The Outer Worlds 2 is eager to be a bold follow-up that’s setting some pretty big expectations. Obsidian’s creative director, Brandon Adler, has openly said the game draws heavy inspiration from Fallout: New Vegas and also carries DNA from the Deus Ex series, which adds an interesting twist to the mix. With the sequel due out on October 29, fans are curious to see if it can surpass its predecessor’s fine reception.
Now, I gotta admit, the first Outer Worlds was okay, not bad, not superb. It had its funny moments and a decent RPG framework. Still, it felt like it didn’t quite know what to say about its corporate dystopian setting, especially when the world was discussing capitalism with strong opinions. Still, I liked it enough to hope the sequel will hit the right notes.
Adler’s shoutout to Fallout: New Vegas as a “big inspiration” isn’t surprising since that game’s reputation for branching quests and player choice is legendary. But adding the “newer Deus Ex games” into the inspiration pot? That’s a curveball. He said he loves those titles and hinted that players might spot some solid Adam Jensen vibes in Outer Worlds 2. That means we could see more cyberpunk stealth, hacking, and complex narrative layers mixed in with the usual RPG elements.
It’s pretty remarkable when you think about it; Obsidian is essentially eager to bring together two favorite RPG styles. That’s a huge ask, especially given Outer Worlds 1’s lukewarm legacy. I can’t help but feel a bit anxious watching them gear up for this leap. Will it soar or stumble? I hope they pull it off because I’ve had a blast with their recent hits like Avowed, and the studio seems to be on a roll lately.
Honestly, who wouldn’t want a game that blends the choice-driven, post-apocalyptic charm of New Vegas with the sleek, cybernetic intrigue of Deus Ex? It sounds like a recipe for some exciting gameplay and storytelling. But can it handle the weight of those comparisons? Only time will tell, and I’m keeping my eyes open.
