The release of The Outer Worlds 2 has sparked a mix of reactions, with Daniel Vavra, co-founder of Warhorse Studios, expressing critical views on this latest sci-fi RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. Known for his work on Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Vavra recently shared his unvarnished thoughts about the game and what he perceives as missed opportunities for innovation.
Vavra’s Take on The Outer Worlds 2
Daniel Vavra took to social media to reveal he had completed The Outer Worlds 2 and gave it a 7/10 score. While this might seem acceptable, Vavra’s criticisms point to Obsidian Entertainment’s inability to innovate within the RPG genre, despite the backing of Microsoft. He questions whether there are any new game mechanics in The Outer Worlds 2 that haven’t been seen in classics like Deus Ex or the original Fallout games from over two decades ago. He challenges the developers to create a truly dynamic world with non-linear gameplay, rather than relying on established tropes like loot boxes and level grinding.
Here’s the review in full:
Finished. 7/10. But what I find sad is that the company and the people who gave us one of my favorite games ever (Fallout & New Vegas) have been unable, even after 15 years and with all of Microsoft’s money and latest technological advances, to come up with a single new game mechanic that could take this proven but ancient formula somewhere new. Can any of you think of a single new game mechanic in The Outer Worlds that wasn’t already in Deus Ex or the original Fallout games more than 25 years ago? Unfortunately, I can’t. Give me a living, simulated world! True non-linearity! Give me something more than loot boxes, maintenance shafts, loading screens and level grinding in a static scripted world.
The Flaw System and Dialogue Depth
Fans have pointed to The Outer Worlds 2’s Flaw system as a fresh addition, offering game-changing perks that come with drawbacks. However, Vavra dismissed it as reminiscent of Fallout’s Traits, suggesting it’s not groundbreaking. While the Flaw system does add a layer of complexity and excitement, unlocking unique dialogue options through discovering in-game information also adds depth. This encourages players to explore and gather knowledge, enriching their interactions within the game world.
Others are pointing to the way Obsidian lets players unlock unique dialogue options not just by having a high speech skill, but by seeking out information which can then be brought into conversations to gain an advantage. Your character will remember “discovered info” you’ve found from, say, terminals or chats with other NPCs or examining things, and you’ll get the chance to use it in conversation when it counts. It’s a cool system that adds depth to the standard, straight-forward speech-driven dialogue experience you see in a lot of RPGs, and it makes you want to go out into the world and learn more before having the big quest convos, like the space detective I like role-playing as.
Obsidian’s Focus and Microsoft’s Role
Vavra’s call for a living, simulated world highlights the contrast between player expectations and Obsidian’s development focus. The Outer Worlds 2 is crafted with a specific scope in mind, not aiming to emulate Bethesda’s sprawling RPGs like Fallout: New Vegas. Obsidian, a prolific developer under Microsoft, has released multiple games recently, including Avowed and Grounded 2, maintaining a focus on manageable projects. The notion that Microsoft could endlessly fund ambitious projects is countered by reports of pressure on Xbox studios to remain profitable, suggesting that budget constraints influence game development decisions.
The debate ignited by Vavra’s comments underscores the balancing act Obsidian faces between innovation and practical development goals. As players voice their desire for a sequel to Fallout: New Vegas, Obsidian continues to carve its path by creating new intellectual properties and building on them through sequels, as demonstrated by The Outer Worlds 2. Ultimately, Obsidian prioritizes releasing games that consistently perform well, regardless of their scale, which might be a pragmatic choice in today’s gaming landscape.