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CRITIK

The Outer Worlds

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Outer Worlds
Item: The Outer Worlds
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, RPG, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableOct 25, 2019

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperObsidian Entertainment

Overview

The Outer Worlds is a new single-player sci-fi RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. As you explore the furthest reaches of space and encounter a host of factions all vying for power, who you decide to become will determine the fate of everyone in Halcyon. In the corporate equation for the colony, you are the unplanned variable.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of The Outer Worlds for its compelling narrative, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes. Critics like RPG Fan and Game Informer highlighted the ability to make difficult choices and support different factions, resulting in different outcomes. The game's setting in a space-age universe controlled by corporations, as mentioned by Gaming Age and GameStar, provided a unique backdrop for exploring themes of corporate oppression and societal divide. The well-developed characters, witty dialogue, and branching narratives based on player choices, as noted by Impulsegamer and GameCritics, added depth and immersion to the storytelling experience. On the flip side, some critics found shortcomings in the storytelling of The Outer Worlds. Digitally Downloaded criticized the lack of nuance and depth in the presentation of themes, mentioning heavy-handed storytelling that lacked subtlety. GAMINGbible pointed out that certain narrative elements, such as haywire robots and familiar tropes, could feel repetitive and predictable, impacting the overall freshness of the story. Slant Magazine highlighted a discrepancy between the game's anti-corporate ideals and the gameplay mechanics that required players to engage in consumerism, leading to a clash in narrative consistency. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of The Outer Worlds. The game is praised for its engaging narrative, meaningful choices, and well-written dialogue that immerses players in a dystopian future controlled by mega-corporations. The blend of humor, dark undertones, and thought-provoking themes resonated with many reviewers, creating a rich and compelling storytelling experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding narrative execution and repetitive elements, the majority of critics found The Outer Worlds' story to be a standout feature that elevates the game's overall quality and replay value.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics love The Outer Worlds for its engaging narrative, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes set in a space-age universe controlled by corporations. Some critics found issues with storytelling nuance and repetitive elements, but overall, the game's well-developed characters, meaningful choices, and immersive storytelling make it a standout experience in a dystopian future.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The Outer Worlds' gameplay received praise from several critics for its engaging combat, deep RPG progression systems, and diverse playstyle options. Critics like RPG Site, Xbox Tavern, and Press Start Australia highlighted the enjoyable combat mechanics, character customization, and challenging scenarios that complement each other. The game's Tactical Time Dilation feature, reminiscent of VATS from Fallout, was also appreciated for adding a strategic element to combat. Additionally, the vast world, rich characters, and meaningful companion interactions were noted by COGconnected and God is a Geek, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. On the downside, the Nintendo Switch version of The Outer Worlds faced criticism from multiple reviewers for technical issues impacting gameplay. GameSpot, Impulsegamer, and Daily Star mentioned frame rate drops, stuttering, and longer load times during combat encounters, affecting the overall performance and immersion. Difficulty in spotting enemies, struggles with aiming controls, and looting mechanics were also highlighted as drawbacks by MMORPG.com. These technical limitations on the Switch version hindered the gameplay experience for some critics and led to adjustments in playstyle to compensate for the platform's limitations. Overall, while The Outer Worlds received praise for its engaging combat, deep RPG mechanics, and diverse playstyle options, the technical issues on the Nintendo Switch version detracted from the overall experience for some critics. The game's mix of traditional RPG mechanics with modern elements, rewarding progression systems, and intricate dialogue trees resonated positively with many reviewers. However, the performance issues on the Switch version, such as frame rate drops and rendering issues, impacted the gameplay negatively for a portion of critics. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus among critics is that The Outer Worlds offers a compelling gameplay experience with a strong emphasis on player choice, character progression, and immersive world-building.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praised The Outer Worlds for its engaging combat, deep RPG progression, and diverse playstyles, with standout features like Tactical Time Dilation. However, the Nintendo Switch version faced criticism for technical issues impacting gameplay, such as frame rate drops and longer load times. Despite these drawbacks, the game's mix of traditional RPG mechanics and modern elements, along with rich character interactions, offer a compelling experience with a strong emphasis on player choice and immersive world-building.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Outer Worlds are quite diverse. Many critics praised the game for its stunning and vibrant visuals, with colorful and imaginative art direction that creates visually appealing worlds. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle, Game Rant, and Softpedia highlighted the game's beautiful landscapes, unique color palettes, and impressive sci-fi aesthetics. The attention to detail in the environments, character designs, and art style was commended by reviewers such as Guardian and Digitally Downloaded. The game's retrofuturistic aesthetics, detailed environments, and diverse landscapes were also appreciated by critics like PC Gamer and Impulsegamer, who compared the visual quality to other iconic sci-fi games like Bioshock and No Man's Sky. On the other hand, several critics pointed out various issues with the graphics and visual design of The Outer Worlds. Some reviewers, such as Cultured Vultures and GAMINGbible, mentioned texture issues, long loading times, and repetitive elements in the game that detracted from the overall experience. Critics who played the game on the Nintendo Switch, like COGconnected and RPG Fan, highlighted significant graphical downgrades, including muddy textures, low-res textures, and visual blur issues. The Switch version was criticized for lacking the stunning visuals of the original release and suffering from performance issues like frame rate drops, pop-in textures, and reduced draw distances, as noted by GameSpot and RPG Site. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Outer Worlds offers a visually appealing experience with its vibrant and colorful art style, detailed environments, and imaginative world design. The game's retrofuturistic aesthetics, unique sci-fi corporate dystopia setting, and attention to visual details were generally well-received. However, criticisms were directed towards certain versions of the game, particularly the Nintendo Switch port, which suffered from significant graphical downgrades and performance issues. Despite some drawbacks, the majority of critics appreciated the game's visual presentation and art direction, making it an engaging and visually captivating experience for players, as highlighted by critics like Easy Allies and AusGamers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are divided on The Outer Worlds' graphics and visual design. Praise for its stunning visuals, vibrant art direction, and attention to detail, with comparisons to iconic sci-fi games. However, issues like texture problems, long loading times, and graphical downgrades were noted, especially on the Nintendo Switch version. Overall, critics lauded the game's imaginative world design but criticized certain versions for lacking visual quality and performance.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Outer Worlds have received a plethora of positive feedback from critics. Cubed3, Destructoid, and Press Start Australia all highlight the exceptional voice acting in the game, with unique personalities and humor adding charm to the characters. Game Informer praises the amusing interactions and sugary corporate jingles that contribute to the absurd setting, enhancing the overall experience. KeenGamer specifically mentions the superb sound design and soundtrack, immersing players in the game world effectively across different platforms. The ambient soundscapes and occasional orchestral music, as noted by We Got This Covered, add a premium finish and tone to the game. On the flip side, some critics did point out a few negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Outer Worlds. PC Gamer mentions that NPCs and companions can sometimes appear stilted and unmoving during conversations, detracting from the immersion. They also note issues with aggressive zoom during dialogues, which can be a distraction. While COGconnected acknowledges that the sound design holds up well, they hint at other technical issues that might affect the overall experience on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards the positive side when it comes to the Sound Design and Music of The Outer Worlds. The majority of reviewers praise the voice acting, sound design, and soundtrack for enhancing the game's atmosphere and world-building. Despite some minor flaws pointed out by a few critics, such as stilted NPC interactions and technical issues on certain platforms, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The combination of well-crafted soundscapes, engaging voice acting, and immersive music contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment and experience of The Outer Worlds, making it a standout feature of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise The Outer Worlds for its exceptional sound design and music, highlighting superb voice acting, immersive soundscapes, and engaging soundtrack that enhance the game's atmosphere. While some critics point out minor flaws like stilted NPC interactions and technical issues on certain platforms, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Overall, the Sound Design and Music of The Outer Worlds are standout features that significantly contribute to the game's enjoyment and world-building.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The Voice Acting in The Outer Worlds has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. Cubed3 praises the solid voice acting and the amusing interactions delivered with offset optimism and self-deprecating humor. Gamers Heroes and The Daily Dot also highlight the excellent voice acting, with memorable characters and strong performances that bring the characters to life. Press Start Australia specifically mentions notable voice actors like Ashley Burch and Crispin Freeman contributing to the immersive experience, further emphasizing the quality of the voice acting. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks related to the Voice Acting in The Outer Worlds. PC Gamer notes that while the voice acting is great, NPCs and companions can sometimes feel stilted and unmoving during conversations, potentially impacting the immersion and emotional connection with the characters. This sentiment is echoed by Game Informer, who mentions that interactions with the cast of characters can feel oddly peripheral despite the well-done dialogue and stories, indicating a disconnect in the overall engagement with the characters. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Outer Worlds excels in its Voice Acting department, with strong performances, well-voiced characters, and engaging dialogue options. The companions, in particular, stand out for providing unique stories and side quests, as highlighted by PlayStation LifeStyle and Xbox Tavern. The diverse range of personalities portrayed through the voice acting, along with the depth added by detailed backstories and motivations of NPCs, contributes to an immersive and enjoyable experience for players, as noted by VGC and Impulsegamer. Despite some minor criticisms regarding stiffness in character interactions, the Voice Acting in The Outer Worlds is widely praised for enhancing the overall narrative and player experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the stellar voice acting in The Outer Worlds, praising the performances, memorable characters, and immersive storytelling. Some mention NPCs feeling stiff, but overall, the diverse personalities and detailed backstories make for an engaging and enjoyable player experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

39%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions on the technical performance of The Outer Worlds vary across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, the game generally ran smoothly on PS4, as noted by Gaming Age, Press Start Australia, and We Got This Covered, with very few technical issues impacting the gameplay experience. On PC, Softpedia highlighted that the game is well-optimized and runs well even on older hardware. Additionally, AusGamers praised the XBOX ONE version for running great with minimal bugs experienced during gameplay. Moving on to the negatives, the Nintendo Switch version of The Outer Worlds faced significant technical challenges according to multiple critics. Issues such as frame rate drops, long loading times, texture pop-in, and performance struggles during combat encounters were highlighted by various reviewers like GameSpot, KeenGamer, and Impulsegamer. The Switch version was criticized for its compromised technical performance, with TheSixthAxis mentioning significant framerate drops and struggles to maintain a consistent frame rate during intense moments. The technical issues on the Switch were further emphasized by critics like NintendoWorldReport and Noisy Pixel, who mentioned graphical problems and frame rate drops affecting the overall experience. Overall, while the PS4 and PC versions of The Outer Worlds generally received positive feedback for their technical performance, the Nintendo Switch version faced significant challenges. Critics like GameSkinny noted that despite visual compromises on the Switch, the game maintained stability without suffering from slowdowns, indicating a reasonable tradeoff. However, the consensus among critics leans towards the Switch version struggling with technical issues such as frame rate drops, long loading times, and performance inconsistencies, impacting the overall gameplay experience. The varying opinions from critics highlight the importance of considering the platform's technical capabilities when assessing the performance of a game like The Outer Worlds.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Outer Worlds performs well on PS4 and PC with minimal issues, but the Nintendo Switch version faces significant technical challenges including frame rate drops and long loading times, impacting gameplay experience. Critics emphasize the importance of platform capabilities in assessing the game's performance.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of The Outer Worlds are generally positive. Critics like Cultured Vultures, Destructoid, and Press Start Australia appreciate the game's encouragement of multiple playthroughs with different choices and consequences, diverse outcomes, and character builds. The branching choices, customizable character creation, and various ways to approach conflicts contribute to the high replay value of the game, as mentioned by Destructoid and Easy Allies. The distinct companions with their own views and circumstances, unique perks and flaws system, and tailored customization also add to the replayability, according to Cubed3 and The Daily Dot. On the negative side, some critics point out certain limitations that affect the overall replay value of The Outer Worlds. Digitally Downloaded notes that while the game offers some replay value with different party members and impressive main quests, the cities feel empty and lack interesting activities outside of quests, potentially reducing the incentive for multiple playthroughs. KeenGamer highlights technical issues on the Switch version that hamper combat builds, limiting the full potential of replaying the game for players seeking a different experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Outer Worlds provides a solid level of replay value, with its multiple endings, diverse dialogue options, different character builds, and meaningful choices offering players the opportunity to explore various outcomes and experiences. Critics like Game Informer and TheGamer appreciate the game's encouragement of multiple playthroughs with different experiences and choices available, while The Sydney Morning Herald and God is a Geek commend the game for its high potential for replayability due to meaningful player choices and diverse companions. Despite some minor drawbacks mentioned by critics like Digitally Downloaded and KeenGamer, the overall sentiment leans towards the game being enjoyable for multiple playthroughs, offering players the chance to delve into different storylines and outcomes with each playthrough.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise The Outer Worlds for its high replay value, citing diverse outcomes, customizable character builds, and meaningful choices. While some note limitations like empty cities and technical issues, overall consensus is positive, highlighting the game's multiple endings and diverse experiences that make it enjoyable for multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Outer Worlds has garnered praise from several critics for its engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and strong RPG elements. Critics like GameSpot and GameSkinny commend the game for retaining its core RPG essence and engaging narrative even on the Nintendo Switch, despite sacrifices in visual fidelity and performance. God is a Geek appreciates the strong art direction and excellent writing that shine through in the Switch port, making it a good experience overall. The game's dense world-building and sly writing are highlighted positively by Slant Magazine, adding depth to the overall narrative. On the downside, the Nintendo Switch version of The Outer Worlds has faced criticism for its significant technical issues and graphical downgrades, impacting the overall gameplay experience. Reviewers such as COGconnected and NintendoWorldReport express disappointment in the poor performance and visuals on the Switch, making it hard to recommend playing on the platform. Critics like GamingTrend and Daily Star echo similar sentiments, emphasizing the compromised graphics and performance that hinder the enjoyment of the game on the Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards recommending The Outer Worlds for its compelling RPG experience, but with a preference for playing on other platforms if possible. While the Nintendo Switch port may offer a portable option for players, the technical limitations and graphical drawbacks are significant factors to consider. Despite the criticisms, some reviewers like Game Informer and The Daily Dot find the game to be a must-play for RPG enthusiasts, praising its engaging narrative, meaningful choices, and memorable characters. The varied opinions from critics showcase a mix of appreciation for the game's strengths and acknowledgment of its shortcomings, ultimately leading to a nuanced view of The Outer Worlds' overall impact on players.

TL;DR

Critics praise The Outer Worlds for its captivating storytelling and RPG elements, especially on the Nintendo Switch despite visual and performance sacrifices. However, technical issues and graphical downgrades on the Switch version dampen the gameplay experience. While some recommend the game overall, others suggest playing on different platforms due to these limitations.

CRITIK

Reviews

287 reviews found

100

We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Outer Worlds is an unmitigated success, with refined gameplay, excellent storytelling, and remarkable replayability.

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100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Oct 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Outer Worlds is praised as a special experience that feels cozy, inviting, and plausible. The well-written characters and occasional dilemmas make it emotionally involving. It is described as a vital proof that mid-sized indie teams can compete with big games and provide an enjoyable dose of escapism.

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100

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Outer Worlds is an amazing start to a beloved franchise

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Impulsegamer

Xbox One

Nov 6, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Outer Worlds is highly recommended for RPG fans, offering excellent gameplay, world-building, and graphics/audio that make it one of the most enjoyable games of 2019.

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Stevivor

Xbox One

Oct 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends The Outer Worlds and suggests that players jump in, especially since it is available on Xbox Game Pass.

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Softpedia

Nov 1, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Outer Worlds is almost a masterpiece, with a compelling story, beautiful graphics, and deep characterization. It has some minor flaws, but it has the potential to become a great franchise.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Outer Worlds finds inspiring success despite its rough edges. It offers a space adventure with a likable cast, entertaining gameplay, and a constant stream of delightful surprises. The freedom in approaching problems and the rewarding outcomes make it especially satisfying.

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Oct 31, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Outer Worlds is an absolute steal and a viable alternative to the Fallout series.

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Game Rant

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Outer Worlds is praised for its depth, RPG goodness, engaging choices, and thoughtful design elements, delivering a satisfying sci-fi RPG experience that will appeal to fans of the genre.

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Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Outer Worlds is one of the best RPGs of the current generation, with excellent combat, exploration, and memorable characters.

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