Welcome to our latest IGN First, where we're dedicating the entire month of April to giving you an exclusive look at The Outer Worlds 2. We're thrilled to present the very first real-time gameplay showcase, taking you on an immersive journey through a quest at the N-Ray Facility. This quest not only introduces several new features and mechanics but also highlights how the game is reimagining level design. What struck me most is the deepened RPG experience that developer Obsidian is crafting, drawing from its rich history and taking cues from immersive sims like Deus Ex and Dishonored.
While the DNA of first-person RPGs has always been present, The Outer Worlds 2 introduces more sophisticated systems than its predecessor. A true stealth system and enhanced tools make this playstyle more viable, including effective melee weapons and skills that enable silent takedowns. For instance, the health bar above enemy heads now features a purple-colored readout that indicates the damage a stealth attack will inflict, helping you decide if you can achieve a one-hit kill or if it's worth engaging your target at all. Enemies can detect dead bodies and alert guards, but with the right skill, you can quickly disintegrate bodies to avoid detection.
The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots
25 Images
Later in the quest, you acquire the N-Ray Scanner, which allows you to see through walls to locate objects, NPCs, and enemies. This device is crucial not only for solving complex environmental puzzles but also for stealth and combat strategies. The N-Ray Facility is home to cloaked enemies that are invisible to the naked eye but can be detected using the N-Ray Scanner. Failing to use this tool diligently can lead to surprise attacks, showcasing how gadgets add new dimensions to the gameplay.
The game's interlocking systems enhance the RPG elements that shape specific character builds. Stealth and immersive sim elements are not the only areas where gameplay is expanding. Obsidian has focused significantly on improving gunplay, taking inspiration from Destiny to deliver a more satisfying shooting experience. While The Outer Worlds 2 isn't shifting entirely to a shooter genre, the gunplay feels more akin to what you'd expect from a first-person game with firearms.
This is evident when we approach the N-Ray Facility with a guns-blazing strategy. Movement mechanics have been refined to complement the gunplay, allowing for more agile actions like sprint-sliding while aiming down sights. The return of Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) enhances the bullet-time experience, making it a key part of your combat strategy. Additionally, the inclusion of throwables adds another layer to your arsenal, enabling you to perform impressive feats like tossing a grenade, activating TTD, and shooting it midair to detonate it on unsuspecting enemies.
While we don't have much to share about the story yet, including the context of the N-Ray Facility quest, we can see how conversations have evolved in the sequel. In the gameplay video, you encounter an NPC named Exemplar Foxworth who has survived a cultist takeover. She's injured, and you can help her based on your Medical stat or respond using your Guns or Melee stats. This segment also introduces a new companion, Aza, a former cultist who seems eager to help reverse the damage they've caused.
Many of these elements echo those in the original Outer Worlds, but where that game laid the groundwork, The Outer Worlds 2 aims to fully realize Obsidian's vision. After getting an early look at the game, I spoke with the team at Obsidian to gain insights into its new features and the overarching vision for the sequel. They're keen on leveraging the RPG roots of the studio's past while pushing the boundaries of what a modern first-person RPG can be, often citing Fallout: New Vegas as a guiding influence. This gives me high hopes for the game's potential.
This is just a glimpse of what's in store for The Outer Worlds 2, and what we'll be covering throughout this month's IGN First. I'll be delving into character builds, the new flaws system, the array of quirky weapons, and just how expansive this sequel is. Expect interviews with key figures like original Fallout developer and creative director Leonard Boyarsky, game director Brandon Adler, and design director Matt Singh. Stay tuned to IGN all April for more exciting updates!
