Welcome to our latest IGN First, featuring a month of exclusive coverage in April dedicated to *The Outer Worlds 2*. This is your first glimpse at real-time gameplay, showcasing a quest where you infiltrate the N-Ray Facility. This sneak peek not only introduces several new features and mechanics but also highlights how the game rethinks level design. One standout aspect is the game's deeper RPG elements, with developer Obsidian drawing inspiration from its rich history and even incorporating elements from immersive sims like *Deus Ex* and *Dishonored*.
Compared to the first game, *The Outer Worlds 2* boasts more sophisticated systems, including a true stealth system and enhanced tools to support this playstyle. These include effective melee weapons and skills that enable silent takedowns. A notable feature is the health bar above enemy heads, which features a purple-colored readout showing the potential damage of a stealth attack. This helps players determine if they can achieve a one-hit kill or if it's worth engaging the target. Additionally, enemies can detect dead bodies and alert guards, but players with the right skills can quickly disintegrate bodies to avoid detection.
The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots
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Later in the quest, players acquire the N-Ray Scanner, a device that allows them to see through walls to locate objects, NPCs, and enemies. This tool is essential for solving complex environmental puzzles and is crucial for stealth and combat strategies. The N-Ray Facility is home to cloaked enemies that are invisible to the naked eye but can be detected with the N-Ray Scanner. Failing to use this gadget diligently can lead to unexpected ambushes, adding a new layer of strategy to the gameplay.
The game features several interlocking systems that enhance the RPG experience, allowing for diverse character builds. Stealth and immersive sim elements are just part of the expanded gameplay. Obsidian has also focused on improving gunplay, taking inspiration from *Destiny* to ensure a satisfying shooting experience. While *The Outer Worlds 2* isn't turning into a full-blown shooter, the gunplay feels more refined and responsive.
This is evident when approaching the N-Ray Facility with guns blazing. Movement mechanics have been tweaked to complement the gunplay, allowing for more agile actions like sprint-sliding while aiming down sights. The return of Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) enhances the bullet-time fantasy, making it a key part of combat strategy. Additionally, the inclusion of throwables adds another layer to the arsenal, enabling players to perform dynamic actions like tossing a grenade, activating TTD, and shooting it midair to cause devastating effects on enemies.
While there isn't much to share about the story yet, the gameplay video reveals tweaks to the conversation system. In one scene, players encounter an NPC named Exemplar Foxworth, who has survived a cultist takeover. Depending on your Medical, Guns, or Melee stats, you can choose to help her or respond differently. This segment also introduces a new companion, Aza, a former cultist who joins the player to rectify past actions.
Many of these elements were present in the original *The Outer Worlds*, but the sequel aims to fully realize the vision that was laid out in the first game. Through early access and discussions with Obsidian, it's clear that *The Outer Worlds 2* is keen on leveraging the studio's RPG heritage while pushing the boundaries of what a modern first-person RPG can be, drawing comparisons to *Fallout* and specifically *Fallout: New Vegas*.
This is just a glimpse of what's to come in *The Outer Worlds 2* and what we'll be covering in this month's IGN First. Stay tuned for more in-depth breakdowns of character builds, the new flaws system, the array of unique weapons, and the expanded scope of the sequel. We'll be featuring interviews with key figures like original *Fallout* developer and creative director Leonard Boyarsky, game director Brandon Adler, and design director Matt Singh. Keep checking back at IGN throughout April for more exciting updates!
