Welcome to our latest IGN First – a month of exclusive coverage in April, all dedicated to The Outer Worlds 2. This is your first real-time glimpse into its gameplay, showcasing a thrilling quest where you infiltrate the N-Ray Facility. This quest not only highlights several new features and mechanics but also redefines level design. What stands out most is the game's enhanced depth as an RPG. Developer Obsidian has looked back at its rich history and drawn inspiration from immersive sims like Deus Ex and Dishonored, bringing a more sophisticated experience to players.
The Outer Worlds 2 introduces more advanced systems than its predecessor, including a true stealth system and enhanced tools that make this playstyle viable. This includes effective melee weapons and skills for silent takedowns. For instance, the health bar above enemy heads now features a purple-colored readout that shows the potential damage of a stealth attack. This helps you decide whether a one-hit kill is possible or if engaging the target is worth it. Enemies can detect dead bodies and alert guards, but with the right skill, you can disintegrate bodies instantly to avoid detection.
The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots
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Later in the quest, you acquire the N-Ray Scanner, a tool that allows you to see objects and NPCs/enemies through walls. This is essential not only for solving environmental puzzles but also for stealth and combat strategies. The N-Ray Facility is home to cloaked enemies who are invisible to the naked eye but can be detected with the N-Ray Scanner. Failing to use it diligently can lead to surprise attacks, illustrating how gadgets add a new dimension to gameplay.
The game features several interlocking systems that enhance the RPG elements and cater to specific character builds. Stealth and immersive sim sensibilities are just part of the expanded gameplay. Obsidian has focused on improving gunplay, taking inspiration from Destiny to ensure it feels satisfying. While The Outer Worlds 2 won't transform into a pure shooter, it aims to provide a more authentic first-person shooting experience.
This is evident in the approach to the N-Ray Facility when opting for a guns-blazing strategy. Movement mechanics have been refined to complement gunplay, allowing for more agile actions like sprint-sliding while aiming down sights. The return of Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) enhances the bullet-time fantasy, making it a potent part of your combat strategy. The addition of throwables, while not revolutionary, adds another layer to your arsenal, enabling dynamic moves like tossing a grenade, activating TTD, and shooting it midair to detonate on unsuspecting foes.
Though details on the story are sparse, and the context of the N-Ray Facility quest remains undisclosed, we can see how conversations have evolved in the sequel. In the gameplay footage, you encounter Exemplar Foxworth, a survivor of a cultist takeover. Depending on your Medical, Guns, or Melee stats, you can choose to help her or respond differently. This segment also introduces Aza, a former cultist turned companion, who joins you to reverse the damage done by the cult.
Many elements from the original Outer Worlds return, but The Outer Worlds 2 aims to fully realize the foundation laid by its predecessor. Through early previews and discussions with Obsidian, it's clear they're keen on leveraging their RPG legacy while pushing the boundaries of what a modern first-person RPG can be, much like Fallout. They frequently cited Fallout: New Vegas as a reference, raising expectations for this sequel.
This glimpse into The Outer Worlds 2 is just the beginning of our IGN First coverage for April. Stay tuned for in-depth breakdowns of character builds, the new flaws system, the array of wild and wacky weapons, and how much larger this sequel is. We'll feature interviews with key figures like original Fallout developer and creative director Leonard Boyarsky, game director Brandon Adler, and design director Matt Singh. Keep checking back at IGN throughout April for more exciting updates!
