Effectis a sprawling epic that takes place across three connected entries as well as a fourth installment,Andromeda. In order to get a true experience with any entry in the original trilogy, though, they must be played consecutively because choices made in the first and second games will have dramatic consequences in the third.
This is an incredible feat, especially considering how invested in characters and developments players must be for these decisions and actions to land as significantly or detrimentally as they do. However, it would be a shame ifThe Outer Worldsabandoned its frivolous charm forMass Effect’s intergalactic politics altogether.The Outer Worldsbrought a much-needed whimsy to the saturated science-fiction RPG genre.
Obsidian’s comedic chops inThe Outer Worldsecho that of Insomniac Games, particularly in its science-fictionRatchet and Clankfranchise. This was further demonstrated inThe Outer Worlds 2’s absurdist reveal trailer, which satirized itself as an incomplete product with nothing more to show during E3 2021.
The Outer Worlds 2 Should Continue to Prioritize Companion Relationships
The Outer Worlds 2could learn a lot fromMass Effect, even if both franchises are still mildly different from one another.The Outer Worldshas gameplay that is much more akin to modernFalloutgames, for better or for worse, and its dialogue options also fare similarly. Rather,Mass Effecttakes a much more narrative-driven approachwith combat often being backburned as one of the franchise’s weaker features, and even then it is not unfavorable.
ButMass Effect’s narrative expertise is unmatched in the genre, and could certainly inspire developments included inThe Outer Worlds 2. BothThe Outer WorldsandMass Effectare terrific at introducing and developing characters, withone ofThe Outer Worlds’ better features being its commitment to endearing companion characters.
The Outer Worldsis much smaller in scope due to the fact that it has only had the singular installment thus far, but it would be fantastic to see it blossom into the massive RPG franchiseMass Effectis today. Until then, the nextMass Effectgame is currently in development as well, and it will be interesting to see if any other science-fiction RPGs such asThe Outer Worldsmake an impression on it.
The Outer Worlds 2is currently in development.
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