The Outer Worlds 2 feels like a classic “bigger, bolder, better” sequel, but Xbox only let me scratch the surface

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This year, Obsidian Entertainment aims to be the standout studio on Xbox, boasting three highly anticipated releases. Among these, The Outer Worlds 2, due out soon, carries significant expectations as a promising open-world, science fiction RPG with commendable ambitions.

At home, I seized the chance to have an early look at The Outer Worlds 2, although I must admit that the preview build I received was smaller than anticipated, it still offered a satisfying sneak peek into this upcoming Xbox game. My anticipation for the complete release has only grown stronger as a result. Obsidian Entertainment has seldom let me down, and it appears that their sequel will not buck the trend.

If you find yourself pondering, “Will the second game manage to change my mind about the first one?”, then let me advise a degree of caution. In regards to The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian is staying firm with its approach – an approach that some think is an improvement but others may argue as a step back in the world of RPGs.

One area, four characters, and a whole lot of bodies left behind

I was anticipating that the preview for The Outer Worlds 2 would provide me almost unlimited exploration of the initial significant zone of the game, along with a significant portion of its narrative, much like my Avowed preview from last year did.

Regrettably, my access was restricted to just the opening hour or so of the game, which functioned primarily as a tutorial. To gauge the various playstyles available in TOW2, I opted to replay that single mission on four separate occasions.

Wishing I could’ve delved deeper into The Outer Worlds 2, as it was, revisiting the introductory level provided me with a wealth of information and understanding.

In simpler terms, my initial character was a cunning and underhanded outlaw with a sharp wit who could silently take down enemies with a clever remark on their lips. Later, I controlled a former convict who was both aggressive and reckless, utilizing his knack for brutality to charge headlong into situations, disregarding any potential repercussions.

In the third game, I took on the role of a professor who, despite his poor health, possessed an extraordinary intellect and a wide array of skills that compensated for his weak combat abilities. Regrettably, this preliminary version didn’t allow for interaction with companions. Subsequently, I became a persuasive and eloquent law enforcer, choosing diplomacy over violence to navigate through each challenge.

I played as a professor who was unwell but remarkably talented, boasting a sharp mind and an assortment of impressive skills that outweighed his lackluster fighting skills in my third turn. Regrettably, the initial version didn’t facilitate companion interactions. Later on, I controlled a charismatic and articulate law enforcer, preferring to use words rather than weapons to overcome every hurdle.

Regardless of the route you choose, there are numerous corpses throughout; expect The Outer Worlds 2 to require some bloodshed, unless you enjoy challenging, brutal gameplay.

Even though I could delve into just a small part of The Outer Worlds 2, I still got a clear sense of the main game mechanics and the freedom that players will enjoy when deciding on various mission and quest strategies.

In my gaming experiences, I often prefer the role of a solitary, stealthy character, reminiscent of a rogue with a knife, similar to how I played most RPGs. This style was also present in my initial play of The Outer Worlds, but what stood out significantly was the improvement in movement mechanics compared to my first gameplay.

In the new game, The Outer Worlds 2, your character’s significance remains undiminished in the world and their actions, but the gameplay feels more reactive and seamless overall, thanks to improved navigation and enhanced animations. I had a great time sneaking around this intricate part of the game that offered multiple paths.

Due to this sneak peek, I can now visualize the end result of my character: a character clearly influenced more by mad scientific studies rather than wicked physical training.

In my fourth game of The Outer Worlds 2, I thought I’d be playing as a charismatic leader all along. However, now I’m starting to question that choice. On one side, maneuvering through various challenges with charm was incredibly rewarding. But on the other hand, I never got to interact with any of the new companions, leaving me eager for another game to see what they have in store.

Among them, he stands out as the most academically inclined, possessing a diverse set of abilities that have provided me with numerous opportunities. He managed to infiltrate the entire droid security system of the region, set up strategic explosives to neutralize an enemy squadron, and deciphered cryptic research documents to make them useful for us.

Exploring a multitude of new secrets during my third attempt was definitely worth the sacrifice in battle skills, and it’s clear to me now that having a comrade by my side would only enhance those beneficial traits.

A deeper and more refined RPG, but still “The Outer Worlds”

In my limited playtime with The Outer Worlds 2 so far, I’m optimistic that Obsidian Entertainment has another hit on their hands. The visual aesthetics continue the charming cartoonish style of the original game, yet they’ve elevated it through enhanced cinematics, smoother animations, and more intricate environmental details.

From a story perspective, the writing seems to have significantly improved, keeping me more engaged and interested in the evolving plot compared to the initial game. The gameplay, while similar, has been refined and enhanced with smoother movements, an appealing sound design, and increasingly interactive surroundings.

I’m wondering if the character creator I used is the fully featured version that will be released, as it seemed somewhat limited in terms of customization options for my character’s appearance and attributes. Additionally, I’m mindful about the performance and reliability of the final product since during my brief playtime, I observed some occasional framerate drops and short freezes.

In essence, the lesson here is that The Outer Worlds remains just as it was – a vibrant blend of dark undertones and lighthearted wit. The gameplay, deliberately challenging, significantly impacts your character, companions, story choices, and the world itself. As for The Outer Worlds 2, it appears to be a continuation of the original, enhanced by years of polish and offering a larger, more daring cosmos and narrative.

I won’t be able to reveal the degree to which The Outer Worlds 2 lives up to its potential right now, but let me tell you, I am eagerly looking forward to diving deeper into it. Officially launching on October 29, 2025, The Outer Worlds 2 will be available for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Game Pass. Keep an eye out for a comprehensive review of

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2025-08-27 16:10