Obsidian Entertainment’sThe Outer Worldstakes from the strengths of theFallout:New Vegasformula and imbues it with the fantasy of exploration that fans of the sci-fi genre have been craving. WithThe Outer Worlds 2currently in development, Obsidian has the chance to lean all in on this conceit with the exploration of a new star system, diverging from the more grounded sci-fi realism that its upcoming sci-fi RPG peerStarfieldseems to be going for.
While much remains to be seen regardingThe Outer Worlds 2, the promise of new terrain to explore and characters to encounter leaves many possibilities for its sci-fi inspirations. Its teaser shows off lush landscapes and terrifying extra-terrestrial creatures while brandishing the satirical humor that the first game has become so known for. ThoughThe Outer Worldsleaned into sci-fi through avenues like inventive weaponry, robot companions, and space capitalism, its sequel can move even further towards the fantastical, working to embrace the extremes of the sci-fi genre.
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The Outer Worlds 2 Could Go All Out on its Fantasy Sci-Fi Elements
The preview footage of Bethesda’sStarfieldshows the game taking a more life-like approach to the genre. Not only is this apparent in its photo-realistic terrain and character models, but through its emphasis on humans; though its gameplay shows some creatures wandering its planets, the title’s focus seems to be on the technological advancements of humanity in a way that could be considered plausible for the future. Because of this,it’s unclear ifStarfieldwill include any intelligent lifeformsto encounter, which could be an avenue forThe Outer Worlds 2to explore through its enemies and companions.
Similarly,The Outer Worlds 2could make the most of its terrain, furthering the fantastical approach to its landscapes while distinguishing itself fromStarfield. Its teaser already appears promising in this regard, complete with glittering plants and towering trees that feel organic and unnatural at the same time. This could pave the way for interesting scavenging options that complement the game’s approach to science; perhaps players could collect materials scattered throughout the planets, allowing for inventive upgrades to weaponry. In turn, this could change the way in which terrain is interacted with, aiding in a sense of discovery.
Tonally,The Outer Worlds 2’s sense of humorwill certainly follow in the original’s brand of comedy, which could also benefit from a more fantastical depiction. While Bethesda seems to be erring on the serious side ofStarfield’s sci-fi realism, the ability forThe Outer Worlds 2to push the limits of the genre could make for more comical situations. For example, showing humans with capitalist lifestyles encountering aliens who have adopted socialist economies could be a clever way to poke fun at the two systems while building on the qualities of the planets and inhabitants that players can visit. This could allow players to make decisions that put them on either end of the spectrum, similar toDisco Elysium.
ThoughThe Outer Worlds 2is unlikely to hold the same scale asStarfield’s exploration, its tighter focus on planets to discover could allow for a stronger emphasis on world-building and characterization. With a more fantastical depiction of space travel, the game has the ability to tread new ground, honing in on the limitless possibilities of a new star system. Though both titles are sure to leave players invested in hours of adventure, the way in whichThe Outer Worlds 2distinguishes itself through tone could make all the difference in its reception. As Obsidian Entertainment continues its development on the title, only time will tell how the game chooses to differentiate itself from Bethesda’s work.
