The Outer Worlds Review

Genre: Action Role-Playing | Developer: Obsidian Entertainment | Release Date: 2019

Published by Private Division, released for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows. Players assume the role of a passenger from a lost colony ship, who is revived by a scientist and tasked to rescue their fellow colonists and take down the corporations responsible for the colony's downfall. 

Campaign

The Outer Worlds delivers a rich, choice-driven narrative set in a dystopian corporate-controlled galaxy. Players step into the shoes of the Stranger, an awakened colonist thrust into the conflict between megacorporations and rebellious factions. The story is well-paced, balancing humor, satire, and deep moral dilemmas that shape the outcome of the game.

One of the game’s greatest strengths is its companions. Each has a well-developed backstory, unique abilities, and meaningful side quests. Whether it’s Parvati’s earnest and heartfelt journey, Felix’s rebellious enthusiasm, or Ellie’s cynical outlook, every companion adds depth to the experience. Their interactions with the player and each other create a dynamic that makes traveling with them engaging.

The world-building is excellent, with a deep lore that provides insight into the Halcyon system and its struggling colonies. Side quests are equally compelling, often presenting ethical choices that impact factions, NPCs, and even the game’s ending.

Despite its strengths, the game’s alien life feels underwhelming. Many planets recycle the same creatures, limiting the sense of discovery. A greater variety of wildlife would have enriched exploration. Additionally, while the game allows for multiple playstyles, customization options—especially for appearance and gear—could have been expanded.

Overall, The Outer Worlds offers a compelling, choice-driven RPG experience with memorable characters and a well-crafted story that keeps players invested from start to finish.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Gameplay

At its core, The Outer Worlds blends first-person shooter mechanics with deep RPG elements. Players can customize their character’s skills, allowing for multiple playstyles, from guns-blazing combat to persuasion-based pacifism. The game’s perk and flaw system is a standout feature, offering bonuses at the cost of unique weaknesses, making roleplaying more immersive.

Combat is satisfying, with a variety of weapons, from standard firearms to plasma rifles and science weapons with bizarre effects. Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) adds a strategic layer by slowing time, allowing for precision shots and enemy analysis. However, the difficulty can feel uneven—combat is too easy on normal difficulty but more punishing on higher settings due to limited resources.

The companion system enhances gameplay, with each ally possessing unique skills that aid in combat and dialogue. Their abilities, such as Parvati’s hammer strike or Nyoka’s heavy firepower, make them valuable assets in battle. Additionally, companions contribute meaningfully to conversations, making them feel like true partners rather than just sidekicks.

Exploration is rewarding, with multiple planets, space stations, and settlements to visit. While the environments are beautifully crafted, more variety in alien creatures and fauna would have improved immersion.

Replayability is high, thanks to branching story paths, faction-based decisions, and multiple endings. However, the lack of multiplayer or co-op means that the experience is strictly single-player. For those who enjoy narrative-driven RPGs with rich world-building and choices that matter, The Outer Worlds offers a deeply engaging adventure with strong replay value.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Production

The Outer Worlds boasts a vibrant and stylized art direction that sets it apart from grittier sci-fi RPGs. The game’s worlds are beautifully designed, featuring lush alien landscapes, neon-lit corporate hubs, and rundown frontier settlements. The color palette leans heavily into exaggerated hues, giving the game a distinctive, retro-futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of Fallout: New Vegas and Firefly.

The graphics, while artistically strong, aren’t technically groundbreaking. Some textures and character models lack detail, and occasional frame rate drops occur. The camera work is functional but can feel stiff during certain interactions and cutscenes, which rely mostly on simple close-ups rather than dynamic cinematics.

One of the game’s strongest production elements is its audio design. The soundtrack complements the setting with a mix of eerie, atmospheric tunes and adventurous space-western melodies. The voice acting is superb, with standout performances from Ashly Burch (Parvati), Nyoka’s dry wit, and the over-the-top corporate NPCs who embody the game’s satirical tone.

Sound effects and ambient audio bring the world to life, from the hum of colony machinery to the distant roars of alien wildlife. However, some repeated creature sounds contribute to the feeling that planetary wildlife is lacking in variety.

Overall, The Outer Worlds excels in art direction, voice acting, and world-building, even if some graphical aspects and cutscenes feel dated.

Rating: 4 out of 5

The Verdict

In the end, The Outer Worlds is a fantastic RPG with deep storytelling, engaging companions, and meaningful choices. While combat and customization could use more variety, the game’s immersive world and rich lore make it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven adventures. A well-crafted, replayable experience that shines despite minor flaws. The Outer Worlds gets 4 out of 5.