The Outer Worlds 2: Exclusive 11-Minute Gameplay Revealed - IGN

Welcome to our latest IGN First, a month-long exclusive coverage in April dedicated to The Outer Worlds 2. This is your first glimpse at its real-time gameplay, showcasing a quest where you infiltrate the N-Ray Facility. This sneak peek not only demonstrates several new features and mechanics but also highlights how the game reimagines level design. One aspect that truly caught my attention is the enhanced depth of the RPG elements, with developer Obsidian drawing from its rich history and taking inspiration from immersive sims like Deus Ex and Dishonored.

The Outer Worlds 2 elevates the RPG experience with more sophisticated systems than its predecessor. For instance, it introduces a true stealth system, complete with effective melee weapons and skills for silent takedowns. A new feature is the purple-colored health bar above enemy heads, which shows the potential damage from a stealth attack, aiding in deciding whether a one-hit kill is possible. Enemies can detect dead bodies and alert others, but with the right skill, you can quickly disintegrate them to avoid detection.

The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots

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As you progress through the quest, you acquire the N-Ray Scanner, a device that allows you to see through walls to spot objects and NPCs/enemies. This tool is essential not only for solving complex environmental puzzles but also for enhancing stealth and combat strategies. Cloaked enemies within the N-Ray Facility become visible with the scanner, emphasizing the importance of gadgets in gameplay.

The game's interlocking systems support diverse character builds, deepening the RPG experience. Beyond stealth, The Outer Worlds 2 expands its gameplay by refining gunplay, inspired by Destiny. While not turning into a full-blown shooter, the game aims to deliver a more satisfying first-person shooting experience. The N-Ray Facility mission demonstrates this with dynamic movement options, such as sprint-sliding while aiming, and the return of Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) for bullet-time effects. The inclusion of throwables adds another layer to combat, allowing for creative tactics like shooting a grenade in midair during TTD to devastating effect.

While there's limited information on the story, the gameplay video reveals refined conversation mechanics. An interaction with NPC Exemplar Foxworth, who survived a cultist takeover, showcases choices influenced by your Medical, Guns, or Melee stats. Additionally, a new companion named Aza, a former cultist, joins your team, adding depth to the narrative and gameplay.

Many features from the original Outer Worlds return in enhanced form, signifying a more mature and realized vision for the sequel. My discussions with Obsidian's team provided insight into their new features and the overarching vision. The game aims to blend the studio's RPG roots with modern first-person RPG elements, drawing parallels to Fallout, especially Fallout: New Vegas, which fuels my optimism for this sequel.

This month's IGN First offers just a glimpse into what The Outer Worlds 2 has in store. I'll delve into character builds, the new flaws system, an array of unique weapons, and the expanded scope of the game through interviews with key figures like original Fallout developer and creative director Leonard Boyarsky, game director Brandon Adler, and design director Matt Singh. Stay tuned to IGN throughout April for more exciting updates!