Welcome Back to the Corporate Dystopia, Now with More Dystopia!
Six years after we first took a trip to the Halcyon colony, Obsidian Entertainment is ready to send us back to the star-dusted, corporate-owned frontier. ‘The Outer Worlds 2’ is finally here, and the review embargo has just lifted, giving us our first look at what critics think of this highly anticipated sequel. The verdict is overwhelmingly positive, with most outlets agreeing that this is a bigger, bolder, and more polished RPG that builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor in nearly every meaningful way.
While the first game was a charming, if slightly limited, return to form for the masters of the RPG genre, this sequel seems to have fully realized the potential of its satirical sci-fi universe. With better combat, deeper role-playing systems, and a whole new star system to explore (and exploit), let’s see what the critics are saying.
A New Conflict in the Arcadia System
The sequel whisks players away to the Arcadia system, a new space colony torn apart by a three-way conflict. This time, you’re caught between Auntie’s Choice (a megacorp formed from the merger of two companies from the first game), the Protectorate (a collectivist government with a dark side), and the Order of the Ascendant (a faction that treats mathematics like a religion). Reviewers have praised this new setting, noting that while the central conflict between caricatures of capitalism and communism can feel a bit on-the-nose, the smaller human stories and moral dilemmas you encounter are where Obsidian’s signature writing truly shines.
Many critics, like IGN, point out that the main story takes a while to get going, with the first act feeling like a slow and somewhat uninspired revenge quest. However, once the game hits its stride in the second half and the political maneuvering takes center stage, it becomes a thrilling ride filled with perilous choices and fantastic world-building.
Sharper Combat and Deeper RPG Systems
One of the most consistent points of praise across all reviews is the significant improvement in the game’s moment-to-moment gameplay. The gunplay is described as snappier and more satisfying, and new mobility options like sliding and double-jumping make traversing the battlefield more dynamic. Reviewers loved the expanded arsenal of weird and wonderful sci-fi weapons, from silent shotguns that melt enemies to guns that level up with you.
The role-playing systems have also been deepened. PC Gamer celebrated the game’s more ambitious and complex skill and perk system, which forces players to make tough, meaningful choices about their character build from the very beginning. With a level cap of 30 and only a limited number of skill points and perks available, planning out your ideal space-faring hero is a compelling and rewarding process.
Here’s a look at how some of the major outlets scored the game:
| Publication | Score/Verdict |
|---|---|
| IGN | 8.5/10 – “A sequel that sharpens Obsidian’s RPG formula with smarter writing and better combat.” |
| GamesRadar+ | 4.5/5 – “Bigger and better than the first game in every respect…” |
| PC Gamer | Praised it as a “more ambitious, complex, and surprising game.” |
| Eurogamer | Called it “better than its predecessor in almost every way.” |
| Game Informer | Lauded its “exemplary choice” and the sheer amount of content crammed into its runtime. |
| Polygon | Felt it was a “bigger, mostly better sequel” but noted it sometimes faltered under its own ambition. |
A Confident and Well-Crafted Sequel
While most reviewers stop short of calling it a revolutionary, genre-defining masterpiece on the level of a ‘Baldur’s Gate 3,’ the consensus is clear: ‘The Outer Worlds 2’ is a fantastic action RPG. It’s a confident, well-scoped, and masterfully written adventure that knows exactly what it wants to be. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, with most playthroughs clocking in around 25-30 hours, but it fills that time with memorable characters, hilarious dialogue, and genuinely tough decisions.
It seems Obsidian has taken the feedback from the first game to heart, delivering a sequel that feels less like a proof of concept and more like a fully-fledged experience. It’s a perfect slice of comfort food for RPG fans who have been craving a classic, single-player adventure in the vein of ‘Fallout: New Vegas’ or ‘Mass Effect’.
Conclusion
If you were a fan of the first game, buying ‘The Outer Worlds 2’ seems like a no-brainer. It improves on the original in almost every conceivable way, delivering a more engaging story, more satisfying combat, and a richer world to explore. While it may not reinvent the RPG wheel, it certainly polishes it to a brilliant shine. For those looking for a smart, funny, and deeply engaging sci-fi adventure, it sounds like your ship has just come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Outer Worlds 2 a direct sequel to the first game?
No, it takes place in a brand new star system, Arcadia, and features a new protagonist and a new central conflict. While it exists in the same universe, you don’t need to have played the first game to understand the story.
How long is The Outer Worlds 2?
Most reviews indicate that a standard playthrough will take around 25-30 hours, which is similar to the length of the original game. A completionist run could take over 60 hours.
Is the combat better than in the first game?
Yes, this is one of the most praised improvements. Reviewers consistently describe the combat as much better, with snappier gunplay, improved mobility, and a wider variety of creative sci-fi weapons.
How many companions are in the game?
There are six companions you can recruit throughout your journey, each with their own unique personalities and questlines (with the exception of the robot companion, V.A.L.E.R.I.E.).
What platforms is The Outer Worlds 2 available on?
The game is available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
Do my choices matter in the game?
Absolutely. Critics have praised the game’s meaningful choices and branching paths. Your decisions throughout the game will impact the world, your companions, and the final ending you receive.