After getting an exclusive look at The Outer Worlds 2, it's evident that Obsidian Entertainment is doubling down on deeper RPG mechanics. While the original game offered a more streamlined experience, the sequel encourages players to embrace unique and unconventional playstyles. The Outer Worlds 2 isn't just about adding complexity for its own sake; it's about fostering creativity and specialization, urging players to explore unusual choices in their character development.
"We're looking for ways to incentivize the player to experiment with different builds, either traditional or non-traditional," said design director Matt Singh, highlighting the revamped RPG mechanics. He emphasized the team's focus on "synergies" between player Skills, Traits, and Perks, which can create intriguing and varied builds. This approach was evident in the 11 minutes of exclusive gameplay footage, showcasing new elements like gunplay, stealth, gadgets, and dialogue. In this IGN First exclusive coverage, we delve into the detailed rework of these systems and what players can anticipate.
Rethinking the Skill System ---------------------------Lead systems designer Kyle Koenig explained the shift from the first game's Skill categories to individual Skills in The Outer Worlds 2, noting, "We would often see characters good at everything, which by the end of the game, minimized your personal experience with your character." The new system aims to make each level-up and Skill investment significant, reducing confusion and allowing for more specialized characters. "If I want to be a player that's all about guns and using medical devices, I know which Skills I really need to care about," Koenig said, emphasizing the clarity and focus of the new system.
Singh added that the game offers more than just traditional builds, encouraging a blend of concepts and interactions with other systems. For instance, investing in the Observation Skill can reveal hidden elements in the environment, such as secret doors or interactive objects that lead to alternate paths.
The Outer Worlds 2 Character Creation - Screenshots
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While this approach might seem standard for RPGs, The Outer Worlds 2 stands out by using the revised Skill system to enhance character build diversity and open new possibilities, particularly in conjunction with the revamped Perks system.
The Perks of Getting Experimental
Obsidian's focus on specificity and unique gameplay avenues is clear in the Perks system, which now includes over 90 Perks, each linked to various Skills. "As you invest in Skills, it changes how you can invest in Perks and leads you down many different paths," Koenig explained. He cited the Run and Gun Perk, which benefits players using shotguns, SMGs, and rifles, allowing them to shoot while sprinting or sliding, and can be paired with Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) for bullet-time action. Another intriguing Perk, Space Ranger, offers dialogue interactions and damage boosts based on your Speech stat.
Singh noted the inclusion of Perks for non-traditional playstyles, such as Psychopath and Serial Killer, which reward players for eliminating NPCs with permanent health boosts. "Especially in an Obsidian game where we allow you to kill anybody – the game's going to respond, it's going to roll with it, and you're going to still be able to complete the game," he said, suggesting such builds are perfect for subsequent playthroughs.
For those interested in traditional playstyles, Koenig highlighted builds that leverage elemental combat, such as using plasma to burn enemies while healing, or employing shock damage to control automechs and paralyze opponents, or corrosive damage to strip armor for critical hits.
Singh also pointed out opportunities for players to embrace detrimental effects that enhance other aspects of their character. He posed the question, "How do I construct a build where I'm actually incentivized to get in there and take damage so that I can then do other things effectively?" This creative approach to build design, converting negatives into positives, is a core part of The Outer Worlds 2's design philosophy, particularly with Traits and Flaws.
The Positive and Negative Traits
Koenig discussed the evolution of the Traits and Flaws system from the original game, inspired by Fallout's negative attributes. In The Outer Worlds 2, players can select Positive Traits like Brilliant, which grants extra Skill points, or Brawny, allowing you to knock down targets by sprinting into them. To gain more positives, you might opt for Negative Traits such as Dumb, which prevents investment in certain Skills, or Sickly, which reduces base health and toxicity tolerance.
The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots
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The sequel expands on the Flaws system, introducing conditions that are both positive and negative, based on your in-game behavior. While you must opt into these Flaws, they become permanent and add another layer of depth to the Traits system, making each playthrough uniquely tailored to your choices.
Guiding Players and Ditching Respec
With numerous new elements in The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian aims to make the game's mechanics clear and accessible. "Right from the get-go, from character creation, we really wanted to put in the forefront what are the differences of these skills and what they do," Koenig said. The game provides in-depth help text and short videos within the menus to demonstrate the impact of Skills on gameplay. Additionally, players can mark Perks as favorites before unlocking them, aiding in planning and organizing their character progression.
A significant change in The Outer Worlds 2 is the removal of respec options after the introductory sequence. "By removing respec, we really incentivize it to be your experience," Koenig stated, emphasizing the uniqueness of each player's journey. Singh reinforced this philosophy, saying, "All of your choices should matter. They should be meaningful changes to your gameplay experience." The game encourages players to commit to their choices and see how they unfold in exciting and engaging ways.
