Summary
The video game industry has always had a close relationship with the sci-fi genre. From theStar Warsfranchise toMass Effect, gamers have had no shortage of ways to escape into a fantastical world embedded in rich science-fiction.The Outer Worldsis no exception, as Obsidian Entertainment’s RPG romp through the Halcyon Colony gave many gamers an exciting new sci-fi world to explore. Obsidian has always had a knack for creating immersive worlds, andThe Outer Worldsshowed the developer’s prowess for fleshing out a brand-new sci-fi setting that can stand out among a sea of similarly otherworldly games.
WithThe Outer Worlds 2set to expand the franchise to new territories, it’s worth evaluating just how Obsidian succeeded in crafting such an enthralling world out of thin air. The sci-fi genre is known for getting convoluted at times, with even the most iconic properties likeStar WarsandStar Trekhaving enough dense lore to scare away newcomers.The Outer Worldsmanaged to avoid overwhelming gamers, however, and it did so by keeping its brand of sci-fi simple. It’s a testament toObsidian’s storytelling abilities, and it’s a trait that should helpThe Outer Worlds 2succeed just as the first game did.
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The Outer Worlds' Settings Are Foreign But Recognizable
One of the most essential aspects of a sci-fi story is establishing a strong setting.Star Warshas the dunes of Tatooine,Cyberpunk 2077has the neon-soaked Night City, andDestinyhas its bustling Tower. InThe Outer Worlds, Obsidian has crafted a series of immersive worlds within the Halcyon system.
While planets like Monarch are very different from Earth, they’re recognizable enough that most players can get comfortable in them quickly. From flora and fauna that resemble nature on Earth to settlements that range from villages to cities, there’s enough familiarity to keep from feeling lost.
The Outer Worlds' Sci-Fi Keeps It Light On The Science
Some sci-fi stories can make fans feel like they need a degree in chemistry and physics to be completely understood, butThe Outer Worldsdoesn’t fall into that trap. While aspects of the franchise delve into the world of science with the character of Phineas Welles,The Outer Worldsnever makes players feel like they’re in the middle of a lecture.
It also introduces scientific elements without heavy-handed explanation and trusts its audience to not get lost in the details. Players are able to sit back and takeThe Outer Worlds' sci-fifor what it is, instead of spending time reading wiki pages to decipher anything overly complex.
The Outer Worlds Is A Human Story
One of the primary ways in whichThe Outer Worldskeeps its brand of sci-fi from getting too laborious is the human stories at the heart of the series.The Outer Worldsis about survival, and what humans are willing to do, for better or for worse, to ensure their survival. Throughout that journey, players meetlovable characters like Parvatiand travel to centers of greed like Byzantium, all of it symbolizing the best and worst parts of human nature. It’s a story many people can relate to in some way, or at the very least recognize, and it preventsThe Outer Worldsfrom alienating its playerbase with an emotionless narrative.
The Outer Worldsis yet another example of Obsidian Entertainment’s affinity for storytelling. The developer built a world that is not only believable but full of emotion, ensuring players have a reason to care about something beyond the sci-fi visuals around them. Obsidian likely has many surprises in store forThe Outer Worlds 2and its new star system, from new companions to more greedy corporations. Whatever the developer does deliver, it’s certain to balance its sci-fi in a way that is accessible to all kinds of gamers.
