The Outer Worlds E3 2019 behind-closed-doors presentation highlighted several aspects about the game such as combat, the world, and some of the different systems to work together in the game. The point that Obsidian Entertainment was making as they were going through the presentation was how choices are a very big part of the game, just like some of their previous titles. What makes The Outer Worlds unique is the fact that they are bringing that Fallout: New Vegas experience into a Sci-Fi setting. If you are a fan of those types of games, you will enjoy The Outer Worlds.
The Outer Worlds demo was a mission that took place in a town called Fallbrook, where we were tasked to take care of a character who provides competition for another character who wants nothing to do with that. This being a deep, role-playing game, we are given options on how to tackle the objective. There were three ways we could’ve have entered the meat factory where our target was located. One was to go in guns blazing, another was to use a disguise, but there was also a stealthier way through the sewers.
The demo that I was a part of went through the sewers. On our way to the sewer entrance, Obsidian highlighted how combat and companions work in the game. We had two companions, Ellie, who has been in several of the trailers and Nyoka, a big game hunter. Obsidian explained that companions are fully fleshed out characters with a backstory and everything. They could leave your party if they don’t like the choices you make. They also provide certain stat boosts to your character. Since Nyoka is a big game hunter, she boosts the strength stat and Ellie being more of a talker boosts your charisma.
Combat in The Outer Worlds can be done in two ways. You could play the game as a traditional first-person shooter or you could be more strategic and tactical with Tactical-Time-Dilution or TTD. Your character is able to manipulate time because you’ve been asleep for over 70 years so it affected you in some way. Activating TTD allows you to target enemy weaknesses and access the situation. If you hit a specific part of the body, you could affect the enemy. Shooting in the legs cripples, shooting the arms could cause them to let go of their weapon, shooting them in the head could blind them, you get the idea.
As we entered the factory and sneaked our way to the entrance, we had the opportunity to mess with the robots guarding the area or we could use the intercom which is what happened. We were able to trick everyone into leaving before we took care of the target. As we got to him, he made us an offer to double-cross the person who wants him dead, or we could say no, or we could try to find a way to have the two competitors work together. In the end, the choice is up to you. The Outer Worlds releases on October 25, 2019, on the PC, PlayStation 4, or Xbox One.