Welcome to our latest IGN First, featuring a month of exclusive coverage in April dedicated to The Outer Worlds 2. This is your first glimpse into real-time gameplay, where we explore a thrilling quest infiltrating the N-Ray Facility. This quest not only showcases several new features and mechanics but also highlights how the game is reimagining level design. What stands out is the increased depth as an RPG, with developer Obsidian drawing from their rich history and taking inspiration from immersive sims like Deus Ex and Dishonored.
The Outer Worlds 2 introduces more sophisticated systems than its predecessor, including a true stealth system and enhanced tools to support this playstyle, such as effective melee weapons and skills for silent takedowns. A notable feature is the health bar above enemy heads, which includes a purple-colored readout indicating the potential damage of a stealth attack. This helps players decide whether a one-hit kill is possible or if it's worth engaging the target. Additionally, enemies can detect dead bodies and alert guards, but players with the right skills can quickly dispose of bodies to avoid detection.
The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots
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Later in the quest, players acquire the N-Ray Scanner, a device that allows visibility through walls to detect objects, NPCs, and enemies. This tool is essential for solving complex environmental puzzles and is crucial for stealth and combat strategies. The N-Ray Facility is home to cloaked enemies, invisible to the naked eye but detectable with the N-Ray Scanner. Failing to use this device diligently can lead to unexpected encounters, showcasing how gadgets add a new layer to the gameplay experience.
The game features several interlocking systems that enhance the RPG elements, allowing for diverse character builds. Stealth and immersive sim elements are just part of the expanded gameplay. Obsidian has also focused on improving gunplay, drawing inspiration from Destiny to ensure a satisfying shooting experience. While The Outer Worlds 2 isn't turning into a full-blown shooter, the gunplay feels more refined and responsive.
This is evident when approaching the N-Ray Facility with guns blazing. 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 experience, and the addition of throwables, such as grenades, adds another strategic element. Players can even perform impressive feats like tossing a grenade, activating TTD, and shooting it midair to cause an explosion among unsuspecting enemies.
While details about the story and the context of the N-Ray Facility quest are limited, the gameplay video reveals tweaks to the conversation system. For instance, during an encounter with an NPC named Exemplar Foxworth, who has survived a cultist takeover, players can choose to help her based on their Medical stat or respond according to their Guns or Melee stats. This segment also introduces a new companion, Aza, a former cultist who joins the player to rectify past actions.
Many of these elements were present in the original Outer Worlds, but The Outer Worlds 2 aims to fully realize the vision that was laid out in the first game. Through early access and discussions with Obsidian, it's clear that the sequel is keen on embracing the studio's RPG roots while exploring what a modern first-person RPG can be, drawing comparisons to Fallout, particularly Fallout: New Vegas.
This is just a glimpse of what's to come in The Outer Worlds 2 and what we'll be covering in this month's IGN First. Stay tuned for more in-depth breakdowns of character builds, the new flaws system, unique weapons, and the expanded scope of the sequel. We'll be featuring 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!
